Abstract: A biodegradable, biocompatible porous matrix as a scaffold for tissue engineering cartilage is formed of a copolymer of a polyalkylene glycol and an aromatic polyester such as a polyethylene glycol/polybutylene terephtalate copolymer. A ceramic coating such as a calcium phosphate coating may be provided on the scaffold by soaking the scaffold in a solution containing calcium and phosphate ions. A composite scaffold which is preferably a two-layer system may be formed having an outer surface of a layer of the porous matrix formed of the copolymer, and an outer surface of a layer of a ceramic material. The composite scaffold may be prepared by casting the copolymer on top of the ceramic material in a mould. Cells are preferably seeded on the scaffold prior to implanting, and the scaffold may contain bioactive agents that are released on degradation of the scaffold in vivo.

Abstract: A fibrous polymer implant loaded with one or more bioactive agents is prepared using a wet spinning technique. Preferably, an aqueous solution of bioactive agent is added to a solution of amphiphilic block copolymer containing hydrophilic blocks such as polyalkylene glycol and hydrophobic blocks such as an aromatic ester dissolved in a first solvent immiscible with water to form an emulsion. The emulsion is injected through a nozzle into a second solvent miscible with the first solvent in which the copolymer is essentially insoluble to form a solid copolymer fiber loaded with the bioactive agent. The fiber is shaped into an implant. Water content of the aqueous solution of bioactive agent affects rate of release of the bioactive agent in vivo. Bioactive agents include peptides, oligopeptides, polypeptides and proteins. The implant may be used as a carrier for controlled drug release or as a scaffold for tissue engineering.

Abstract: A biodegradable, biocompatible porous matrix as a scaffold for tissue engineering cartilage is formed of a copolymer of a polyalkylene glycol and an aromatic polyester such as a polyethylene glycol/polybutylene terephtalate copolymer. A ceramic coating such as a calcium phosphate coating may be provided on the scaffold by soaking the scaffold in a solution containing calcium and phosphate ions. A composite scaffold which is preferably a two-layer system may be formed having an outer surface of a layer of the porous matrix formed of the copolymer, and an outer surface of a layer of a ceramic material. The composite scaffold may be prepared by casting the copolymer on top of the ceramic material in a mould. Cells are preferably seeded on the scaffold prior to implanting, and the scaffold may contain bioactive agents that are released on degradation of the scaffold in vivo.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a porous ceramic body, which process is based on a negative replica method. The invention further relates to a ceramic body obtainable by said method and to its use as a scaffold for tissue engineering.

Abstract: Novel scaffolds for tissue engineering muscle are provided that include copolymers of a polyalkylene glycol and an aromatic polyester in the form of a matrix. The scaffold can include autologous muscle cells and/or stem cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a porous ceramic body, which process is based on a negative replica method. The invention further relates to a ceramic body obtainable by said method and to its use as a scaffold for tissue engineering.

Abstract: The invention relates to an osteoinductive biomaterial, which is based on a ceramic material and which has a total porosity of 20 to 90%, wherein macropores are present having a size ranging from 0.1 to 1.5 mm, and wherein micropores are present having a size ranging from 0.05 to 20 &mgr;m. The invention further relates to a process for preparing said osteoinductive biomaterial.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a biodegradable, biocompatible porous matrix as a scaffold for tissue engineering cartilage, which matrix is formed of a copolymer of a polyalkylene glycol and an aromatic polyester.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a biodegradable, biocompatible porous matrix as a scaffold for tissue engineering cartilage, which matrix is formed of a copolymer of a polyalkylene glycol and an aromatic polyester.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for an vitro production of bone tissue, comprising the steps of:

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for in vitro production of bone tissue, comprising the steps of: (a) applying undifferentiated mammalian cells, in particular autologous marrow cells, on a substrate; (b) directly contacting said cells with a culture medium for a sufficient time to produce a continuous matrix; (c) removing the substrate with the matrix from the culture medium. The produced matrix can be used for joint prostheses, maxillofacial implants, special surgery devices, or bone fillers. The contacted culture medium can also be used for the production of active factors such as growth factors.

Abstract: A device for bone tissue engineering is described which comprises a scaffold material consisting of a bioactive, osteoconductive and bone-bonding segmented thermoplastic copolyester and cultured osteogenic or osteoprogenitor cells, especially bone cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for in vitro production of bone tissue, comprising the steps of:(a) applying undifferentiated mammalian cells, in particular autologous marrow cells, on a substrate;(b) directly contacting said cells with a culture medium for a sufficient time to produce a continuous matrix;(c) removing the substrate with the matrix from the culture medium.The produced matrix can be used for joint prostheses, maxillofacial implants, special surgery devices, or bone fillers. The contacted culture medium can also be used for the production of active factors such as growth factors.

Abstract: Electron microscope provided, in the direction of the longitudinal axis, with at least one electron beam generation system, a condenser and objective lens system, a specimen chamber with a specimen mount, a projection lens system with imaging screen for the purpose of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and/or an electron detector for the purpose of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) . The microscope is used in combination with an externally positioned Raman spectrometer and an associated light source for injecting and extracting, via a window in the microscope wall, a light beam to be directed at the specimen, and specimen-related Raman radiation, respectively. In the specimen chamber, a light beam and Raman radiation guide system is provided with an optical guide to guide the light beam to--and the Raman radiation from--the specimen. The guide system and the specimen mount are displaceable with respect to one another for mutual alignment of the specimen and the optical axis of the Raman spectrometer.