Abstract: An implant system and a method for controlling the natural and artificial microenvironments surrounding an implanted device using an artificial tissue system (ATS) and includes methods of diagnostic and testing related thereto. The ATS, among other things, induce better integration, function, and extended lifespan of the devices at the site of implantation. The ATS includes cells, such as naturally occurring, engineered, and/or artificial cells; matrices such as natural, engineered, artificial and/or hybrid matrices; tissue response modifiers (TRM); and/or cell response modifiers (CRM). The specific composition of the ATS is based on the nature of the tissue in which ATS-device combination is implanted and the nature of the implant device, as well as the required function and lifespan of the implanted device. Additionally, the ATS, as well as ATS-device combinations can be utilized in vitro to aid in the design of improved ATS, devices and ATS-device combinations for in vivo uses.

Abstract: A tissue/implant interface, comprising an implant and a bioactive polymer layer adjacent at least a portion of the outer surface of the implant, wherein the polymer layer contains at least one tissue response modifier covalently attached to the polymer layer or entrapped within the polymer layer in a quantity effective to control the tissue response at the site of implantation. Preferably, the at least one tissue response modifier controls inflammation, fibrosis, and/or neovascularization. Exemplary tissue response modifiers include, but are not limited to, steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, anti-fibrotic agents, anti-proliferative agents, cytokines, cytokine inhibitors, neutralizing antibodies, adhesive ligands, and combinations thereof. Use of the various combinations of tissue response modifiers with bioactive polymers provides a simple, flexible and effective means to control the implant/tissue interphase, improving implant lifetime and function.

Abstract: A tissue/implant interface, comprising an implant and a bioactive polymer layer adjacent at least a portion of the outer surface of the implant, wherein the polymer layer contains at least one tissue response modifier covalently attached to the polymer layer or entrapped within the polymer layer in a quantity effective to control the tissue response at the site of implantation. Preferably, the at least one tissue response modifier controls inflammation, fibrosis, and/or neovascularization. Exemplary tissue response modifiers include, but are not limited to, steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, anti-fibrotic agents, anti-proliferative agents, cytokines, cytokine inhibitors, neutralizing antibodies, adhesive ligands, and combinations thereof. Use of the various combinations of tissue response modifiers with bioactive polymers provides a simple, flexible and effective means to control the implant/tissue interphase, improving implant lifetime and function.