Abstract: Apparatus is provided for implantation of live cells in a subject. The apparatus includes an implantable immunoisolation device, which includes (a) a chamber, which contains the live cells; (b) an inner membrane layer, which is disposed at an external surface of the chamber, and which comprises a selective membrane that is permeable to nutrients; and (c) an outer hydrogel layer, which comprises a hydrogel, and which is attached to and coats an outer surface of the inner membrane layer. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided that contains cells for implantation into a human subject. The apparatus includes a substantially non-degradable three-dimensional scaffold having surfaces to which the cells are attached, and a hydrogel, which is attached to the cells. The scaffold, the cells, and the hydrogel are arranged such that the cells are sandwiched in spaces between the hydrogel and the surfaces of the scaffold, thereby allowing mobility and proliferation of the cells in the spaces between the hydrogel and the surfaces of the scaffold, and preventing the mobility and the proliferation of the cells to locations outside of the spaces between the hydrogel and the surfaces of the scaffold.

Abstract: Methods for treating diseased or injured tissue by implanting into the tissue at a site of the disease or injury a porous freeze-dried fibrin matrix formed from plasma proteins. The proteins include fibrinogen cleaved by the action of thrombin at varying concentrations sufficient to cleave the fibrinogen and Factor XIII. The matrix has less than 10% residual moisture and is devoid of exogenous anti-fibrinolytic agents, plasminogen and of organic chelating agents. Alternatively, the plasma proteins comprise partially purified plasma proteins that are devoid of plasminogen.

Abstract: Methods for treating diseased or injured tissue by implanting into the tissue at a site of the disease or injury a porous freeze-dried fibrin matrix formed from plasma proteins. The proteins include fibrinogen cleaved by the action of thrombin at varying concentrations sufficient to cleave the fibrinogen and Factor XIII. The matrix has less than 10% residual moisture and is devoid of exogenous anti-fibrinolytic agents, plasminogen and of organic chelating agents. Alternatively, the plasma proteins comprise partially purified plasma proteins that are devoid of plasminogen.

Abstract: Methods for producing porous freeze-dried fibrin matrices substantially devoid of external anti-fibrinolytic agents. Resilient matrices, also known as sponges, that are particularly beneficial for supporting three dimensional cell growth are obtained from plasma proteins substantially devoid of plasminogen or from partially purified plasma proteins, thus obviating the need for exogenous anti-fibrinolytic agents. Furthermore, incorporation of glycosaminoglycans and bioactive agents during the formation of the matrix results in a sponge having advantageous biological, mechanical and physical properties. The compositions made by the method of the present invention are useful clinically or as cell-bearing implants.

Abstract: Methods for producing porous freeze-dried fibrin matrices substantially devoid of external anti-fibrinolytic agents. Resilient matrices, also known as sponges, that are particularly beneficial for supporting three dimensional cell growth are obtained from plasma proteins substantially devoid of plasminogen or from partially purified plasma proteins, thus obviating the need for exogenous anti-fibrinolytic agents. Furthermore, incorporation of glycosaminoglycans and bioactive agents during the formation of the matrix results in a sponge having advantageous biological, mechanical and physical properties. The compositions made by the processes of the present invention are useful clinically, per se or as cell-bearing implants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to porous freeze-dried fibrin matrices substantially devoid of external anti-fibrinolytic agents, and methods of producing such matrices. Resilient matrices, also known as sponges, that are particularly beneficial for supporting three dimensional cell growth are obtained from plasma proteins substantially devoid of plasminogen or from partially purified plasma proteins, thus obviating the need for exogenous anti-fibrinolytic agents. Furthermore, incorporation of glycosaminoglycans and bioactive agents during the formation of the matrix results in a sponge having advantageous biological, mechanical and physical properties. The compositions of the present invention are useful clinically, without cells or as a cell bearing implants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to porous freeze-dried fibrin matrices substantially devoid of external anti-fibrinolytic agents, and methods of producing such matrices. Resilient matrices, also known as sponges, that are particularly beneficial for supporting three dimensional cell growth are obtained from plasma proteins substantially devoid of plasminogen or from partially purified plasma proteins, thus obviating the need for exogenous anti-fibrinolytic agents. Furthermore, incorporation of glycosaminoglycans and bioactive agents during the formation of the matrix results in a sponge having advantageous biological, mechanical and physical properties. The compositions of the present invention are useful clinically, per se or as cell-bearing implants.