Abstract: Scaleable, vascularised tissue constructs that are composed of a multiplicity of cell containing, discrete and separable modules, methods of fabricating same and uses thereof. The tissue construct is a tissue substitute used in tissue transplantation or substitution or for the purpose of in vitro mimic of normal tissue.

Abstract: Scaleable, vascularised tissue constructs that are composed of a multiplicity of cell containing, discrete and separable modules, methods of fabricating same and uses thereof. The tissue construct is a tissue substitute used in tissue transplantation or substitution or for the purpose of in vitro mimic of normal tissue.

Abstract: Therapeutic polymers containing hydroxamate group that binds and thus inhibits zinc containing enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinases. The implantation of such material inhibits remodeling in its vicinity.

Abstract: A vascularised tissue construct seeded with endothelial cells is disclosed. A modular, scalable method of fabrication of tissue constructs with a uniform cell distribution that can accommodate multiple cell types, and in which the porosity is created after cell incorporation, is disclosed. The construct is based on the porous structure that is created when a column or tube is randomly packed with solid objects, such as cylindrical rods. Cells, such as liver cells, are encapsulated in solid gelatin rods (200 &mgr;m diameter, aspect ratio 1:5) on to which if desired endothelial cells, such as human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), can adhere. The gelatin rods are randomly packed into a larger tube and then coated with HUVEC in one embodiment. The interstitial gaps among the rods form interconnected channels that are lined by the endothelial cells. The resulting endothelial cell lining enables whole blood to percolate around the rods and through the interstitial channels.

Abstract: Viable mammalian cells are encapsulated in a polymeric membrane to form microencapsulated beads ready for introduction into a host body. The polymeric membrane allows passage therethrough of cell substrates and secretions, but prevents passage of larger molecules such as proteinaceous antibodies. In this way viable cells secreting essential products such as pancreatic islet cells secreting insulin can be transplanted into a host, and be protected against the immune reactions of the antibodies of the host which would otherwise reject the foreign cells. The cells are encapsulated from suspension in a non-solvent such as PPG, by addition thereto of a solution of a polymer (e.g. an acrylic/methacrylic acid esters copolymer) in dimethylsulfoxide. The polymer precipitates onto the cells to encapsulate them, and the supernatants are removed.

Abstract: An implantable device for dispensing a medicament in two modes; a basal delivery rate and an augmented rate. The device includes a permeable elastic material adapted to be repeatedly compressed by a solenoid operated piston. The device delivers a basal rate when the piston is inoperative and an augmented rate when the permeable elastic material is compressed. The device is suitable for delivering insulin in an "artificial endocrine pancreas".