Stem Cell Related Patent Number US6287340

Bioengineered anterior cruciate ligament

Altman, Gregory; Medford, MA, USA
Kaplan, David; Stow, MA, USA
Vunjak-Novakovic, Gordana; Belmont, MA, USA
Martin, Ivan; Oberwil, Switzerland

Described herein are methods of producing an anterior cruciate ligament ex vivo. The invention relates to a process by which pluripotent cells, preferably bone marrow stromal cells, which have been seeded into a three-dimensional matrix are then attached to anchors and cultured while the matrix is subjected to mechanical forces through the movement of the attached anchors, resulting in the production of an anterior cruciate ligament ex vivo. Further disclosed are suitable matrix materials to which the cells can adhere, such as a gel made from collagen type I, and suitable anchor materials to which the matrix can attach, such as Goinopra coral and demineralized bone. Optimal mechanical forces are described, to which the matrix is subjected, and which should mimic mechanical stimuli experienced by an anterior cruciate ligament in vivo. Descriptions of the appropriate combination of tension, compression, torsion, and shear, to the matrix are disclosed, such that resulting ligament has fiber bundles which are helically organized. Also included are other mechanical, as well as electromagnetic and chemical stimuli incorporated into the bioengineering process.

Application Number: US1999000312203

Date Filed: 05/14/99

Dated Published: 09/11/01

Assignee: Trustees of Tufts College, Boston, MA, USA