Stem Cell Related Patent Number US7135172

Bucky paper as a support membrane in retinal cell transplantation

Loftus, David J.; Palo Alto, CA, United States of America
Leng, Theodore; Mountain View, CA, United States of America
Huie, Philip; Cupertino, CA, United States of America
Fishman, Harvey; Menlo Park, CA, United States of America

This invention describes a method for repairing a retinal system of an eye, using bucky paper on which a plurality of retina pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and/or iris pigment epithelial (IPE) cells and/or stem cells is deposited, either randomly or in a selected cell pattern. Further disclosed are means by which the cell-covered bucky paper is positioned in a sub-retinal space for transferring cells to this space and thereby restoring the retina to its normal functioning, in situations where retinal damage or degeneration, such as in macular degeneration, has occurred. Selected thickness, porosity and size of the bucky paper is described, as are methods of transferring the RPE cells to an IPE cell. Also provided are the means by which a high pressure carbon monoxide process is employed to prepare a plurality of purified single-wall and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Properties of the sub-retinal space and interstitial region are described, as are means of mechanically attaching the stem cells to the support material.

Application Number: US2002000238515

Date Filed: 09/04/02

Dated Published: 11/14/06

Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Washington, DC, United States of America