Stem Cell Related Patent Number US6759244

Composite blastocysts (CBs) from aggregates of dissociated cells of non-viable pre-embryos

Alikani, Mina; New York, NY, USA
Willadsen, Steen Malte; Windermere, FL, USA

This invention discloses a preparation and a method of making composite blastocysts (CBs) from aggregates of dissociated cells of non-viable pre-embryos. The CB is characterized morphologically by having two distinct tissue types, the inner cell mass (ICM) and the trophectoderm (TE), and a blastocoelic cavity (BC). The method of making CBs is an aggregation process (AP) comprising the dissociation of discarded pre-embryos, the isolation of single nucleated cells from dissociated discarded pre-embryos, the microsurgical encapsulation of several cells within a host zona pellucida or artificial aggregation with or without a non-zona vessel, and a primary culture of the cell aggregates for multiplication and differentiation of cells. Further advantages from using starting material that consists of non-viable pre-embryos, as well as the processes of novel aggregation from the CBs, are further disclosed.

Application Number: US2001000036581

Date Filed: 11/08/01

Dated Published: 07/06/04

Assignee: Art Institute of New York and New Jersey, Inc., New York, NY, USA