Biodegradable, Drug-Releasing Tubes For Tissue Engineering and Regeneration

NU 2003-091 

Inventors

Jae-Hyung Jang 

Laura De Laporte 

Christopher B Rives 

Mark A Rovedo 

Lonnie David Shea*

Kevin J Whittlesey 

Yang Yang 

Abstract

Investigators at Northwestern have designed biodegradable nerve guidance conduits or bridges possessing multiple features for promoting nerve regeneration including the ability to deliver DNA, protein, and/or small molecules. These conduits serve as a mechanical support to promote and direct tissue regeneration by creating a path for neurite outgrowth and exclude invading tissue from the injured space. The conduits may be structured as either a single, large channel or multiple small channels. Moreover, the fabrication method allows for a time-controlled release of therapeutic agents that aid tissue regeneration. The fabrication process avoids the use of organic solvents, aqueous/organic emulsions and elevated temperatures required by alternative methods, allowing a wide range of therapeutics to be incorporated: DNA, proteins, as well as small molecules. These combinations can be tailored to encourage tissue formation. An additional advantage is the potential to spatially regulate the incorporation of therapeutic agents and regulate the concentration of different growth factors throughout the conduit. 

Applications

• Tissue engineering 
• Neuronal regeneration 

Advantages

• Biodegradability 
• Capability of delivering wide range of materials (DNA, protein and/or small molecules) 
• Success in in vitro and in vivo models 
• Time-controlled release of agents 
• Spatial regulation of therapeutic agents and their respective concentrations 

IP Status

Issued US Patent No. 7,846,466