Inventors:
S. Dan Dimitrijevich - Bedford TX
Robert W. Gracy - Fort Worth TX
Assignee:
University of North Texas Health Science Center - Fort Worth TX
International Classification:
C12N 508
US Classification:
424 937, 435325, 435371, 435373, 435395, 435397
Abstract:
The present invention provides a non-contracting tissue equivalent comprising at least one cellular component and at least one non-cellular component. The tissue equivalent closely resembles normal tissue in being substantially non-contracting. In addition, the non-contracting tissue equivalent is translucent, allowing direct visual observation of the different layers of cells in the tissue equivalent. The non-contracting tissue equivalent is useful for a variety of complete tissue replacements including skin and cornea. The non-contracting tissue equivalent is useful for in vitro testing, evaluation and screening of potential pharmaceuticals or consumer products, production of biocompatible clinical products for tissue replacement and augmentation, and research studies on fundamental aspects of tissue structure and function. The capability for direct visual observation of layers of cells permits manual or automated assessment of important biological parameters of the tissue, including cell viability, proliferation, motility, and differentiation.
