Electroprocessed fibrin-based matrices and tissues

Abstract

The invention is directed to formation and use of electroprocessed fibrin as an extracellular matrix and, together with cells, its use in forming engineered tissue. The engineered tissue can include the synthetic manufacture of specific organs or tissues which may be implanted into a recipient. The electroprocessed fibrin may also be combined with other molecules in order to deliver the molecules to the site of application or implantation of the electroprocessed fibrin. The fibrin or fibrin/cell suspension is electrodeposited onto a substrate to form the tissues and organs.

We claim:  
     
         1 . Electroprocessed fibrin.  
     
     
         2 . The electroprocessed fibrin of  claim 1 , in a matrix.  
     
     
         3 . The electroprocessed fibrin matrix of  claim 2 , further comprising cells.  
     
     
         4 . The electroprocessed fibrin matrix of  claim 2 , further comprising one or more substances.  
     
     
         5 . The electroprocessed fibrin matrix of  claim 4 , wherein the one or more substances is a growth factor, differentiation inducer, anti-oxidant, vitamin, hormone, nucleic acid, drug, peptide, nucleic acid, emollient, humectant, conditioner or cosmetic  
     
     
         6 . An engineered tissue comprising the electroprocessed fibrin matrix of  claim 2  and cells.  
     
     
         7 . The engineered tissue of  claim 6 , further comprising one or more substances.  
     
     
         8 . The engineered tissue of  claim 6 , wherein the cells are stem cells or differentiated cells.  
     
     
         9 . A method of delivering a substance to a desired location comprising; 
 adding a substance to the electroprocessed fibrin of  claim 1;  and,    placing the electroprocessed fibrin containing the substance in the desired location.    
     
     
         10 . A method of delivering a substance to a desired location comprising; 
 adding a substance to the electroprocessed fibrin matrix of  claim 2;  and,    placing the electroprocessed fibrin matrix containing the substance in the desired location.    
     
     
         11 . A method of treating a wound, comprising applying the electroprocessed fibrin of  claim 1  to the wound.  
     
     
         12 . A method of treating a wound, comprising applying the electroprocessed fibrin matrix of  claim 2  to the wound.  
     
     
         13 . A method of providing hemostasis, comprising applying the electroprocessed fibrin of  claim 1  to a site of bleeding.  
     
     
         14 . A method of providing hemostasis, comprising applying the electroprocessed fibrin matrix of  claim 2  to a site of bleeding.  
     
     
         15 . A method of evaluating a biological response of a cell to a substance, comprising: 
 applying the substance to the electroprocessed fibrin matrix and cells of claim  3 ; and,    evaluating the biological response of the cell.    
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the cell is a cancer cell.  
     
     
         17 . A method of manufacturing the electroprocessed fibrin of  claim 1 , comprising: 
 electrodepositing one or more electrically-charged solutions comprising fibrin or molecules capable of forming fibrin onto a grounded target substrate under conditions effective to electrodeposit fibrin or molecules capable of forming fibrin on said substrate to form the electroprocessed fibrin.    
     
     
         18 . A method of manufacturing the electroprocessed fibrin matrix of  claim 2 , comprising: 
 electrodepositing one or more electrically-charged solutions comprising fibrin or molecules capable of forming fibrin onto a grounded target substrate under conditions effective to electrodeposit fibrin or molecules capable of forming fibrin on said substrate to form the electroprocessed fibrin matrix.    
     
     
         19 . A method of manufacturing the engineered tissue of  claim 6 , comprising: 
 electrodepositing one or more electrically-charged solutions comprising fibrin or molecules capable of forming fibrin, and cells, onto a grounded target substrate under conditions effective to deposit the electroprocessed fibrin or molecules capable of forming fibrin and the cells onto the substrate.    
     
     
         20 . A method of manufacturing the engineered tissue of  claim 6 , comprising: 
 electrodepositing one or more electrically-charged solutions comprising fibrin or molecules capable of forming fibrin onto a grounded target substrate under conditions effective to deposit the electroprocessed fibrin or molecules capable of forming fibrin; and,    applying cells onto the substrate or into a stream of the electroprocessed fibrin or molecules capable of forming fibrin, wherein the stream is located between the grounded target substrate and the solutions.    
     
     
         21 . An electroprocessed fibrin matrix.  
     
     
         22 . An engineered tissue comprising an electroprocessed fibrin matrix and cells.