Cell-polymer fiber compositions and uses thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to compositions comprising complexes of human cells and polymer fibers and methods of their use for therapeutic purposes. Methods of making such compositions are also provided. The present invention encompasses compositions comprising poly-β-1→4-N-acetylglucosamine polymers and stored platelets and their use for promoting wound healing and achieving hemostasis.

1 . A gel composition produced ex vivo by the process of combining platelet rich plasma, a solution containing a calcium salt, a slurry of poly-β-1→4-N-acetylglucosamine fibers and an additive for platelet preservation to form a gel.  
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the platelet rich plasma and fiber slurry are mixed in a volume ratio of 50:50.  
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the calcium salt is CaCl 2 .  
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the fiber slurry comprises 1 mg of fiber per 5 ml of distilled water or 0.9% NaCl solution.  
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the fiber slurry comprises 2 mg of fiber per 5 ml of distilled water or 0.9% NaCl solution.  
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is a pharmaceutical composition.  
     
     
         7 . A method for accelerating wound healing in a patient in need thereof comprising administering to a wound in said patient a gel composition produced ex vivo by the process of combining platelet rich plasma, a solution containing a calcium salt, a slurry of poly-β-1→4-N-acetylglucosamine fibers and an additive for platelet preservation to form the gel.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the platelet rich plasma is derived from the patient.  
     
     
         9 . A method for reducing hemostasis time of a wound in a patient in need thereof comprising administering to a wound in said patient a gel composition produced ex vivo by the process of combining platelet rich plasma, a solution containing a calcium salt, a slurry of poly-β-1→4-N-acetylglucosamine fibers and an additive for platelet preservation to form the gel.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the platelet rich plasma is derived from the patient.  
     
     
         11 . A method for producing a gel composition, said method comprising mixing ex vivo platelet rich plasma, a solution containing a calcium salt, a slurry of poly-β-1→4-N-acetylglucosamine fibers and an additive for platelet preservation, in amounts effective to elicit formation of a gel, thereby producing a gel composition.