Material compositions which comprise adult stem cells obtained from exocrine glandular tissue, in particular for use in regenerative medicine, e.g. for restoring injured or damaged myocardial tissue

Abstract

The invention relates to material compositions comprising adult stem cells obtained from exocrine gland tissue and a supporting matrix having the shape of a thread structure and/or of a net. The supporting matrix preferably consists of a plastic material which is physiologically acceptable and degradable in the body. The material compositions of the invention are in particular suited for use in regenerative medicine, e.g. for regeneration of injured or damaged myocard tissue.

1 - 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . Material composition, comprising
 a) adult stem cells isolated from exocrine gland tissue of an organism; and   b) a supporting matrix having the shape of threads and/or nets.   
     
     
         19 . Material composition according to  claim 18 , wherein stem cells which have been obtained from secretory glands or glands of the gastro-intestinal tract of the organism, are used. 
     
     
         20 . Material composition according to  claim 19 , wherein stem cells, which have been obtained from the pancreas or the salivary gland of the organism, are used. 
     
     
         21 . Material composition according to  claim 18 , wherein stem cells from glandular tissue, which is acinar tissue, are used. 
     
     
         22 . Material composition according to  claim 18 , wherein stem cells from a vertebrate, are used. 
     
     
         23 . Material composition according to  claim 22 , wherein human stem cells are used. 
     
     
         24 . Material composition according to  claim 18 , wherein the supporting matrix consists of a plastic material, which is physiologically acceptable and degradable in the body. 
     
     
         25 . Material composition according to  claim 18 , wherein the material composition further comprises differentiated cells, in particular heart muscle cells, which were produced from the stem cells originating from differentiated exocrine gland tissue of the patient. 
     
     
         26 . A bidirectionally transformable stem cell patch (BTS), comprising
 a) adult stem cells that have been isolated from exocrine gland tissue of an organism;   b) a porous matrix in the shape of a thread structure or a net for receiving the cells; and   c) a broad supporting surface of the BTS for placement on a broad myocardial wound surface.   
     
     
         27 . The stem cell patch according to  claim 26 , wherein the stem cells are human stem cells. 
     
     
         28 . The stem cell patch according to  claim 26 , wherein all the constituents are degradable in the body. 
     
     
         29 . The stem cell patch according to  claim 26 , wherein it also contains cells entirely or partially differentiated out to heart muscle cells.