Cell or drug encapsulation device having a wet seal

Abstract

A biologically implantable containment device having a wet seal, the device being adaptable for drug formulations or cell suspensions. A porous membrane, in a tubular configuration, is formed and can be configured as part of a closed cell-tight system for loading. During loading, the containment device membrane is wet, while the loading system remains cell-tight. The containment device is wet-sealed through a combination of heat and pressure, while the system remains cell-tight. Sealing the containment device substantially or completely eliminates metabolic functioning of any organisms in the vicinity of the closure. The wet-seal is formed by melting a thermoplastic material that is in contact with the membrane. The containment device is separated from the cell-tight loading system, which remains closed after separation.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A cell containment device comprising: 
 a permeable membrane delimiting a space for containing cells therein;    a closure region comprising a thermoplastic polymer in association with the permeable membrane and means for placing cells in said space through said closure region;    wherein said closure region is closeable with a wet seal.    
     
     
         2 . A containment device comprising: 
 a membrane;    a polymer in communication with the membrane; and    at least one closure, the closure created by applying heat to a portion of the membrane and to a portion of the polymer after wetting the membrane with a liquid.    
     
     
         3 . A device according to  claim 2 , further comprising a cell suspension within a space enclosed by the membrane.  
     
     
         4 . A device according to  claim 2 , further comprising a drug formulation within a space enclosed by the membrane.  
     
     
         5 . A device according to  claim 2 , wherein the membrane includes a polymer membrane.  
     
     
         6 . A device according to  claim 2 , wherein the membrane includes a porous PTFE membrane.  
     
     
         7 . A device according to  claim 2 , wherein the membrane substantially surrounds the polymer.  
     
     
         8 . A device according to  claim 2 , wherein the membrane is substantially tubular.  
     
     
         9 . A device according to  claim 2 , further comprising a closure on a first end of the tubular membrane and the closure created by applying heat is on a second end of the tubular membrane.  
     
     
         10 . A device according to  claim 2 , wherein the polymer includes FEP.  
     
     
         11 . A device according to  claim 2 , wherein the polymer is distinct from the membrane.  
     
     
         12 . A device according to  claim 2 , wherein the closure is substantially part of the polymer.  
     
     
         13 . A device according to  claim 2 , wherein the closure is substantially separate from the membrane.