Solid Substrates for Promoting Cell and Tissue Growth

Abstract

This invention provides solid substrates for promoting cell or tissue growth or restored function, which solid substrate is characterized by a specific fluid uptake capacity value of at least 75%, which specific fluid uptake capacity value is determined by establishing a spontaneous fluid uptake value divided by a total fluid uptake value. This invention also provides solid substrate for promoting cell or tissue growth or restored function, which solid substrate is characterized by having a contact angle value of less than 60 degrees, when in contact with a fluid. This inventions also provides solid substrates for promoting cell or tissue growth or restored function, which solid substrate is characterized by a substantial surface roughness (Ra) as measured by scanning electron microscopy or atomic force microscopy. The invention also provides for processes for selection of an optimized coral-based solid substrate for promoting cell or tissue growth or restored function and application of the same.

1 .- 118 . (canceled) 
     
     
         119 . A shaped platform for use in osteochondral therapy or repair or in the treatment of an osteochondral defect the shaped platform comprising allogeneic bone characterized by a hollow or hollows along a Cartesian coordinate axis, and a specific fluid uptake capacity value of at least 75%. 
     
     
         120 . The shaped platform of  claim 119 , wherein the shaped platform comprises a biocompatible polymer. 
     
     
         121 . The shaped platform of  claim 120 , wherein the biocompatible polymer is incorporated within voids or pores in the platform. 
     
     
         122 . The shaped platform of  claim 121 , wherein the biocompatible polymer is attached to an outer surface of the platform. 
     
     
         123 . The shaped platform of  claim 120 , wherein the biocompatible polymer forms a separate phase on the shaped platform. 
     
     
         124 . The shaped platform of  claim 120 , wherein the biocompatible polymer is a layer on the shaped platform. 
     
     
         125 . The shaped platform of  claim 120 , wherein the shaped platform comprises both a biocompatible polymer as an internal or externally associated layer with a separate phase attached thereto comprising the same or a different polymeric material. 
     
     
         126 . The shaped platform of  claim 120 , wherein the biocompatible polymer comprises a natural polymer comprising a glycosaminoglycan, collagen, fibrin, elastin, silk, chitosan, alginate, and any combinations thereof. 
     
     
         127 . The shaped platform of  claim 120 , wherein said the biocompatible polymer comprises hyaluronic acid. 
     
     
         128 . The shaped platform of  claim 119 , wherein the platform approximates the form of a cylinder, cone, tac, pin, screw, rectangular bar, plate, disc, pyramid, ball, bone, condyle, rib, vertebra, cube or oval in shape. 
     
     
         129 . The shaped platform of  claim 128 , wherein said the shaped platform approximates the form of a cylinder or oval. 
     
     
         130 . The shaped platform of  claim 119 , wherein shaped platform comprises bone filler or bone substitute material. 
     
     
         131 . The shaped platform of  claim 119 , wherein the platform further comprises cells or tissue in contact with the platform. 
     
     
         132 . The shaped platform of  claim 119 , wherein the platform is sterilized. 
     
     
         133 . The shaped platform of  claim 119 , wherein the fluid is blood, plasma, water, a protein-containing solution, a salt-containing solution or a carbohydrate containing solution. 
     
     
         134 . The shaped platform of  claim 119 , wherein the platform is attached to a tool designed to penetrate through cartilage and/or bone tissue. 
     
     
         135 . A method of osteochondral therapy, repair or treatment of an osteochondral defect, the method comprising implanting a shaped platform in a subject, within a site of osteochondral therapy or repair, or within a site of an osteochondral defect in the subject, the shaped platform comprising allogeneic bone characterized by a hollow or hollows along a Cartesian coordinate axis, and a specific fluid uptake capacity value of at least 75%. 
     
     
         136 . The method of  claim 135 , wherein the implanting results in bone regeneration, or in repair or enhancement of osteo-integration, osteo-conduction or osteo-transduction. 
     
     
         137 . The method of  claim 135 , wherein the site of osteochondral therapy, repair or defect is a site of bone edema, bone breakage, bone fragmentation, bone disease or bone defect. 
     
     
         138 . The method of  claim 135 , whether the shaped platform further comprises a bone autograft, bone substitute, bone void filler or therapeutic compound.