Loading system for an encapsulation device

Abstract

The present invention provides, in at least one embodiment, a loading device, system and method that loads aggregate cells into an encapsulation device for implanting into a patient. The loading system uses negative pressure from a low pressure pump in a closed system to improve safety and cell viability while allowing for even loading of the encapsulation device.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of loading cells into an encapsulation device comprising:
 a) attaching the encapsulation device to a holding rack;   b) inverting or tilting the holding rack and attached encapsulation device; and   c) loading cells into the inverted or tilted encapsulation device;   
       thereby loading cells into the encapsulation device. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the cells are PDX1 positive pancreatic endoderm cells. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the cells are pancreatic progenitor cells. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the encapsulation device comprises an inlet port through which cells are loaded into the encapsulation device. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the inlet port is detachably coupled to a housing. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the housing forms a hollow device chamber. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the encapsulation device is enclosed within the hollow device chamber. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the housing further comprises a first port. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the housing further comprises a second port. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the second port is adapted for receiving negative pressure. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the encapsulation device is perforated. 
     
     
         12 . A method of loading cells into an encapsulation device comprising an inlet port, the method comprising
 a) enclosing the encapsulation device comprising the inlet port in a housing; and   b) applying negative pressure to the housing to draw the cells through the inlet port and into the encapsulation device,   
       thereby loading the encapsulation device 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the cells are PDX1 positive pancreatic endoderm cells. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the cells are pancreatic progenitor cells. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the inlet port is detachably coupled to the housing. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the housing further comprises a first port. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the housing further comprises a second port. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the encapsulation device is inverted or tilted during loading. 
     
     
         19 . A cell encapsulation loading system comprising:
 a) an encapsulation device comprising an inlet port; and   b) an inverting holding rack for tilting or inverting the cell encapsulation loading device during loading.   
     
     
         20 . The cell encapsulation loading system of  claim 19 , wherein the cell encapsulation loading system is adapted for receiving negative pressure.