Cell spraying device, method and sprayed cell suspension

Abstract

The invention provides a device and methods suitable for producing a cellular spray of cells. The sprayed cells are of interest for covering and growing on a surface, including a skin wound. In applying the method and/or using the device, cells for grafting onto a patient are dispersed in a solution and sprayed with the device for distribution over the recipient's graft site.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of applying tissue regenerating cells to a damaged tissue sample, comprising the steps of:
 providing a device for an electronically flow controlled distribution of said tissue regenerating cells, said including a medical-grade sterilizeable container, a controlled compressed gas pump, and an electronically-pressured or flow-controlled spray head in fluid communication with each other, said spray head capable of spraying said tissue regenerating cells, said tissue regenerating cells selected from the group consisting of in vitro expanded autologous cells and stem cells;   generating a treatment solution of about 0.5 mL to about 80 mL containing said tissue regenerating cells and free of xenogenic serum, capable of maintaining said tissue regenerating cells until application, and containing electrolytes in a physiologic composition;   filtering said treatment solution to remove cellular conglomerates of more than about 50 to about 100 cells;   placing said filtered treatment solution in said sterilizeable container of said device; and   activating said device and spraying said treatment solution through said spray head in a continuous application over about 0.5 minutes to about 10 minutes, said spray of treatment solution containing said tissue regenerating cells of about 30 to about 500 mm in size, whereby said treatment solution is grafted onto said damaged tissue sample.