Tissue regeneration membrane

Abstract

The present invention relates to a membrane comprising at least one positively charged, synthetic, hydrophobic polymer, at least one hydrophilic polymer and at least one plasticizer; wherein said membrane is flexible and is capable of supporting at least one of cell adherence, cell proliferation or cell differentiation. The invention further relates to use of a membrane of the invention in the preparation of an implantable devices including cell delivery systems, cell growing surfaces and scaffolds. The invention further provides methods for promoting tissue regeneration in a defected tissue region applying membranes of the invention.

1 - 28 . (canceled) 
     
     
         29 . A method for promoting tissue regeneration in a defected tissue region comprising the steps of:
 providing a membrane comprising at least one positively charged synthetic, hydrophobic polymer, at least one hydrophilic polymer, and at least one plasticizer, and wherein said membrane is flexible and is capable of supporting at least one of cell adherence, cell proliferation, or cell differentiation; and   implanting said membrane in the proximity of said tissue defect region.   
     
     
         30 . A method according to  claim 29 , wherein said defected tissue results from a condition selected from the group consisting of non-union fracture, osteoporosis, periodontal disease or condition, osteolytic bone disease, post-plastic surgery, post-orthopedic implantation, post neurosurgical surgery, alveolar bone augmentation procedures, spine fusion, and vertebral fractures. 
     
     
         31 . A method according to  claim 29 , wherein said tissue is selected from the group consisting of ligament, tendon, cartilage, intervertebral disc, teeth and bone. 
     
     
         32 . A method according to  claim 29 , wherein said plasticizer is polyethylene glycol ranging from 300-20,000. 
     
     
         33 . A method according to  claim 29 , wherein said positively charged synthetic, hydrophobic polymer is ammonia methacrylate copolymer type A NF (AMCA). 
     
     
         34 . A method according to  claim 29 , wherein both said hydrophilic polymer and said plasticizer are polyethylene glycol ranging from 300-20,000. 
     
     
         35 . A method according to  claim 29 , wherein both said hydrophilic polymer and said plasticizer are polyethylene glycol 400. 
     
     
         36 . A method according to  claim 35 , wherein said polyethylene glycol 400 is present at a concentration of 5-25% w/w. 
     
     
         37 . A method according to  claim 29 , wherein said at least one hydrophilic polymer is present in a concentration of between about 1% (w/w) to 30% (w/w) of the membrane. 
     
     
         38 . A method according to  claim 29 , wherein said membrane further comprises at least one type of cell. 
     
     
         39 . A method according to  claim 38 , wherein said cells are selected from the group consisting of adult stem cells, embryonic stem cells, pluripotent stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, umbilical cord blood cells, osteoblasts, chondroblasts and CD105+ cells. 
     
     
         40 . A method according to  claim 39 , wherein said adult stem cells are autologous adult stem cells. 
     
     
         41 . A method according to  claim 29 , further comprising at least one active agent, wherein said at least one active agent is selected from the group consisting of cytokine, hormone, bisphosphnate, cannabinoid, beta blocker, bone inducing agent, growth factor, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, drug and antibiotic. 
     
     
         42 . A method according to  claim 41 , wherein said active agent is selected from the group consisting of statin, estrogen, androgen, propranolol, transforming growth factor (TGF), bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), insulin like growth hormone, fibroblast growth factor (FGF), alendronate, risendronate and parathyroid hormone. 
     
     
         43 . A method according to  claim 42 , wherein said active agent is simvastatin or lovastatin. 
     
     
         44 . A method according to  claim 29 , wherein said membrane is capable of being porous upon hydration, and wherein the pore size is between about 0.1 to about 5 microns. 
     
     
         45 . A membrane comprising at least one positively charged, synthetic, hydrophobic polymer, at least one hydrophilic polymer and at least one plasticizer;
 wherein said membrane is flexible and is capable of supporting at least one of cell adherence, cell proliferation or cell differentiation.   
     
     
         46 . A three dimensional hollow implant comprising at least one membrane according to  claim 45 . 
     
     
         47 . A three dimensional hollow implant according to  claim 46 , wherein the membrane defines the surface of the implant. 
     
     
         48 . A cell delivery system comprising a membrane according to  claim 45 , wherein said membrane further includes at least one type of cell. 
     
     
         49 . A cell growing surface comprising a membrane according to  claim 45 . 
     
     
         50 . A scaffold substantially coated by a membrane according to  claim 45 .