TISSUE ENGINEERING USING PROGENITOR CELLS TO CATALYZE TISSUE FORMATION BY PRIMARY CELLS

摘要

Methods of regenerating tissue using progenitor cells in combination with primary cells from a target tissue are disclosed. The progenitor cells catalyze proliferation and tissue production by primary cells allowing the use of fewer primary cells from a target tissue for effective tissue regeneration. Cell-based therapies combining progenitor cells and primary cells can be used for repair and regeneration of damaged tissue and organs for treating bodily injuries and degenerative diseases. In particular, adipose-derived stem cells and chondrocytes, co-encapsulated in a mixed culture in a polyethylene glycol-based hydrogel comprising an extracellular matrix molecule such as chondroitin sulfate methacrylate, hyaluronic acid methacrylate, or heparan sulfate methacrylate, effectively produce cartilage that can be used for treatment of traumatic injuries or diseases involving cartilage degeneration.