US4835102A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tissue equivalent test systems
Assignee: Organogenesis Inc
•
Filing: 1987-03-31
•
Granted: 1989-05-30
•
Expires: 2007-03-31
Abstract
Abstract The present invention provides methods of, apparatus for, and kits for determining the interaction of tissue and at least one agent by use of at least one tissue equivalent. Tissue equivalent includes, but is not limited to, equivalents of epithelial tissue, connective tissue, cartilage, bone, blood, organs, glands and blood vessels, which are composed of living cells and extracellular matrix molecules, principally collagen. Agent includes, but is not limited to, various substances such as chemicals, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, stimuli, e.g., light or physical injury; and tissue protective agents.
Inventors
- 👤 Eugene Bell
- 👤 Crispin Weinberg
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 22:31
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N33/00; G01N33/48; G01N33/50; G01N33/5005; G01N33/5008; G01N33/5014
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 60
Claim 1
Independent Claim
80 words
A method of determining the interaction of tissue and at least one agent by use of at least one tissue equivalent, the method comprising the steps of: a. contacting the agent with a tissue equivalent, wherein the tissue equivalent is adjacent to a liquid phase; and b. determining the interaction of the tissue equivalent and the agent by analyzing at least one of (i) the tissue equivalent, (ii) an intracellular fluid of the tissue equivalent, or (iii) the liquid phase.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
80 words
A method of determining the interaction of tissue and at least one agent by use of at least one tissue equivalent, the method comprising the steps of: a. contacting the agent with a tissue equivalent, wherein the tissue equivalent is adjacent to a liquid phase; and b. determining the interaction of the tissue equivalent and the agent by analyzing at least one of (i) the tissue equivalent, (ii) an intracellular fluid of the tissue equivalent, or (iii) the liquid phase.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the tissue equivalent is skin tissue equivalent having an epidermal and dermal layer, the dermal layer of the skin tissue equivalent being adjacent to the liquid phase.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
63 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the interaction of the tissue equivalent and the agent comprises the passage of the agent into or through the tissue equivalent, and the interaction is determined by measuring at least one of (i) the tissue equivalent, (ii) an intracellular tissue fluid of the tissue equivalent, or (iii) the liquid phase to detect the presence of the agent.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
66 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the interaction of the tissue equivalent and the agent comprises the production or release of one or more substances by the tissue equivalent, and the interaction is determined by measuring at least one of (i) the tissue equivalent, (ii) an intracellular fluid of the tissue equivalent, or (iii) the liquid phase to detect the presence or absence of the substance.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the interaction of the tissue and the agent comprises a change in (i) permeability, (ii) proliferation, (iii) differentiation, or (iv) configuration, of cells of the tissue equivalent.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the interaction of the tissue and the agent protects the tissue.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the tissue equivalent is a tubular tissue equivalent.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method claim 7, wherein the tubular tissue equivalent is a skin tissue equivalent or a blood vessel tissue equivalent.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
106 words
A method of determining the interaction of skin tissue and at least one agent by use of at least one skin tissue equivalent, the skin tissue equivalent having an epidermal and a dermal layer, the method comprising the steps of: a. contacting the agent with the epidermal layer of the skin tissue equivalent, wherein the dermal layer of the skin tissue equivalent is adjacent to a liquid phase; and b. determining the interaction of the skin tissue equivalent and the agent by analyzing at least one of (i) the skin tissue equivalent, (ii) an intracellular fluid of the skin tissue equivalent, or (iii) the liquid phase.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
106 words
A method of determining the interaction of skin tissue and at least one agent by use of at least one skin tissue equivalent, the skin tissue equivalent having an epidermal and a dermal layer, the method comprising the steps of: a. contacting the agent with the epidermal layer of the skin tissue equivalent, wherein the dermal layer of the skin tissue equivalent is adjacent to a liquid phase; and b. determining the interaction of the skin tissue equivalent and the agent by analyzing at least one of (i) the skin tissue equivalent, (ii) an intracellular fluid of the skin tissue equivalent, or (iii) the liquid phase.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
77 words
The method of claim 9, wherein the interaction comprises passage of the agent into or through the skin tissue equivalent or the production or release of one of more substances by the skin tissue equivalent, and the interaction is determined by analyzing at least one of (i) the skin tissue equivalent, (ii) an intracellular fluid of the skin tissue equivalent, or (iii) the liquid phase, to detect the presence or absence of the agent or the substance.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
108 words
A method of determining the interaction of tissue and at least one agent by use of at least one tubular tissue equivalent, the method comprising: a. contacting the agent with the lumen or the abluminal surface of the tubular tissue equivalent, contact being effected by providing a liquid phase adjacent to the lumen or the abluminal surface of the tubular tissue equivalent and introducing the agent into the liquid phase; and b. determining the interaction of the tubular tissue equivalent and the agent by analyzing at least one of (i) the tubular tissue equivalent, (ii) the intracellular fluid of the tubular tissue equivalent, or (iii) the liquid phase.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
108 words
A method of determining the interaction of tissue and at least one agent by use of at least one tubular tissue equivalent, the method comprising: a. contacting the agent with the lumen or the abluminal surface of the tubular tissue equivalent, contact being effected by providing a liquid phase adjacent to the lumen or the abluminal surface of the tubular tissue equivalent and introducing the agent into the liquid phase; and b. determining the interaction of the tubular tissue equivalent and the agent by analyzing at least one of (i) the tubular tissue equivalent, (ii) the intracellular fluid of the tubular tissue equivalent, or (iii) the liquid phase.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
127 words
A method of determining the interaction of tissue and at least one agent by use of at least one tubular tissue equivalent, the method comprising: a. contacting the agent with the tubular tissue equivalent, wherein (i) the lumen of the tubular tissue equivalent is adjacent to a first liquid phase, and (ii) the abluminal surface of the tubular tissue equivalent is adjacent to a second liquid phase, contact being effected by introducing at least one agent to the first or second liquid phase; and b. determining the interaction of the tubular tissue equivalent and the agent by analyzing at least one of (i) the tubular tissue equivalent, (ii) an intracellular fluid of the tubular tissue equivalent, (iii) the first liquid phase, or (iv) the second liquid phase.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
127 words
A method of determining the interaction of tissue and at least one agent by use of at least one tubular tissue equivalent, the method comprising: a. contacting the agent with the tubular tissue equivalent, wherein (i) the lumen of the tubular tissue equivalent is adjacent to a first liquid phase, and (ii) the abluminal surface of the tubular tissue equivalent is adjacent to a second liquid phase, contact being effected by introducing at least one agent to the first or second liquid phase; and b. determining the interaction of the tubular tissue equivalent and the agent by analyzing at least one of (i) the tubular tissue equivalent, (ii) an intracellular fluid of the tubular tissue equivalent, (iii) the first liquid phase, or (iv) the second liquid phase.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 11, wherein the tubular tissue equivalent is skin tissue equivalent or blood vessel tissue equivalent.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
71 words
An apparatus for determining the interaction of tissue and at least one agent by use of at least one tissue equivalent, the apparatus comprising the tissue equivalent and a container for the tissue equivalent, the container comprising: (i) means for positioning the tissue equivalent in the container, whereby the tissue equivalent defines at least one region in the container; (ii) at least one port; and (iii) means for closing the container.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
71 words
An apparatus for determining the interaction of tissue and at least one agent by use of at least one tissue equivalent, the apparatus comprising the tissue equivalent and a container for the tissue equivalent, the container comprising: (i) means for positioning the tissue equivalent in the container, whereby the tissue equivalent defines at least one region in the container; (ii) at least one port; and (iii) means for closing the container.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
71 words
An apparatus for determining the interaction of tissue and at least one agent by use of at least one tissue equivalent, the apparatus comprising the tissue equivalent and a container for the tissue equivalent, the container comprising: (i) means for positioning the tissue equivalent in the container, whereby the tissue equivalent defines at least two regions in the container; (ii) at least one port; and (iii) means for closing the container.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
71 words
An apparatus for determining the interaction of tissue and at least one agent by use of at least one tissue equivalent, the apparatus comprising the tissue equivalent and a container for the tissue equivalent, the container comprising: (i) means for positioning the tissue equivalent in the container, whereby the tissue equivalent defines at least two regions in the container; (ii) at least one port; and (iii) means for closing the container.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the means for closing the container comprises a cover means, removably sealable to the container.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
29 words
An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the means for closing the container comprises an opening or a port, the opening or port having a valve or cover means.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
12 words
An apparatus according to claim 15 further comprising at least two containers.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
11 words
An apparatus according to claim 18 wherein the containers are interconnected.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the tissue equivalent defines an upper and a lower region in the container.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the lower region further comprises a liquid phase and one surface of the tissue equivalent is adjacent to the liquid phase.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
30 words
An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the tissue equivalent is skin tissue equivalent having an epidermal and a dermal layer, the dermal layer being adjacent to the liquid phase.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
30 words
An apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the upper region further comprises a second liquid phase and one surface of the tissue equivalent is adjacent to the second liquid phase.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the container is provided with at least two ports.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus in accordance with claim 15, wherein the means for positioning the tissue equivalent in the container is disposed in the container and comprises a permeable member.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus in accordance with claim 25, wherein the tissue equivalent is cast on the permeable member.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus in accordance with claim 25, wherein the permeable member comprises a selectively permeable membrane or mesh.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
42 words
An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the tissue equivalent is a tubular tissue equivalent and defines an inner and outer region in the container, the inner region comprising a first liquid phase and the outer region comprising a second liquid phase.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
12 words
An apparatus according to claim 28, further comprising at least two containers.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
11 words
An apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the containers are interconnected.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
29 words
An apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the means for positioning the tubular tissue equivalent in the container comprises valved cannulae, portions of which are disposed inside the container.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
64 words
An apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the means for positioning the tubular tissue equivalent in the container comprises (i) means for attaching the tubular tissue equivalent. (ii) means for limiting the longitudinal contraction of the tubular tissue equivalent, and (iii) means for allowing selected materials to pass between the tubular tissue equivalent and at least one of the first or second liquid phases.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus according to claim 32 wherein the means for attaching the tubular tissue equivalent to the means for positioning comprises a textured, inert material.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the textured inert material is VELCRO® textured stainless steel, textured TEFLON®, or a textured plastic.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus according to claim 34, wherein the textured plastic is polycarbonate, polystyrene or polyurethane foam.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the tubular tissue equivalent is provided with at least one support member.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the tubular tissue equivalent is cast around the means for positioning the tubular tissue equivalent in the container.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the apparatus is incorporated into a circulatory loop.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
71 words
A method of determining the interaction of tissue and at least one agent with the aid of the apparatus of claim 15, the method comprising the steps of: a. contacting the agent with the tissue equivalent; and b. determining the interaction of the tissue equivalent and the agent by analyzing at least one of (i) the tissue equivalent, (ii) an intracellular fluid of the tissue equivalent, or (iii) the liquid phase.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 39, wherein the apparatus is further provided with means for changing, sampling, circulating or feeding the liquid phase.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 40, wherein the liquid phase is sampled and analyzed on a periodic or a continuous basis.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
79 words
A method of determining the interaction of tissue and at least one agent with the aid of the apparatus of claim 28, the method comprising the steps of: a. contacting the agent with the tubular tissue equivalent; and b. determining the effect of the agent on the tubular tissue equivalent by analyzing at least one of (i) the tissue equivalent, (ii) an intracellular fluid of the tissue equivalent, (iii) the first liquid phase, or (iv) the second liquid phase.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 42, wherein the apparatus is further provided with means for moving at least one of the liquid phases at a predetermined rate or frequency.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 43, wherein at least one of the liquid phases is sampled and analyzed on a periodic or continuous basis.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 43, wherein the second liquid phase is circulated through the tubular tissue equivalent to simulate the flow of blood.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
18 words
A kit comprising, in combination: (a) an apparatus in accordance with claim 15; and (b) a tissue equivalent.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
46 words
A kit according to claim 46, further comprising a tissue equivalent wherein the tissue equivalent defines an upper and a lower region in the container, the lower region further comprising a liquid phase, wherein one surface of the tissue equivalent is adjacent to the liquid phase.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
30 words
A kit according to claim 47, wherein the upper region further comprises a second liquid phase, wherein a surface of te tissue equivalent is adjacent to the second liquid phase.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
17 words
A kit according to claim 46, wherein the apparatus is provided with two or more individual containers.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
21 words
A kit according to claim 49, wherein the containers are interconnected so that the liquid phase is common to each container.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
16 words
A kit according to claim 46, wherein the container is provided with at least two ports.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
41 words
A kit according to claim 48, wherein the tissue equivalent is skin tissue equivalent having an epidermal and a dermal layer, the epidermal layer being adjacent to the second liquid phase, and the dermal layer being adjacent the first liquid phase.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
43 words
A kit according to claim 46, further comprising a tubular tissue equivalent, wherein the tubular tissue equivalent defines an inner and outer region in the container, the inner region comprising a first liquid phase and the outer region comprising a second liquid phase.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
22 words
A kit according to claim 53, wherein the tubular tissue equivalent is a skin tissue equivalent or a blood vessel tissue equivalent.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4539716A
Cited
US4546500A
Cited
US4629686A
Cited
US4485096A
Cited
US4485097A
Cited
US4559299A
Cited
US4604346A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-05-29 | 1992-11-28 | 1993-05-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-05-29 | 1996-11-28 | 1997-05-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-05-29 | 2000-11-28 | 2001-05-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |