US6095148A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Neuronal stimulation using electrically conducting polymers
Assignee: Boston Children's Hospital
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Filing: 1995-11-03
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Granted: 2000-08-01
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Expires: 2015-11-03
Abstract
Abstract Methods and support systems are provided for modifying the regeneration, differentiation, or function of cells. In one embodiment, electrically conducting biocompatible polymers may be used alone or in combination with a polymeric support for in vitro nerve cell regeneration, or in vivo to aid in healing nervous tissue defects. The conductive polymers may implanted adjacent to or seeded with nerve cells. Voltage or current is applied to the polymer in a range which induces the desired effect on the cells while not damaging the cells. The methods and systems can be used in a variety of applications to enhance in vivo or in vitro growth or regeneration of nervous tissue.
Inventors
- 👤 Venkatram R. Shastri
- 👤 Christine E. Schmidt
- 👤 Robert S. Langer
- 👤 Joseph P. Vacanti
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 15:34
CPC Classifications
C; C12; C12N; C12N13/00; A; A61; A61L; A61L31/00; A61L31/04; A61L31/048; A61L31/06; A61L31/14; A61P; A61P25/00; C12M; C12M25/00; C12M25/06; C12M25/08; C12M35/00; C12M35/02; C12M35/08; C12N5/00; C12N5/0068; C12N5/06; C12N5/0602; C12N5/0618; C12N2533/00; C12N2533/30; C12N2533/40
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 28
Claim 1
Independent Claim
73 words
A method for altering the regeneration, differentiation or differentiated cell function of cells comprising: attaching or abutting cells to a surface comprising an electrically conducting polymer for a sufficient time to alter the regeneration, differentiation or differentiated cell function of the cells attached to or abutting the polymer, without damaging the cells, wherein the cells are selected from the group consisting of endothelial cells, parenchymal cells, cells forming bone or cartilage, and neurons.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
73 words
A method for altering the regeneration, differentiation or differentiated cell function of cells comprising: attaching or abutting cells to a surface comprising an electrically conducting polymer for a sufficient time to alter the regeneration, differentiation or differentiated cell function of the cells attached to or abutting the polymer, without damaging the cells, wherein the cells are selected from the group consisting of endothelial cells, parenchymal cells, cells forming bone or cartilage, and neurons.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the cells are neurons.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the cells attach to the electrically conducting polymer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises applying an electric current or voltage to the polymer in an effective amount and for a sufficient time to alter the regeneration, differentiation or differentiated cell function of the cells attached or abutted to the polymer, without damaging the cells.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the electrically conductive polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyanilines, polypyrroles, polythiophenes, and copolymers and blends thereof.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the electrically conductive polymer is polypyrrole.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 2, wherein the neurons are selected from the group consisting of naturally occurring mammalian neurons and recombinant neurons.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 2, wherein the neurons are selected from the group consisting of brain, spinal, sensory, and motor neurons.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the polymer is coated onto or blended with a polymeric support structure.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 9 wherein the structure comprises a biocompatible polymer.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 10 wherein the structure comprises a biodegradable polymer.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 2 wherein molecules selected from the group consisting of proteins, antibodies nerve growth factors, hormones and attachment molecules are covalently attached to the electrically conductive polymer.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 12 further comprising implanting with the polymer a composition which enhances healing of the nervous tissue.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 2 further comprising implanting the conductive polymer into a patient in need of treatment and applying a voltage or current to the polymer in an amount effective to enhance the regeneration, differentiated cell function, or differentiation of nervous tissue comprising the neurons.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 13 wherein the nervous tissue is selected from the group consisting of central and peripheral nervous system tissue.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 13 comprising implanting the polymer into a patient in need of treatment and applying a voltage or current to the polymer in an amount effective to enhance regeneration of the neurons.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 14 wherein the extension of neurites on the neurons is enhanced.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
145 words
A device for altering the regeneration, differentiation or differentiated cell function of neurons comprising: a) an electrically conducting polymer in the form of a structure selected from the group consisting of sutures, tubes, sheets, films, and scaffolds for tissue engineering, and b) first and second electrodes for inducing a voltage or current across the polymer, wherein the first and second electrodes are electrically coupled with the polymer, wherein the device is configured and arranged to accept said neurons onto said electrically conducting polymer for a sufficient time and is capable of the alteration of regeneration, differentiation, or differentiated cell function of neurons without damaging the cells when the device is attached to or abuts neurons and an effective amount of a voltage or current to alter the regeneration, differentiation or differentiated cell function of the neurons is applied to the neurons for a sufficient time.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
145 words
A device for altering the regeneration, differentiation or differentiated cell function of neurons comprising: a) an electrically conducting polymer in the form of a structure selected from the group consisting of sutures, tubes, sheets, films, and scaffolds for tissue engineering, and b) first and second electrodes for inducing a voltage or current across the polymer, wherein the first and second electrodes are electrically coupled with the polymer, wherein the device is configured and arranged to accept said neurons onto said electrically conducting polymer for a sufficient time and is capable of the alteration of regeneration, differentiation, or differentiated cell function of neurons without damaging the cells when the device is attached to or abuts neurons and an effective amount of a voltage or current to alter the regeneration, differentiation or differentiated cell function of the neurons is applied to the neurons for a sufficient time.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 18 wherein the electrically conductive polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyanilines, polypyrroles, polythiophenes, and copolymers and blends thereof.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
12 words
The device of claim 18 wherein the electrically conductive polymer comprises polypyrrole.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
34 words
The device of claim 18 wherein the device is capable of the alteration of regeneration, differentiation, or differentiated cell function of neurons selected from the group consisting of brain, spinal, sensory and motor neurons.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 18 wherein the electrically conductive polymer is coated onto or blended with a polymeric support structure.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
12 words
The device of claim 18 wherein the structure comprises a biocompatible polymer.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
12 words
The device of claim 18 wherein the structure comprises a biodegradable polymer.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 18 further comprising a composition which stimulates neuron growth.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 18, wherein the electrically conducting polymer is capable of having neurons attach thereto.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-08-01 | 2004-01-31 | 2004-08-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-08-01 | 2008-01-31 | 2008-08-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-08-01 | 2012-01-31 | 2012-08-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |