Decellularized bone marrow extracellular matrix

Patent Number: 7,326,571

Numerous patents have been filed on de-cellularized tissues for use as matrices. For example, patent # 6,696,074 teaches that various fetal tissues may be de-cellularized and used as scaffolds. Such scaffolds may be seeded with various differentiated or stem cells, such as placental stem cells. The current patent teaches the use of de-cellularized bone marrow as a scaffold.

The patent has claims covering the actual de-cellularized matrix, as well as method of treatment claims involving the use of the de-cellularized matrix.

Essentially the patent teaches that one can obtain bone marrow, treat the bone marrow with various agents and/or procedures in order to remove the cellular components, subsequently sterilizing the bone marrow, and using it for regenerating damaged tissue.

The de-cellularized extracellular matrix may be implanted in vivo in order to allow endogenous cells to colonize it, or alternatively, it may be seeded with various cells ex vivo before implantation. Additionally, growth factors may be added to the matrix.

View this patent on the USPTO website.