Abstract:
A permeable structure (16) forms a chamber (12) to hold living cells (14). The structure includes a first permeable region (18) surrounding at least a portion of the chamber (12) having a confirmation that, when implanted is host tissue, substantially blocks penetration of host cells into the chamber (12) while permitting solute transport. The structure (16) also includes a second permeable region (20) overlaying the first permeable region (18) having a confirmation that, when implanted in host tissue, forms a permeable interface with host tissue that permits solute transport. A third permeable region (22) is located between the first (18) and second (20) permeable regions. The third region (22) comprises a solution of polymer material formed in place between the first (18) and second (20) permeable regions. The third permeable region (22) bonds the first (18) and second (20) permeable regions together. The third permeable region (22) also has a confirmation that, when implanted in host tissue, permits solute transport between the first (18) and second (20) permeable regions together, providing a robust, laminated structure that resists delamination during implantation caused by cellular infiltration into discontinuous spaces between the first (18) and second (20) regions. The third, formed-in-place region (22) can also have a confirmation providing an immunoisolation effect. Furthermore, the permeability of the third, formed-in-place membrane (22) is sufficient high that it does not adversely effect the permability value desired for the overall multiple layer structure (16).
Abstract:
The present invention provides a flowable material container closure assembly having a port tube and a membrane tube. The port tube has a first layer and a second layer, the first layer is a polymer blend and the second layer is disposed coaxially within the first layer; and the membrane tube is disposed coaxially within the port tube, the membrane tube has an outer layer, a core layer and an inner layer.