Extracellular matrix-derived gels and related methods
Provided are methods for preparing gelled, solubilized extracellular matrix (ECM) compositions useful as cell growth scaffolds. Also provided are compositions prepared according to the methods as well as uses for the compositions. In one embodiment a device, such as a prosthesis, is provided which comprises an inorganic matrix into which the gelled, solubilized ECM is dispersed to facilitate in-growth of cells into the ECM and thus adaptation and/or attachment of the device to a patient.
1. A composition comprising: (a) lyophilized extracellular matrix derived from a mammalian tissue and digested with an acid protease, and (b) the acid protease, wherein the composition after addition of water is a liquid at a temperature of about 4° C. to 25° C. and gels at a temperature greater than 25° C.
2. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the extracellular matrix is comminuted.
3. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the mammalian tissue comprises cardiac tissue.
4. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the composition has a pH between 7.2 and 7.8.
5. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the protease is pepsin.
6. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the composition is injectable through a needle.
7. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the composition is chemically cross-linked.
8. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the extracellular matrix comprises collagen and glycosaminoglycan.
9. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the composition further comprises a biocompatible material, a cell, a drug, a growth factor or an antibiotic.
10. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the extracellular matrix is a non-dialyzed extracellular matrix.
11. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the composition is a liquid.
12. The composition of claim 11 , wherein the composition transitions to a gel form at a physiological temperature.
13. The composition of claim 11 , wherein the extracellular matrix is suspended in the liquid.
14. The composition of claim 11 , wherein the extracellular matrix is solubilized in the liquid.
15. A composition comprising: (a) extracellular matrix derived from a mammalian tissue and digested with an acid protease, and (b) the acid protease, wherein the composition is chemically crosslinked.
16. A method for correcting a disease-induced tissue defect in a subject in need of repair or augmentation of said tissue defect comprising administering to said subject an effective amount of a composition comprising:
(a) lyophilized extracellular matrix derived from a mammalian tissue and digested with an acid protease, and
(b) the acid protease,
wherein the composition after addition of water is a liquid at a temperature of about 4° C. to 25° C. and gels at a temperature greater than 25° C.
17. The method of claim 16 , wherein the extracellular matrix is comminuted.
18. The method of claim 16 , wherein the mammalian tissue comprises cardiac tissue.
19. The method of claim 16 , wherein the composition has a pH between 7.2 and 7.8.
20. The method of claim 16 , wherein the protease is pepsin.
21. The method of claim 16 , wherein the composition is injectable through a needle.
22. The method of claim 16 , wherein the composition is chemically cross-linked.
23. The method of claim 16 , wherein the extracellular matrix comprises collagen and glycosaminoglycan.
24. The method of claim 16 , wherein the composition further comprises a biocompatible material, a cell, a drug, a growth factor or an antibiotic.
25. The method of claim 16 , wherein the extracellular matrix is a non-dialyzed extracellular matrix.
26. The method of claim 16 , wherein the composition is a liquid.
27. The method of claim 26 , wherein the composition transitions to a gel form at a physiological temperature.
28. The method of claim 26 , wherein the extracellular matrix is suspended in the liquid.
29. The method of claim 26 , wherein the extracellular matrix is solubilized in the liquid.