Improved hydrogel for tissue engineering

Abstract From the Canadian patent

This invention provides compositions for use in implanting into an animal comprising a biodegradable, biocompatible polymer which forms a hydrogel upon cross-linking. In a preferred mode, the polymer is cross-linked by multivalent ions; more preferably, a soluble salt of a multivalent ion and a sparingly soluble salt of a multivalent ion, these components being combined into a mixture which forms a partially hardened injectable hydrogel, the consistency , of the mixture being suitable for implanting the partially hardened hydrogel mixture into the animal, where the implanted partially hardened hydrogel , forms in situ a fully hardened hydrogel. Preferably the mixture also contains , a …