Abstract: This invention discloses methods to attach and grow a monolayer of cultured human retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE) for use in implantation into the brain as a treatment for Parkinson's disease. The invention will enable the delivery of the transplanted RPE cells in microcarriers composed of intergratable or degradable substrates, including glass, plastic, polymer gels, gelatin and collagen, and glycosaminoglycans (GAGS). The invention involves the coating of the microcarrier surface with diamond-like carbon, alone or in combination with attachment factors such as laminin, fibronectin, RGDS, and extracellular matrix to increase the attachment of the RPE to the surface. Additionally the invention discloses the use of bFGF conjugated with polycarbophil, EGF conjugated with polycarbophil and heparin sulfate as also being incorporated into the micro carrier to augment attachment and proliferation of RPE during transplantation.

Abstract: A method for isolation of human corneal endothelial cells by non-enzymatic harvesting and culturing of endothelial cells in vitro from critical density in a system consisting of extracellular matrix protein coated plastic dishes and growth factor enriched culture medium are used to generate expanded sub-populations of endothelial cells for cell replacement procedures or transplantation in denuded donor corneas. Special procedures are included in the process for the removal of the native corneal endothelium from the donor corneas and the seeding of the culture corneal endothelial cells onto the denuded corneas for transplantation purposes.

Abstract: This present invention describes a method of coating a polymer surface with diamond-like carbon (DLC) to render it useful as a carrier for cells derived from neural crest origin, preferable neuronal cells that form dendrites. The biopolymer to be coated with the DLC will include biodegradable polymers and other implantable biopolymers to act as a carrier system for cell transplantation into the various parts of the body, including the brain, the eye, the central and peripheral nervous system, the lung, the liver, the spleen, the kidney, and the bone and cartilage. The biopolymer can be in sheet form or microparticle form, and can be imbedded with, or incorporated into during its synthesis, attachment or growth promoting reagents to enhance and support neuraonal call attachment and growth. This coating method can also augment other coating agents such as extracellular matrix (ECM) secreted by cultured bovine corneal endothelial cells, as well as adhesive molecules such as fibronectin, laminin, and RGDS.