Abstract: Engineered neocartilage tissue compositions comprising human rib cartilage-derived cells at passage 5 (P5) or greater and methods for producing said engineered neocartilage tissue compositions. The engineered neocartilage tissue compositions are scaffold-free and feature the use of highly expanded cells exhibiting functional properties similar to native articular cartilage. The human rib cartilage-derived cells may be allogeneic cells. The tissue compositions herein may be configured for surgical implantation. The tissue compositions may be configured to repair a variety of tissues and defects such as, but not limited to, hyaline cartilage, fibrocartilage, elastic cartilage, chondral lesions, osteochondral lesions, osteoarthritic conditions, a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc complex, TMJ tissues, a knee meniscus, nasal cartilages, facet cartilages, knee articular cartilage, ear cartilage, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The methods described herein are for conserving highly expanded cells that have functional properties such as potential for use in neotissue constructs. For example, highly expanded chondrocytes that can be used to construct neocartilage exhibiting functional properties similar to native articular cartilage. The methods and systems feature processes that form functional, human cartilage using cells that have been expanded to at least 1.5×105 times or P3 or greater. This enables a large quantity of engineered cartilage implants to be produced from few cells.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enhancing cell populations such as chondrocytes for tissue engineering applications, e.g., for production of neocartilage. The methods and systems of the present invention feature the introduction of a hypotonic buffer to the cells during the cell isolation process, which results in neotissue (e.g., neocartilage) constructs that are significantly more mechanically robust as compared to those not treated with hypotonic buffer. The methods and systems may further comprise introducing cytochalasin D to cells purified with a hypotonic buffer, which can further bolster the mechanical properties and matrix deposition of the cells. The methods and systems result in neocartilage engineered from chondrocytes, for example, from fetal aged tissue, having compressive properties on par with native adult articular cartilage.

Abstract: The present invention is a multi-stage treatment that heals tissue or organ damage (e.g., linear defects, fissures, and fibrillations, as well as focal and large defects) in collagen-rich tissues and organs such as articular cartilage. The present invention includes methods 1) to prime tissues in preparation for treatment, which comprises “melting” the tissue matrix, 2) to add or fill the damaged area with a “melding” agent, comprising of endogenous or exogenous tissue matrix, with or without cells, with or without exogenous biomaterials, and with or without endogenous or exogenous enzymes, such that the melding agent enhances anchoring into the defect for the purpose of integration and/or tissue healing. The Melt-and-Meld process can also be applied in conjunction with any existing treatments of tissue or organ defects.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enhancing cell populations such as chondrocytes for tissue engineering applications, e.g., for production of neocartilage. The methods and systems of the present invention feature the introduction of a hypotonic buffer to the cells during the cell isolation process, which results in neotissue (e.g., neocartilage) constructs that are significantly more mechanically robust as compared to those not treated with hypotonic buffer. The methods and systems may further comprise introducing cytochalasin D to cells purified with hypotonic buffer, which can further bolster the mechanical properties and matrix deposition of the cells. The methods and systems result in neocartilage engineered from chondrocytes, for example, from fetal aged tissue, having compressive properties on par with native adult articular cartilage.

Abstract: The methods described herein are for conserving highly expanded cells that have functional properties such as potential for use in neotissue constructs. For example, highly expanded chondrocytes that can be used to construct neocartilage exhibiting functional properties similar to native articular cartilage. The methods and systems feature processes that form functional, human cartilage using cells that have been expanded to at least 1.5×105 times or P3 or greater. This enables a large quantity of engineered cartilage implants to be produced from few cells.

Abstract: Methods for inducing differentiation of dermis-derived cells to serve as a source of chondrocytes and associated methods of use in forming tissue engineered constructs. One example of a method is a method for inducing differentiation of cells into chondrocytes comprising providing aggrecan sensitive isolated dermis cells and seeding the cells onto an aggrecan coated surface.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating a tissue-engineered construct comprising: providing a tissue-engineered construct, wherein the tissue-engineered construct is derived from a xenogenic source; and decellularizing the tissue-engineered construct.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for fabricating a tissue-engineered cartilage construct comprising: providing a cell sample comprising a plurality of chondrocytes; culturing the cell sample to produce a tissue-engineered cartilage construct; and treating the tissue-engineered cartilage construct, wherein treating the tissue-engineered cartilage construct comprises the use of a biochemical reagent, a mechanical force, hydrostatic pressure, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A process for culturing chondrocytes to form constructs which contain higher percentages of cells that retain the chondrocytic phenotype are disclosed. The tissue engineered constructs may be formed into neocartilage-containing compositions for a variety of in vitro and in vivo purposes. Methods of treating individuals in need of articular cartilage growth by implanting a new composition are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for inducing differentiation of dermis-derived cells to serve as a source of chondrocytes and associated methods of use in forming tissue engineered constructs. One example of a method is a method for inducing differentiation of cells into chondrocytes comprising providing aggrecan sensitive isolated dermis cells and seeding the cells onto an aggrecan coated surface.

Abstract: Methods for forming tissue engineered constructs without the use of scaffolds and associated methods of use in tissue replacement. One example of a method may comprise providing a shaped hydrogel negative mold; seeding the mold with cells; allowing the cells to self-assemble in the mold to form a tissue engineered construct.

Abstract: Methods for inducing differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into chondrocytes for use in tissue engineering applications are provided. One example of a method is a method for inducing differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into chondrocytes comprising aggregating undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells to form embryoid bodies; and culturing the embryoid bodies in culture medium in the presence of growth factors that induce chondrogenic differentiation of the embryoid bodies.

Abstract: A stent for use in animals including humans is disclosed which includes unprotected and protected regions, each protected regions including a bioactive or biopenetrating agent containing therein where the protected regions are protected by the unprotected regions when the stent is in its undeployed state which has a smaller cross-sectional dimension than the stent in its deployed state. And when the stent is in its deployed state the bioactive or biopenetrating agent(s) are brought into direct and intimate contact with a tissue or interior of a blood vessel of an animal including a human.

Abstract: A device for tissue, especially hard tissue, penetration which incorporated a novel paddle-shaped needle for low friction rotatory penetration of the tissue. A controlled delivery or extraction system is also disclosed for the transfer of material from the device into a tissue site or transfer of material from the tissue site to the device. The delivery system or extraction system includes at least on solenoid or other similar device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for monitoring skin temperatures at predetermined locations on the body of a human or an animal. One embodiment includes a platform with a grid including holes on which the user stands. Under the grid is a movable array of light sensors and temperature sensors. The foot position is determined from the output of the light sensors. The temperatures at predetermined locations on the skin surface are determined by the signals obtained from the temperature sensors. Additional vital health information may be obtained by other sensors on the apparatus. The data may be stored for future retrieval, or transmitted to a remote location for off-site monitoring. Alternative embodiments include sensor blankets or wraps whereby temperature sensors monitor skin temperature for areas of pressure on the blanket or areas covered by the wrap.

Abstract: A redifferentiated dermal fibroblast cell that exhibits at least one characteristic of a chondrocyte. A proteoglycan is used to induce re-differentiation of the cell. In some embodiments, the cell expresses of at least one cartilage proteoglycan marker. The proteoglycan may comprise aggrecan and the cell may differentiate from the fibroblast along the chondrogenic lineage.

Abstract: The present invention involves a device for tissue, especially hard tissue, penetration device which incorporated a novel paddle-shaped needle for low friction rotatory penetration of hard tissue and a controlled delivery or extraction system for transfer of material from to device into a tissue site or transfer of material from the tissue site to the device. The delivery system or extraction system includes at least on solenoid or other similar device.

Abstract: The present invention involves a device for tissue, especially hard tissue, penetration device which incorporated a novel paddle-shaped needle for low friction rotatory penetration of hard tissue and a controlled delivery or extraction system for transfer of material from to device into a tissue site or transfer of material from the tissue site to the device. The delivery system or extraction system includes at least on solenoid or other similar device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for monitoring skin temperatures at predetermined locations on the body of a human or an animal. One embodiment includes a platform with a grid including holes on which the user stands. Under the grid is a movable array of light sensors and temperature sensors. The foot position is determined from the output of the light sensors. The temperatures at predetermined locations on the skin surface are determined by the signals obtained from the temperature sensors. Additional vital health information may be obtained by other sensors on the apparatus. The data may be stored for future retrieval, or transmitted to a remote location for off-site monitoring. Alternative embodiments include sensor blankets or wraps whereby temperature sensors monitor skin temperature for areas of pressure on the blanket or areas covered by the wrap.