Abstract: A gel tray for a bacterial transformation lab exercise has a plastic body with four parallel gel channels and four filling ports, one for each channel into which unmodified bacteria and heat-shocked bacteria can be injected by students along with appropriate reaction constituents to demonstrate transformation of the bacteria under visualization. A seal may be provided to seal the tops of the gel channels and a lid can cover the gel tray during incubation.

Abstract: A gel tray for a bacterial transformation lab exercise has a plastic body with four parallel gel channels and four filling ports, one for each channel into which unmodified bacteria and heat-shocked bacteria can be injected by students along with appropriate reaction constituents to demonstrate transformation of the bacteria under visualization. A seal may be provided to seal the tops of the gel channels and a lid can cover the gel tray during incubation.

Abstract: A gel tray for a bacteria transformation lab exercise has a transparent plastic body with four parallel gel channels and four filling ports, one for each channel into which unmodified bacteria and heat-shocked bacteria can be injected by students along with appropriate reaction constituents to demonstrate transformation of the bacteria under visualization.

Abstract: A gel tray for a bacteria transformation lab exercise has a transparent plastic body with four parallel gel channels and four filling ports, one for each channel into which unmodified bacteria and heat-shocked bacteria can be injected by students along with appropriate reaction constituents to demonstrate transformation of the bacteria under visualization.

Abstract: A gel tray for a bacterial transformation lab exercise has a plastic body with four parallel gel channels and four filling ports, one for each channel into which unmodified bacteria and heat-shocked bacteria can be injected by students along with appropriate reaction constituents to demonstrate transformation of the bacteria under visualization. A seal may be provided to seal the tops of the gel channels and a lid can cover the gel tray during incubation.

Abstract: A method is provided to functionally select cells with enhanced characteristics relevant to cell engraftment, including both spontaneous migration and directional migration towards specific chemo-attractants. The cells are preferably undifferentiated cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells. The method involves entrapping or encapsulating the cells in a biomaterial barrier, optionally inducing cell migration, and selecting cells that migrated through the barrier. The cells selected by this method have better migratory activities and enhanced in vivo engraftment to injured tissues when they are supplemented systemically.

Abstract: A method is provided to functionally select cells with enhanced characteristics relevant to cell engraftment, including both spontaneous migration and directional migration towards specific chemo-attractants. The cells are preferably undifferentiated cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells. The method involves entrapping or encapsulating the cells in a biomaterial barrier, optionally inducing cell migration, and selecting cells that migrated through the barrier. The cells selected by this method have better migratory activities and enhanced in vivo engraftment to injured tissues when they are supplemented systemically.