Abstract: The present invention features methods for specifically micropositioning cells on a substratum. Cell-adhesive substances that bind to naturally-occurring or artificially-attached cell-surface moieties are deposited onto the substratum (e.g., using an inkjet printer), after which cells are incubated with the substratum such that they attach to the substratum via the cell-adhesive substances. The methods of the invention can be used to generate complex two- and three-dimensional patterns containing multiple cell types, e.g., for tissue engineering.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for rapidly positioning biological material in a desired orientation to form two-dimensional and three-dimensional arrays and structures. In particular, a technique is disclosed for utilizing a base material and a fixing medium that contains biological material, such that the fixing medium may fix the position of the biological material it contains upon contact with the base material. For example, a collagen suspension may be utilized as the base material, and a gelatin suspension may be used as the fixing medium, and the temperatures at which the collagen and gelatin suspensions are maintained may be controlled to allow the rapid formation of stacked cell layers. Alternative materials are also disclosed for use as the base material and the fixing medium. Also, disclosed are a method and apparatus for the precise positioning of cells into highly organized tissue structures, which are suitable for use in the treatment of burn patients.

Abstract: Cultures, such as bacterial, fungal, and mammalian cells and viruses of the above may be grown without agitation in culture pouch vessels having gas permeable surfaces. The culture pouches may be constructed of gas permeable silicone rubber and may include a sealable filling port and integral cuvette for measuring bacteria density. The culture pouches may be supplied with sterile dry culture medium, and culture growth may be initiated in the pouches by adding cells and sterile water.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for the precise positioning of cells into highly organized tissue structures, which are suitable for use in the treatment of burn patients. Specific placement of cells onto substrata is obtained by the computer-controlled direct placement of cell suspension matrix material, which includes cells suspended by an extracellular matrix material, including cell adhesion proteins, collagens, gelatin (i.e., degraded collagen), and cyanoacrylates or other cellular glues. A fluorescence activated cell sorter is used to provide a stream or droplet stream of the biological material. Cells may also be positioned by means of computer-controlled placement of cell adhesion materials such as fibronectin to a substratum which is suitable for maintaining cell growth, followed by allowing cells to attach to those areas of the substratum where the cell adhesion material has been placed.

Abstract: The present application relates generally to methods and devices allowing for high density tissue culture techniques to be practiced. Specifically, the application relates to a perfusable culture device which allows for the maintenance of high-density tissue cultures. The application also details methods of using the device to grow cells of varying densities, and methods of observing cell growth at high densities with time-lapse micrography.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparati for the precise positioning of cells into highly organized tissue structures. In particular, ink jet printers and graphics plotters are modified to allow their use in the preparation of tissue structures which are suitable for use in the treatment of burn patients. Cells are positioned by the use of computer-controlled placement of cell adhesion materials such as fibronectin to a substratum which is suitable for maintaining cell growth, followed by allowing cells to attach to those areas of the substratum where the cell adhesion material has been placed. Alternatively, specific placement of cells onto substrata is obtained by the computer-controlled placement of cells directly. These apparati may be even further modified and improved by providing a controlled biological environment in the area of the substratum, thus providing an integral unit for the production of organized tissues.