Abstract: There are provided compositions and methods to disperse mucin and/or actin using nanoparticles wherein the average diameter of the nanoparticles is less than about 1000 nm.

Abstract: A method is provided to prepare a plurality of microwells suitable for the formation of embryoid bodies from embryonic stem cells. The method requires applying an image-forming material to a heat sensitive thermoplastic material in a designed pattern and heating the material under conditions that reduce the size of the receptive material by at least about 60% to create a mold. A polymer such as PDMS is then applied to the mold and removed to form the microwells. In an alternative aspect, the plurality of microwells on receptive material are prepared by etching a microwell designed pattern into a heat sensitive thermoplastic material support and then heating the material under conditions that reduce the size of the receptive material by at least about 60%.

Abstract: There are provided compositions and methods to aggregate mucus using a plurality of positively charged nanoparticles. There are also provided compositions and methods for inducing contraception in the subject.

Abstract: There are provided compositions and methods to disperse mucin and/or actin using nanoparticles wherein the average diameter of the nanoparticles is less than about 1000 nm.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions for differentiating an isolated embryonic stem cell or an isolated embryoid body into neuronal progenitor cells and methods for using same.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for aligning cell growth is provided by this invention by contacting at least one isolated cell with a device, wherein the device comprises a plurality of continuously orientating substantially parallel structures on the surface of the device, and culturing the cell under conditions that favor division of the at least one cell into a population of cells, thereby growing the population of cells in a substantially parallel orientation.

Abstract: A method of monitoring an air atmosphere for a harmful biological or chemical agent includes providing a plurality of mammalian respiratory airway epithelial cells borne on a porous support; contacting the porous support with a cell nutrient medium and with air by positioning said porous support at an air-liquid interface between the cell nutrient liquid and the air; sampling the air atmosphere to thereby create an air flow over the air-liquid interface so that the respiratory epithelial cells borne on the porous silicone support are contacted by the sampled air; and monitoring the respiratory epithelial cells for at least one physiological parameter indicating the cells have been exposed to the harmful agent.