Abstract: The invention provides for methods of differentiating pancreatic endocrine cells into pancreatic beta cells expressing PDX1, NKX6.1, MAFA, UCN3 and SLC2A. These pancreatic beta cells may be obtained by step-wise differentiation of pluripotent stem cells. The pancreatic beta cells exhibit glucose-dependent mitochondrial respiration and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion similar to islet cells.

Abstract: A method of dissociating single cells from a biological tissue sample is described herein, along with systems for performing such methods. The method includes generating one or more ultrasonic wave pulses using a transducer comprising one or more Fresnel Annular Sector Actuator (FASA) elements; and applying energy from the generated one or more ultrasonic wave pulses to a sample container holding the biological tissue sample through a coupling medium that couples the one or more FASA elements to the sample container to dissociate single cells from the biological tissue is described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to providing artificial tendon or ligament tissue having sufficient strength. More specifically, artificial tendon or ligament tissue having sufficient strength is provided by embedding collagen-secreting cells in a gel having strength capable of resisting a tensile load and by culturing the cells while applying a tensile load to the gel to produce artificial tendon or ligament tissue. Cells that steadily express the Mkx gene can be used as the collagen-secreting cells. A fibrin gel containing aprotinin can be used as the gel.

Abstract: An operation method of a multiplex slide plate device is provided. First, the multiplex slide plate device is assembled, including a slide plate, a sacrificial layer and a housing. The slide plate has reaction vessels, and the sacrificial layer has a microfluidic channel composed of an injection channel, a main channel and a distal channel. A sample solution is injected to the injection channel, such that the sample solution flows from the injection channel through the main channel to the distal channel, wherein the sample solution loads into the reaction vessels. Afterwards, an oil is injected to the injection channel, such that the oil flows from the injection channel through the main channel to the distal channel, wherein the oil removes the sample solution not loaded into the reaction vessels. Next, the sacrificial layer is heated to melt, and the melted sacrificial layer is mixed with the oil.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally provide for expanding cells in a cell expansion system. The cells may be grown in a bioreactor, and the cells may be activated by an activator (e.g., a soluble activator complex). Nutrient and gas exchange capabilities of a closed, automated cell expansion system may allow cells to be seeded at reduced cell seeding densities, for example. Parameters of the cell growth environment may be manipulated to load the cells into a particular position in the bioreactor for the efficient exchange of nutrients and gases. System parameters may be adjusted to shear any cell colonies that may form during the expansion phase. Metabolic concentrations may be controlled to improve cell growth and viability. Cell residence in the bioreactor may be controlled. In embodiments, the cells may include T cells. In further embodiments, the cells may include T cell subpopulations, including regulatory T cells (Tregs), for example.

Abstract: Specific binding members, particularly antibodies and fragments thereof, which bind to transforming growth factor beta 3 (TGF-?3) are provided, particularly recognizing human and mouse TGF-?3, particularly antibodies and fragments that do not recognize or bind TGF-?1 or TGF-?2. Particular antibodies are provided which specifically recognize and neutralize TGF-?3. These antibodies are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions associated with activated or elevated TGF-?3, including cancer, and for modulating immune cells and immune response, including immune response to cancer or cancer antigens. The anti-TGF-?3 antibodies, variable regions or CDR domain sequences thereof, and fragments thereof may also be used in therapy in combination with chemotherapeutics, immune modulators, or anti-cancer agents and/or with other antibodies or fragments thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) monolayers or bone-marrow cell monolayers and methods for its culture and corresponding uses of said monolayers. The present invention also relates, in some aspects, to screening methods comprising the PBMC monolayer or bone-marrow cell monolayer of the invention for determination of response or lack of response of a disease to a therapeutic agent and/or drug screening methods. In some aspects, the invention further relates to methods for diagnosing a disease or predisposition to a disease in a PBMC donor or bone-marrow cell donor comprising the PBMCs/bone-marrow cells cultured according to the method of the invention and/or to methods for determining whether the disease is likely to respond or is responsive to treatment with a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using microfluidic devices to concentrate cells, to perform buffer changes, to sort cells based on size, and/or to isolate particular types of cells in a rapid manner, are presented. Cells flow into a matrix of posts, wherein the posts are distributed along diagonal lines in the chamber. The cells are deflected in a lateral manner, towards a side of a chamber and are collected upon exiting the chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for decellularising a tissue the method comprising the steps of: a) adding a tissue to be decellularised to a decellularisation vessel; b) adding a decellularisation medium comprising at least one detergent and/or at least one enzyme to the vessel; c) introducing a supercritical fluid to the vessel; and d) maintaining contact of the tissue with the supercritical fluid for a time sufficient to substantially decellularise the tissue.

Abstract: Compositions including a first soft tissue-derived matrix and a second soft tissue-derived matrix are provided, as well as methods of making such compositions. In some embodiments, the composition comprises delipidated, decellularized adipose tissue-derived matrix and delipidated, decellularized fascial tissue-derived matrix, which may be combined in various proportions. Such adipose-fascia matrix compositions provide improved volume retention when implanted into a patient. The composition may further include exogenous cells or other substances, and/or a carrier. The composition is suitable for use inplastic surgery procedures, including reconstructive or cosmetic surgery procedures, as well as procedures for wound treatment and tissue regeneration.

Abstract: Nucleases and methods of using these nucleases for genetic alteration of red blood cells (RBCs), for example for providing for a protein lacking in a monogenic disorder or a biologic for the treatment of exposure to a toxin using genetically altered RBCs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tissue-engineered intervertebral disc (IVD) suitable for total disc replacement in a mammal and methods of fabrication. The IVD comprises a nucleus pulposus structure comprising a first population of living cells that secrete a hydrophilic protein and an annulus fibrosis structure surrounding and in contact with the nucleus pulposus structure, the annulus fibrosis structure comprising a second population of living cells and type I collagen. The collagen fibrils in the annulus fibrosis structure are circumferentially aligned around the nucleus pulposus region due to cell-mediated contraction in the annulus fibrosis structure. Also disclosed are methods of fabricating tissue-engineered intervertebral discs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of culturing primitive-like macrophages from stem cells, a kit when used in the method thereof and uses of the primitive like macrophage for in-vitro disease models and for screening compounds for therapy. One embodied culture method comprises contacting and incubating embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells with a serum-free culture media comprising a GSK3 inhibitor to differentiate stem cells into cells of the mesoderm lineage, followed by incubation with a culture media comprising Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1) to differentiate the mesoderm into cells of hematopoietic lineage, maturing hematopoietic cells and incubating these cells with a culture media comprising M-CSF to drive differentiation into primitive-like macrophages.

Abstract: Specific binding members, particularly antibodies and fragments thereof, which bind to transforming growth factor beta 3 (TGF-?3) are provided, particularly recognizing human and mouse TGF-?3, particularly antibodies and fragments that do not recognize or bind TGF-?1 or TGF-?2. Particular antibodies are provided which specifically recognize and neutralize TGF-?3. These antibodies are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions associated with activated or elevated TGF-?3, including cancer, and for modulating immune cells and immune response, including immune response to cancer or cancer antigens. The anti-TGF-?3 antibodies, variable regions or CDR domain sequences thereof, and fragments thereof may also be used in therapy in combination with chemotherapeutics, immune modulators, or anti-cancer agents and/or with other antibodies or fragments thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to tissue matrix products. The products can includes tissue matrices that have holes or perforations located at certain positions to improve certain in vivo functions without substantial loss of strength or other important properties.

Abstract: Regulated changes in gene expression underlie many biological processes, but globally profiling cell-to-cell variations in transcriptional regulation is problematic when measuring single cells. Transcriptome-wide identification of regulatory heterogeneities can be robustly achieved by randomly collecting small numbers of cells followed by statistical analysis. However, this stochastic-profiling approach blurs out the expression states of the individual cells in each pooled sample. Various aspects of the disclosure show that the underlying distribution of single-cell regulatory states can be deconvolved from stochastic-profiling data through maximum-likelihood inference. Guided by the mechanisms of transcriptional regulation, the disclosure provides mixture models for cell-to-cell regulatory heterogeneity which result in likelihood functions to infer model parameters.

Abstract: Methods are provided for directly converting histopathologically processed biological samples, tissues, and cells into a multiuse biomolecule lysate. This method allows for simultaneous extraction, isolation, solubilization, and storage of all biomolecules contained within the histopathologically processed biological sample, thereby forming a representative library of said sample. This multi-use biomolecule lysate is dilutable, soluble, capable of being fractionated, and used in biochemical assays.

Abstract: The present invention provides various improved systems and methods for obtaining, generating, culturing, and handling cells, such as stem cells (including induced pluripotent stem cells or iPSCs) and differentiated cells, as well as cells and cell panels produced using such systems and methods, and uses of such cells and cell panels.

Abstract: A fluid pumping and bioreactor system including at least two cassettes, at least one storage reservoir, at least one bioreactor, at least one manifold including valve modules, and tubing to connect the cassettes to the storage reservoir and the bioreactor. The cassettes can include pumps, valves, and fluid conduits and can be communicatively connected to the at least one manifold. The bioreactor can include an adapter and fluid conduits extending through the adapter from the exterior of the bioreactor to the interior of the bioreactor. System and method for generating a tissue for transplant by decellularizing and recellularizing a supplied tissue.

Abstract: Products, processes, compositions, kits, and methods are provided for cartilage-derived implants. The implants can exhibit resistance to enzyme (e.g., collagenase, protease, etc.) digestion compared to the source tissue from which they were derived while still having one or more mechanical properties comparable to the source tissue from which they were derived. The implants can also have a plurality of molecular bridges between molecules of the cartilaginous material. The molecular bridges can connect one or more collagen fibrils and/or/with one or more glycosaminoglycans. The implants can also be treated with cationic detergent, packaged and sterilized with or without additional components, and surgically implanted into subjects.

Abstract: Chondrocytes are prepared from perichondrocytes. The present invention provides a cell derived from a perichondrial tissue, the cell being capable of differentiating into a chondrocyte. The present invention also provides a method of preparing the above-described cell and a composition comprising the same. A method of preparing a chondrocyte and a medium for use in the method are also provided.

Abstract: An injectable tissue engineered cartilage in vitro construction apparatus, comprising an incubator (1), a centrifugal device arranged in the incubator (1), and a control system for controlling a temperature in the incubator (1) and an action of the centrifugal device. The centrifugal device comprises a centrifuge, a container base (2) mounted onto the centrifuge, a dosing system for adding preparation reagent, and a stirring system for stirring the reagent. With a controller (17) and a pH sensor (16), a measured pH value will be transmitted by the pH sensor (16) to the controller (17) in real time. The controller (17) controls an action of a driving mechanism via a control module II (21), to drive a piston rod to add NaOH solution into a container tank (6). When the pH value of the solution falls in a predetermined range, the driving mechanism is stopped, to precisely control the pH value of the solution.

Abstract: A method for determining the effect of a plurality of culture conditions on a cell, comprising the steps of: a) providing a first set of groups of cell units each comprising one or more cells, and exposing said groups to desired culture conditions; (b) pooling two or more of said groups to form at least one second pool; (c) subdividing the second pool to create a further set of groups of cell units; (d) exposing said further groups to desired culture conditions; (e) optionally, repeating steps (b)-(d) iteratively as required; and (f) optionally assessing the effect on a given cell unit of the culture conditions to which it has been exposed.

Abstract: Human progenitor cells are extracted from perivascular tissue of human umbilical cord. The progenitor cell population proliferates rapidly, and harbors osteogenic progenitor cells and MHC?/? progenitor cells, and is useful to grow and repair human tissues including bone.

Abstract: Objects of the present invention are to provide a method for directly obtaining pluripotent stem cells from body tissue and the thus obtained pluripotent stem cells. The present invention relates to SSEA-3 (+) pluripotent stem cells that can be isolated from body tissue.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for differentiating tissue resident multipotent mesenchmal stromal cells (MSCs) such as adipose tissue resident MSCs into a hematopoietic lineage are described.

Abstract: Methods and composition for differentiation of pluripotent stem cells are provided. For example, in certain aspects methods including screening of optimal differentiation conditions for a selected stem cell clone in a selected batch of culture medium and use of the determined optimal condition for differentiation into a specific cell lineage.

Abstract: The invention relates to stems cells derived from bone marrow, and uses thereof in tissue regeneration.

Abstract: The invention relates to the discovery of a selective cell surface marker that permits the selection of a unique subset of pancreatic stems cells having a high propensity to differentiate into insulin producing cells or into insulin producing cell aggregates.

Abstract: A combination of therapeutic factors derived from non-adherent or poorly adherent stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells exposed to protein-free basal medium are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for using eye-safe infrared energy from a Class I laser to manipulate cells in culture. The laser energy produces one or more phase boundary propulsion events, which generate hydrodynamic forces sufficient to manipulate cells at the focal point.

Abstract: A method of isolating non-expanded post-natal multilineage-inducible cells has the steps of obtaining a biological sample from an animal; isolating bone marrow from the biological sample, isolating total nuclear cells (TNCs) obtained from the bone marrow, incubating the total nuclear cells in the presence of an antibody or a cell adhesion substrate, separating the cells to isolate non-expanded post-natal multilineage-inducible cells and isolating the non-expanded post-natal multilineage-inducible cells in the absence of expansion.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated population of chondrocyte precursor cells wherein 1% or less of the cells express Oct4, Nanog and/or TRA-1-60, 7% or less of the cells express no collagen II, collagen X, CD105 or Stro-1 and 85% or more of the cells express CBFA1, methods for preparing such cells and uses of chondrocyte cells derived from said precursor cells.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an ex vivo method for producing a preparation containing CD4+ T cells specific for EBV structural antigens for use in the prophylaxis and treatment of patients with a reduced T cell activity in order to prevent or treat growth of EBV infected B cells.

Abstract: A method for rapidly collecting cells from a surface, such as a surface bearing fingerprints, for subsequent macromolecular analysis involves dispensing a predetermined amount of an aqueous solution onto the surface, and subjecting the aqueous solution to ultrasound waves to promote a detachment of the cells from the surface. Extraction of macromolecules such as DNA from the cells can be effected directly in the solution containing the collected cells by further subjecting the solution to ultrasound waves for a prescribed period of time to lyse the cells, and then extracting the DNA.

Abstract: A bioreactor and method that permits continuous and simultaneous short, moderate, or long term cell culturing of one or more cell types or tissue in a laminar flow configuration is disclosed, where the bioreactor supports at least two laminar flow zones, which are isolated by laminar flow without the need for physical barriers between the zones. The bioreactors of this invention are ideally suited for studying short, moderate and long term studies of cell cultures and the response of cell cultures to one or more stressors such as pharmaceuticals, hypoxia, pathogens, or any other stressor. The bioreactors of this invention are also ideally suited for short, moderate or long term cell culturing with periodic cell harvesting and/or medium processing for secreted cellular components.

Abstract: Methods for processing tissue are provided. In some embodiments, the methods comprise methods for decellularizing tissue samples by applying high hydrostatic pressure to the tissues samples. In some embodiments, the methods comprise methods for thawing tissue samples and/or reducing the bioburden in a sample by applying high hydrostatic pressure to the tissue samples.

Abstract: A matrix, including epithelial basement membrane, for inducing repair of mammalian tissue defects and in vitro cell propagation derived from epithelial tissues of a warm-blooded vertebrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a valved stent that can provide a valve function without blocking a branch blood vessel, and also can provide a valve function with minimum covering of blood vessel tissue in a stent indwelling section. Specifically, a cylindrical stent body 4 is provided. A leaflet 5 that can open/close a blood vessel 2 in a blood flow direction is provided. The leaflet 5 is composed of connective tissue and protrudes radially inward from the stent body 4. An inside and an outside of the stent body 4 radially communicate with each other. The stent does not block a branch blood vessel 8. An area of the blood vessel covered with the stent is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention provides biomatrix scaffolds, a tissue extract enriched for extracellular matrix components and bound growth factors, cytokines and hormones, and methods of making and using same.

Abstract: Bone grafts and constructs including stem cells are provided. Example bone grafts include osteogenic stem cells seeded on a scaffold of osteoconductive cortico-cancellous chips and/or osteoinductive demineralized bone. Example constructs include extracellular matrix on a synthetic scaffold, in which the ECM is secreted from MSCs seeded onto the synthetic scaffold. Also provided are methods of making the present bone grafts and scaffolds. Further provided are methods of promoting bone healing and treating wound healing, by administering the present bone grafts and constructs to a mammal in need thereof. Also provided are kits that include the present bone grafts and/or constructs, or components thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a prosthetic tissue or sheet capable of withstanding implantation operations, which can be used in actual operation and can be produced by culture. The present invention also provides a novel therapy which can substitute for cell therapy. Particularly, the present invention provides a method for producing a prosthetic tissue comprising a cell derived from a part other than myocardium and capable of withstanding implantation operation. The above-described objects of the present invention were partially achieved by finding that by culturing cells under specific culture conditions, the cells are unexpectedly organized into a tissue, and the resultant prosthetic tissue is capable of being detached from culture dishes. The present invention also provides a three-dimensional structure applicable to heart, comprising a cell derived from a part other than the myocardium of an adult.

Abstract: Noncultured Wharton's Jelly stem cells and methods of their purification, storage and use are provided.

Abstract: Methods and kits of releasing cells are provided. The method comprises the steps of providing cultured cells on a cell culture support comprising a multi layer polyelectrolyte coating immobilized on a substrate, and releasing the cultured cells from the cell culture support by a releasing solution comprising DMSO. The kit comprises a cell culture support and a releasing solution. The releasing solution comprises DMSO.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of deriving pluripotent embryonic stem cells from mouse blastocysts or from primordial germ cells from a post-implantation mouse embryo, or of maintaining or growing pluripotent embryonic stem cells from a mouse, or of expanding human hematopoietic stem cells or human hematopoietic precursor cells. The methods include the step of cultivating the stem cells or precursor cells for at least one passage in a culture medium preconditioned by the rabbit fibroblast cell line Rab9 (ATCC catalogue CRL1414) and containing less than 0.1 ng/ml Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF).

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of in vitro preparation of a parental cell bank (PCB) from foetal tissue consisting of foetal epiphyseal tissue, foetal Achilles tendon tissue and foetal skin tissue, using a rapid mechanical primary cell culture selection of cell type to be used in methods for wound and tissue repair.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of obtaining a cell population containing cancer stem cells, which comprises culturing iPS cells in the presence of culture supernatant of cancer cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stem cells obtained from the amnion and their methods of obtaining and culturing. The present invention further relates to compositions comprising amnion-derived stems cells (ADSCs) and to methods of using ADSCs.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for culturing cells derived from the adipose tissue and in particular the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) to induce formation of cardiomyocytes, the use of the cells obtained by said culture method to reconstitute an ischemized cardiac zone, in particular following an infarction, as well as a pharmaceutical composition containing said cells. The method for obtaining cardiac cells comprises at least the following steps: a) selecting cardiomyogenic cells from the stromal vascular fraction (SVF); b) culturing the cells selected at step a) in a liquid medium optimized for expanding ex vivo the cardiomyogenic cells; c) maintaining and expanding said cells by successive passes in the liquid medium; and d) obtaining cardiac cells.

Abstract: Methods of cell culture using patterned SAM arrays are disclosed. Advantageously, the disclosed methods use SAM arrays presenting adhesion peptides to grow confluent monolayers that can invaginate to form an embryoid body.