Abstract: The invention provides an improved method of producing a natural, acellular matrix scaffold for subsequent use in tissue-engineered replacement of tissues such as the bladder. Decellularisation is carried out on an expanded or distended bladder and the product retains the strength and compliance of natural material. The invention also provides use of the matrix scaffolds as wound healing material and to investigate tissue structure and function in vitro.

Abstract: Hydrophobically modified polysaccharide compositions, articles incorporating the compositions, and methods for cell culture, automatic release of cells, and release of cell culture coating from a substrate or the cell culture articles incorporating the coating compositions, as defined herein.

Abstract: Pyrimido[4,5-b]indole derivatives are provided. These compounds are useful to expand hematopoietic stem cell populations, particularly, human hematopoietic stem cell populations. The compounds are also useful in the medical treatment of diseases that involve hematopoietic stem cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cell and tissue culture. In particular, the present invention provides a method for preparing an organotypic culture using dissociated cells or microexplants obtained from an animal organ. The method for preparing an organotypic culture comprises culturing cells from an organ on a surface characterized in that the cells are compacted. The invention further relates to a high-throughput method for the preparation of a collection of organotypic cultures. The invention further relates to a device for carrying out a method of organotypic culture according to the invention.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an automated system for isolating stromal vascular fraction cells from the mammalian tissue. The system comprises a plurality of containers for storing buffer solutions, tissue samples and digestive buffers. A tissue processing unit fluidly connected to the containers for processing the tissues. The tissue processing unit performs at least one of washing process, digestion process, phase separation process and combination thereof for separating an aqueous fraction of tissue and a fatty fraction. A cell concentration unit fluidly connected to the tissue processing unit for receiving the aqueous fraction of tissue from the tissue processing unit. The cell concentration unit filters the aqueous fraction of tissue by vibrating a filtration assembly by a filter vibrator. A waste collection unit fluidly connectable to the tissue processing unit and cell concentration unit is provided for receiving waste tissues.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for collection and processing of human biological material, such as containing adipose extracted during a lipoplasty procedure, is useful for multi-step processing to prepare a concentrated product (e.g., stromal vascular fraction) or a fat graft composition. The apparatus has a container with a containment volume with a tissue retention volume and a filtrate volume separated by a filter and with a tapered portion to a collection volume for collecting concentrate product. Inlet and suction ports provide access to the tissue retention volume and filtrate volume, respectively, and an extraction port provides versatile access for removal of target processed concentrate material or fat graft material, which access may be via a lumen through a rotatable mixer shaft. Access ports may be configured for access only from above the container. A method of processing adipose tissue to concentrate leuko stromal vascular cells includes multi-step processing using a portable container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the generation of stable haploid cell cultures, uses of said cells in forward and reverse genetics, especially the identification of target genes associated with a modified phenotype and in particular identifying genetic targets associated with toxin resistance, especially ricin toxicity resistance, and therapeutic uses of target compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods of growing at least 100 million minimally-passaged fibroblasts from a small biopsy specimen. The invention includes methods wherein a small biopsy specimen is needed directly into a large tissue culture flask, and passaged so more than three times.

Abstract: Adipose tissue-derived stromal cells and methods of isolating and using the same. In at least one embodiment of isolated adipose tissue-derived stromal cells of the present disclosure, the cells are isolated by performing adipose tissue resection or suction on a mammalian patient, dissecting tissue obtained from said tissue resection or suction and dissociating said tissue into a cell suspension, removing adipocytes from the cell suspension, culturing the adipocyte-depleted cell suspension in EGM-2-MV media, and isolating adipose tissue-derived stromal cells secreting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF).

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions for treating soft tissue injuries comprising a collagen matrix and mesenchymal stem cells adhered to the collagen matrix. Methods of making and using compositions comprising a collagen matrix and mesenchymal stem cells adhered to the collagen matrix are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel cell mass derived from a cancer tissue, which can reflect the in vivo behavior of a cancer cell correctly. Also disclosed is a process for preparing the cell mass. Specifically disclosed is a cell mass derived from a cancer tissue, which is an separated product that is isolated from a cancer tissue obtained from an individual as a mass containing at least three cancer cells or a cultured product of the separated product and which can retain a proliferation ability in vitro. The cell mass derived from a cancer tissue is produced by, for example, a preparation process comprising the steps of: treating a pulverized product of a cancer tissue removed from a living body with an enzyme; and selecting and collecting a mass containing at least three cancer cells among from an enzymatic treatment product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing hair microfollicles comprising the steps of: a) providing de novopapillae, b) providing other cell populations selected from the group of fibroblasts, keratinocytes and melanocytes, and co-culturing the de novopapillae with at least one other cell population in non-adherent culture vessels. The present invention relates also to methods of producing de novo papillae usable in said method for producing hair microfollicles.

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.

Abstract: Methods of isolating stromal vascular fractions for use in human subjects from a tissue comprising a blood vessel using mechanical, optionally ultrasonic cavitation, enzymatic, and/or chemical methods are provided. These methods yield an increased number of the cells which constitute the stromal vascular fractions (about 10-fold greater) than methods which use collagenase to isolate these cells. The stromal vascular fraction may be isolated from any tissue that comprises blood vessels, for example, muscle and adipose tissue. Additionally, the tissue may be isolated obtained from nonliving sources and animals (e.g., postmortem).

Abstract: For an implantable device intended for use in the human body an in-vivo colonization with autologous cells is often desired. The devices, especially prosthetic devices like implant tissues, grafts, shunts, vessels, organs or a part of organs are commonly derived from animal or human origin and comprise a collagen-based tissue matrix. The invention proposes a coating deposited on a surface of the device and comprising the matrix protein CCN1 as an extracellular matrix-associated protein mediating cell adhesion or cell migration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing Alzheimer's Disease (AD) using PKC-elicited gene expression profiles. PKC-activation elicits different genomic profiles in AD cells, as compared with control cells, which can be used to diagnose AD and individuals at risk for developing AD.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods for automated culture of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) such as human ESCs. In some aspects, methods of the invention employ optimized culture media and limited proteolytic treatment of cells to separate cell clusters for expansion. Automated systems for passage and expansion of ESCs are also provided.

Abstract: A graft containing a scaffold that includes a matrix in which are positioned mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs) has the capacity to substantially improve wound healing, including wounds resulting from injury to nerve, bone and vascular tissue. MPCs can be harvested from debrided muscle tissue following orthopaedic trauma. The traumatized muscle-derived progenitor cells are a readily available autologous cell source that can be utilized to effect or improve wound healing in a variety of therapeutic settings and vehicles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of isolating and culturing autologous pluripotent stem (aPS) cells. The present invention also provides isolated aPS cells, populations of aPS cells and cultures of aPS cells. Further provided are culture media for expanding aPS cells and methods of culturing aPS cells. The invention also provides for the use of aPS cells, e.g., for diagnostics, drug evaluation and screening, and regenerative medicine.

Abstract: Compositions of the invention for regenerating defective or absent myocardium comprise an emulsified or injectable extracellular matrix composition. The composition may also include an extracellular matrix scaffold component of any formulation, and further include added cells, proteins, or other components to optimize the regenerative process and restore cardiac function.

Abstract: The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cultured cell sheet having a superior tissue adhesiveness and an excellent flexibility. The problems can be solved by producing the cultured cell sheet in which cells are cultured in the presence of a surfactant protein or a cross-linking inhibitor on a surface of a cell culture support that is coated with a temperature responsive polymer having an upper or lower critical solution temperature ranging from 0° C. to 80° C. in water, including steps of: adjusting the temperature of the culture medium to a temperature below the lower critical solution temperature or above the upper critical solution temperature; and detaching the cultured cell sheet.

Abstract: Cells derived from postpartum umbilicus and placenta are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions, devices and methods for the regeneration or repair of ocular tissue using the postpartum-derived cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: Viable progenitor cells are extracted from frozen umbilical cord tissue. In embodiments, the umbilical cord tissue is a blood vessel bearing perivascular Wharton's jelly, and the extracted progenitor cells are HUCPVCs.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides cutting tools which include a handle coupled to a rotatable shaft having shallow grooves that extend substantially entirely across the surface of the rotatable shaft. The grooves define sharp cutting edges. In particular examples, the cutting edges are continuous, such as being defined by helical threads. The present disclosure also provides methods of dissecting a substrate of cultured cells. The substrate of cultured cells is separated into separated portions with a cutting tool. The cutting tool includes a rotatable shaft having a cutting blade which extends around the shaft. The cutting blade is rolled through the substrate to cut the substrate into portions. The portions are separated from one another to dissect the substrate.

Abstract: Provided are methods of using polycarbonate filters to isolate and detect cancer cells in a biological fluid, particularly biological fluids, such as urine, that contain very low concentrations of cancer cells. The characterization of the isolated cells for the presence or absence of cancer specific proteins is useful for cancer diagnosis and prognosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of certain polymers as a substrate for stem cell, such as pluripotent stem cell growth and/or culture. The present invention also relates to articles such as tissue culture materials and cell culture devices comprising at least one polymer hydrogel as described herein.

Abstract: A tissue-derived hydrogel, as well as methods of making and using such hydrogels, are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for treating, ameliorating or preventing a retinal disease or condition; improving a photopic (day light) vision; for improving correcting visual acuity, improving macular function, improving a visual field, or improving scotopic (night) vision by administration of retinal progenitor cells. The subject matter described herein also provides cell populations comprising retinal progenitor cells and methods of isolation thereof.

Abstract: A carrier for expansion of pluripotent stem cells is provided, wherein the carrier comprises a substrate comprising one or more outer surfaces, wherein the one or more outer surfaces are modified with gas plasma treatment, and one or more structured indentations on one or more of the outer surfaces. The carrier has a length at least about 0.2 mm, a width at least about 0.2 mm, and a height in a range from about 0.05 mm to 1.2 mm and each of the structured indentations has a major axis in a range from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, a minor axis in a range from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm and a depth in a range from about 0.025 mm to about 0.5 mm. A method of making the carrier, and culturing stromal cells using the same carrier are also provided.

Abstract: The use of a neutral protease (NP) together with a collagenase consists in that a neutral protease which is not contained in a collagenase enzyme preparation and which is not produced by a recombinant production is mixed before the beginning of a tissue dissociation with a collagenase or a collagenase enzyme preparation with an individual dosage of the quantitative proportions of neutral protease and collagenase for improving the isolation results with respect to yield, viability and integrity of the cells.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods of directly reseeding harvested adherent cells grown in a hollow fiber bioreactor. Also disclosed is a novel harvest media for use in directly reseeding adherent cells into a hollow fiber bioreactor.

Abstract: The disclosed islet isolation method comprises: an injection step of injecting a preservation solution into the pancreatic duct of an excised pancreas; a preservation step of immersing the pancreas into an immersion fluid for preservation; a digestion step of breaking down the pancreas to provide pancreatic tissue; and a purification step of immersing the pancreatic tissue in a purification solution to provide islets. The digestion step consists of: an enzyme injection step of injecting an enzyme solution containing a digestion enzyme into the pancreas; a digestion initiation step of activating the digestion enzyme; a digestion termination step of inactivating the digestion enzyme; and a collection step of collecting the broken-down pancreatic tissue.

Abstract: An improved method of producing differentiated progenitor cells comprising obtaining inner cell mass cells from a blastocyst and inducing differentiation of the inner cell mass cells to produce differentiated progenitor cells. The differentiated progenitor cells may be transfected such that there is an addition, deletion or alteration of a desired gene. The differentiated progenitor cells are useful in cell therapy and as a I source of cells for the production of tissues and organs for transplantation. Also provided is a method of producing a lineage-defective human embryonic stem cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides muscle-derived progenitor cells that show long-term survival following transplantation into body tissues and which can augment soft tissue following introduction (e.g. via injection, transplantation, or implantation) into a site of soft tissue. Also provided are methods of isolating muscle-derived progenitor cells, and methods of genetically modifying the cells for gene transfer therapy. The invention further provides methods of using compositions comprising muscle-derived progenitor cells for the augmentation and bulking of mammalian, including human, soft tissues in the treatment of various cosmetic or functional conditions, including malformation, injury, weakness, disease, or dysfunction. In particular, the present invention provides treatments and amelioration for dermatological conditions, gastroesophageal reflux, vesico-ureteral reflux, urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, heart failure, and myocardial infarction.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method for the generation of a substantially homogenous population of undifferentiated cells. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for isolating a substantially homogenous population of stem cells, and in particular, mammary stem cells (MaSCs). The MaSCs of the present invention are isolated on the basis of differential levels of proteins present on their cell surface. The MaSCs of the present invention are particularly useful as targets for identifying agents which modulate MaSC survival, self-renewal, proliferation and/or differentiation in both normal and diseased tissue such as, but not limited to, tumor tissue, and, also as source of tissue for the regeneration, replacement and/or augmentation of tissue damaged and/or lost after disease or injury.

Abstract: Compositions of the invention for regenerating defective or absent myocardium comprise an emulsified or injectable extracellular matrix composition. The composition may also include an extracellular matrix scaffold component of any formulation, and further include added cells, proteins, or other components to optimize the regenerative process and restore cardiac function.

Abstract: A spermatogonial stem cell line that is derived from testes of rats characterized by a desirable genetic background can serve as a source for cells to transplant into male-sterile recipient animals that are immuno-compatible with the spermatogonial line. Rat cells thus transplanted readily develop into fertilization-competent, haploid male gametes, with little or no endogenous sperm competition generated by the testes of the male-sterile recipient. This approach, constituting the first vector system for the use of rat spermatogonial lines from in vitro culture in generating mutant rats on a desired genetic background, effects maximal germline transmission of donor haplotypes from the transplanted spermatogonial cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to an in vitro method for producing spontaneously contracting fish cell aggregates, to the fish cell aggregates obtained thereby, and to the use thereof, in particular for testing biological active substances and pharmaceuticals. The in vitro method according to the invention for producing contracting fish cell aggregates comprises the following steps: a) mechanical comminution and/or partial enzymatic digestion of fish embryos or fish larvae; b) transfer of the comminuted and/or partially digested fish tissue into an enzyme-free medium and removing the supernatant by centrifuging to obtain a cell pellet; c) re-suspension of the cell pellet in a cell culture medium; d) culturing the cells, with the medium being changed at least once, until spontaneously contracting cell aggregates form.

Abstract: Compositions of the invention for regenerating defective or absent myocardium comprise an emulsified or injectable extracellular matrix composition. The composition may also include an extracellular matrix scaffold component of any formulation, and further include added cells, proteins, or other components to optimize the regenerative process and restore cardiac function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods of growing at least 100 million minimally-passaged fibroblasts from a small biopsy specimen. The invention includes methods wherein a small biopsy specimen is seeded directly into a large tissue culture flask, and passaged no more than three times.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated laser microdissection are disclosed including automatic slide detection, position detection of cutting and capture lasers, focus optimization for cutting and capture lasers, energy and duration optimization for cutting and capture lasers, inspection and second phase capture and/or ablation in a quality control station and tracking information for linking substrate carrier or output microdissected regions with input sample or slide.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated laser microdissection are disclosed. In one variation, targeted biological material is manually or automatically selected and a transfer film is placed in juxtaposition to the location of an interior of a cut path. In another variation, a sample of biological material is mounted onto a polymer membrane which is then placed onto a substrate. Targeted biological material is manually or automatically selected and a transfer film is placed in juxtaposition with the targeted biological material on the side of the biological material. In yet another variation, a sample of biological material is mounted onto a polymer membrane which is then inverted onto a substrate. Targeted biological material is manually or automatically selected and a transfer film is placed in juxtaposition with the targeted biological material on the side of the polymer membrane.

Abstract: Cells derived from postpartum tissue and methods for their use in treatment of diseases of the heart or circulatory system are disclosed. Cells may be used in either differentiated or undifferentiated forms, in homogenous cultures, or as populations with other cells, and in conjunction with other bioactive factors.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses compositions for deriving, maintaining, and growing pluripotent and germ-line competent mammalian embryonic stem cells, and for deriving, maintaining, and growing adult human stem cells and/or adult early progenitor cells. Such compositions comprising a conditioned medium of a cell line expressing limited amounts of Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF). The media of the present invention are used or for the generation of pluripotent and germ-line competent embryonic stem cells of mammals, and for the generation of adult human stem cells and/or adult early progenitor cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for isolating cells from a tissue sample. In preferred embodiments, chondrocytes are isolated from cartilage tissue in a shorter time than hitherto considered possible.

Abstract: Harvesting articular chondrocyte cells from a non-critical location of a patient and growing additional cells for transplantation into a damaged or diseased disc of the patient.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods of directly reseeding harvested adherent cells grown in a hollow fiber bioreactor. Also disclosed is a novel harvest media for use in directly reseeding adherent cells into a hollow fiber bioreactor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods useful for preparing neural scaffolds. The scaffolds comprise tissue taken from the spinal cord and/or dura mater of vertebrate and can be processed to form gels or sheets. Methods of treating patient with CNS injury are also presented.

Abstract: The present invention provides muscle-derived progenitor cells that show long-term survival following transplantation into body tissues and which can augment soft tissue following introduction (e.g. via injection, transplantation, or implantation) into a site of soft tissue. Also provided are methods of isolating muscle-derived progenitor cells, and methods of genetically modifying the cells for gene transfer therapy. The invention further provides methods of using compositions comprising muscle-derived progenitor cells for the augmentation and bulking of mammalian, including human, soft tissues in the treatment of various cosmetic or functional conditions, including malformation, injury, weakness, disease, or dysfunction. In particular, the present invention provides treatments and amelioration for dermatological conditions, gastroesophageal reflux, vesico-ureteral reflux, urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, heart failure, and myocardial infarction.

Abstract: Provided is a means suitable for mass culture of adherent cells and which allows easy and safe collection of the cultured adherent cells. A cell culture kit has a culture bag having flexibility, such a level of hydrophilicity that the culture of adherent cells can be achieved, and permeability into a bag shape and which is filled with a culture medium; a dissociation solution bag filled with a dissociation solution containing a metal chelating agent or ornithine or a derivative thereof, and a solution sending circuit or a derivative thereof, and a solution sending circuit which connects the culture bag and the dissociation solution bag to each other and can send the dissociation solution from the dissociation solution bag to the culture bag.