Abstract: A sampler for use with a bioreactor for growing a cell culture is disclosed. In one embodiment, the bioreactor includes a structured fixed bed including a removable sample portion for recovering a sample of cells from the cell culture. Related apparatuses and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention discloses a three-dimensional (3D) bioreactor for large scale expansion of immune cells and methods of use. The 3D bioreactor comprising at least one packed bed chamber comprising at least one porous scaffold; at least one porous scaffold coated with one or more extra cellular matrix protein (ECM); at least one container comprising a fluid media, the fluid media is configured to flow through said packed bed chamber with at least one porous coated scaffold; and at least one population of immune cells suspended in the fluid media, wherein, the at least one porous scaffold coated with said ECM is creates a stationary niche having low shear forces that imitate the natural growth environment of the immune cells and allows expansion of the immune cells population that flow through the coated porous scaffold in large scale.

Abstract: A cell culture matrix for a perfusion-flow fixed-bed reactor is provided. The cell culture matrix includes a substrate having a porous sheet for adhering cells thereto. The sheet has a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a thickness separating the first side and the second side, and a plurality of openings formed in the substrate, arrayed in a regular pattern, and passing through the thickness of the substrate. The porous sheet is wound into a cylindrical shape having a plurality of wound layers, and the cell culture matrix does not include a spacer material or physical barrier between the plurality of wound layers of the substrate.

Abstract: Provided herein are microbial infection indicator devices, including dressing with indicators, standalone indicator inserts or disks that can be freely placed at a wound site or dressing, and applications thereof for displaying a visible or detectable signal to a user upon detection of an analyte or biomarker indicative of an infection, such as a color change.

Abstract: A device for bone fixation comprises an expansion part and a covering part. The expansion part has a fixing end and a top end and provides an expansion structure for being adjustable between a state of expansion and contraction. The covering part has a front end and a joining end, wherein the front end thereof is joined to the top end of the expansion part, and the joining end thereof is attached to the fixing end of the expansion part. The covering part is employed to cover the expansion structure. After the expansion part and the covering part are added to the bone, the covering part is unfurled to spread to the expansion state, and the medical filler is injected or pushed into the covering part.

Abstract: An artificial tissue including an internal mass transport network having a plurality of channels, wherein the channels are designed to substantially mimic naturally occurring vascular network and a method for creating an internal transport system within a tissue scaffold to improve circulation, diffusion, and mass transport properties by utilizing computer-aided tissue engineering (CATE). The artificial tissue has the internal mass transport network of channels embedded, deposited, or molded within a scaffold, wherein the channels are made from a biodegradable transporting material and the scaffold is made from a scaffold material. The artificial tissue of the invention includes a basic circulatory system embedded within the tissue scaffold. This system provides mass transport throughout the entire scaffold and degrades after the new circulatory system develops.

Abstract: Described herein is a three-dimensional cell culture scaffold composition comprising an absorbent rigid (AR) component, and in some embodiments, further comprises a gel component. The absorbent rigid component preferably comprises a glass fiber material. It is a surprising finding of the present invention that an AR component having a void volume of between approximately 70% and 95% results in a three-dimensional cell culture composition that allows for robust, high-throughput screening and high-content screening accessible tissue models with preserved cell morphology, heterogeneity of cell types and cell populations, extracellular matrix constituents, functional cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions and signaling with sufficient specificities to tissue physiology and pathology.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for culturing anchorage-dependent cells. The apparatus (1) comprises a housing (2) with an inlet (4) and an outlet (5), and a plurality of culture plates (6) removably stacked within the housing (2). The housing (2) has a circumferential wall (7), a base (8) and a top wall (9). The base (8) comprises the inlet (4) and the top wall (9) comprises the outlet (5). The circumferential wall (7) of the housing (2) defines a longitudinal axis thereof, as well as an inner cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Shape and dimensions of the inner cross section are essentially uniform along the longitudinal axis. The culture plates (6) are arranged at least essentially parallel to each other. Each plate (6) is mounted and sealed to the circumferential wall (7) of the housing (2). Plates (6) are arranged at a distance from each other. Each culture plate (6) has a through hole (14), so that inlet (4) and outlet (5) are in fluid communication.

Abstract: A scaffold to form tissue membranes, comprising: at least one layer of mesh having a first side and a second side, the layer of mesh being either a woven wire metal mesh or a flat metal sheet that is acid-etched such that the layer of mesh includes a network of holes passing directly through the mesh from the first side to the second side; and at least one layer of cells at each side of the mesh enclosing the layer of mesh, such that the at least one layer of cells on the first side interacts with the at least one layer of cells on the second side through the network of holes to provide for structure integration.

Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided a cell culturing substrate including: a cell culture surface having a film attached thereto, wherein the film includes one or more plasma polymerized monomers; and a coating on the film-coated surface, the coating deposited from a coating solution comprising one or more extracellular matrix proteins and an aqueous solvent, where the total extracellular matrix protein concentration in the coating solution is about 1 ng/mL to about 1 mg/mL.

Abstract: A method is provided for culturing cochineal insects. In accordance with the method, a medium is created (101-109) from a mixture comprising a plant or cactus additive and a polymeric material. The medium is then inoculated (111) with a species selected from the group consisting of the genus Dactylopius.

Abstract: Sugar-acrylic monomers are synthesized to have a carbohydrate moiety linked to an acrylate group. The sugar-acrylic monomers may be polymerized to form polymers, adhesives, hydrogels, and the like. The sugar-acrylic monomers and polymers may be used in tissue engineering, adhesives and sealers, wound healing, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a method for producing auricular cartilage tissue having a sufficient thickness and mechanical strength, and auricular cartilage tissue produced by the method for producing auricular cartilage tissue. The present invention provides a method for producing auricular cartilage tissue, including the steps of: seeding auricular chondrocytes onto a non-woven fabric consisting of a bioabsorbable material having an average fiber diameter of 0.90 to 7.00 ?m; and forming a composite of the non-woven fabric seeded with the auricular chondrocytes and a mesh-like framework consisting of a non-bioabsorbable material, and shaping the composite.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of generating an ex vivo tissue-like system in a bioreactor system capable of supporting continuous production of, and output of cells and tissues and an ex vivo tissue system made therefrom.

Abstract: A nanofiber is formed by combining one or more natural or synthetic polymeric materials and one or more than one cross-linking agents having at least two latent reactive activatable groups. The latent reactive activatable nanofiber may be used to modify the surface of a substrate by activating at least one of the latent reactive activatable groups to bond the nanofiber to the surface by the formation of a covalent bond between the surface of the substrate and the latent reactive activatable group. Some of the remaining latent reactive activatable group(s) are left accessible on the surface of the substrate, and may be used for further surface modification of the substrate. Biologically active materials may be immobilized on the nanofiber modified surface by reacting with the latent reactive groups that are accessible on the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides, among other things, methods and systems for expanding CD133+ cells. The invention further provides methods and systems for increasing the blood flow to an ischemic tissue in a subject in need thereof, such as to ischemic myocardium. The invention further provides methods and systems for directing differentiation of expanded CD133+ cells. The invention further provides methods and systems for treating a subject with differentiated cells in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: Silk is purified to eliminate immunogenic components (particularly sericin) and is used to form fabric that is used to form tissue-supporting prosthetic devices for implantation. The fabrics can carry functional groups, drugs, and other biological reagents. Applications include hernia repair, tissue wall reconstruction, and organ support, such as bladder slings. The silk fibers are arranged in parallel and, optionally, intertwined (e.g., twisted) to form a construct; sericin may be extracted at any point during the formation of the fabric, leaving a construct of silk fibroin fibers having excellent tensile strength and other mechanical properties.

Abstract: Provided are method of generating a fiber from a globular protein such as albumin. Also provided are albumin fibers and fabrics and methods of using same for bonding a damaged tissue or for ex vivo or in vivo formation of a tissue.

Abstract: Silk is purified to eliminate immunogenic components (particularly sericin) and is used to form fabric that is used to form tissue-supporting prosthetic devices for implantation. The fabrics can carry functional groups, drugs, and other biological reagents. Applications include hernia repair, tissue wall reconstruction, and organ support, such as bladder slings. The silk fibers are arranged in parallel and, optionally, intertwined (e.g., twisted) to form a construct; sericin may be extracted at any point during the formation of the fabric, leaving a construct of silk fibroin fibers having excellent tensile strength and other mechanical properties.

Abstract: The invention is directed to formation and use of electroprocessed collagen, including use as an extracellular matrix and, together with cells, its use in forming engineered tissue. The engineered tissue can include the synthetic manufacture of specific organs or tissues which may be implanted into a recipient. The electroprocessed collagen may also be combined with other molecules in order to deliver substances to the site of application or implantation of the electroprocessed collagen. The collagen or collagen/cell suspension is electrodeposited onto a substrate to form tissues and organs.

Abstract: Porous soy protein-based materials are provided. Also provided are tissue growth scaffolds comprising the porous soy protein-based materials. Methods for forming the porous soy protein-based materials and methods for growing tissue on the tissue growth scaffolds are also provided. The porous soy protein-based materials comprise a plurality of soy protein chains that are crosslinked in a three-dimensional structure that provides a high degree of porosity. In order to achieve highly porous structures, the soy proteins, which are globular in nature, can be partially denatured in order to facilitate crosslinking between, and entanglement of, the soy protein chains.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of making an aligned ECM scaffold useful in refractive correction of the eye and repair of the cornea. Methods of use of the scaffold as well as a scaffold construct are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing nanofibers of an aliphatic polyester resin (a biodegradable resin) with higher productivity than heretofore achieved, for example, without the need of cumbersome steps such as drawing and with operability at normal temperature.

Abstract: The present invention includes an anisotropic scaffold, which is prepared by electrospinning a solution of matrix material upon a textile template. The present invention further includes a method of preparing such scaffold. The anisotropic scaffold of the invention finds use in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Abstract: A biodegradable hydrogel has been made based on high concentrations of whey protein isolate (WP1). WP1 gels of different compositions were fabricated by thermally inducing gelation of high-concentration suspensions of protein, and characterized for compressive strength and modulus, hydration swelling and drying properties, mechanical behavior change due to polysaccharide additives, and intrinsic pore network structure. The gels were shown to be compatible with bone cells and could be used as bone tissue scaffolds. In addition, WP1 fibers were produced by electrospinning. Several additives could be incorporated into the WPI gels, including structural additives, growth factors, amino acids, etc. The WP1 hydrogels can be made with glycerol to increase flexibility and stability.

Abstract: A manipulation tool is disclosed for producing cell material having multiple biological cells, which have a predefined geometrical arrangement. The tool includes a tool body, whose surface at least partially contacts the cell material, and a setting device for adjusting the tool body by a continuous expansion, so that geometrical properties of the surface change and an interior of the tool body is enlarged. The setting device is adapted to expand the tool body at an advance velocity in a range from 0.1 ?m/h to 1 mm/h.

Abstract: Sugar-acrylic monomers are synthesized to have a carbohydrate moiety linked to an acrylate group. The sugar-acrylic monomers may be polymerized to form polymers, adhesives, hydrogels, and the like. The sugar-acrylic monomers and polymers may be used in tissue engineering, adhesives and sealers, wound healing, and the like.

Abstract: Cartilage has been constructed using biodegradable electrospun polymeric scaffolds seeded with chondrocytes or adult mesenchymal stem cells. More particularly engineered cartilage has been prepared where the cartilage has a biodegradable and biocompatible nanofibrous polymer support prepared by electrospinning and a plurality of chondocytes or mesenchymal stem cells dispersed in the pores of the support. The tissue engineered cartilages of the invention possess compressive strength properties similar to natural cartilage. Methods of preparing engineered tissues, including tissue engineered cartilages, are provided in which an electrospun nanofibrous polymer support is provided, the support is treated with a cell solution and the polymer-cell mixture cultured in a rotating bioreactor to generate the cartilage. The invention provides for the use of the tissue engineered cartilages in the treatment of cartilage degenerative diseases, reconstructive surgery, and cosmetic surgery.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for preparing and performing quantitative PCR analyses, a new sealing device and a new use. According to the invention, a sample vessel containing the samples to be analyzed is sealed by placing a planar sealing device on the vessel to cover the samples and applying pressure on the sealing device in order to deform the sealing device so as to form a light-refracting geometry individually for the samples to be analyzed. The invention offers a convenient way of sealing the vessel and forming analysis-improving optical lenses over the samples simultaneously.

Abstract: A method of preparing a stromal cell conditioned medium useful in expanding undifferentiated hemopoietic stem cells to increase the number of the hemopoietic stem cells is provided. The method comprising: (a) establishing a stromal cell culture in a stationary phase plug-flow bioreactor under continuous flow on a substrate in the form of a sheet, the substrate including a non-woven fibrous matrix forming a physiologically acceptable three-dimensional network of fibers, thereby expanding undifferentiated hemopoietic stem cells ; and (b) when a desired stromal cell density has been achieved, collecting medium from the stationary phase plug-flow bioreactor, thereby obtaining the stromal cell conditioned medium useful in expanding the undifferentiated hemopoietic stem cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an engineered biological material comprising or enriched for tissue of intervertebral disc; tissue derived from an engineered biological material; constructs comprising one or more tissues from an engineered biological material; methods for producing the engineered biological materials and constructs; and methods of using the engineered biological materials and constructs.

Abstract: A system and methods for processing organic waste material for residential type environments includes a reactor tank dimensioned to receive a predetermined amount of organic material therein. The amount of organic material is selected based upon the size of the residential service area the system is servicing. The system includes homogenizing the volume of organic waste materials and selectively introducing the homogenized organic material into a reaction tank. A system for selectively removing gaseous by-products from the anaerobic digestion of organic material within the reactor tank is provided, along with a system for selective removal of waste solids from the reactor tank to provide for substantially continuous processing of materials and production of usable gases.

Abstract: A scaffold for neurons consists of tubes sized to promote neural growth through the tubes. The tubes may be fixed to a substrate providing electrical or optical paths out from the interior of the tubes from sensors or stimulating probes at one or more locations along the length of the coaxial axons. Steering electrodes at spaces between tubes may be used to selectively promote the growth of interconnections of different axons in a one, two, or three-dimensional fashion.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions for making nanofibers and nanofilms composed of metal oxides, organic polymers, or combinations thereof. Also described herein are methods for making nanofibers and nanofilms where the fibers are formed from a solution having more than one solvent, where the solvents are immiscible. Nanofibers and nanofilms composed of metal oxides, organic polymers or combinations thereof are described. Finally, methods for using the nanofibers and nanofilms are described.

Abstract: A linear biodevice is provided with fibers that have a curved portion in its cross section approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and approximately spherical adhesive cells that adhere to the periphery of the fiber. A membrane-like biodevice is provided with a sheet that has an opening and approximately spherical adhesive cells that adhere to the opening. A curved portion is present in the cross section on an inner edge of the opening. A bioreactor is provided with a membrane-like biodevice in which spherical adhesive cells grow densely so as to close the openings of the sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for coating micron-sized or sub-micron-sized particles such as living cells. The coating apparatus includes an encapsulation chamber enclosing a two-layer water-oil system for coating each islet cell with an aqueous polymeric coat. Islets together with an aqueous polymer solution are fed by a feed device that utilizes the principle of hydrodynamic focusing in order to ensure encapsulation of individual islets. The polymer in the aqueous coat is subsequently crosslinked by being exposed to laser light to produce structurally stable microcapsules of controllable thickness of the order of tens of microns. Encapsulated islets are removed from the encapsulation chamber by a valveless pump and recovered by filtration or centrifugation.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for use in industrial production of proteins. Specifically, the present invention provides a method of recycling solid supports for cultivation of anchorage-dependent cells such as, e.g., microcarriers and Fibra-Cel® disks. Solid supports recycled by a method of the present invention allow obtaining a protein productivity level comparable to the productivity level obtained with non-recycled solid support. The method comprises the steps of rinsing with water, rinsing with a sodium hydroxide solution and second rinsing step with water.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method for seeding cells on to a support. In particular, the method relates to a method for seeding cells onto a porous hydrophobic support. The method utilizes centrifugal forces to uniformly guide cell seeding into the support with no loss in viability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel silica sol material containing at least one therapeutically active ingredient and its use for the production of bioabsorbable and biodegradable silica gel materials with improved properties. The materials, such as, for example, fibers, fleeces, powder, monolith and/or coating are employed, for example, in medical technology and/or human medicine, in particular for wound treatment.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fiber, a method of forming a fiber, a system for forming a fiber, and a method of engineering tissue from a fiber. The fiber includes an engineered geometric feature forming a non-Euclidian geometry.

Abstract: A nanofibrillar structure for cell culture and tissue engineering is disclosed. The nanofibrillar structure can be used in a variety of applications including methods for proliferating and/or differentiating cells and manufacturing a tissue. Also disclosed is an improved nanofiber comprising a lipid, lipophilic molecule, or chemically modified surface. The nanofibers can be used in a variety of applications including the formation of nanofibrillar structures for cell culture and tissue engineering.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to composite nonwoven fibrous web including an embedded phase having a population of particulates forming a substantially continuous three-dimensional network, and a matrix phase comprising a population of fibers forming a three-dimensional network around the particulates. The disclosure also relates to methods of making a composite nonwoven fibrous web including forming an embedded phase having a population of particulates in a substantially continuous three-dimensional network, and forming a matrix phase comprising a population of fibers forming a three-dimensional network around the particulates. Articles made from a composite nonwoven fibrous web prepared according to the methods as described above are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and structures are disclosed where carrier fiber is used to enable the assembly of two and three dimensional structures of autologous tissue. Tissue is harvested from the donor, integrated with a carrier fiber, and assembled into complex forms rapidly. The structures can be tailored to the requirements of a specific medical procedure. The tissue is kept live and viable during extracorporeal assembly and the finished structure is emplaced in the donor's body. The use of a carrier fiber leader for pre-threading integration and assembly machines facilitates machine set up, drawing of the tissue into the process, and rapid integration and assembly of the multi-dimensional structures. Assembly can include providing tissue and fiber leaders extending from the structure for attaching the structure in place. The carrier fiber either is bio-absorbed as new tissue forms, or forms a bio-compatible substructure for the patient's native tissue.

Abstract: Novel compositions comprising genipin for cross-linking polymer fibers, are provided. In aspects of the invention the compositions further comprise a solvent system, wherein said solvent system comprises alcohol solvent and water. The genipin-based compositions are useful in methods for promoting the stabilization of fibers in an aqueous environment, and in tissue engineering. The novel genipin-based composition is also useful in methods of treating dermatological conditions.

Abstract: A method for producing cell material (20) having multiple biological cells (21), which have a predefined geometrical arrangement, includes the steps of providing a manipulation tool (10) having a tool body (11), whose surface (12, 14) at least partially contacts the cell material (20), and adjusting the manipulation tool (10) using a change of geometrical properties of the surface (12, 14) in such a way that the geometrical arrangement of the cells (21) is changed. A manipulation tool for performing a method of this type is also described.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides methods for forming a target tissue substitute. The methods of the invention comprise the following steps: (a) providing a scaffold comprising one or more layers of one or more arrays of microfibers, wherein one or more of the arrays of microfibers is designed to mimic the configuration of one or more structural elements in a target tissue; and (b) culturing cells on the scaffold to form a target tissue substitute. In another aspect, the invention provides implantable medical devices. The implantable medical devices of the invention comprise a scaffold comprising one or more layers of one or more arrays of microfibers, wherein one or more of the arrays of microfibers is arranged to mimic the configuration of one or more structural elements in a target tissue. Typically, cells are cultured on the scaffold to form a target tissue substitute.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bioreactor having a system that can grow cells, tissue, etc. while maintaining or improving their function, and finally recover the cells as they are with good efficiency. The bioreactor has a porous sheet-form material disposed in its main body, the porous sheet-form material being formed from a nonwoven fabric, etc. having high cell affinity in order to retain cells. This porous sheet-form material has a thermosensitive polymer and a cell-adhesive substance incorporated thereinto, and the porous sheet-form material is not only cell-adhesive but also allows cells and tissue to be detached from the porous sheet-form material as they are by, for example, cooling from 37° C. to 25° C. Furthermore, in order to efficiently ensure the bioactivity or the survival of the cells, it is arranged so that circulation of a culture medium in a culturing space of the bioreactor is of a radial flow type.

Abstract: The present invention provides a scaffold in which cells can be stably retained and grafted in a uniform distribution state in the culture, preferable proliferation ability and viability can be secured, and particularly in the case of cartilage, fixation treatment such as suture can be carried out in the transplantation into affected parts after the culture, and the mechanical strength is provided sustainable for (weighted) compression at the initial stage of transplantation. The present invention relates to a 3-dimensional porous scaffold for tissue regeneration which comprises a structure composed of vertically long-shaped pores having a pore diameter of not less than 10 ?m to not more than 500 ?m and pore length of not less than 20 ?m to not more than 1 cm being juxtaposedly arranged obtained by a production process comprising rapid freeze-drying as a key technology.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for lymphoid tissue-specific cell production from hematopoietic progenitor cells in unique, three-dimensional culture devices, in the presence of antigen presenting cells and lymphoreticular stromal cells, and in the absence of exogenously added growth factors. The resulting lymphoid tissue-specific cells may be isolated at any sequential stage of differentiation and further expanded. The lymphoid tissue-specific cells also may be genetically altered at any stage of the process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a modular cell culture bioreactor comprises a plurality of chambers for cell culture; at least one reservoir containing a cell support medium; a plurality of conduits fluidly connecting the at least one reservoir with the plurality of chambers; and at least one pump fluidly connected through the plurality of conduits with the at least one reservoir and with the plurality of chambers to pump cell support medium therethrough; wherein each individual chamber of the plurality of chambers includes at least one three-dimensional matrix comprising polyethylene terephthalate, a plurality of channels carrying the cell support medium and having the matrix positioned in fluid communication therebetween, and at least two openings into each the channel, wherein a first the opening is in fluid connection with the pump and a second the opening is in fluid connection with the reservoir.