Abstract: The present invention provides a method of extracting and recovering embryonic-like stem cells, including, but not limited to pluripotent or multipotent stem cells, from an exsanguinated human placenta. A placenta is treated to remove residual umbilical cord blood by perfusing an exsanguinated placenta, preferably with an anticoagulant solution, to flush out residual cells. The residual cells and perfusion liquid from the exsanguinated placenta are collected, and the embryonic-like stem cells are separated from the residual cells and perfusion liquid. The invention also provides a method of utilizing the isolated and perfused placenta as a bioreactor in which to propagate endogenous cells, including, but not limited to, embryonic-like stem cells. The invention also provides methods for propagation of exogenous cells in a placental bioreactor and collecting the propagated exogenous cells and bioactive molecules therefrom.

Abstract: Provided herein are placental perfusate, placental perfusate cells, and placenta-derived intermediate natural killer cells, and combinations thereof. Also provided herein are compositions comprising the same, and methods of using placental perfusate, placental perfusate cells, and placenta-derived intermediate natural killer cells, and combinations thereof, to suppress the growth or proliferation of tumor cells, cancer cells, and the like, and to treat individuals having tumor cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of immunomodulation using placental stem cells and placental stem cell populations. The invention also provides methods of producing and selecting placental cells and cell populations on the basis of immunomodulation, and compositions comprising such cells and cell populations.

Abstract: The present invention provides placental stem cells and placental stem cell populations, and methods of culturing, proliferating and expanding the same. The invention also provides methods of differentiating the placental stem cells. The invention further provides methods of using the placental stem cells in assays and for transplanting.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biomaterial comprising a mammalian umbilical cord membrane. The biomaterial can additionally comprise Wharton's jelly and/or one or more umbilical cord vessels. The biomaterial is preferably dry, and can be flat, tubular, or shaped to fit a particular body structure. The invention further provides laminates comprising at least one layer of an umbilical cord membrane biomaterial. The invention further provides methods of making the biomaterial, and laminates comprising the biomaterial, and methods of using the biomaterial.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods of treating individuals having sarcoidosis or a sarcoidosis-related disease or disorder, using placental cells, e.g., the placental stem cells and placental multipotent cells (PDACs) described herein. Also provided herein are kits comprising said cells or a composition thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the production of glial cells and oligodendrocytes from placenta stem cells. The invention further provides for the use of these glia and oligodendrocytes in the treatment of, and intervention in, for example, trauma, ischemia and degenerative disorders of the central nervous system (CNS), particularly in the treatment of demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses compositions, including solutions, gels, and pastes, manufactured from amniotic membrane, umbilical cord membrane, or both. The present invention also encompasses methods of making such compositions, and methods of using the compositions to treat conditions of the eye.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of suppressing tumor cell proliferation, of treating individuals having cancer or a viral infection, comprising contacting the tumor cells, or administering to the individual, placental perfusate, placental perfusate cells, or natural killer cells, e.g., placenta-derived intermediate natural killer cells, with an immunomodulatory compound or thalidomide.

Abstract: The present invention provides placental stem cells and placental stem cell populations, and methods of culturing, proliferating and expanding the same. The invention also provides methods of differentiating the placental stem cells. The invention further provides methods of using the placental stem cells in assays and for transplanting.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods of using placental stem cells that originate from a postpartum placenta with conventional cord blood compositions or other stem or progenitor cells. The placental stem cells can be used alone or in a mixture with other stem cell populations. In accordance with the present invention, the placental stem cells may be mixed with other stem cell populations, including but not limited to, umbilical cord blood, fetal and neonatal hematopoietic stem cells and progenitor cells, human stem cells and progenitor cells derived from bone marrow. The placental stem cells and the mixed populations of placental stem cells and stem cells have a multitude of uses and applications, including but not limited to, therapeutic uses for transplantation and treatment and prevention of disease, and diagnostic and research uses.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of treating individuals having diseases or disorders of the circulatory system, using placental cells, e.g., the placental stem cells and placental multipotent cells (PDACs) described herein, and populations of such placental cells. The invention also provides methods of angiogenesis using such cells or populations of cells comprising such cells.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of suppression of proliferation and growth of cells of bone-related cancers, e.g., multiple myeloma or chondrosarcoma cells, using placental cells, e.g., the placental stem cells described herein, and populations of such placental cells. Also provided herein are methods of treating individuals having cells of a bone-related cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of suppression of tumor cell proliferation and tumor growth using placental stem cells and placental stem cell populations. The invention also provides methods of producing and selecting placental cells and cell populations on the basis of tumor suppression, and compositions comprising such cells and cell populations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of extracting and recovering embryonic-like stem cells, including, but not limited to pluripotent or multipotent stem cells, from an exsanguinated human placenta. A placenta is treated to remove residual umbilical cord blood by perfusing an exsanguinated placenta, preferably with an anticoagulant solution, to flush out residual cells. The residual cells and perfusion liquid from the exsanguinated placenta are collected, and the embryonic-like stem cells are separated from the residual cells and perfusion liquid. The invention also provides a method of utilizing the isolated and perfused placenta as a bioreactor in which to propagate endogenous cells, including, but not limited to, embryonic-like stem cells. The invention also provides methods for propagation of exogenous cells in a placental bioreactor and collecting the propagated exogenous cells and bioactive molecules therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention provides placental stem cells and placental stem cell populations, and methods of culturing, proliferating and expanding the same. The invention also provides methods of differentiating the placental stem cells. The invention further provides methods of using the placental stem cells in assays and for transplanting.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a leg ulcer comprising contacting the leg ulcer with a collagen biofabric. The leg ulcer may be a venous, arterial, diabetic or decubitus (pressure) ulcer. The invention further provides kits comprising one or more pieces of collagen biofabric for the treatment of a leg ulcer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tissue matrix for implantation into a patient is disclosed. The method sets forth collecting embryonic stem cells from a placenta which has been treated to remove residual cord blood and seeding the collected stem cells onto or into a tissue matrix. The seeded tissue matrix is then implanted on or into a patient. The seeded tissue matrix made by the method of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved kit for the collection of umbilical cord blood and placental blood, and collection of the placenta from which such blood is obtained. The kit improves upon existing kits in that it provides for improved user convenience, provides for the collection of the placenta itself, and better maintains the internal temperature of the container in which the collected blood and placenta are shipped to a blood bank or registry. The invention further provides a method of collecting umbilical cord and placental blood, and the placenta from which such blood is obtained, comprising using the kit described herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of immunomodulation using placental stem cells and placental stem cell populations. The invention also provides methods of producing and selecting placental cells and cell populations on the basis of immunomodulation, and compositions comprising such cells and cell populations.