Abstract: A bioreactor system for stem cell expansion has a fluid-filled reactor chamber in which stem cells are cultured. The culture compartment of the reactor chamber is transversed by a perfusion core with multiple niche-like scaffolds positioned along the length of the perfusion core. The bioreactor system also uses a media gas exchange module that is free standing and does not require its inclusion in a CO2 incubator.

Abstract: A stem cell niche for expanding stem cells in culture is described. The stem cell niche includes a scaffold, a plurality of stromal mesenchymal stem cells, and a plurality of umbilical cord blood stem cells grown in a rotating culture chamber. One embodiment of the rotating culture chamber has a fluid-filled compartment in which the umbilical cord blood stem cells are grown in the presence of the mesenchymal stem cells seeded on the scaffold. The culture chamber has a dual flow valving member at each end, wherein a first flow path passes under a molecular cut-off membrane covering a central core that transverses the culture chamber and a second flow path flows through the culture chamber and allows cells to be harvested while in suspension.

Abstract: A stem cell niche for expanding stem cells in culture is described. The stem cell niche includes a scaffold, a plurality of stromal mesenchymal stem cells, and a plurality of umbilical cord blood stem cells grown in a rotating culture chamber. One embodiment of the rotating culture chamber has a fluid-filled compartment in which the umbilical cord blood stem cells are grown in the presence of the mesenchymal stem cells seeded on the scaffold. The culture chamber has a dual flow valving member at each end, wherein a first flow path passes under a molecular cut-off membrane covering a central core that transverses the culture chamber and a second flow path flows through the culture chamber and allows cells to be harvested while in suspension.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to nucleic acids with biomimetic properties and methods for producing said nucleic acids. In particular, this invention relates to nucleic acids exhibiting biomimetic properties in relation to proteins such as growth factors, hormones and/or other cell signaling proteins. Biomimetic properties may generally be defined as interactive ability in the same and/or similar manner as another biological molecule. This may, for example, include interacting with a ligand-binding biomolecule, such as a cell signaling receptor, in a manner similar to a native ligand. In the case of a signaling receptor, such biomimetic nucleic acids may in general act as an agonist or an antagonist to the given receptor. They may further act in competition to a native ligand.

Abstract: A method for improving the health and viability of pancreatic islets and improving the outcome of pancreatic islet transplantations is described. The method includes incubating the islets with an IKVAV-containing laminin A chain peptide, such as PA22-2, either before or during the culturing of the islets in an RCCS bioreactor.

Abstract: The culture chamber of the present invention has a fluid-filled culture compartment in which cells, tissues and other biologicals are cultured. The culture compartment is transversed by one or more molecular weight cut-off membranes attached to a membrane carrier assembly. Incoming nutrients are transported through the membrane into the culture compartment and metabolic waste products are transported away from the fluid-filled culture compartment through the membrane and out the chamber outlet. Both reusable and disposable culture chambers are described for culturing cells, cell aggregates, particles, tissues and organoids.

Abstract: The bioreactor system of the present invention has two fluid-filled culture compartments in which cells, tissues and other biologicals are cultured. The two culture compartments are in fluid communication with each other and each culture compartment is transversed by a filter that prevents the exit of the cells from the culture compartment. Both reusable and disposable culture chambers are described for use as the first and/or second culture compartment.

Abstract: A method for improving the health and viability of pancreatic islets and improving the outcome of pancreatic islet transplantations is described. The method includes incubating the islets with an IKVAV-containing laminin A chain peptide, such as PA22-2, either before or during the culturing of the islets in an RCCS bioreactor.

Abstract: A process has been developed for the production of human recombinant polypeptides using transformed mammalian cells cultured in a horizontally rotating culture vessel modulated to create low shear, high mass transfer conditions. The resulting recombinant polypeptide has bioactivity and is produced in increase amounts.

Abstract: The bioreactor system of the present invention has two fluid-filled culture compartments in which cells, tissues and other biologicals are cultured. The two culture compartments are in fluid communication with each other and each culture compartment is transversed by a filter that prevents the exit of the cells from the culture compartment. Both reusable and disposable culture chambers are described for use as the first and/or second culture compartment.

Abstract: The culture chamber of the present invention has a fluid-filled culture compartment in which cells, tissues and other biologicals are cultured. The culture compartment is transversed by one or more molecular weight cut-off membranes attached to a membrane carrier assembly. Incoming nutrients are transported through the membrane into the culture compartment and metabolic waste products are transported away from the fluid-filled culture compartment through the membrane and out the chamber outlet. Both reusable and disposable culture chambers are described for culturing cells, cell aggregates, particles, tissues and organoids.

Abstract: A process has been developed for the production of human recombinant polypeptides using transformed mammalian cells cultured in a horizontally rotating culture vessel modulated to create low shear, high mass transfer conditions. The resulting recombinant polypeptide has bioactivity and is produced in increase amounts.

Abstract: A cell culture bag for culturing cells, cellular aggregates, particles, tissues and organoids is disclosed. The cell culture bag is a flexible and disposable culture bag that fits within a bag support chamber of a bioreactor. The cell culture bag has an inlet means and an outlet means for the introduction and removal of media. Certain embodiments of the culture bag have an inlet and outlet fluid coupling swivel joint and/or perforated perfusion tubes extending from the inlet means into the interior of the bag to assist in mass transfer and mixing the media to maintain an even temperature throughout the culture bag.

Abstract: A two-chamber perfusion bioreactor counteracts a significant amount of shear stress while allowing high nutrient transfer and removal of waste and/or valuable bio-products, e.g., protein, hormones, growth factors, and monoclonal antibodies without disturbing the cell culture. Cells and tissues, contained in the growth chamber, are suspended in the growth media by rotation of the vessel and are separated by a porous membrane from the feeding chamber. Nutrients and gases are transferred across the membrane from the feeding chamber to the growth chamber. Even dispersion of nutrients along the membrane barrier is accomplished through a novel nutrient dispersion flow path. The flow path is created by flowing media out a center shaft in the vessel and along the front of the nutrient dispersion disk. The fluid then flows around the back of the nutrient dispersion disk and exits the outer center return shaft.

Abstract: A bioreactor system features a vessel capable of being temperature controlled comprised of two or more cylindrical chambers separated by a common porous membrane. The chambers are capable of being mounted for rotation about a common horizontal axis, essentially creating a micro gravity environment, for the purpose of creating an interface between the chambers while maintaining fluid culture medium in at least one of the chambers and enabling cells to grow in the wells or pores disposed between the chambers. The device is formed by a tubular vessel having an inner surface and an outer surface, a first open end, a second open end and a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method of use for a new simply constructed bioreactor made at least partially of gas permeable materials. The bioreactor is useful for culturing cells and tissues in suspension in a liquid nutrient medium with minimum turbulence. The bioreactor may include ports for easy access to the vessel culture, allowing the growth substrate to be varied for optimum performance. A method for culturing cells using the disclosed bioreactor is also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method of use for a new simply constructed bioreactor made at least partially of gas permeable materials. The bioreactor is useful for culturing cells and tissues in suspension as well as attached to the inside surface of the bioreactor in a liquid nutrient medium with minimum turbulence. The bioreactor may include ports for easy access to the vessel culture, allowing the growth substrate to be varied for optimum performance.

Abstract: A rotating cell vessel (4), designed to be simply constructed, and method of use have been developed. The vessel (4) is constructed of materials which are permeable to oxygen and carbon dioxide, and when rotated horizontally around central axis (10) suspends the contents, cells and particle substrates, in a liquid medium with a low turbulence, low shear fluid environment. The vessel walls (24) are made at least partially of gas permeable material. The vessel (4) is rotated to suspend the cells and substrate particles in a low turbulence liquid nutrient medium. Oxygen continuously diffuses through the permeable vessel material and through the cell culture liquid medium to provide the needed oxygen to the cells. Carbon dioxide diffuses through the cell culture medium and through the vessel wall (24), removing this waste product from the cell culture. A means for entrapping gas bubbles away from cell growth is also provided.

Abstract: A new rotating cell vessel and method of use have been developed. The vessel is constructed of materials which are permeable to oxygen and carbon dioxide, and when rotated horizontally suspend the contents, cells and particle substrates, in a liquid medium with a low turbulence, low shear fluid environment. The vessel walls are made at least partially of gas permeable material. The vessel is rotated in a horizontal plane to suspend the cells and substrate particles in a low turbulence liquid nutrient medium. Oxygen continuously diffuses through the permeable vessel material and through the cell culture liquid medium to provide the needed oxygen to the cells. Carbon dioxide diffuses through the cell culture medium and through the vessel wall, removing this waste product from the cell culture. The vessel is uniquely designed to be simply constructed.