Abstract: The present invention describes a method and device for improving the capture and interrogation of a rare cell population in a biological fluid such as in circulating tumor cells (CTC) in blood or Diagnostic Leukapheresis. ReFLECT-CTC is designed to capture CTC in a continuous fashion and interrogate isolated individual CTC. ReFLECT-CTC has the advantage of sampling large volumes of a biological sample which is especially useful in assessing the heterogeneity of a CTC population. The invention has application in cancer diagnostics where assessing tumor cells found in individual cancer patients will determine which drugs are most likely to be effective for an individual.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device and methods for the analysis of secreted molecules from a single cell. As described herein, the invention incorporates individual microwells with a bottom surface capable of capturing a cell and allows the release of secreted molecules to be printed onto a capture surface. The device provides accurate identification of the cell source of the printed molecules by mapping the printed molecules to the cell source. The invention further employs spectrometry, immunoassay or label free Surface Plasmon Resonance imaging for detection of the secreted molecules in combination with a microwell array, where single cells are seeded in individual microwells and the secreted molecules are captured by the capture surface in an array print while the cell remains in the microwell for additional interrogation. The present invention has applications in medical research and diagnosis where individual target cells in a fluid sample are interrogated for the secreted products.

Abstract: Methods, systems and activated human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) from bone marrow regions distal from bone fractures, the hMSCs enhanced for encouraging healing of bone fractures. Systems and methods of activation for enhancing bone fracture healing hMSCs, and the enhanced cells themselves, by exposing and activating distally obtained bone marrow aspirate to acoustic energy prior to placement of the activated cells at a site of a bone fracture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dextran-based tissuelette comprising platelet-rich plasma lysate (PRPL), which can be used for tissue repair. In particular, the tissuelette of the present invention can be adapted to display properties similar to natural cartilage, while having increased chondrocyte-attraction. Also, it has a tunable biostability that allows for degradation of the tissuelette material during natural tissue regeneration. In addition, the tissuelette displays full and covalent integration with the surrounding tissue when prepared directly at the site requiring tissue repair. The tissuelette of the present invention is primarily meant for use in cartilage repair, in particular cartilage repair upon degradation by osteoarthritis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of branched biodegradable polymers comprising of the steps of: (a) preparing a macromonomer by ring-opening polymerization of at least one cyclic ester, cyclic carbonate, and/or cyclic carboxyanhydride in the presence of a branching agent and optionally a catalyst; and (b) subsequent polycondensation of the macromonomer, to a process for the preparation of a macromonomer by ring-opening polymerization of at least one cyclic ester, carbonate and/or N-carboxyanhydride in the presence of a defined branching agent and optionally a catalyst, according to step (a), and to the prepared macromonomer and branched biodegradable polymer and their uses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a VHH which binds to a growth factor or is an antagonist for a growth factor, or binds to an implant.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for the intercalation of a chromophore within channels of a zeolite L crystal. The intercalated chromophores exhibit J type aggregation of the chromophores within the channels of the zeolite L crystals. The invention discloses method parameters which lead to the J type aggregation of the chromophores within the channels of the zeolite L crystals. The J type aggregation of the chromophores affords unique florescent properties rendering the intercalated zeolite L crystals as a material for use in novel optoelectronic devices.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for the intercalation of a chromophore within channels of a zeolite L crystal. The intercalated chromophores exhibit J type aggregation of the chromophores within the channels of the zeolite L crystals. The invention discloses method parameters which lead to the J type aggregation of the chromophores within the channels of the zeolite L crystals. The J type aggregation of the chromophores affords unique florescent properties rendering the intercalated zeolite L crystals as a material for use in novel optoelectronic devices.