Abstract: The present invention relates to an enzyme complex which the following (i) to (iv) are combined: (i) chimeric beta-agarase formed by a fusion of beta-agarase and the dockerin module of endo-?-1,4-glucanase-B; (ii) chimeric kappa-carrageenase formed by a fusion of kappa-carrageenase and the dockerin module of endo-?-1,4-glucanase-B; (iii) chimeric anhydro-galactosidase formed by a fusion of anhydro-galactosidase and the dockerin module of endo?-1,4-glucanase-B; and (iv) mini cellulose-binding protein A, and to a method of degrading red algal biomass using the same. According to the present invention, an enzymatic degradation process is applied for the production of agar degradation products, deviating from conventional methods that relied on physical and chemical pretreatment processes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of modulating the mannose content of recombinant proteins.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for fabricating a three-dimensional engineered blood retinal barrier (BRB) comprising a choroid and retinal pigment epithelial cells. The methods include the use of bioprinting. Also disclosed is a three-dimensional engineered BRB, and its use. Methods are also disclosed for using the three-dimensional engineered BRB, such as for the treatment of retinal degeneration in a subject or screening. A three-dimensional printing insert that is adapted for bioprinting on a culture substrate sheet that is securely retained within and exposed through a printing frame is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method to prepare a graft comprising a recellularized extracellular matrix of a mammalian liver, liver lobe or portion thereof, and a method of using the recellularized extracellular matrix of a mammalian liver, liver lobe or portion thereof.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of probiotic bacteria. In particular, it relates to methods for treating or preventing functional GI disorders comprising administering Bifidobacterium longum, such as Bifidobacterium longum ATCC BAA-999.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to wound healing scaffolds cografted with a population of stem cells, wherein the population of stem cells are ABCB5+ stem cells. The scaffolds are, for instance, collagen glycosaminoglycan scaffolds.

Abstract: A human immature endocrine cell population and methods for making an immature endocrine cell population are provided. Specifically, immature beta cells and methods for production of immature beta cells are described. Immature beta cells co-express INS and NKX6.1 and are uni-potent and thereby develop into mature beta cells when implanted in vivo. The mature beta cells in vivo are capable of producing insulin in response to glucose stimulation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a fermentation product from ligno-cellulosic material, comprising the following steps: a) optionally pre-treatment b) optionally washing; c) enzymatic hydrolysis; d) fermentation; and e) optionally recovery of a fermentation product; wherein in step c) an enzyme composition is used that has a temperature optimum of 55 degrees C. or more, the hydrolysis time is 40 hours or more and the temperature is 50 degrees C. or more.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Myoviridae bacteriophage ESC-COP-7 (accession number KCTC 13130BP) isolated from nature, and a method for preventing and treating infections from pathogenic Escherichia coli by means of a composition containing the Myoviridae bacteriophage ESC-COP-7 as an active ingredient, the Myoviridae bacteriophage ESC-COP-7 being characterized by having the capability to specifically kill Escherichia coli, and genome expressed by the SEQ ID 1.

Abstract: A method for determining the degree of sensitivity of a strain of fungus to an antifungal agent by using the possible change in a chitin level in a population of cells of a strain of fungus to an antifungal agent. The change is determined compared to the chitin level of a population of cells of said strain of fungus in the absence of antifungal agent.

Abstract: Neurosupportive materials that possess strong tissue adhesion were synthesized by photocrosslinking two polymers, gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and methacryloyl-substituted tropoelastin (MeTro). The engineered materials exhibited tunable mechanical properties by varying the GelMA/MeTro ratio. In addition, GelMA/MeTro hydrogels exhibited 15-fold higher adhesive strength to nerve tissue ex vivo compared to traditionally used fibrin-based materials. Furthermore, the composites were shown to support Schwann cell (SC) viability and proliferation, as well as neurite extension and glial cell participation in vitro, which are essential cellular components for nerve regeneration. Finally, subcutaneously implanted GelMA/MeTro hydrogels exhibited slower degradation in vivo compared with pure GelMA, indicating its potential to support the growth of slowly regenerating nerves.

Abstract: A method for selective labelling of necrotic cells including incubating the cells in a solution including a Ln(III)Zn16(HA ligand)16 metallacrown complex, wherein the HA ligand is a hydroximate ligand.

Abstract: A process for capturing or concentrating microorganisms for detection or assay comprises (a) providing a concentration agent that comprises an amorphous metal silicate and that has a surface composition having a metal atom to silicon atom ratio of less than or equal to about 0.5, as determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS); (b) providing a sample comprising at least one microorganism strain; and (c) contacting the concentration agent with the sample such that at least a portion of the at least one microorganism strain is bound to or captured by the concentration agent.

Abstract: Provided are elastin-rich bioscaffolds, enhanced via stem cell pre-seeding and flow-based mechanical conditioning followed by subsequent removal of stem cells. The bioscaffolds may accelerate cardiovascular tissue regeneration and can be used in the surgical repair/reconstruction in various cardiovascular and other surgical applications including heart valves, cardiovascular grafts, and patches. The provided acellular, elastin-rich bioscaffold will pose minimal immune risk and reduced FDA regulatory hurdles as a non-living biologic product.

Abstract: Acellular amnion derived therapeutic compositions are described having a number of various compositional embodiments. An acellular amnion derived therapeutic composition has essentially no live or active amniotic cells. The amniotic cells may be destroyed and the cells and cell debris may be removed from the acellular amnion derived therapeutic composition. An acellular amnion derived therapeutic composition may comprise micronized placental tissue particles, and/or amniotic fluid. An acellular amnion derived therapeutic composition may be a dispersion of micronized amniotic membrane combined with a fluid, such as plasma, saline, amniotic fluid, combinations thereof and the like. An acellular amnion derived therapeutic composition may be combined with a matrix component to form a composite. An acellular amnion derived therapeutic composition may be used in conjunction with a composition comprising viable cells, such as stem cells.

Abstract: The present invention resides in a method for producing jellyfish collagen hydrogels and kits for producing the same. The jellyfish collagen hydrogels can be used in the culture of cells. According to the invention, there is a process for producing jellyfish collagen hydrogels comprising jellyfish collagen fibrils, said process comprising the steps of: mixing a solution of purified jellyfish collagen and an aqueous neutralisation buffer; and incubating the mixture for a sufficient time to enable jellyfish collagen fibrils to form, wherein a cross-linking agent is either added during to mixing step or during or after the incubation of the mixture.

Abstract: Methods of screening rinse-off personal care compositions can include the use of explant skin in combination with measurements for moisture and/or cell proliferation.

Abstract: Methods of forming a connective tissue-to-bone interface scaffolds (e.g., ligament-to-bone interface scaffolds, tendon-to-bone interface scaffolds, etc.). These scaffolds (grafts) may be formed from in such a way as to provide both a mineralized and demineralized layer in which the entire graft is flexible, compressible and compliant.

Abstract: A method is used for preparing a product for use in repairing a lesion or defect at a tissue site in a human or animal patient body. The method includes obtaining tissue from a donor human or animal body and freezing the obtained tissue. The method further includes pulverizing the frozen tissue and suspending the pulverized tissue in a fluid. The method further includes homogenizing the tissue suspension and precipitating tissue particles from the homogenized tissue suspension. The method further includes re-suspending the precipitated tissue particles and lyophilizing the tissue re-suspension to provide the product to be used in repairing the lesion or defect.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing biogas from lignocellulose-containing biomass, preferably from straw, and to a plant for carrying out said method.