Abstract: A high-throughput screening system is provided for optimizing the conditioning of patient-specific mesenchymal stem cells using a combinatorial set of biochemical factors, pharmacological inhibitors, and biomechanical forces. Also provided are generalized conditions for performing such conditioning. Cells made by these methods are also provided, in addition to cells having a mixed N endothelial cell/pericyte phenotype. These cells produce angiogenic growth factors and induce vascularization following implantation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and articles for wound healing that contain proteovesicles, comprising a syndecan polypeptide embedded in a lipid vesicle, and a PDGF polypeptide. Also disclosed is the use of these compositions to enhance wound healing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and articles for wound healing that contain proteovesicles, comprising a syndecan polypeptide embedded in a lipid vesicle, and a PDGF polypeptide. Also disclosed is the use of these compositions to enhance wound healing.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and methods for detecting cancer cell metastasis, the apparatus comprising: a multi-well plate for growing cells in tissue culture; one or more shafts, cones, or fins that fit within one or more of the wells of the multi-well plate and that can be positioned in close proximity to the bottom of the one or more wells; a rotational motor connected to drive the one or more shafts, cones, or fins to rotate, such that rotation of the shafts, cones, or fins creates fluid flow within the one or more wells; and a detector capable of measuring cells within the wells.

Abstract: The present application relates to an adaptable cell culture system that allows the application of mechanical strain to cells in culture through the displacement of a stretchable cell culture substrate. The system can apply dynamically heterogeneous strains to simulate the complex in vivo strain profiles on cultured cells, the strains including simulation of physiologic waveform such as a simulation of normal or diseased physiological biphasic stretch of the cardiac cycle, a simulation of normal or diseased physiological arterial waveform, or a cyclic mechanical strain. The system is modular and compatible with commercially available cell culture plate formats and robotic liquid handling devices. The system has a variety of applications including screening compounds for cardio toxicity or therapeutic activity, and identifying drug target, all using cell culture under the mechanical strain applied by the system.

Abstract: The compositions and methods of the present invention relate to the co-delivery of a molecule and a polypeptide to cells to improve the therapeutic efficacy of the molecules. In one embodiment of the invention, the invention may improve delivery of growth factors by co-delivering these growth factors with their receptors and co-receptors, such as syndecans. Co-delivery of growth factors with syndecans, for example, may protect growth factors from proteolysis, enhance their activity, and target the growth factors to the cell surface to facilitate growth factor signaling. This novel approach to growth factor therapy could be extended to other systems and growth factors enabling the enhancement of multiple signaling pathways to achieve a desired therapeutic outcome.

Abstract: The compositions and methods of the present invention relate to the co-delivery of a molecule and a polypeptide to cells to improve the therapeutic efficacy of the molecules. In one embodiment of the invention, the invention may improve delivery of growth factors by co-delivering these growth factors with their receptors and co-receptors, such as syndecans. Co-delivery of growth factors with syndecans, for example, may protect growth factors from proteolysis, enhance their activity, and target the growth factors to the cell surface to facilitate growth factor signaling. This novel approach to growth factor therapy could be extended to other systems and growth factors enabling the enhancement of multiple signaling pathways to achieve a desired therapeutic outcome.

Abstract: In one aspect the present invention provides indented structures that each include (a) a body defining a plurality of indentations, substantially all of the plurality of indentations including a surface layer including a biologically active substance; and (b) a body surface, wherein each of the plurality of indentations opens onto the body surface through a plurality of openings, and wherein the biologically active substance is not substantially present on the body surface. Examples of structures of the present invention include medical devices, such as medical devices that are completely or partially implantable into a living body. The surface layer of the indentations (or at least some of the indentations) of the medical devices of the invention may include biologically active molecules, such as proteins, that promote the growth of cells into and/or within the indentations, thereby promoting the acceptance of the implanted device by the living body.