Abstract: Compositions and processes for fabricating filter units containing carbon-based materials, including but not limited to activated carbon and charcoal powders are disclosed. The powders are embedded within a polymeric porous network, including but not limited to methylcellulose, that is crosslinked with citric acid to create the functioning units. These units can be used to filter out specific molecules from any solution. They can also be allowed to absorb certain molecules and then release these molecules when they are contacted with another solution. The absorption and release of different molecules can be performed simultaneously. By controlling the properties of the polymeric network, such as the chemical properties of the network, the pore sizes and porosity, and the degree of crosslinking, the absorption and release rates of different molecules can be adjusted.

Abstract: Systems and methods for growing cells or cell sheets are described. The method may use biocompatible or food-safe materials. The method may allow for cell alignment, optionally in selected patterns, which may be produced by casting a membrane on a 3D printed mold. The method may include surface treatment of an elastomeric membrane. The method may allow for the reuse of the membranes by autoclaving and/or a washing step. The method may create multi-layer cell sheets with an extracellular matrix (ECM) created by the cells, which may be detached from the membrane. Optionally, the cells may be separated from the ECM.

Abstract: This application relates to a method of making a cell construct, comprising a) plating a plurality of cells on a substantially flat surface; b) growing the plurality of cells to at least 80% confluent to form a cell sheet with intercellular linkages; c) applying a culture medium having a pH of about 5 to about 6.8 to the cell sheet; d) replacing the culture medium of step c) with a culture medium having a pH of about 7.5 to about 8.5; and e) replacing the culture medium of step d) with a culture medium having a pH of about 7 to about 7.7, to obtain a substantially planar untethered cell sheet. Also provided is a cell construct formed according to the method and uses thereof.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating cell sheets with high extracellular (ECM) content, while controlling cell alignment, are described. The method is simple, easy to perform, has a low-cost, and uses non-toxic and food-grade and food-safe materials. The method allows for cell alignment in sophisticated patterns using simple molding process with 3D printed molds prepared with cheap open-source 3D printers and using different types of filament materials. The method allows for the reuse of the silicone-based membranes by simple autoclaving and/or an isopropanol washing step. The method also creates multi-layer cell constructs and induced ECM production with optional ECM crosslinking using food-grade materials resulting in strong sheets formed in a short process that can be formed using simple scraping.

Abstract: This application discloses a method for preparing a construct comprising preparing a mixture of an extracellular matrix and a plurality of cells suspended in a first cell culture medium, applying a crosslinking or gelation agent to the mixture, depositing the mixture into a mold of a defined shape, allowing the extracellular matrix in the mixture to crosslink or gel for a duration of about 1 hour to about 4 hours, applying a second cell culture medium to the mixture containing crosslinked or gelled extracellular matrix, and allowing cell directed self-assembly of the mixture for a duration of about 2 hours to about 10 hours to form a construct, wherein the construct is a three-dimensional structure formed within the mold of the defined shape. Optionally, the method further comprises applying at least one stimuli to the mixture or the construct. Also provided are constructs prepared according to the methods disclosed herein.

Abstract: This application provides constructs for use as complex cell systems of a desired shape and methods of preparing thereof. The constructs comprise cells contained within a biocompatible gel matrix deposited on a scaffold material optionally cut into defined patterns and impregnated with a crosslinking agent, wherein the biocompatible gel matrix crosslinks upon contact with the crosslinking agent on the scaffold. By stacking multiple alternating layers of the scaffold material cut into defined patterns and the biocompatible gel matrix deposited on the scaffold in defined patterns, complex 3D structures with features like embedded channels are be formed. These complex cell system constructs can be used as in vitro models of biological processes.