Abstract: One of the major hurdles of cellular therapies for the treatment of liver failure is the low availability of functional human hepatocytes. Although embryonic stem (ES) cells represent a potential cell source for therapy, current methods for differentiation result in mixed cell populations or low yields of the cells of interest. The present invention provides for a rapid, direct differentiation method that yields a homogeneous population of endoderm-like cells with 95% purity. In one embodiment, mouse ES cells cultured on top of collagen-sandwiched hepatocytes differentiate and proliferate into a uniform and homogeneous cell population of endoderm-like cells. The endoderm-like cell population was positive for Foxa2, Sox17 and AFP, and could further differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells that demonstrate hepatic morphology, functionality, and gene and protein expression.

Abstract: The invention features modular cell culturing devices including one or more flat-plate modules, and is based on the discovery that if the flows of liquid medium and oxygenated fluid are separated by a gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable membrane, and the cells are grown attached to the liquid side of the membrane, the device can be used to culture cells with transport of oxygen through the membrane (i.e., direct oxygenation), without regard for the flow rate of the liquid medium passing through the device. The new flow-through cell culturing devices can thus be used to culture cells, e.g., hepatocytes, with high levels of cell function in organ, e.g., liver, assist systems, for production of cells, for production of cell-derived products, such as, proteins or viruses, or for systems to treat biological liquids to remove toxins, such as, ammonia, or add cell-synthesized products, or both.

Abstract: The invention relates to new flow-through cell culturing devices that include plates arranged in parallel and spaced to control the flow patterns and velocity of liquid medium flowing between the plates. The devices can also include gas-permeable, liquid impermeable membranes arranged between the plates. The devices can be used to culture cells, such as hepatocytes, at high levels of mass transport of nutrients, oxygen, and waste products, yet low levels of shear stress for extended periods of time and with high levels of cell function, e.g., in organ assist systems. The invention also includes new culturing plates for use in the devices, and methods of manufacturing these plates.

Abstract: The invention features-modular cell culturing devices including one or more flat-plate modules, and is based on the discovery that if the flows of liquid medium and oxygenated fluid are separated by a gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable membrane, and the cells are grown attached to the liquid side of the membrane, the device can be used to culture cells with transport of oxygen through the membrane (i.e., direct oxygenation), without regard for the flow rate of the liquid medium passing through the device. The new flow-through cell culturing devices can thus be used to culture cells, e.g., hepatocytes, with high levels of cell function in organ, e.g., liver, assist systems, for production of cells, for production of cell-derived products, such as, proteins or viruses, or for systems to treat biological liquids to remove toxins, such as, ammonia, or add cell-synthesized products, or both.

Abstract: The invention features modular cell culturing devices including one or more flat-plate modules, and is based on the discovery that if the flows of liquid medium and oxygenated fluid are separated by a gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable membrane, and the cells are grown attached to the liquid side of the membrane, the device can be used to culture cells with transport of oxygen through the membrane (i.e., direct oxygenation), without regard for the flow rate of the liquid medium passing through the device. The new flow-through cell culturing devices can thus be used to culture cells, e.g., hepatocytes, with high levels of cell function in organ, e.g., liver, assist systems, for production of cells, for production of cell-derived products, such as, proteins or viruses, or for systems to treat biological liquids to remove toxins, such as, ammonia, or add cell-synthesized products, or both.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for magnetically treating a flowing fluid. A magnetic structure comprising the plurality of magnets made from rare earth materials are arranged around the inside surface of a ring and with the north poles of the magnets facing inwardly. The magnetic structure is placed within a flow system with the pump being substantially immediately upstream of the magnetic apparatus. The method and apparatus disclosed herein results in superior and more convenient treatment of water using magnetic materials.