Abstract: Provided are cell niche engineering platform which represents a valuable in vitro tool for investigating physiological and pathological cellular activities, an all-in-one technology to engineer cell niche (particularly soluble cell niche factors) with retained bioactivities, a mask-free, non-contact, biocompatible and multiphoton-based microfabrication and micropatterning method for engineering a spatially and quantitatively controllable soluble proteins/bioactive factors and cell-cell adhesion molecules. An universal cell niche engineering platform is provided that contributes to reconstituting heterogeneous native soluble cell niche for signal transduction modeling and drug screening studies.

Abstract: A composition comprising a glycosaminoglycan component, and one or more extracellular matrix components forming a precipitate with the glycosaminoglycan component, wherein the precipitate has a glycosaminoglycan to hydroxyproline ratio from about 1:10 to about 100:1. In particular, it is a GAG-rich composition with controllable and high glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content that mimics the extracellular matrix (ECM) of GAG-rich native tissues. Also provided is a method of making and using the aforesaid composition. Further provided is a method of treating a tissue disorder in a subject using the aforesaid composition. The composition may be used as scaffolds for applications such as microcarriers, 3D culture substrates, swelling agent, volume filling agent, replacement of nucleus pulposus, cartilage, and other GAG-rich tissues.

Abstract: Photochemical tissue boding methods for bonding neural tissues include the application of a photosensitizer to a tissue and/or tissue graft, followed by irradiation with electromagnetic energy to produce a tissue seal. The methods are useful for tissue adhesion, such as in wound closure, tissue grafting, skin grafting, musculoskeletal tissue repair, ligament or tendon repair, neural repair, blood vessel repair and corneal repair.

Abstract: Photochemical tissue boding methods for bonding neural tissues include the application of a photosensitizer to a tissue and/or tissue graft, followed by irradiation with electromagnetic energy to produce a tissue seal. The methods are useful for tissue adhesion, such as in wound closure, tissue grafting, skin grafting, musculoskeletal tissue repair, ligament or tendon repair, neural repair, blood vessel repair and corneal repair.

Abstract: A method has been developed to produce stable cell-matrix microspheres with up to 100% encapsulation efficiency and high cell viability, using matrix or biomaterial systems with poor shape and mechanical stability for applications including cell therapeutics via microinjection or surgical implantation, 3D culture for in vitro expansion without repeated cell splitting using enzymatic digestion or mechanical dissociation and for enhanced production of therapeutic biomolecules, and in vitro modeling for morphogenesis studies. The modified droplet generation method is simple and scalable and enables the production of cell-matrix microspheres when the matrix or biomaterial system used has low concentration, with slow phase transition, with poor shape and mechanical stability.

Abstract: A bioengineered IVD for disc replacement has been developed that has mechanical and structural support characteristics similar to those of native IVD. Extracellular matrix (ECM) provides support to living cell components and interacts with the living cellular components during the fabrication process without introducing toxicity. The composition can be produced from both natural or synthetic source but preferably natural and induced to self-assemble or reconstitute into its solid form under conditions that are mild enough to support cellular survival and growth. The cells induce a volume change of the structures, leading to changes in dimension, ECM density, cell density mechanical property and stability, etc. The extent of the change i volume of the composition can be precisely controlled by factors such as the density of the ECM, the density of the living cells, the timing for interaction and the serum concentration. Increased structural support is provided by crosslinking.

Abstract: A method for producing collagen-based scaffolds with improved characteristics, which broadens the usage of collagen in tissue engineering and the products so produced are described. The method comprises reconstitution of three-dimensional collagen matrices from collagen monomer solution and crosslinking the matrix with a light source in the presence of a photosensitizing reagent. The crosslinked products can be in any shape and form and used in the dry or wet state, for applications including but not limited to tissue engineering and controlled drug delivery.

Abstract: Photochemical tissue boding methods for bonding neural tissues include the application of a photosensitizer to a tissue and/or tissue graft, followed by irradiation with electromagnetic energy to produce a tissue seal. The methods are useful for tissue adhesion, such as in wound closure, tissue grafting, skin grafting, musculoskeletal tissue repair, ligament or tendon repair, neural repair, blood vessel repair and corneal repair.

Abstract: Photochemical tissue bonding methods include the application of a photosensitizer to a tissue, e.g., cornea, followed by irradiation with electromagnetic energy to produce a tissue seal. The methods are useful for wound repair, or other tissue repair.