Abstract: Methods for preparing articles having a bioactive surface comprising treating a substrate to form free reactive groups, depositing a monomer onto the treated substrate, and covalently immobilizing a biologically functional molecule onto the deposited monomer. Additional embodiments include methods for the deposition of the monomer onto the treated substrate in a solvent-free environment. Further embodiments include articles having surfaces prepared using the methods described herein. Additional embodiments include articles prepared using the methods described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cell adhesion promoting (“CAP”) peptide combinations that promote cell attachment or cell adhesion to culture surfaces that are otherwise cell adhesion resistant “CAR”. The invention provides combination of peptides that, when covalently coupled to a CAR layer such as hyaluronic acid that has been created on a polystyrene surface, promote cell attachment, growth differentiation, and execution of other desired cellular functions in culture.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of producing a surface with enhanced cell-adhesive properties comprising applying a stress to a polymeric matrix. The strained matrix is then modified by grafting a self-assembled monolayer onto the strained matrix, with the self-assembled monolayer comprising at least one exposed functional group. At least one cell-adhesive molecule can then be coupled to the at least one exposed functional group on the self-assembled monolayer to produce a surface with enhanced cell-adhesive properties.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for promoting mesenchymal stem cell expansion while maintaining a pluripotent phenotype are disclosed. Serum-free cell culture systems and kits and methods of use for mesenchymal stem cell expansion are provided. Methods also comprise the use of the expanded mesenchymal stem cells to treat various disorders or diseases, particularly those of the cardiovascular system, bone, or cartilage.

Abstract: Methods for preparing articles having a bioactive surface comprising treating a substrate to form free reactive groups, depositing a monomer onto the treated substrate, and covalently immobilizing a biologically functional molecule onto the deposited monomer. Additional embodiments include methods for the deposition of the monomer onto the treated substrate in a solvent-free environment. Further embodiments include articles having surfaces prepared using the methods described herein. Additional embodiments include articles prepared using the methods described herein.

Abstract: An automated system and method for identifying agents capable of eliciting a phenotypic change in a cell-type. The method includes the steps of providing a statistical design including generic factor names, factor levels and experimental runs, and utilizing a software program to generate a computer representation of the statistical design by automatically mapping the identities of the agents to the generic factor names, concentrations or amounts of the agents to the factor levels, and the locations of the receptacles to the experimental runs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cell adhesion promoting (“CAP”) peptide combinations that promote cell attachment or cell adhesion to culture surfaces that are otherwise cell adhesion resistant “CAR”. The invention provides combination of peptides that, when covalently coupled to a CAR layer such as hyaluronic acid that has been created on a polystyrene surface, promote cell attachment, growth differentiation, and execution of other desired cellular functions in culture.

Abstract: The current invention relates to methods of producing a surface with enhanced cell-adhesive properties comprising treating a pre-formed surface such that at least one intermediate reactive group is exposed on the surface. The exposed intermediate reactive group is then reacted to create a self-assembled monolayer, comprising at least one reactive group. The self-assembled monolayer is created non-mechanically. The reactive group is then coupled to at least one cell-adhesive molecule. The current invention also relates to cell culture devices comprising at least one oxygen-sensing compound and a cell-adhesive molecule.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of producing a surface with enhanced cell-adhesive properties comprising applying a stress to a polymeric matrix. The strained matrix is then modified by grafting a self-assembled monolayer onto the strained matrix, with the self-assembled monolayer comprising at least one exposed functional group. At least one cell-adhesive molecule can then be coupled to the at least one exposed functional group on the self-assembled monolayer to produce a surface with enhanced cell-adhesive properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cell adhesion promoting (“CAP”) peptide combinations that promote cell attachment or cell adhesion to culture surfaces that are otherwise cell adhesion resistant “CAR”. The invention provides combination of peptides that, when covalently coupled to a CAR layer such as hyaluronic acid that has been created on a polystyrene surface, promote cell attachment, growth differentiation, and execution of other desired cellular functions in culture.