Abstract: A method of single-cell encapsulation of cells using glycoengineering and click-chemistry is provided. Cells are treated with a precursor for metabolic engineering to modify glycans in a cell membrane and form reactive component A-glycans in the cell membrane suitable for a click-chemistry reaction. The treated cells are suspended in a polymer solution which has a reactive component B suitable for the click-chemistry reaction. The reactive component A-glycans react via the click-chemistry with the reaction component B thereby forming single cell polymer encapsulated cells. Applications include optimizing stem cell function, cell to cell crosslinking, formation of networks of cells or organoids, functionalizing the cells with reactive groups or attaching the cells to a substrate or surface.

Abstract: Improved in vivo brain therapy is provided with a system having a neural implant that delivers both electrical stimulation and stem cell therapy to the brain. The return electrode for electrical stimulation is spaced apart from the implant to prevent local short-circuiting of the electrical stimulation. After forming the implant, stem cells can be seeded upon it, and subsequently, the apparatus can be implanted in vivo. A cannula system allows for continued electrical stimulation and the ability to manipulate the stem cells within the host environment.

Abstract: Porous electrically conductive graphene/carbon nanofiber bio-scaffolds can be fabricated having a Youngs modulus and electrical conductivity that both match typical values for brain tissue. Such scaffolds have been tested and found to provide proved differentiation of stem cells into functional neural cells relative to conventional scaffolds. In preferred embodiments, neural cell differentiation in conductive graphene/carbon nanofiber scaffolds is promoted by an applied electrical stimulus.