Abstract: In a method of forming a cellular structure, cells and a transient linker are supplied to a volume partially enclosed by a cage. The linker facilitates initial attachment of adjacent cells to form a cell aggregate. The cage defines distributed openings that are sized to retain the cell aggregate. A fluid comprising a cell culture medium is supplied to the volume. The fluid is withdrawn from the volume through the openings. Aggregated cells retained in the volume are cultured to form a cell structure. A cell culturing device is provided which comprises a conduit and a cage in the conduit. A fluid flows in the conduit. The fluid comprises the cells, the transient linker and the cell culture medium. The cage retains aggregated cells formed in the fluid, and defines distributed openings that allow the fluid to flow through.

Abstract: A device for imaging a tissue culture comprises a chamber for housing a tissue to be cultured and imaged. The chamber comprises a transparent window. The device also includes a platform facing the window. Micro-needles are mounted on the platform and are connected for fluid communication with a fluid source. The platform and the window are magnetically biased toward each other to press the micro-needles into a tissue sandwiched between the window and platform for injecting a fluid into the tissue. One or more spacers are placed between the platform and the window for preventing over-compression of the tissue by the platform and the window. During use, a fluid is supplied to the tissue through the needles from the fluid source and the tissue is imaged through the window of the chamber.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the encapsulation of cells in biologic compatible three dimensional scaffolds and the use of such cells encapsulated in a scaffold. The cells are embedded in a charged polymer that is complex coacervating with an oppositely charged polymer within biologic compatible scaffolds. The polymer complex embedding the cells is forming an ultra thin membrane on the surface of the three dimensional scaffold.

Abstract: An apparatus for encapsulating cells is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the apparatus includes an indirect-pumping dispenser for dispensing a cell suspension into an encapsulation solution through an outlet of the dispenser. The apparatus also includes a dipping mechanism that is attachable to the outlet of the dispenser. The dipping mechanism is adapted to dip the dispenser outlet in the encapsulation solution to allow the cell suspension dispensed thereat to come into contact with the encapsulation solution.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the encapsulation of cells in biologic compatible three dimensional scaffolds and the use of such cells encapsulated in a scaffold. The cells are embedded in a charged polymer that is complex coacervating with an oppositely charged polymer within biologic compatible scaffolds. The polymer complex embedding the cells is forming an ultra thin membrane on the surface of the three dimensional scaffold.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for immobilizing cells under laminar flow conditions in a matrix formed by biocompatible charged polymers, to a flow device for the use with the method of the present invention, and to uses of the polymer matrices containing the cells immobilized using the method of the present invention.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of use of a tissue system for culture and perfusion. The apparatus comprises needles for injecting a fluid into the tissue.

Abstract: A microscope for optical imaging of high optical scattering coefficient biological tissue, comprising an optical excitation source for irradiating a scan area of the sample and generating optical emissions, wherein the sample has a first face facing away from the source and a second face facing the source. A two dimensional element for scanning the light over the sample; a focusing element having a numerical aperture NAi to focus the light onto the sample; a first optical condenser to collect light from the first face, the collected light comprising source transmitted light and first optical emission generated in the sample, the condenser having a NA2 larger than NAi; an optical filter to block the transmitted source light; an aperture with a size corresponding to the irradiated area of the sample, the aperture at the conjugate image position of the sample generated by the condenser; and an optical detector collecting light from the first face for detecting the first optical emission from the scan area.

Abstract: A multi-layered microcapsule has an inner extracellular matrix and an outer shell. The inner extracellular matrix includes a first inner layer of biopolymer and a second intermediate layer of polymer that provides partial immune-protection and holds the first layer in place. The outer shell can form an exoskeleton to provide mechanical stability. Each of the individual layers can be varied to optimize mechanical stability, cell function, and immuno-protection.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of use of a tissue system for culture and perfusion. The apparatus comprises a needle for injecting a fluid into the tissue.

Abstract: The invention provides cell culture devices comprising a channel, the channel comprising one or more inlets and one or more outlets, and a cell retention chamber defined by an internal surface of the channel and a plurality of projections extending therefrom. The invention further provides methods of use relating to such cell culture devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to articles and methods involving porous materials (e.g., membranes) which may interact with species, such as biological molecules, cells, etc., whereby the species may adhere to or become immobilized with respect to a surface of the porous material or an adhesion layer coating the porous surface. The porous material may be capable of attaching species with control over the positioning and spatial distribution of the species across the surface of the material. Such articles and methods may be useful in, for example, biological assays, biological sensors, or in the culturing of biological cells.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for immobilizing cells under laminar flow conditions in a matrix formed by biocompatible charged polymers, to a flow device for the use with the method of the present invention, and to uses of the polymer matrices containing the cells immobilized using the method of the present invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the encapsulation of cells in biologic compatible three dimensional scaffolds and the use of such cells encapsulated in a scaffold. The cells are embedded in a charged polymer that is complex coacervating with an oppositely charged polymer within biologic compatible scaffolds. The polymer complex embedding the cells is forming an ultra thin membrane on the surface of the three dimensional scaffold.

Abstract: An apparatus for encapsulating cells is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the apparatus includes an indirect-pumping dispenser for dispensing a cell suspension into an encapsulation solution through an outlet of the dispenser. The apparatus also includes a dipping mechanism that is attachable to the outlet of the dispenser. The dipping mechanism is adapted to dip the dispenser outlet in the encapsulation solution to allow the cell suspension dispensed thereat to come into contact with the encapsulation solution.

Abstract: A multi-layered microcapsule has an inner extracellular matrix and an outer shell. The inner extracellular matrix includes a first inner layer of biopolymer and a second intermediate layer of polymer that provides partial immune-protection and holds the first layer in place. The outer shell can form an exoskeleton to provide mechanical stability. Each of the individual layers can be varied to optimize mechanical stability, cell function, and immuno-protection.

Abstract: The invention relates to photo-crosslinkable microcapsules with enhanced properties for encapsulation of bioactive substances. The present invention also relates to a microencapsulation composition and to a method of manufacturing microcapsules. The microcapsule comprise bioactive substances that are encapsulated by a selectively permeable polymeric membrane. The selectively permeable membrane is impermeable to immune system components associated with immune rejection in an animal. A monomer of the selectively permeable polymeric membrane includes a photosensitive cross-linking agent having a cinnamoyl moiety.

Abstract: A multi-layered microcapsule has an inner extracellular matrix and an outer shell. The inner extracellular matrix includes a first inner layer of biopolymer and a second intermediate layer of polymer that provides partial immune-protection and holds the first layer in place. The outer shell can form an exoskeleton to provide mechanical stability. Each of the individual layers can be varied to optimize mechanical stability, cell function, and immuno-protection.

Abstract: A non-disruptive three-dimensional culture system allows cell growth and proliferation in three dimensions, permitting cell splitting without subjecting cells to disruptive conditions that affect cell structure and functions. An extracellular matrix provides a good environment for culturing or co-culturing anchorage-dependent cells. The cells cultured this manner can be readily used in such applications as cell transplantation, tissue engineering seeding of cells on scaffolds, and other applications that require immediate availability of functioning cells.

Abstract: A non-disruptive three-dimensional culture system allows cell growth and proliferation in three dimensions, permitting cell splitting without subjecting cells to disruptive conditions that affect cell structure and functions. An extracellular matrix provides a good environment for culturing or co-culturing anchorage-dependent cells. The cells cultured this manner can be readily used in such applications as cell transplantation, tissue engineering seeding of cells on scaffolds, and other applications that require immediate availability of functioning cells.