Abstract: Systems and methods for generating high-resolution spatial maps of microbiome and physicochemical indices for an agriculture site are provided. The spatial maps are generated from a limited/reduced number of physical samples acquired using a smart sampling tool provided by the systems and methods described. Insights for the agriculture site can be used to guide selection and application of interventions, according to various intervention archetypes, based upon the customized needs of the agriculture site. Performance of the agriculture site can thus be enhanced in an unprecedented, accessible, and sustainable manner.

Abstract: A mesenchymal stem/stromal (MSC) cell line, in particular a human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC), capable of chondrogenic differentiation when cultured in a chondrogenic medium, comprising a first transgene comprising a first nucleic acid sequence encoding for a preferably mammalian immortalizing enzyme under control of a first promoter sequence operable in said mesenchymal cell and a second transgene comprising a second nucleic acid sequence encoding a preferably mammalian bone morphogenic protein under control of a second promoter sequence operable in said mesenchymal cell.

Abstract: The invention is a reverse-flow method and system for the loading, proliferation and differentiation of cells into and throughout an implantable biocompatible three-dimensional scaffold.

Abstract: The invention is a reverse-flow method and system for the loading, proliferation and differentiation of cells into and throughout an implantable biocompatible three-dimensional scaffold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for growing cells in a three-dimensional scaffold. Relative movement of the scaffold and an end cap of the culture chamber results in circulation of the growth medium through the scaffold. The invention is also suited for introduction of cells into a scaffold. The scaffold may be any sort of natural or synthetic material that will support cellular life, including a tissue.

Abstract: The present invention specifically contemplates a polymer, preferably an electrically conductive polymer, derived from substituted pyrrolyl moieties.

Abstract: Tissue engineering is the development of biological substitutes to restore, maintain, or improve tissue function. One strategy that has been created to regenerate new tissue comprising the steps of providing cells, expanding the isolated cells in a first culture medium in which the cells lack differentiated functions and redifferentiating the expanded cells in a second cell culture medium. The present invention provides an improved method for tissue engineering. In particular, the method provides specific biochemical factors to supplement cell culture medium during the redifferentiation process with the goal of regenerating tissue equivalents that resemble natural tissues both structurally and functionally. These specific chemical factors induce and/or accelerate and/or promote the redifferentiation of the previously expanded cells.

Abstract: The present invention specifically contemplates a polymer, preferably an electrically conductive polymer, derived from substituted pyrrolyl moieties.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method for expanding cells for use in tissue engineering. In particular the method provides specific biochemical factors to supplement cell culture medium during the expansion process in order to reproduce events occurring during embryonic development with the goal of regenerating tissue equivalents that resemble natural tissues both structurally and functionally. These specific biochemical factors improve proliferation of the cells and are capable of de-differentiation mature cells isolated from tissue so that the differentiation potential of the cells is preserved. The bioactive molecules also maintain the responsiveness of the cells to other bioactive molecules. Specifically, the invention provides methods for expanding chondrocytes in the presence of fibroblast growth factor 2 for use in regeneration of cartilage tissue.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and systems are provided for the stimulation of biological activities within stem cells by applying electromagnetic stimulation to an electroactive material, wherein the electromagnetic stimulation is coupled to the electromagnetic material. In general the present invention involves attaching or associating the desired cells to or with a surface comprising an electroactive material, and applying electromagnetic radiation directly to the desired area. In preferred embodiments, the stimulation of biological activities within cells results from inducing one or more activities including, but not limited to, gene expression, cell growth, cell differentiation, signal transduction, membrane permeability, cell division, contraction, and cell signaling.

Abstract: Matrices that include a macrostructure having a semi-solid network and voids, and a microstructure having voids, in which the microstructure is located within the semi-solid network are disclosed. Methods for preparing these matrices are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing an anterior cruciate ligament ex vivo. The method comprises seeding pluripotent stem cells in a three dimensional matrix, anchoring the seeded matrix by attachment to two anchors, and culturing the cells within the matrix under conditions appropriate for cell growth and regeneration, while subjecting the matrix to one or more mechanical forces via movement of one or both of the attached anchors. Bone marrow stromal cells are preferably used as the pluripotent cells in the method. Suitable matrix materials are materials to which cells can adhere, such as a gel made from collagen type I. Suitable anchor materials are materials to which the matrix can attach, such as Goinopra coral and also demineralized bone. Some examples of tissue which can be produced include other ligaments in the body (hand, wrist, elbow, knee), tendon, cartilage, bone, muscle, and blood vessels.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and systems are provided for the stimulation of biological activities within stem cells by applying electromagnetic stimulation to an electroactive material, wherein the electromagnetic stimulation is coupled to the electromagnetic material. In general the present invention involves attaching or associating the desired cells to or with a surface comprising an electroactive material, and applying electromagnetic radiation directly to the desired area. In preferred embodiments, the stimulation of biological activities within cells results from inducing one or more activities including, but not limited to, gene expression, cell growth, cell differentiation, signal transduction, membrane permeability, cell division, contraction, and cell signaling.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing an anterior cruciate ligament ex vivo. The method comprises seeding pluripotent stem cells in a three dimensional matrix, anchoring the seeded matrix by attachment to two anchors, and culturing the cells within the matrix under conditions appropriate for cell growth and regeneration, while subjecting the matrix to one or more mechanical forces via movement of one or both of the attached anchors. Bone marrow stromal cells are preferably used as the pluripotent cells in the method. Suitable matrix materials are materials to which cells can adhere, such as a gel made from collagen type I. Suitable anchor materials are materials to which the matrix can attach, such as Goinopra coral and also demineralized bone. Optimally, the mechanical forces to which the matrix is subjected mimic mechanical stimuli experienced by an anterior cruciate ligament in vivo.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and systems are provided for the stimulation of biological activities within bone marrow stromal cells by applying electromagnetic stimulation to an electroactive material, wherein the electromagnetic stimulation is coupled to the electromagnetic material. In general the present invention involves attaching or associating the desired bone marrow stromal cells to or with a surface comprising an electroactive material, and applying electromagnetic radiation directly to the desired area. In preferred embodiments, the stimulation of biological activities within bone marrow stromal cells results from inducing one or more activities including, but not limited to, gene expression, cell growth, cell differentiation, signal transduction, membrane permeability, cell division and cell signalling. In particularly preferred embodiments, the present invention stimulates bone cell regeneration.