Abstract: A method of producing organized skeletal muscle tissue from precursor muscle cells in vitro comprises: (a) providing precursor muscle cells on a support in a tissue media; then (b) cyclically stretching and relaxing the support at least twice along a first axis during a first time period; and then (c) optionally but preferably maintaining the support in a substantially static position during a second time period; and then (d) repeating steps (b) and (c) for a number of times sufficient to enhance the functionality of the tissue formed on the support and/or produce organized skeletal muscle tissue on the solid support from the precursor muscle cells.

Abstract: A method of producing organized skeletal muscle tissue from precursor muscle cells in vitro comprises: (a) providing precursor muscle cells on a support in a tissue media; then (b) cyclically stretching and relaxing the support at least twice along a first axis during a first time period; and then (c) optionally but preferably maintaining the support in a substantially static position during a second time period; and then (d) repeating steps (b) and (c) for a number of times sufficient to enhance the functionality of the tissue formed on the support and/or produce organized skeletal muscle tissue on the solid support from the precursor muscle cells.

Abstract: A method of producing organized skeletal muscle tissue from precursor muscle cells in vitro comprises: (a) providing precursor muscle cells on a support in a tissue media; then (b) cyclically stretching and relaxing the support at least twice along a first axis during a first time period; and then (c) optionally but preferably maintaining the support in a substantially static position during a second time period; and then (d) repeating steps (b) and (c) for a number of times sufficient to enhance the functionality of the tissue formed on the support and/or produce organized skeletal muscle tissue on the solid support from the precursor muscle cells.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and compositions for obtaining uniform sized muscle fiber fragments for transplantation. These muscle fiber fragments are able to reconstitute into long fibers that are oriented along native muscle. The implanted muscle cells integrate with native vascular and neural network, as confirmed by histology and immunohistochemistry. This invention is particularly advantageous because autologous muscle can be harvested from a donor site, processed and injected into target sites in the operating room. The fragmented muscle fibers can be readily integrated within the host.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and compositions for obtaining uniform sized muscle fiber fragments for transplantation. These muscle fiber fragments are able to reconstitute into long fibers that are oriented along native muscle. The implanted muscle cells integrate with native vascular and neural network, as confirmed by histology and immunohistochemistry. This invention is particularly advantageous because autologous muscle can be harvested from a donor site, processed and injected into target sites in the operating room. The fragmented muscle fibers can be readily integrated within the host.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for preparing artificial heart valves by preconditioning a matrix seeded with endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells differentiated from isolated progenitor cells. These cell seeded matrices are exposed to fluid conditions that mimic blood flow through the heart to produce tissue engineered heart valves that are analogous to native heart valves.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for preparing artificial heart valves by preconditioning a matrix seeded with endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells differentiated from isolated progenitor cells. These cell seeded matrices are exposed to fluid conditions that mimic blood flow through the heart to produce tissue engineered heart valves that are analogous to native heart valves.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions and methods for preparing electrospun matrices comprising at least one natural biological material component and at least one synthetic polymer material. The natural component makes the matrices highly biocompatible while the molecular weight polymer component can impart additional strength mechanical strength to the scaffold and/or improve ease of manufacture by increasing viscosity and spinning characteristics of the solution during electrospining.

Abstract: The invention includes compositions and methods for the selective expression of a target gene in a subset of cells. In certain embodiments, the present invention includes a construct comprising a first nucleic acid sequence comprising an episomal maintenance element and a second nucleic acid sequence comprising a target gene wherein the expression of the episomal maintenance element is regulated by a constitutive promoter and the expression of the target gene is regulated by a non-constitutive promoter. The construct is able to maintain episomal state, no matter whether the target gene is expressed in the cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method of maintaining and/or increasing cell viability by downregulating cellular metabolic rate under hypoxic conditions, wherein the availability of adenosine or derivatives thereof in the cell is increased and/or prolonged. The present invention also relates to a system and method of prolonging the survival of implanted cells that are under hypoxic condition until host neovascularization is achieved, wherein the availability of adenosine or derivatives thereof in the cell is increased and/or prolonged. The present invention also provides a system and method of maintaining and/or increasing cell viability by downregulating cellular metabolic rate under hypoxic conditions, wherein at least one purine metabolism enzyme inhibitor is applied to the cell.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and compositions for obtaining uniform sized muscle fiber fragments for transplantation. These muscle fiber fragments are able to reconstitute into long fibers that are oriented along native muscle. The implanted muscle cells integrate with native vascular and neural network, as confirmed by histology and immunohistochemistry. This invention is particularly advantageous because autologous muscle can be harvested from a donor site, processed and injected into target sites in the operating room. The fragmented muscle fibers can be readily integrated within the host.

Abstract: The invention pertains to methods of producing artificial composite tissue constructs that permit coordinated motion. Biocompatable structural matrices having sufficient rigidity to provide structural support for cartilage-forming cells and bone-forming cells are used. Biocompatable flexible matrices seeded with muscle cells are joined to the structural matrices to produce artificial composite tissue constructs that are capable of coordinated motion.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for preparing artificial blood vessels by preconditioning a matrix seeded with endothelial cells to fluid flow conditions that mimic blood flow.