Abstract: This disclosure describes a method for altering the proteome of a diseased heart, organ or tissue by contacting it with extracellular matrix (ECM) particles derived from decellularized 3D microtissues. In an example, the process involves restoring the normal ratio of collagen levels, modulating immune responses, improving mitochondrial function, and/or mitigating the effects of TGF-Beta, a growth factor associated with fibrosis. The ECM particles can be produced from human mesenchymal stem cells and retain bioactive components and structural properties of native tissue. Additionally, the disclosure outlines a composition for treating a diseased organ using these ECM particles, which are treated to enhance crosslinking, stability, injectability, and compatibility with patients.

Abstract: Described are decellularized human extracellular matrix (ECM) morsels for use in tissue regeneration and repair.

Abstract: Described herein are in vitro quantitative methods directed to 3D extracellular matrix (ECM) organization and mechanics. The methods do not require application of an external force, anchorage, or a scaffolding material in order to culture ECM tissue constructs, and the methods enable quantitative measurements without crosstalk noise from variables attributable to external forces, anchorage, and scaffolding material.

Abstract: The invention provides a device and a method for the assembly of an aggregation of adherent cells, particularly a three-dimensional assembly of adherent cells.

Abstract: The invention provides a device and a method for the assembly of an aggregation of adherent cells, particularly a three-dimensional assembly of adherent cells.

Abstract: A device for assembling aggregations of adherent cells includes a gripper moveable within an assembly vessel that fixes aggregations of adherent cells at a membrane of the gripper and, by movement of the gripper, assembles aggregations of cells on a separate membrane within the vessel, thereby creating a three-dimensional assembly of aggregations of cells that fuse and can be employed in surgical procedures as a unitary tissue of adherent cells. The aggregations of cells, as assembled, can assume three-dimensional configurations distinct from any one of the component aggregations of cells assembled.

Abstract: Drugs are screened for affects on inhibiting efflux pumps and blocking gap junction communication in tumors by culturing cells to thereby form self-assembled spheroids and incubating the spheroids. Uptake of a substrate of the efflux pump and distribution of a substrate for the efflux pump within the spheroids is imaged to thereby select drugs that inhibit the efflux pump or do not block gap junction communication. Selected drugs can then be employed to treat a tumor.

Abstract: The candidates are screened and then employed by administering to patients in need thereof of a drug candidate that affects heterotypic intercellular mechanotransduction. At least two types of cells are labeled with distinct intracellular fluorescent marker labels and combined to form a cell suspension and cultured to form a microtissue, such as spheroids. The cells or the spheroids are combined with a drug candidate, either before, during or after forming the spheroids. The distribution of the different cell types is compared to that of essentially the same suspension culture in the absence of the drug candidate. Alternatively, the cell power of cells cultured in a non-adherent mold that determines at least in part, the shape of microtissue formed is measured and compared with essentially the same cell suspension cultured in the same manner in the absence of a drug candidate. A patient in need thereof can be administered a drug identified as affecting heterotypic intercellular mechanotransduction.

Abstract: A device for assembling aggregations of adherent cells includes a gripper moveable within an assembly vessel that fixes aggregations of adherent cells at a membrane of the gripper and, by movement of the gripper, assembles aggregations of cells on a separate membrane within the vessel, thereby creating a three-dimensional assembly of aggregations of cells that fuse and can be employed in surgical procedures as a unitary tissue of adherent cells. The aggregations of cells, as assembled, can assume three-dimensional configurations distinct from any one of the component aggregations of cells assembled.

Abstract: Provided are assays and methods for creating proto-tissues from aggregates of cells. The invention concerns assays and methods useful in tissue engineering and reconstruction techniques, specifically in the formation of macrotissues from microtissues using microtissue pre-culture time as a controlling parameter.

Abstract: A method of making a composite from a composition including a metal oxide precursor and polymer precursor by exposing the metal oxide precursor to a gas having a humidity level of about 40% to about 70% for at least about one hour.

Abstract: Provided are assays and methods for creating proto-tissues from aggregates of cells. The invention concerns assays and methods useful in tissue engineering and reconstruction techniques, specifically in the formation of macrotissues from microtissues using microtissue pre-culture time as a controlling parameter.

Abstract: The invention provides new methods for purifying and concentrating viruses. The inventors have discovered that high molecular weight proteoglycans present in retroviral stocks are co-concentrated with the retroviruses, and can inhibit retroviral transduction. The new purification and concentration methods feature treatment of virus stock with an anionic polyelectrolyte and a cationic polyelectrolyte, followed by centrifugation. The new methods minimize the amount of proteoglycan co-precipitated with the infectious virus.

Abstract: Novel compositions, as well as related methods, coatings, and articles, are disclosed.

Abstract: Novel compositions, as well as related methods, coatings, and articles, are disclosed.

Abstract: Novel compositions, as well as related methods, coatings, and articles, are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is based on the discovery that certain membranes, which include side chains or molecular “brushes” having, for example, tertiary amino functional groups, can be used as highly effective filters to capture viruses/virus particles from liquids without removal of proteins. New methods based on this discovery include removing viruses from liquids such as blood or plasma, removing viruses from pharmaceuticals, concentrating and/or purifying viruses, e.g., for use in gene therapy, and producing recombinant viruses in new bioreactors. The invention also includes new methods of therapy or adjunct therapy for viral infections, in which a patient's blood or plasma is filtered through the membranes to remove viruses to reduce the viral load. The invention also includes new bioreactors and viral filters containing the membranes.

Abstract: The invention provides new methods for purifying and concentrating viruses. The inventors have discovered that high molecular weight proteoglycans present in retroviral stocks are co-concentrated with the retroviruses, and can inhibit retroviral transduction. The new purification and concentration methods feature treatment of virus stock with an anionic polyelectrolyte and a cationic polyelectrolyte, followed by centrifugation. The new methods minimize the amount of proteoglycan co-precipitated with the infectious virus.

Abstract: The invention is based on the discovery that certain membranes, which include side chains or molecular “brushes” having, for example, tertiary amino functional groups, can be used as highly effective filters to capture viruses/virus particles from liquids without removal of proteins. New methods based on this discovery include removing viruses from liquids such as blood or plasma, removing viruses from pharmaceuticals, concentrating and/or purifying viruses, e.g., for use in gene therapy, and producing recombinant viruses in new bioreactors. The invention also includes new methods of therapy or adjunct therapy for viral infections, in which a patient's blood or plasma is filtered through the membranes to remove viruses to reduce the viral load. The invention also includes new bioreactors and viral filters containing the membranes.

Abstract: The invention relates to microfabricated membranes and matrices that have a highly controlled and complex three-dimensional topography. The new microfabricated membranes and matrices can be prepared of man-made as well as natural materials, such as materials found in naturally occurring membranes, and thus can be made in the form of tissue substitutes or analogs, such as basal lamina, dermal, or skin analogs.