Abstract: A free-standing thin film is fabricated from a structure comprising a base layer coated with a sacrificial polymer layer, which is in turn coated with a flexible polymer layer. Cells are then seeded onto the flexible polymer layer and cultured to form a tissue. The flexible polymer layer is then released from the base layer to produce a free-standing thin film comprising the tissue on the flexible polymer layer. In one embodiment, the cells are myocytes, which can be actuated to propel or displace the free-standing film. In another embodiment, the free-standing film is used to treat injured human tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for generating relevant in vitro models of engineered innervated tissue, as well as uses of such tissues.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are biochemical actuator heads instrumented with a receptor conductive polymer for reversibly controlling ligand-receptor interactions. Also disclosed are systems and methods for utilizing and fabricating the biochemical actuator head. The biochemical actuator head and related systems and methods may be used in a wide array of applications including, without limitation, micro/nano assembly, examination of cellular signaling mechanisms, image-guided cell nanosurgery or particle processing. Particle processing systems and methods are also provided utilizing a receptor conductive polymer for reversibly controlling ligand-receptor interactions.

Abstract: The present invention provides high throughput assays for identifying compounds that modulate a contractile function, as well as devices suitable for use in these assays.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for the fabrication of 3D polymeric fibers having micron, sub-micron, and nanometer dimensions, as well as methods of use of these polymeric fibers.

Abstract: The present invention provides porous electroactive hydrogels, the deformation angle of which is controlled by electroactuation, and methods for preparing and using such hydrogels.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a population of committed ventricular progenitor (CVP) cells and their use to generate a tissue engineered myocardium, in particular two dimensional tissue engineered myocardium which is comparable to functional ventricular heart muscle. One embodiment of present invention provides a composition and methods for the production of a tissue engineered myocardium which has functional properties of cardiac muscle, such as contractibility (e.g. contraction force) and numerous properties of mature fully functional ventricular heart muscle tissue. In particular, in one embodiment, a composition comprising the tissue engineered myocardium comprises committed ventricular progenitor (CVP) cells seeded on a free-standing biopolymer structure to form functional ventricular myocardium tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of generating and devices of patterned soft substrates, on which cells may be seeded, as well as methods of using these substrates. Devices containing these patterned soft substrates are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the arrangement of one or more cells in a medium or on a substrate through the use of boundary conditions, which are changes in local environment compared to the medium or substrate alone or cause an alteration of cell response upon interaction of a cell with the boundary condition.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to biopolymer structures. The biopolymer structures are spatially organized from the nanometer to centimeter length scales and incorporate functionally active cells. Applications of the biopolymer structures include use with stem cells.

Abstract: The conductive polymer films of this disclosure reversibly and selectively mediate ligand-receptor interactions. This electrochemical manipulation of biochemical interactions is accomplished by embedding or adsorbing receptors for ligands of interest in or onto a conductive polymer matrix. The matrix can also be doped, for example, with desired ions, polyions, or surfactants. Depending on the receptor properties and dopants utilized, ligand-receptor interactions at the polymer-electrolyte interface are manipulated by controlling the oxidation and reduction of the conductive polymer. The intrinsic charge transfer characteristics of conductive polymers are used to modulate ligand-receptor interactions.

Abstract: A free-standing thin film is fabricated from a structure comprising a base layer coated with a sacrificial polymer layer, which is in turn coated with a flexible polymer layer. Cells are then seeded onto the flexible polymer layer and cultured to form a tissue. The flexible polymer layer is then released from the base layer to produce a free-standing thin film comprising the tissue on the flexible polymer layer. In one embodiment, the cells are myocytes, which can be actuated to propel or displace the free-standing film. In another embodiment, the free-standing film is used to treat injured human tissue.

Abstract: Methods and compositions of spray drying cellular material are provided that allow preservation of the cellular material. In one aspect, the cellular material is spray dried with a quantity of excipient. In another aspect, the cellular material is spray dried using a cryoprotectant.