Abstract: Kits and compositions for producing an alginate gel are disclosed. The kits and compositions comprise soluble alginate and insoluble alginate/gelling ion particles. Methods for dispensing a self-gelling alginate dispersion are disclosed. The methods comprise forming a dispersion of insoluble alginate/gelling ion particles in a solution containing soluble alginate, and dispensing the dispersion whereby the dispersion forms an alginate gel matrix. The methods may include dispensing the dispersion into the body of an individual. An alginate gel having a thickness of greater than 5 mm and a homogenous alginate matrix network and homogenous alginate gels free of one or more of: sulfates citrates, phosphates, lactatates, EDTA or lipids are disclosed. Implantable devices comprising a homogenous alginate gel coating are disclosed. Methods of improving the viability of pancreatic islets, or other cellular aggregates or tissue, following isolation and during storage and transport are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to composites comprising a polysaccharide gelled within pores of a foam, methods of preparation, and uses thereof, for example, in biomedical applications such as cell culture media and implants, controlled release delivery systems, food applications, industrial applications, and personal care applications such as cosmetic and oral hygiene. The composites of the present invention are simple to formulate using few steps and are useful for entrapping heat-sensitive components, such as cells, drugs, flavors or fragrances within the polysaccharide gel. In addition, the invention provides for a composite able to gently immobilize fragile components, such as living cells, without exposing such components to shear forces.

Abstract: Kits and compositions for producing an alginate gel are disclosed. The kits and compositions comprise soluble alginate and insoluble alginate/gelling ion particles. Methods for dispensing a self-gelling alginate dispersion are disclosed. The methods comprise forming a dispersion of insoluble alginate/gelling ion particles in a solution containing soluble alginate, and dispensing the dispersion whereby the dispersion forms an alginate gel matrix. The methods may include dispensing the dispersion into the body of an individual. An alginate gel having a thickness of greater than 5 mm and a homogenous alginate matrix network and homogenous alginate gels free of one or more of: sulfates citrates, phosphates, lactatates, EDTA or lipids are disclosed. Implantable devices comprising a homogenous alginate gel coating are disclosed. Methods of improving the viability of pancreatic islets, or other cellular aggregates or tissue, following isolation and during storage and transport are disclosed.

Abstract: Kits and compositions for producing an alginate gel are disclosed. The kits and compositions comprise soluble alginate and insoluble alginate/gelling ion particles. Methods for dispensing a self-gelling alginate dispersion are disclosed. The methods comprise forming a dispersion of insoluble alginate/gelling ion particles in a solution containing soluble alginate, and dispensing the dispersion whereby the dispersion forms an alginate gel matrix. The methods may include dispensing the dispersion into the body of an individual. An alginate gel having a thickness of greater than 5 mm and a homogenous alginate matrix network and homogenous alginate gels free of one or more of: sulfates citrates, phosphates, lactates, EDTA or lipids are disclosed. Implantable devices comprising a homogenous alginate gel coating are disclosed. Methods of improving the viability of pancreatic islets, or other cellular aggregates or tissue, following isolation and during storage and transport are disclosed.

Abstract: Kits and compositions for producing an alginate gel are disclosed. The kits and compositions comprise soluble alginate and insoluble alginate/gelling ion particles. Methods for dispensing a self-gelling alginate dispersion are disclosed. The methods comprise forming a dispersion of insoluble alginate/gelling ion particles in a solution containing soluble alginate, and dispensing the dispersion whereby the dispersion forms an alginate gel matrix. The methods may include dispensing the dispersion into the body of an individual. An alginate gel having a thickness of greater than 5 mm and a homogenous alginate matrix network and homogenous alginate gels free of one or more of: sulfates citrates, phosphates, lactatates, EDTA or lipids are disclosed. Implantable devices comprising a homogenous alginate gel coating are disclosed. Methods of improving the viability of pancreatic islets, or other cellular aggregates or tissue, following isolation and during storage and transport are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of inhibiting proliferation of a plurality of proliferating cells are disclosed. Methods of inhibiting cell overgrowth on compositions that are in an animal's body are disclosed. Methods of inhibiting cell overgrowth on a device that is in an animal's body are disclosed. Devices that have on their exterior surface an alginate matrix that comprises Strontium are disclosed. Compositions comprising an alginate body and alginate sheets that each comprise a single layer of cells coating the exterior surface of the alginate body are disclosed. Methods of preparing an artificial tissue are disclosed. Devices comprising cells encapsulated within an alginate matrix and/or maintained as a monolayer on an alginate body, and methods of making and using the same are disclosed. Methods of coating compositions and devices are disclosed.

Abstract: Kits and compositions for producing an alginate gel are disclosed. The kits and compositions comprise soluble alginate and insoluble alginate/gelling ion particles. Methods for dispensing a self-gelling alginate dispersion are disclosed. The methods comprise forming a dispersion of insoluble alginate/gelling ion particles in a solution containing soluble alginate, and dispensing the dispersion whereby the dispersion forms an alginate gel matrix. The methods may include dispensing the dispersion into the body of an individual. An alginate gel having a thickness of greater than 5 mm and a homogenous alginate matrix network and homogenous alginate gels free of one or more of: sulfates citrates, phosphates, lactatates, EDTA or lipids are disclosed. Implantable devices comprising a homogenous alginate gel coating are disclosed. Methods of improving the viability of pancreatic islets, or other cellular aggregates or tissue, following isolation and during storage and transport are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical device comprising a biocompatible medical coating adhered thereto, wherein the coating comprises at least one of a non-crosslinked, water soluble salt of: (i) alginic acid, (ii) hyaluronic acid or (iii) chitosan, wherein the coating is readily dissolvable in at least one mammalian body fluid.

Abstract: Methods of inhibiting proliferation of a plurality of proliferating cells are disclosed. Methods of inhibiting cell overgrowth on compositions that are in an animal's body are disclosed. Methods of inhibiting cell overgrowth on a device that is in an animal's body are disclosed. Devices that have on their exterior surface an alginate matrix that comprises Strontium are disclosed. Compositions comprising an alginate body and alginate sheets that each comprise a single layer of cells coating the exterior surface of the alginate body are disclosed. Methods of preparing an artificial tissue are disclosed. Devices comprising cells encapsulated within an alginate matrix and/or maintained as a monolayer on an alginate body, and methods of making and using the same are disclosed. Methods of coating compositions and devices are disclosed.

Abstract: Kits and compositions for producing an alginate gel are disclosed. The kits and compositions comprise soluble alginate and insoluble alginate/gelling ion particles. Methods for dispensing a self-gelling alginate dispersion are disclosed. The methods comprise forming a dispersion of insoluble alginate/gelling ion particles in a solution containing soluble alginate, and dispensing the dispersion whereby the dispersion forms an alginate gel matrix. The methods may include dispensing the dispersion into the body of an individual. An alginate gel having a thickness of greater than 5 mm and a homogenous alginate matrix network and homogenous alginate gels free of one or more of: sulfates citrates, phosphates, lactatates, EDTA or lipids are disclosed. Implantable devices comprising a homogenous alginate gel coating are disclosed. Methods of improving the viability of pancreatic islets, or other cellular aggregates or tissue, following isolation and during storage and transport are disclosed.

Abstract: Kits and compositions for producing an alginate gel are disclosed. The kits and compositions comprise soluble alginate and insoluble alginate/gelling ion particles. Methods for dispensing a self-gelling alginate dispersion are disclosed. The methods comprise forming a dispersion of insoluble alginate/gelling ion particles in a solution containing soluble alginate, and dispensing the dispersion whereby the dispersion forms an alginate gel matrix. The methods may include dispensing the dispersion into the body of an individual. An alginate gel having a thickness of greater than 5 mm and a homogenous alginate matrix network and homogenous alginate gels free of one or more of: sulfates citrates, phosphates, lactatates, EDTA or lipids are disclosed. Implantable devices comprising a homogenous alginate gel coating are disclosed. Methods of improving the viability of pancreatic islets, or other cellular aggregates or tissue, following isolation and during storage and transport are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of inhibiting proliferation of a plurality of proliferating cells are disclosed. Methods of inhibiting cell overgrowth on compositions that are in an animal's body are disclosed. Methods of inhibiting cell overgrowth on a device that is in an animal's body are disclosed. Devices that have on their exterior surface an alginate matrix that comprises Strontium are disclosed. Compositions comprising an alginate body and alginate sheets that each comprise a single layer of cells coating the exterior surface of the alginate body are disclosed. Methods of preparing an artificial tissue are disclosed. Devices comprising cells encapsulated within an alginate matrix and/or maintained as a monolayer on an alginate body, and methods of making and using the same are disclosed. Methods of coating compositions and devices are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to composites comprising a polysaccharide gelled within pores of a foam, methods of preparation, and uses thereof, for example, in biomedical applications such as cell culture media and implants, controlled release delivery systems, food applications, industrial applications, and personal care applications such as cosmetic and oral hygiene. The composites of the present invention are simple to formulate using few steps and are useful for entrapping heat-sensitive components, such as cells, drugs, flavors or fragrances within the polysaccharide gel. In addition, the invention provides for a composite able to gently immobilize fragile components, such as living cells, without exposing such components to shear forces.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing a gelled foam comprising the steps of: forming a dispersion by mixing i) a solution comprising a soluble polysaccharide and a plasticizer and adding a polysaccharide/gel-forming ion particles or ii) a soluble, preferably immediately soluble, polysaccharide, preferably an alginate, a polysaccharide/gel-forming ion particles, and adding a solvent, said dispersion (ii) further comprising a water soluble plasticizer to make the dispersion and then aerating the dispersion to form the foam. The foam may be inhomogeneous in structure which is useful in providing improved delivery of a component carried in the foam and in degradation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical device comprising a biocompatible medical coating adhered thereto, wherein the coating comprises at least one of a non-crosslinked, water soluble salt of: (i) alginic acid, (ii) hyaluronic acid or (iii) chitosan, wherein the coating is readily dissolvable in at least one mammalian body fluid.

Abstract: Kits and compositions for producing an alginate gel are disclosed. The kits and compositions comprise soluble alginate and insoluble alginate/gelling ion particles. Methods for dispensing a self-gelling alginate dispersion are disclosed. The methods comprise forming a dispersion of insoluble alginate/gelling ion particles in a solution containing soluble alginate, and dispensing the dispersion whereby the dispersion forms an alginate gel matrix. The methods may include dispensing the dispersion into the body of an individual. An alginate gel having a thickness of greater than 5 mm and a homogenous alginate matrix network and homogenous alginate gels free of one or more of: sulfates citrates, phosphates, lactatates, EDTA or lipids are disclosed. Implantable devices comprising a homogenous alginate gel coating are disclosed. Methods of improving the viability of pancreatic islets, or other cellular aggregates or tissue, following isolation and during storage and transport are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of inhibiting proliferation of a plurality of proliferating cells are disclosed. Methods of inhibiting cell overgrowth on compositions that are in an animal's body are disclosed. Methods of inhibiting cell overgrowth on a device that is in an animal's body are disclosed. Devices that have on their exterior surface an alginate matrix that comprises Strontium are disclosed. Compositions comprising an alginate body and alginate sheets that each comprise a single layer of cells coating the exterior surface of the alginate body are disclosed. Methods of preparing an artificial tissue are disclosed. Devices comprising cells encapsulated within an alginate matrix and/or maintained as a monolayer on an alginate body, and methods of making and using the same are disclosed. Methods of coating compositions and devices are disclosed.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions which are useful for the treatment of cancer or illnesses which arise due to an abnormally elevated cell proliferation comprise acyl derivatives of aromatic aldehydes, especially arylidene diesters and .alpha.-alkoxyarylidene esters of general formula (I).