Abstract: A method of generating a blastoid or a blastocyst-like structures by aggregation and culture of cells includes culturing an aggregate of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) and trophoblast cells in a medium comprising a HIPPO pathway inhibitor in a 3D culture; blastoids and a blastocyst-like cell aggregates obtainable by the methods and uses thereof; as well as similar treatments of blastocyst for in vitro fertilization that increase blastocyst development and implantation; as well as similar contraceptive treatment of human embryos that decrease blastocyst development and implantation.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to devices and methods that are useful for surface preparation of implantable medical devices. In the case of a vascular graft, the invention presents devices and methods that enhance endothelial cell seeding by providing recesses in the luminal surface that can receive endothelial cells. When the device is constructed of a material such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), the recesses may be created by physical processing of the microstructures of the material. The physical processing lifts nodes from the surface, forming recesses that can receive endothelial cells.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to devices and methods that are useful for surface preparation of implantable medical devices. In the case of a vascular graft, the invention presents devices and methods that enhance endothelial cell seeding by providing recesses in the luminal surface that can receive endothelial cells. When the device is constructed of a material such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), the recesses may be created by physical processing of the microstructures of the material. The physical processing lifts nodes from the surface, forming recesses that can receive endothelial cells.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to devices and methods that are useful for surface preparation of implantable medical devices. In the case of a vascular graft, the invention presents devices and methods that enhance endothelial cell seeding by providing recesses in the luminal surface that can receive endothelial cells. When the device is constructed of a material such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), the recesses may be created by physical processing of the microstructures of the material. The physical processing lifts nodes from the surface, forming recesses that can receive endothelial cells.