Abstract: A device (10) for receiving implanted biological material includes a mechanoprotective surface (16) defining an adjacent space, an assembly (26, 28) for locally delivering media to said space, and a pump or slow/sustained release reservoir structure (14) operatively coupled to the assembly. The device may comprise an additional plunger body for being disposed in said space. The implanted biological material may be encapsulated or non-encapsulated.

Abstract: The present invention provides highly porous, biocompatible and biostable scaffold constructs for improving overall cell engraftment, survival, function and long-term viability. These scaffolds can provide mechanical protection to implanted cells, afford retrievability from a subject, and allow for both intra-device vascularization and a means to spatially distribute the cells within the device. The scaffold surface or material may be modified with one or more different adhesion proteins and optionally other biological factors for enhanced cell adherence and viability. Further, the scaffold surface or material may be modified with one or more agents with slow/sustained release characteristics to aid engraftment, survival, function or long-term viability. Implanted cells of the invention may be insulin-producing cells such as islets.

Abstract: A device (10) for receiving implanted biological material includes a mechanoprotective surface (16) defining an adjacent space, an assembly (26, 28) for locally delivering media to said space, and a pump or slow/sustained release reservoir structure (14) operatively coupled to the assembly. The device may comprise an additional plunger body for being disposed in said space. The implanted biological material may be encapsulated or non-encapsulated.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for enriching a sample in tumor cells and determining the DNA ploidy and proliferative index of the tumor cells present in the sample. The method uses a pan-leukocyte monoclonal antibody conjugated to a separable substrate such as magnetic microspheres to conjugate and remove leukocytes from the sample. A fluorescently labelled monoclonal antibody specific to a tumor associated antigen or an antigen arising from the presence of the tumor and a DNA staining reagent are added to the leukocyte depleted sample. The sample is then analyzed by dual color flow cytometry to determine cells having an abnormal DNA content by gating on fluorescently labelled cells.

Abstract: The invention describes the use of novel aminodextran compounds containing about 5-20% by weight amine groups to bind a plurality of monoclonal antibodies. The resulting antibody-aminodextran compounds may be used to induce the activation and proliferation of selected mammalian cells. Specific examples are given using an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody conjugated two aminodextrans containing about 5% and 16%, respectively, by weight amine groups as an agent for inducing the activation and proliferation of T cells.