Abstract: A method for isolating human neuroepithelial precursor cells from human fetal tissue by culturing the human fetal cells in fibroblast growth factor and chick embryo extract and immunodepleting from the cultured human fetal cells any cells expressing A2B5, NG2 and eNCAM is provided. In addition, methods for transplanting these cells into an animal are provided. Animals models transplanted with these human neuroepithelial precursor cells and methods for monitoring survival, proliferation, differentiation and migration of the cells in the animal model via detection of human specific markers are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition and method for regulating the adhesion of cells and biomolecules to hydrophobic surfaces and hydrophobic coated surfaces. The composition is a biomolecule conjugated end-group activated polymer (EGAP). The biomolecule conjugated EGAP can be put to numerous uses including cell adhesion, cell growth, cell sorting, and other biological assays.

Abstract: A method for determining the viral retentivity of an external jacket of an implantable permselective macrocapsule. Viral retentivity describes the ability of an external jacket to retard the transport of virus particles across the jacket.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition and method for regulating the adhesion of cells and biomolecules to hydrophobic surfaces and hydrophobic coated surfaces. The composition is a biomolecule conjugated end-group activated polymer (FGAP). The biomolecule conjugated EGAP can be put to numerous uses including cell adhesion, cell growth, cell sorting, and other biological assays.

Abstract: Microporous macrocapsules are disclosed which are useful as implantation devices for cell therapy. The macrocapsule comprises living cells that secrete biological substance that are therapeutically useful and that are released from the macrocapsule to the site of implantation. The capsules can have selected permeability characteristics based upon their particular usage and desired viral retentivity characteristics.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the alleviation of movement disorders via the implantation of static devices which focally release neuroinhibitory compounds to preselected brain areas. Pathological conditions to be treated by these methods include parkinsonian movement disorders, Huntington's chorea, and epileptiform seizure activity. In the treatment of parkinsonism, target areas implantation include the subthalamic nucleus, the globus pallidus internus, and the substantia nigra pars reticulata. In the treatment of epilepsy, implants may be placed in an epileptogenic focus area of neural over-activity. The devices may be polymeric implants that release neuroinhibitory compounds such as GABA, GABA agonists, GABA potentiators, action potential blockers and voltage dependent calcium channel blockers, and glutamate antagonists. Alternatively, the devices may contain living cells which secrete neuroinhibitory compounds.

Abstract: A method for encapsulating biological substances in biocompatible microcapsules is disclosed, the method comprising:(a) maintaining a coating-forming liquid film sheet transverse to a vertical plane, said sheet comprising an organic polymerizable monomer liquid,(b) causing droplets comprising biological substances in an aqueous medium to fall downwardly through said liquid film sheet to form microcapsules comprising cores of said droplets coated by said film,(c) permitting said microcapsules to fall downwardly from said liquid film sheet, and(d) polymerizing said liquid film coatings during descent of said microcapsules below said sheet to form a permeable polymer coating of a sufficient structural integrity so that said microcapsules are self-supporting.

Abstract: Elongated seamless capsules containing biological material are prepared by a method in which a coagulant, which includes a cell suspension or other biological material, and a polymeric casting solution are extruded through a common extrusion port having at least two concentric bores, such that the coagulant is extruded through an inner bore and the polymeric casting solution is extruded through an outer bore. Extrusion of the coagulant is initiated subsequent to initiating delivery of the casting solution to form a capsule having a curved and smooth leading edge shape. Delivery of the coagulant is then shut off, and extrusion of the casting solution is terminated either immediately or after some predetermined time. This procedure can be modified to form in the capsule a coaxial rod that is connected to one end but not the other end of the capsule.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the alleviation of movement disorders via the implantation of static devices which focally release neuroinhibitory compounds to preselected brain areas. Pathological conditions to be treated by these methods include parkinsonian movement disorders, Huntington's chorea, and epileptiform seizure activity. In the treatment of parkinsonism, target areas implantation include the subthalamic nucleus, the globus pallidus internus, and the substantia nigra pars reticulata. In the treatment of epilepsy, implants may be placed in an epileptogenic focus area of neural over-activity. The devices may be polymeric implants that release neuroinhibitory compounds such as GABA, GABA agonists, GABA potentiators, action potential blockers and voltage dependent calcium channel blockers, and glutamate antagonists. Alternatively, the devices may contain living cells which secrete neuroinhibitory compounds.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the alleviation of movement disorders via the implantation of static devices which focally release neuroinhibitory compounds to preselected brain areas. Pathological conditions to be treated by these methods include parkinsonian movement disorders, Huntington's chorea, and epileptiform seizure activity. In the treatment of parkinsonism, target areas implantation include the subthalamic nucleus, the globus pallidus internus, and the substantia nigra pars reticulata. In the treatment of epilepsy, implants may be placed in an epileptogenic focus area of neural over-activity. The devices may be polymeric implants that release neuroinhibitory compounds such as GABA, GABA agonists, GABA potentiators, action potential blockers and voltage dependent calcium channel blockers, and glutamate antagonists. Alternatively, the devices may contain living cells which secrete neuroinhibitory compounds.

Abstract: A method for encapsulating a biological substance is biocompatible microcapsules is disclosed, said method comprising:a) maintaining a coating-forming liquid film sheet comprising a solution of a soluble organic polymer in an organic solvent,b) causing droplets comprising biological substance is an aqueous medium to pass through said sheet to form microcapsules comprising cores of said droplets coated by said liquid film, andc) permitting said microcapsules to pass through said sheet so that a portion of said polymer precipitates in the presence of water in said droplets while evaporating a portion of said solvent to form a continuous permeable polymer coating of sufficient structural that said microcapsules are self-supporting.

Abstract: Elongated seamless capsules containing biological material are prepared by a method in which a coagulant, which includes a cell suspension or other biologically active factor, and a polymeric casting solution are extruded through a common extrusion port having at least two concentric bores, such that the coagulant is extruded through the inner bore and the polymeric casting solution is extruded through the outer bore. The method involves initiating extrusion of the coagulant subsequent to initiating delivery of the casting solution through the respective bores to form a capsule having a curved and smooth leading edge shape. Delivery of the coagulant is then shut off, and extrusion of the casting solution is terminated either immediately or after some predetermined time.