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: Methods of applying biocompatible coating materials around biological materials using photopolymerization while maintaining the pre-encapsulation status of the biological materials are disclosed. The coatings can be placed directly onto the surface of the biological materials or onto the surface of other coating materials that hold the biological materials. The components of the polymerization reactions that produce the coatings can include natural and synthetic polymers, macromers, accelerants, cocatalysts, photoinitiators, and radiation. Methods of utilizing these encapsulated biological materials to treat different human and animal diseases or disorders by implanting them into several areas in the body including the subcutaneous site are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods of treating a disease, such as diabetes, by implanting encapsulated biological material into a patient in need of treatment. This invention provides for the placement of biocompatible coating materials around biological materials using photopolymerization while maintaining the pre-encapsulation status of the biological materials. Several methods are presented to accomplish coating several different types of biological materials. The coatings can be placed directly onto the surface of the biological materials or onto the surface of other coating materials that hold the biological materials. The components of the polymerization reactions that produce the coatings can include natural and synthetic polymers, macromers, accelerants, cocatalysts, photoinitiators, and radiation.

Abstract: This invention relates, e.g., to a method for expanding mammalian acinar cells, comprising culturing the cells in a cell culture system comprising a cell culture medium and a cell attachment surface, under conditions wherein the acinar cells undergo a 3-4 fold expansion together with transdifferentiation into a modified cell phenotype (IP cells) showing characteristics of acinar cells and liver cells. The invention also relates to a method for transforming these IP cells to insulin-producing cells in vitro, comprising culturing the cells in a novel, defined medium. Also disclosed are suitable culture media for performing these methods, isolated cells having the phenotype of IP cells and/or produced by these methods, and kits for performing the methods.

Abstract: This invention relates, e.g., to a method for expanding mammalian acinar cells, comprising culturing the cells in a cell culture system comprising a cell culture medium and a cell attachment surface, under conditions wherein the acinar cells undergo a 3-4 fold expansion together with transdifferentiation into a modified cell phenotype (IP cells) showing characteristics of acinar cells and liver cells. The invention also relates to a method for transforming these IP cells to insulin-producing cells in vitro, comprising culturing the cells in a novel, defined medium. Also disclosed are suitable culture media for performing these methods, isolated cells having the phenotype of IP cells and/or produced by these methods, and kits for performing the methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods of treating a disease, such as diabetes, by implanting encapsulated biological material with a growth factor and conjugate into a patient in need of treatment. Several methods are presented to accomplish transplanting several different types of biological materials. This invention also provides methods of utilizing these encapsulated biological materials to treat different human and animal diseases or disorders by implanting them into several areas in the body including the subcutaneous site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods of treating a disease, such as diabetes, by implanting encapsulated biological material into a patient in need of treatment. This invention provides for the placement of biocompatible coating materials around biological materials using photopolymerization while maintaining the pre-encapsulation status of the biological materials. Several methods are presented to accomplish coating several different types of biological materials. The coatings can be placed directly onto the surface of the biological materials or onto the surface of other coating materials that hold the biological materials. The components of the polymerization reactions that produce the coatings can include natural and synthetic polymers, macromers, accelerants, cocatalysts, photoinitiators, and radiation.