Abstract: Methods, devices and systems are disclosed for vibration induced tissue engineering. Apparatuses, devices, systems and methods are provided for engineering a tissue from stem cells using vibratory signals. A tissue engineering apparatus, device, or system can include a transmitter configured to transmit a signal to a receiver, a receiver configured to receive a signal from a transmitter, a holding structure configured to hold one or more mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), and a vibratory actuator in communication with the receiver and configured to generate a vibratory signal that is applied to the MSC.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems are disclosed for vibration induced tissue engineering. Apparatuses, devices, systems and methods are provided for engineering a tissue from stem cells using vibratory signals. A tissue engineering apparatus, device, or system can include a transmitter configured to transmit a signal to a receiver, a receiver configured to receive a signal from a transmitter, a holding structure configured to hold one or more mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), and a vibratory actuator in communication with the receiver and configured to generate a vibratory signal that is applied to the MSC.

Abstract: Tissue engineering methods and biochamber apparatus are provided for making tissue grafts for implantation into a patient. The methods include applying a sustained low magnitude pressure gradient transmurally across a permeable scaffold material using a media containing cells, preferably microvascular epithelial cells, to be deposited on the scaffold for the production of tissue grafts, preferably vascular grafts, to promote accelerated adhesion and maturation of cells on the scaffold material. Biochambers for preparing tubular tissue grafts are provided which contain connectors for holding a graft substrate, proximal and distal tubing for connection to an optional perfusion system, and structure for switching between transmural flow of a cell suspension across the graft substrate and translumenal flow through the lumen of the graft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the production of scaffolds, such scaffolds to be used for a variety of purposes, including tissue engineering. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of fused crystals, such as fused salt crystals to form a framework. The methods for producing the scaffolds of this invention improve the porosity, interconnectivity and ease of manufacture as compared to prior art methods.

Abstract: A bioreactor, kit, a method of using the device to promoting growing and/or culture of a cell, and a method for regenerating and/or improving the function of mammalian cells. The bioreactor includes a controlling circuit coupled to magnetic field emitter that emits relatively steep and short-lived magnetic field pulses during these an active ephemeral period. The bioreactor also provides a relatively long-term inactive phase in which no magnetic field pulses are imposed. The kit includes the unassembled components of the bioreactor. The method of using the bioreactor and of regenerating and/or improving the function of mammalian cells includes the step of applying a time variant magnetic field through the cell to promote growing and/or culturing, and then introducing the cells to a mammal to regenerate cells.

Abstract: An osteo or tissue healing device, kit and method of using the device to promote healing of compromised bone or tissue in a living mammal is disclosed. The osteo or tissue healing device includes a magnetic field emitter and a controlling circuit. The magnetic field emitter of the device is electrically coupled to a controlling circuit in which the magnetic field emitter is configured to provide a time variant magnetic field when driven by an electric pulse train from the controlling circuit in such a manner that the time variant magnetic field results in a magnetic (B) field exhibiting a magnetic slew rate of at least about 10 kiloGauss/sec. The controlling circuit of the device is electrically coupled to the magnetic field emitter and is configured to be powered by a power source, in which the controlling circuit is configured to output the electric pulse train driving the magnetic field emitter.

Abstract: An osteo or tissue healing kit and method of promoting the healing of compromised bone or tissue in a living mammal. The osteo or tissue healing device of the kit includes a magnetic field emitter and a controlling circuit, and at least one stem cell. The method of using the osteo or tissue healing kit includes placing at least one stem cell within the compromised bone or tissue and applying a time variant magnetic field.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for forming a connective tissue construct, such as a tendon construct, in vitro. A substrate is provided with at least two anchors secured thereto in spaced relationship. Fibroblast cells are provided on the substrate in the absence of a synthetic matrix, where at least some of the cells are in contact with the anchors. The cells are cultured in vitro under conditions to allow the cells to self-organize and become confluent between the anchors, where the anchors are receptive to the cells and allow the cells to attach thereto while permitting the cells to detach from the substrate to form a three-dimensional connective tissue construct.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for forming a connective tissue construct, such as a tendon construct, in vitro. A substrate is provided with at least two anchors secured thereto in spaced relationship. Fibroblast cells are provided on the substrate in the absence of a synthetic matrix, where at least some of the cells are in contact with the anchors. The cells are cultured in vitro under conditions to allow the cells to self-organize and become confluent between the anchors, where the anchors are receptive to the cells and allow the cells to attach thereto while permitting the cells to detach from the substrate to form a three-dimensional connective tissue construct.

Abstract: A cellular composition comprising a mesenchymal stem cell product and a biogel with methods for preparing and for using the composition. Tissue constructs made with the composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a cardiac muscle construct are provided, the system including a substrate and cardiac cells provided on the substrate in the absence of a scaffold. The cardiac cells are cultured in vitro under conditions to allow the cells to become confluent and detach from the substrate to form a three-dimensional cardiac muscle construct.

Abstract: A mammalian muscle construct and a method for producing the construct are provided. The mammalian muscle construct includes a substrate and a plurality of separate anchors secured to the substrate. Myogenic precursor cells are provided on the substrate with at least some of the cells in contact with the anchors. The myogenic precursor cells are cultured in vitro under conditions to allow the cells to become confluent between the anchors. The anchors are receptive to the cells and allow the cells to attach thereto, such that placement of the anchors controls the size and shape of the muscle construct formed. Specifically, the anchors include separate fragments of biocompatible material secured to the substrate, wherein cell adhesion molecules are associated with each fragment to facilitate attachment of the precursor cells to the fragment.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a cardiac muscle construct are provided, the system including a substrate and cardiac cells provided on the substrate in the absence of a scaffold. The cardiac cells are cultured in vitro under conditions to allow the cells to become confluent and detach from the substrate to form a three-dimensional cardiac muscle construct.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the production of scaffolds, such scaffolds to be used for a variety of purposes, including tissue engineering. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of fused crystals, such as fused salt crystals to form a framework. The methods for producing the scaffolds of this invention improve the porosity, interconnectivity and ease of manufacture as compared to prior art methods.

Abstract: A method for chemically acellularizing a biological tissue sample, such as a peripheral nerve, is provided. The method includes disrupting the cell membranes of the biological tissue sample, and then denaturing intracellular proteins within the cells of the tissue sample and removing the denatured proteins from the cells while preserving the extracellular matrix to produce an acellularized tissue construct.

Abstract: A method for chemically acellularizing a biological tissue sample, such as a peripheral nerve, is provided. The method includes disrupting the cell membranes of the biological tissue sample, and then denaturing intracellular proteins within the cells of the tissue sample and removing the denatured proteins from the cells while preserving the extracellular matrix to produce an acellularized tissue construct.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for adaptively controlling a muscle tissue specimen in order to emulate its in vivo environment. The system includes at least one stimulator for stimulating the muscle tissue specimen based on an initial control signal, wherein the stimulation preferably includes electrical and/or mechanical stimulation. A response signal is generated based on a response of the muscle tissue specimen to the step of stimulating. The response signal preferably represents force production of the tissue specimen. A controller is provided for modifying the initial control signal based on the response signal to obtain a final control signal, wherein the final control signal is used to elicit a desired response from the muscle tissue specimen. Advantageously, the system and method of the present invention can be used to adaptively control the stimulation of a muscle tissue specimen in a tissue culture environment.

Abstract: A mammalian muscle construct and a method for producing the construct are provided. The mammalian muscle construct includes a substrate and a plurality of separate anchors secured to the substrate. Myogenic precursor cells are provided on the substrate with at least some of the cells in contact with the anchors. The myogenic precursor cells are cultured in vitro under conditions to allow the cells to become confluent between the anchors. The anchors are receptive to the cells and allow the cells to attach thereto, such that placement of the anchors controls the size and shape of the muscle construct formed. Specifically, the anchors include separate fragments of biocompatible material secured to the substrate, wherein cell adhesion molecules are associated with each fragment to facilitate attachment of the precursor cells to the fragment.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for adaptively controlling a muscle tissue specimen in order to emulate its in vivo environment. The system includes at least one stimulator for stimulating the muscle tissue specimen based on an initial control signal, wherein the stimulation preferably includes electrical and/or mechanical stimulation. A response signal is generated based on a response of the muscle tissue specimen to the step of stimulating. The response signal preferably represents force production of the tissue specimen. A controller is provided for modifying the initial control signal based on the response signal to obtain a final control signal, wherein the final control signal is used to elicit a desired response from the muscle tissue specimen. Advantageously, the system and method of the present invention can be used to adaptively control the stimulation of a muscle tissue specimen in a tissue culture environment.

Abstract: A Michelson interferometer is used to determine the displacement of a force loaded member, the loaded member having a reflective surface applied thereto to reflect light back to a beam splitter in the interferometer apparatus. Light is also reflected back from a reflective surface attached to a stationary member. The interaction of the reflected light from the movable and stationary member interacts to form an interference fringe pattern which may be used to determine the amount of displacement and, therefor, the force applied to the loaded member. The apparatus is comprised of a material which is substantially resistive to thermal deformation.