Abstract: The present invention is drawn to the generation of micropatterns of biomolecules and cells on standard laboratory materials through selective ablation of a physisorbed biomolecule with oxygen plasma. In certain embodiments, oxygen plasma is able to ablate selectively physisorbed layers of biomolecules (e.g., type-I collagen, fibronectin, laminin, and Matrigel) along complex non-linear paths which are difficult or impossible to pattern using alternative methods. In addition, certain embodiments of the present invention relate to the micropatterning of multiple cell types on curved surfaces, multiwell plates, and flat bottom flasks. The invention also features kits for use with the subject methods.

Abstract: The development and function of living tissues depends largely on interactions between cells that can vary in both time and space; however, temporal control of cell-cell interaction is experimentally challenging. By employing a micromachined silicon substrate with moving parts, herein is disclosed the dynamic regulation of cell-cell interactions via direct manipulation of adherent cells with micron-scale precision. The inventive devices and methods allow mechanical control of both tissue composition and spatial organization. The inventive device and methods enable the investigation of dynamic cell-cell interaction in a multitude of applications, such as intercellular communication, spanning embryogenesis, homeostasis, and pathogenic processes.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods to stabilize and/or improve the function of parenchymal cells. Also provided are systems of co-cultures of hepatocyte-stabilizing non-parenchymal cells used in bioreactor microenvironments to identify hepatic stabilizing factors by gene-expression profiling.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an in vitro culture systems. The invention provides methods and systems useful for developing in vitro an engineered tissue, method of using the tissue and compositions comprising the tissue.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions comprising a food product, non-pathogenic microorganism, kits, methods of diagnosing a tumor in a subject, methods of quantifying the number of cancer cells in a cell sample, and methods of detecting a cancer cell, cancer tissue, or cell associated with a hyperproliferative disorder. In some embodiments, the method comprises a step of detecting the presence or absence of a modified substrate or portion thereof in urine of an animal without an instrument and solely by visual inspection of the urine.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for assessing DNA damage and repair in cells by measuring DNA migration under electrophoresis. In one exemplary embodiment, a microarray configured to hold cells in a predetermined spatial relationship is employed to improve accuracy, speed, and reliability of such measurements. In another embodiment, a self-contained cassette having a matrix material disposed therein can be used to create a substantially uniform environment for analyzing DNA damage and repair. Fluid can be circulated through the cell to assist in creating spatial patterns on the matrix material, or alternatively, the matrix material can already include a microarray pattern disposed thereon. Various methods and systems that take advantage of such microarrays and cassettes are also provided.

Abstract: Cell cultures are provided that include a population of micropatterened hepatocytes and one or more non-parenchymal cell populations, where the hepatocytes are infected with a virus or parasite and include a reporter of virus or parasite infection. Methods of making and using the cell cultures are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to composition comprising at least one non-pathogenic bacterial cell, wherein the non-pathogenic bacterial cell comprises at least a first and a second nucleic acid sequence, the first nucleic acid sequence comprising at least one non-constitutive promoter operably linked to the second nucleic acid sequence that encodes therapeutic agent, wherein the non-constitutive promoter is an inducible promoter responsive to at least one stimuli and the at least one stimuli comprises the presence of a certain density or a certain number of bacterial cells comprising the first and second nucleic acid sequences.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods to stabilize and/or improve the function of parenchymal cells. Also provided are systems of co-cultures of hepatocyte-stabilizing non-parenchymal cells used in bioreactor microenvironments to identify hepatic stabilizing factors by gene-expression profiling.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide compositions and methods for delivering nucleic acids to target cells.

Abstract: The invention features an “inverse patterning” or “Intaglio-Void/Embed-Relief Topographic (In VERT) molding” manufacturing process for generating high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) multi-cellular microstructures in distinct cellular compartments of a single hydrogel. The platform has general utility in the development of engineered tissues for human therapies, drug testing, and disease models. Additionally, the platform can serve as a model system for studying 3D cell-cell interactions in fields as diverse as stem cell biology to the development of cancer therapeutics.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to the generation of micropatterns of biomolecules and cells on standard laboratory materials through selective ablation of a physisorbed biomolecule with oxygen plasma. In certain embodiments, oxygen plasma is able to ablate selectively physisorbed layers of biomolecules (e.g., type-I collagen, fibronectin, laminin, and Matrigel) along complex non-linear paths which are difficult or impossible to pattern using alternative methods. In addition, certain embodiments of the present invention relate to the micropatterning of multiple cell types on curved surfaces, multiwell plates, and flat bottom flasks. The invention also features kits for use with the subject methods.

Abstract: Provided is a microarray platform for the culture of cells atop combinatorial matrix mixtures; enabling the study of differentiation in response to a multitude of microenvironments in parallel.

Abstract: The present invention provides stimulus responsive nanocomplexes comprising a masking moiety, e.g., a peptide, and a therapeutic moiety, e.g., an anti-coagulant. The invention also provides methods for treating or preventing a condition, such as a hypercoagulable state, e.g., blood clotting disorders or a cardiovascular disease, in a subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and products associated with in vivo enzyme profiling. In particular, biomarker nanoparticles capable of quantitatively detecting enzymatic activity in vivo are described. These nanoparticles can be used to detect in vivo enzyme activity. The invention also relates to products, kits, and databases for use in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: Provided are methods of the production of patterned 3-dimensional biopolymer scaffolds containing living cells. The methods include selective photopolymerization of biopolymers to create patterned structures and the patterning of cells within relatively homogenous slabs of biopolymer using dielectrophoresis. Also provided are patterned 3-dimensional biopolymer scaffolds generated by the methods and their use.

Abstract: Some aspects of this invention provide reagents and methods for the sensitive, quantitative and simultaneous detection of target analytes in complex biological samples by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC MS/MS). Some aspects of this invention provide affinity reagents encoded with mass reporters for the sensitive and quantitative translation of an analyte of interest into a mass tag. The reagents and methods provided herein have general utility in analyte detection and encoding, for example, in biomolecular profiling, molecular diagnostics, and biochemical encoding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and products associated with in vivo enzyme profiling. In particular, the invention relates to methods of in vivo processing of exogenous molecules followed by detection of signature molecules as representative of the presence of active enzymes associated with diseases or conditions. The invention also relates to products, kits, and databases for use in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention features microgels and microtissues for use in tissue engineering. Featured is a microencapsulation device for making microgels and/or microtissues via an emulsion technology. Also featured are methods of making higher ordered structures that mimic in vivo tissue structures. Methods of us are also featured.

Abstract: The invention is a series of soft lithographic methods for the microfabrication of biopolymer scaffolds for use in tissue engineering and the development of artificial organs. The methods present a wide range of possibilities to construct two- and three-dimensional scaffolds with desired characteristics according to the final application. The methods utilize an elastomer mold which the biopolymer scaffold is cast. The methods allow for the rapid and inexpensive production of biopolymer scaffolds with limited specialized equipment and user expertise.