Abstract: Compositions and methods for the proliferation, differentiation, and maintenance of stem cells are described. Preferred are the use of hematopoietic stem cells in combination with a collagen matrix.

Abstract: A composition for culturing stem cells is provided. The composition comprises an engineered purified collagen based matrix that has been formed under controlled conditions to have the desired microstructure and mechanical properties. The engineered purified collagen based matrix compositions of the present invention can be used alone or in combination with cells as a tissue graft construct to enhance the repair of damaged or diseased tissues.

Abstract: This invention relates to collagen formulations. More particularly, this invention relates to thermoreversible collagen formulations and methods of their use and preparation.

Abstract: Collagen compositions, methods for preparing those collagen compositions, and graft compositions formed from those collagen compositions are provided. In particular, methods of isolating collagen that exhibits an enhanced rate of polymerization and enhanced microstructural and mechanical properties upon polymerization, such collagen compositions, and graft compositions formed from such collagen compositions are provided.

Abstract: A cell culture growth substrate comprising submucosal tissue of a warm-blooded vertebrate and a method for culturing fastidious organisms is described. Submucosal tissue used in accordance with the present invention supports the proliferation of cells when said cells are contacted with submucosal tissue under conditions conducive to cell proliferation.

Abstract: Collagen based-matrices and methods of their use are described. More particularly, collagen-based matrices for differentiating stem cells and progenitor cells, and for producing and isolating blood vessels and vascularized graft constructs are described.

Abstract: Cell culture scaffolds presenting a more biologically relevant microenvironment are disclosed. More particularly, these cell culture scaffolds comprise three-dimensional matrices/biomaterials that are created from solubilized collagen compositions using controlled conditions to have the desired microstructure and mechanical properties. The engineered purified collagen based matrix compositions of the present invention can be used alone or in combination with cells as a tissue graft construct to enhance the repair of damaged or diseased tissues.

Abstract: The invention relates to engineered matrices comprising collagen fibrils with specific characteristics, including, but not limited to, a specific fibril area fraction (i.e., density) and/or a specific elastic or linear modulus (i.e., stiffness). The invention also relates to methods of preparation and use of the matrices.

Abstract: Collagen compositions, methods for preparing those collagen compositions, and graft compositions formed from those collagen compositions are provided. In particular, methods of isolating collagen that exhibits an enhanced rate of polymerization and enhanced microstructural and mechanical properties upon polymerization, such collagen compositions, and graft compositions formed from such collagen compositions are provided.

Abstract: A composition for culturing stem cells is provided. The composition comprises an engineered purified collagen based matrix that has been formed under controlled conditions to have the desired microstructure and mechanical properties.

Abstract: A composition comprising enzymatically digested submucosa of a warm-blooded vertebrate and a method of making that composition is described. More particularly the submucosa is enzymatically digested and gelled to form a shape retaining gel matrix suitable for inducing cell proliferation and growth both in vivo and in vitro.

Abstract: A composition comprising enzymatically digested submucosa of a warm-blooded vertebrate and a method of making that composition is described. More particularly the submucosa is enzymatically digested and gelled to form a shape retaining gel matrix suitable for inducing cell proliferation and growth both in vivo and in vitro.

Abstract: A composition comprising enzymatically digested submucosa of a warm-blooded vertebrate and a method of making that composition is described. More particularly the submucosa is enzymatically digested and gelled to form a shape retaining gel matrix suitable for inducing cell proliferation and growth both in vivo and in vitro.

Abstract: A composition comprising enzymatically digested submucosa of a warm-blooded vertebrate and a method of making that composition is described. More particularly the submucosa is enzymatically digested and gelled to form a shape retaining gel matrix suitable for inducing cell proliferation and growth both in vivo and in vitro.

Abstract: A method for preparing a bioactive extract from warm-blooded vertebrate submucosal tissue is described. The submucosal tissue is extracted using an aqueous solution of extraction excipients, and the extracted bioactive components are then separated from the extraction excipients to provide an isolated extract enriched in bioactive components. The isolated extract is useful, inter alia, as additive for cell growth media to promote cell growth and proliferation in vitro.

Abstract: A composition comprising enzymatically digested submucosa of a warm-blooded vertebrate and a method of making that composition is described. More particularly the submucosa is enzymatically digested and gelled to form a shape retaining gel matrix suitable for inducing cell proliferation and growth both in vivo and in vitro.

Abstract: A composition comprising enzymatically digested submucosa of a warm-blooded vertebrate and a method of making that composition is described. More particularly the submucosa is enzymatically digested and gelled to form a shape retaining gel matrix suitable for inducing cell proliferation and growth both in vivo and in vitro.

Abstract: A tissue graft composition comprising stomach submucosal tissue delaminated from both the luminal portion of the tunica mucosa and the smooth muscle layers of the muscularis externa of a stomach of a warm blooded vertebrate is described. The graft composition can be or implanted into a host to replace or support damaged or diseased tissues.

Abstract: A device for analyzing the in-vitro growth properties of cells is disclosed. The device comprises an upper and lower chamber separated by a growth substrate interface comprising submucosa, preferably tunical submucosa, from a warm-blooded vertebrae. Methods for culturing eukaryotic cells and studying their growth characteristics, including the invasive growth characteristics of tumor cells, on the submucosal matrix are described.

Abstract: A tissue graft composition comprising bladder submucosal tissue delaminated from abluminal muscle layers and at least the luminal portion of the tunica mucosa of a segment of vertebrate urinary bladder is described. The graft composition can be implanted to replace or support damaged or diseased tissues.