Abstract: Methods of imaging and treating damaged cartilage, e.g., damaged cartilage surfaces, using cationic albumin Described herein is the development of contrast agents comprising cationic albumin (C-albumin) and a cyanine dye to illuminate damaged articular cartilage, and methods of treatment using the C-albumin.

Abstract: Neo-cartilage constructs suitable for implantation into a joint cartilage lesion in situ and a method for repair and restoration of function of injured, traumatized, aged or diseased cartilage. The construct comprises at least chondrocytes incorporated into a support matrix processed according to the algorithm comprising variable hydrostatic or atmospheric pressure or non-pressure conditions, variable rate of perfusion, variable medium composition, variable temperature, variable cell density and variable time to which the chondrocytes are subjected.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems (i.e. constructs) for repairing cartilage and methods for preparing the same that introduce a bioactive agent into a culture medium, suspension, scaffold, solution incorporated into the pores of the scaffold, or combinations thereof. The introduction of a bioactive agent promotes production of neo-cartilage (i.e. immature hyaline cartilage) in the system, both ex-vivo and in-vivo.

Abstract: Provided is an articular cartilage imaging composition which can clearly distinguishably visualize a normal site and an abnormal site, i.e., a degenerative site, in articular cartilage. The articular cartilage imaging composition contains a positively charged molecule, which is labeled with a labeling molecule.

Abstract: Provided is an articular cartilage imaging composition which can clearly distinguishably visualize a normal site and an abnormal site, i.e., a degenerative site, in articular cartilage. The articular cartilage imaging composition contains a positively charged molecule, which is labeled with a labeling molecule.

Abstract: One-cartilage constructs suitable for implantation into a joint cartilage lesion in sit-up and a method for repair and restoration of function of injured, traumatic, aged or diseased cartilage. The construct comprises at least chondrocytes incorporated into a support matrix processed according to the algorithm comprising variable hydrostatic or atmospheric pressure or non-pressure conditions, variable rate of perfusion, variable medium composition, variable temperature, variable cell density and variable time to which the chondrocytes are subjected.

Abstract: Neo-cartilage constructs suitable for implantation into a joint cartilage lesion in situ and a method for repair and restoration of function of injured, traumatized, aged or diseased cartilage. The construct comprises at least chondrocytes incorporated into a support matrix processed according to the algorithm comprising variable hydrostatic or atmospheric pressure or non-pressure conditions, variable rate of perfusion, variable medium composition, variable temperature, variable cell density and variable time to which the chondrocytes are subjected.

Abstract: Neo-cartilage constructs suitable for implantation into a joint cartilage lesion in situ and a method for repair and restoration of function of injured, traumatized, aged or diseased cartilage. The construct comprises at least chondrocytes incorporated into a support matrix processed according to the algorithm comprising variable hydrostatic or atmospheric pressure or non-pressure conditions, variable rate of perfusion, variable medium composition, variable temperature, variable cell density and variable time to which the chondrocytes are subjected.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems (i.e. constructs) for repairing cartilage and methods for preparing the same that introduce a bioactive agent into a culture medium, suspension, scaffold, solution incorporated into the pores of the scaffold, or combinations thereof. The introduction of a bioactive agent promotes production of neo-cartilage (i.e. immature hyaline cartilage) in the system, both ex-vivo and in-vivo.

Abstract: Neo-cartilage constructs suitable for implantation into a joint cartilage lesion in situ and a method for repair and restoration of function of injured, traumatized, aged or diseased cartilage. The construct comprises at least chondrocytes incorporated into a support matrix processed according to the algorithm comprising variable hydrostatic or atmospheric pressure or non-pressure conditions, variable rate of perfusion, variable medium composition, variable temperature, variable cell density and variable time to which the chondrocytes are subjected.

Abstract: A method for cultivating a culture of a cell, tissue, etc. There is provided a method of cultivating a culture including a cell or tissue (cell construct), imparting bending motion to the culture. By virtue of applying bending force to a culture of a cell, tissue, etc. (cell construct) to thereby curve the culture, continuous compression and extension in a direction of thickness from a concave portion toward a convex portion thereof are induced. The physical stimulation and deformation not attained by conventional pressurization, shear and tension, then can be loaded on the culture to thereby realize the culture appropriate for restoration of tissue at a region accompanied by bending.

Abstract: A method for cultivating a culture of a cell, tissue, etc. There is provided a method of cultivating a culture including a cell or tissue (cell construct), imparting bending motion to the culture. By virtue of applying bending force to a culture of a cell, tissue, etc. (cell construct) to thereby curve the culture, continuous compression and extension in a direction of thickness from a concave portion toward a convex portion thereof are induced. The physical stimulation and deformation not attained by conventional pressurization, shear and tension, then can be loaded on the culture to thereby realize the culture appropriate for restoration of tissue at a region accompanied by bending.

Abstract: Neo-cartilage constructs for growth and surface coating for the de novo formation of a superficial cartilage layer. A method for generation of the neo-cartilage and the neo-cartilage construct. A method for repair and restoration of the injured, damaged, diseased or aged cartilage into its full functionality and for treatment of injured or diseased cartilage by implanting the neo-cartilage construct between two layers of biologically acceptable sealants.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods for in vitro generation and in vivo use of tissue for the repair of defective tissue, especially cartilage. Chondrocytes or other cells are cultured in vitro in a biodegradable amorphous carrier within the confines of a space bounded by a semi-permeable membrane with a molecular weight cut-off of greater than 100 kDa. The culture can be subjected to physical/physicochemical conditions that mimic in vivo conditions of the tissue in need of repair or replacement. In one embodiment the invention provides an amorphous preparation of chondrocytes and their extracellular products, suitable for injection.

Abstract: A method for treatment of injured, damaged, diseased or aged articular cartilage using neo-cartilage constructs implanted into a joint cartilage lesion in situ. The implantation of the construct initiates and achieves incorporation of neo-cartilage into a native surrounding cartilage including a formation of a new superficial cartilage layer overgrowing and sealing the lesion in the joint cartilage.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods for in vitro generation and in vivo use of tissue for the repair of defective tissue, especially cartilage. Chondrocytes or other cells are cultured in vitro in a biodegradable amorphous carrier within the confines of a space bounded by a semi-permeable membrane with a molecular weight cut-off of greater than 100 kDa. The culture can be subjected to physical/physicochemical conditions that mimic in vivo conditions of the tissue in need of repair or replacement. In one embodiment the invention provides an amorphous preparation of chondrocytes and their extracellular products, suitable for injection.

Abstract: A method for treatment of injured, damaged, diseased or aged articular cartilage using neo-cartilage constructs implanted into a joint cartilage lesion in situ. The implantation of the construct initiates and achieves incorporation of neo-cartilage into a native surrounding cartilage including a formation of a new superficial cartilage layer overgrowing and sealing the lesion in the joint cartilage.

Abstract: Neo-cartilage constructs suitable for implantation into a joint cartilage lesion in situ and a method for repair and restoration of function of injured, traumatized, aged or diseased cartilage. The construct comprises at least chondrocytes incorporated into a support matrix processed according to the algorithm comprising variable hydrostatic or atmospheric pressure or non-pressure conditions, variable rate of perfusion, variable medium composition, variable temperature, variable cell density and variable time to which the chondrocytes are subjected.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods for in vitro generation and in vivo use of tissue for the repair of defective tissue, especially cartilage. Chondrocytes or other cells are cultured in vitro in a biodegradable amorphous carrier within the confines of a space bounded by a semi-permeable membrane with a molecular weight cut-off of greater than 100 kDa. The culture can be subjected to physical/physicochemical conditions that mimic in vivo conditions of the tissue in need of repair or replacement. In one embodiment the invention provides an amorphous preparation of chondrocytes and their extracellular products, suitable for injection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for preparing tissues or tissue constructs. In selected embodiments, the invention relates to the construction of a multi-layered biological structure (i.e. system) that includes a cellular support matrix seeded with living cells derived from a native tissue. The present invention also relates to tissue culture protocols to promote the in vitro growth of tissues and tissue constructs.