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: 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 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: This invention relates to methods and compositions for the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect skeletal growth. More specifically, the invention relates to isolated molecules that can be used to promote chondrogenesis. These molecules, therefore, are useful in the treatment of various disorders that affect the skeleton, including bone and cartilage degeneration conditions.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of and an apparatus for cultivating a cell or tissue capable of preventing the cell or tissue from being contaminated and realizing an efficient in vitro culture. The method of and the apparatus for cultivating a cell or tissue comprise installing a culture position (culture chamber) under an environment that is arbitrarily controlled such as an environment mimicking the living body, supplying a culture medium to the cell or tissue while the cell or tissue is held at the culture position, and cultivating the cell or tissue at the culture position that is under the ideal environment, thereby preventing the cell or tissue from being contaminated and realizing an efficient in vitro culture.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of and an apparatus for cultivating a cell or tissue capable of preventing the cell or tissue from being contaminated and realizing an efficient in vitro culture. The method of and the apparatus for cultivating a cell or tissue comprise installing a culture position (culture chamber) under an environment that is arbitrarily controlled such as an environment mimicking the living body, supplying a culture medium to the cell or tissue while the cell or tissue is held at the culture position, and cultivating the cell or tissue at the culture position that is under the ideal environment, thereby preventing the cell or tissue from being contaminated and realizing an efficient in vitro culture.

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.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of and an apparatus for cultivating a cell or tissue capable of preventing the cell or tissue from being contaminated and realizing an efficient in vitro culture. The method of and the apparatus for cultivating a cell or tissue comprise installing a culture position (culture chamber) under an environment that is arbitrarily controlled such as an environment mimicking the living body, supplying a culture medium to the cell or tissue while the cell or tissue is held at the culture position, and cultivating the cell or tissue at the culture position that is under the ideal environment, thereby preventing the cell or tissue from being contaminated and realizing an efficient in vitro culture.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of and an apparatus for cultivating a cell or tissue capable of preventing the cell or tissue from being contaminated and realizing an efficient in vitro culture. The method of and the apparatus for cultivating a cell or tissue comprise installing a culture position (culture chamber) under an environment that is arbitrarily controlled such as an environment mimicking the living body, supplying a culture medium to the cell or tissue while the cell or tissue is held at the culture position, and cultivating the cell or tissue at the culture position that is under the ideal environment, thereby preventing the cell or tissue from being contaminated and realizing an efficient in vitro culture.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of and an apparatus for cultivating a cell or tissue capable of preventing the cell or tissue from being contaminated and realizing an efficient in vitro culture. The method of and the apparatus for cultivating a cell or tissue comprise installing a culture position (culture chamber) under an environment that is arbitrarily controlled such as an environment mimicking the living body, supplying a culture medium to the cell or tissue while the cell or tissue is held at the culture position, and cultivating the cell or tissue at the culture position that is under the ideal environment, thereby preventing the cell or tissue from being contaminated and realizing an efficient in vitro culture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an ECM-altering enzymatic activity, such as a proteoglycanase or a protease, to stimulate the generation of cartilage tissue by inducing chondrocytes to synthesize new cartilage matrix. It has been discovered that treating chondrocytes with an enzymatic activity that modifies the territorial ECM of the cell, especially cell surface proteoglycans, can in and of itself be sufficient to stimulate cartilage production by the chondrocytes. The subject invention can be employed therapeutically to correct or prevent degeneration of connective tissue. For instance, the present method can be used in the treatment of disorders comprising cartilage such as found in an diarthroidal joint (e.g. articular and interarticular cartilage), as well as in the treatment of tendon and ligamental tissues. Such disorders can range from chronic degeneration brought about by disease, overuse, or trauma, to plastic or reconstructive surgery.

Abstract: The present invention features a device and method for inducing cell differentiation. One embodiment of the present invention features a device comprising a wall having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surface defines a chamber. The exterior surface is capable of being placed in contact with biological tissues. The wall has an opening in communication with the chamber for receiving an induction material and for closing the chamber to contain the induction material. The wall comprises a biologically compatible, permeable material capable of receiving cells capable of differentiation. The device is used to contain an induction material in a biological environment and receiving cells in the chamber. The cells are allowed to differentiate in the presence of the induction material.