Abstract: A therapeutic composition for treatment of a body tissue which includes an aqueous solution of a cross-linked polymer being capable of: (i) maintaining a liquid state in storage at room temperature for at least 24 hours; and (ii) assuming a gel state following deposition within the body tissue. The therapeutic composition can be effectively administered into a damaged body tissue via injection or catheterization, thereby treating the damaged body tissue.

Abstract: A therapeutic composition for treatment of a body tissue which includes an aqueous solution of a cross-linked polymer being capable of: (i) maintaining a liquid state in storage at room temperature for at least 24 hours; and (ii) assuming a gel state following deposition within the body tissue. The therapeutic composition can be effectively administered into a damaged body tissue via injection or catheterization, thereby treating the damaged body tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bioresorbable scaffolding for tissue regeneration or repair. The present invention describes an epithelial organoid comprising an aggregate of epithelial cells predominantly expressing markers associated with differentiated cell types, and an aggregate which assumes a structure or performs a function associated with an epithelial organ or a fragment thereof. The present invention also provides a method of treating a subject in need of repair or replacement of an organ or a portion thereof; and/or a method of treating a subject with a disease or disorder which impairs or abrogates a liver, kidney, pancreas, thyroid or pituitary function. The present invention also describes an epithelial graft or artificial organ comprising spheroids, organoids or a combination thereof, and a kit for implantable epithelial graft formation comprising organoids.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel net member for supporting one or more cell constructs in the culture chamber of a bioreactor, which comprises an array of impermeable pyramidal elements protruding from the face thereof, wherein each of the corners of the base of each of said impermeable pyramidal elements comprises a circular opening. This net member provides for uniform and unobstructed flow of culture medium through 3D cell constructs in culture. Also disclosed are a bioreactor and bioreactor system incorporating said net member. The bioreactor and bioreactor system may be used in the bioproduction of therapeutic proteins and stem cell expansion.

Abstract: A method of generating embryoid bodies is provided. The method comprising culturing undifferentiated embryonic stem cells on a three dimensional scaffold under conditions suitable for formation of embryoid bodies, thereby generating the embryoid bodies.

Abstract: The present invention provides bioconjugates comprising a sulfated polysaccharide such as alginate sulfate and hyaluronan sulfate and at least one bioactive polypeptide capable of binding a sulfate group of said sulfated polysaccharide. The bioactive polypeptide can be a heparin-binding polypeptide and/or a positively-charged polypeptide. Also, provided are delivery systems and methods for sustained release of said bioactive polypeptide(s) using said bioconjugates.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel mucoadhesive compounds useful in the prevention of diseases and disorders of or which arc associated with the mucosal membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel net member for supporting one or more cell constructs in the culture chamber of a bioreactor, which comprises an array of impermeable pyramidal elements protruding from the face thereof, wherein each of the corners of the base of each of said impermeable pyramidal elements comprises a circular opening. This net member provides for uniform and unobstructed flow of culture medium through 3D cell constructs in culture. Also disclosed are a bioreactor and bioreactor system incorporating said net member. The bioreactor and bioreactor system may be used in the bioproduction of therapeutic proteins and stem cell expansion.

Abstract: The present invention provides bioconjugates comprising a sulfated polysaccharide such as alginate sulfate and hyaluronan sulfate and at least one bioactive polypeptide capable of binding a sulfate group of said sulfated polysaccharide. The bioactive polypeptide can be a heparin-binding polypeptide and/or a positively-charged polypeptide. Also, provided are delivery systems and methods for sustained release of said bioactive polypeptide(s) using said bioconjugates.

Abstract: The invention is directed to tissue-engineered biografts, methods for preparing the biografts of the invention, and methods for repairing a damaged myocardium in a mammal. The methods of the invention can include providing a three-dimensional porous polysaccharide matrix; introducing mammalian cells into said matrix; growing said cells in said matrix in vitro, until a tissue-engineered biograft is formed; and transplanting the tissue-engineered biograft onto myocardial tissue or myocardial scar tissue of said mammal. The tissue-engineered biograft of the invention can form a contracting tissue. The methods of the invention can optionally include removing scar tissue or dead tissue from the site of implantation prior to transplanting the biograft.

Abstract: The present invention provides bioconjugates comprising a sulfated polysaccharide such as alginate sulfate and hyaluronan sulfate and at least one bioactive polypeptide capable of binding a sulfate group of said sulfated polysaccharide. The bioactive polypeptide can be a heparin-binding polypeptide and/or a positively-charged polypeptide. Also, provided are delivery systems and methods for sustained release of said bioactive polypeptide(s) using said bioconjugates.

Abstract: A method for repairing a damaged myocardium in a mammal, comprising: a) providing a three-dimensional porous polysaccharide matrix; b) introducing mammalian cells into said matrix; c) growing said cells in said matrix in vitro, until a tissue-engineered biograft is formed, comprising a contracting tissue; and d) transplanting the tissue-engineered biograft onto the myocardial tissue or myocardial scar tissue of said mammal, optionally previously removing scar or dead tissue from the site of implantation.

Abstract: A therapeutic composition for treatment of a body tissue which includes an aqueous solution of a cross-linked polymer being capable of: (i) maintaining a liquid state in storage at room temperature for at least 24 hours; and (ii) assuming a gel state following deposition within the body tissue. The therapeutic composition can be effectively administered into a damaged body tissue via injection or catheterization, thereby treating the damaged body tissue.

Abstract: A composition for promoting repair of damaged tissues, being a cross-linked alginate solution, which can be maintained in liquid form indefinitely (under constant conditions) and only gels in vivo. This cross-linked alginate solution is an ideal material to be used for tissue repair. Injection of said material into cardiac tissue post-myocardial infarct induced tissue regeneration. The invention provides such injectable solution, as well as compositions and method of preparation thereof. The invention also provides various methods and uses of the cross-linked alginate solution, for cardiac tissue regeneration, induction of neo-vascularization, enhancing SDF-1 expression and guiding stem cell chemotaxis, among others. A kit for tissue repair is also provided.

Abstract: A polysaccharide sponge characterized by having: (i) an average pore size in the range between about 10 &mgr;m to about 300 &mgr;m; (ii) an average distance between the pores being the wall thickness of the pores in the range between about 5 &mgr;m to about 270 &mgr;m; and (iii) an E-modulus of elasticity being a measure of the rigidity of the sponge in the range of about 50 kPa to about 500 kPa.

Abstract: A polysaccharide sponge characterized by having: (i) an average pore size in the range between about 10 &mgr;m to about 300 &mgr;m; (ii) an average distance between the pores being the wall thickness of the pores in the range between about 5 &mgr;m to about 270 &mgr;m; and (iii) an E-modulus of elasticity being a measure of the rigidity of the sponge in the range of about 50 kPa to about 500 kPa.

Abstract: A polysaccharide sponge characterized by having: (i) an average pore size in the range between about 10 &mgr;m to about 300 &mgr;m; (ii) an average distance between the pores being the wall thickness of the pores in the range between about 5 &mgr;m to about 270 &mgr;m; and (iii) an E-modulus of elasticity being a measure of the rigidity of the sponge in the range of about 50 kPa to about 500 kPa.

Abstract: The invention is primarily directed to a mucosal delivery system comprising a porous matrix incorporating an active ingredient, said matrix have a pore size distribution such as to promote adhesion to a mucosal surface, and to permit transfer of said active ingredient toward the mucosal surface.

Abstract: A polysaccharide sponge characterized by having: (i) an average pore size in the range between about 10 &mgr;m to about 300 &mgr;m; (ii) an average distance between the pores being the wall thickness of the pores in the range between about 5 &mgr;m to about 270 &mgr;m; and (iii) an E-modulus of elasticity being a measure of the rigidity of the sponge in the range of about 50 kPa to about 500 kPa.

Abstract: The present invention relates to formulations particularly well suited for use as delivery systems in the delivery of an active agent to the eye. The formulations comprise an alginate having a particular proportion of guluronic acid.