Abstract: Shown and described is an insulin-mimetic as an inductive agent for cartilage and/or bone repair is disclosed. Sodium tungstate (Na2WO4) was utilized as an inductive factor to enhance human mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) chondrogenesis. The chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs was enhanced in the presence of low concentrations of Na2WO4 as compared to control, without Na2WO4. Also disclosed is a composite scaffold capable of supporting cell and tissue growth. The composite scaffold could include zinc oxide and polycaprolactone.

Abstract: The present invention provides implants useful for treating cartilage and/or osteochondral defects that comprise a plurality of scaffolds arranged in a multi-layer stacked configuration, wherein each scaffold comprises a mesh of polymer fibers and wherein the polymer fibers comprise gelatin, a plant-derived protein, e.g., zein protein, or a combination thereof. Methods for repairing a cartilage and/or an osteochondral defect using implants of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: Sodium cellulose sulfate (NaCS) is employed as a novel GAG mimetic. Schwann cells (SCs) could be used in combination with a scaffold because the SCs can secrete neurotrophic factors stimulating neuron survival and extension of axons. Furthermore, the conduit may be used alone or combination with Schwann cells for spinal cord repair. In addition, the conduit also can be used for peripheral nerve repair. Also described herein are compositions and methods useful for promoting the growth and/or differentiation and/or repair of a cell and/or tissue in the peripheral nervous system, central nervous system, and specifically the spinal cord. In certain aspects, the present disclosure includes a scaffold supporting and promoting growth, differentiation, and/or regeneration and repair. The scaffold in one embodiment closely mimics the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) of the spinal cord.

Abstract: Disclosed is a three-dimensional (3-D) in vitro model for studying and subsequently treating cancer dormancy. The model is specifically useful in studying breast cancer and may be used for drug discovery because it maintains the breast cancer cells in a dormant state, unlike conventional two-dimensional (2-D) tissue culture plastic (TCP). Tumor-forming breast cancers cells were seeded on the 3-D model scaffolds and remained viable without proliferation. They also express stem cell markers typical for dormant cells. Dormant breast cancer cells also maintain their phenotype when seeded on the 3-D model unlike conventional 2-D models. The 3-D model includes a fibrous polycaprolactone with 30 wt. % hydroxyapatite. The 3-D model mimics the structure of bone tissue.

Abstract: This invention relates a structure and system for growth factor incorporation which can improve the osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs, for potential bone regeneration and bone growth applications or used alone for bone repair or growth applications. The system comprises a biodegradable polyester, a hydrophilic polymer, a growth factor and optionally a bioceramic.

Abstract: Shown and described is an insulin-mimetic as an inductive agent for cartilage and/or bone repair is disclosed. Sodium tungstate (Na2WO4) was utilized as an inductive factor to enhance human mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) chondrogenesis. The chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs was enhanced in the presence of low concentrations of Na2WO4 as compared to control, without Na2WO4. Also disclosed is a composite scaffold capable of supporting cell and tissue growth. The composite scaffold could include zinc oxide and polycaprolactone.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a composite scaffold containing insulin-mimetic materials for healing bone defects (e.g., bone repair). In particular, the present disclosure relates to a fibrous composite containing a synthetic polymer, nanoceramic and a vanadium salt to improve the healing of bone defects.

Abstract: Disclosed is a three-dimensional (3-D) in vitro model for studying and subsequently treating cancer dormancy. The model is specifically useful in studying breast cancer and may be used for drug discovery because it maintains the breast cancer cells in a dormant state, unlike conventional two-dimensional (2-D) tissue culture plastic (TCP). Tumor-forming breast cancers cells were seeded on the 3-D model scaffolds and remained viable without proliferation. They also express stem cell markers typical for dormant cells. Dormant breast cancer cells also maintain their phenotype when seeded on the 3-D model unlike conventional 2-D models. The 3-D model includes a fibrous polycaprolactone with 30 wt. % hydroxyapatite. The 3-D model mimics the structure of bone tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods of preparing a three-dimensional matrix of micron sized electrospun fibers, wherein the electrospun fibers are formed from a electrospun composite comprising a bioactive ceramic component and a polymer component. The matrix provides an osteoconductive and osteoinductive scaffold supporting osteogenesis and thereby facilitates bone repair.

Abstract: This invention relates a structure and system for growth factor incorporation which can improve the osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs, for potential bone regeneration and bone growth applications or used alone for bone repair or growth applications. The system comprises a biodegradable polyester, a hydrophilic polymer, a growth factor and optionally a bioceramic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods of preparing a three-dimensional matrix of micron sized electrospun fibers, wherein the electrospun fibers are formed from a electrospun composite comprising a bioactive ceramic component and a polymer component. The matrix provides an osteoconductive and osteoinductive scaffold supporting osteogenesis and thereby facilitates bone repair.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods of preparing a three-dimensional matrix of micron sized electrospun fibers, wherein the electrospun fibers are formed from a electrospun composite comprising a bioactive ceramic component and a polymer component. The matrix provides an osteoconductive and osteoinductive scaffold supporting osteogenesis and thereby facilitates bone repair.