Abstract: Methods of transplanting target cells into a subject in need thereof. The methods generally comprise creating a sealed transplantation space by attaching an acellular membrane to the surface of a visceral organ or tissue in the subject in a manner such that a sealed space is created between the surface of the visceral organ or tissue and the membrane, and inserting a mixture of support cells and the target cells into the sealed transplantation space.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides multifunctional cytoprotective materials applied to coat living cells or aggregates of cells such as, but not limited to, pancreatic islets. The coating utilizes hydrogen-bonded interactions of a natural polyphenol (tannic acid) with poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) deposited on the cell aggregate surface via non-ionic layer-by-layer assembly. The coating is conformal over the surface of such as mammalian islets. The coated islets maintain their viability and cell functionality for at least 96 hours in vitro. The coating demonstrates immunomodulatory cytoprotective properties suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokine synthesis in stimulated bone marrow-derived macrophages and diabetogenic BDC-2.5 T cells. The coating material combines high chemical stability under physiologically relevant conditions with capability of suppressing cytokine synthesis, crucial parameters for prolonged islet integrity, viability, and function in vivo.

Abstract: The invention comprises anti-inflammatory conformal barriers with controllable permeability properties that can be applied to living cells prior to transplant, and methods for coating living cells with conformal barriers. The coatings comprise polymer layers deposited on a cell surface by layer-by-layer polymer assembly, wherein each layer contains a positive and a negative polymer pair. The barriers can be actively anti-inflammatory through incorporation of anticoagulant and/or anti-inflammatory agents into the barrier.

Abstract: Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) glycodendrimers can serve as multivalent inhibitors of selectin-mediated leukocyte recruitment regulating inflammatory response. Disclosed are compounds and methods relating to functionalized branched glycopolymers. In embodiments, the compounds are capable of modifying cell adhesion events and inflammatory conditions. In a particular embodiment, a multi-arm PEO polymer with sulfated lactose end groups can specifically inhibit interactions involving L-selectin. Also disclosed are methods of synthetic preparation and use.

Abstract: The invention comprises anti-inflammatory conformal barriers with controllable permeability properties that can be applied to living cells prior to transplant, and methods for coating living cells with conformal barriers. The coatings comprise polymer layers deposited on a cell surface by layer-by-layer polymer assembly, wherein each layer contains a positive and a negative polymer pair. The barriers can be actively anti-inflammatory through incorporation of anticoagulant and/or anti-inflammatory agents into the barrier.