Abstract: Methods and systems for enhancing cell populations such as chondrocytes for tissue engineering applications, e.g., for production of neocartilage. The methods and systems of the present invention feature the introduction of a hypotonic buffer to the cells during the cell isolation process, which results in neotissue (e.g., neocartilage) constructs that are significantly more mechanically robust as compared to those not treated with hypotonic buffer. The methods and systems may further comprise introducing cytochalasin D to cells purified with a hypotonic buffer, which can further bolster the mechanical properties and matrix deposition of the cells. The methods and systems result in neocartilage engineered from chondrocytes, for example, from fetal aged tissue, having compressive properties on par with native adult articular cartilage.

Abstract: The present invention is a multi-stage treatment that heals tissue or organ damage (e.g., linear defects, fissures, and fibrillations, as well as focal and large defects) in collagen-rich tissues and organs such as articular cartilage. The present invention includes methods 1) to prime tissues in preparation for treatment, which comprises “melting” the tissue matrix, 2) to add or fill the damaged area with a “melding” agent, comprising of endogenous or exogenous tissue matrix, with or without cells, with or without exogenous biomaterials, and with or without endogenous or exogenous enzymes, such that the melding agent enhances anchoring into the defect for the purpose of integration and/or tissue healing. The Melt-and-Meld process can also be applied in conjunction with any existing treatments of tissue or organ defects.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enhancing cell populations such as chondrocytes for tissue engineering applications, e.g., for production of neocartilage. The methods and systems of the present invention feature the introduction of a hypotonic buffer to the cells during the cell isolation process, which results in neotissue (e.g., neocartilage) constructs that are significantly more mechanically robust as compared to those not treated with hypotonic buffer. The methods and systems may further comprise introducing cytochalasin D to cells purified with hypotonic buffer, which can further bolster the mechanical properties and matrix deposition of the cells. The methods and systems result in neocartilage engineered from chondrocytes, for example, from fetal aged tissue, having compressive properties on par with native adult articular cartilage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for enhancing the growth of single-cell organisms, such as methanogens. The growth of the single cell organisms includes consuming carbon dioxide to produce methane. The method can include providing a porous solid having an internal surface with a surface charge density, adhering the single-cell organism to the internal surface of the porous solid, populating the internal surface with the single-celled organism at least to confluence, introducing to the single-cell organism essential macronutrients consumed in the production of methane, and controlling the temperature conditions and pH conditions to allow the single-cell organism to produce methane.

Abstract: Methods of reducing hydroxyl ions in concrete pore solutions are provided. Such methods are useful in providing resistance to gels which form in concrete due to the alkali-silica (ASR) reaction. The methods comprise adding a salt or mixture thereof to the concrete, in aqueous or solid form, the salt or salt mixture having cations higher in valence than the anions. The methods also comprise adding an acidic phosphate or a silicon-containing alkoxide to the concrete. The methods further comprise resisting and/or inhibiting ASR in airfield runway concrete pore solutions by applying a soluble salt or a mixture of soluble salts in solution or a deicing salt mixture in situ to the runway concrete. All of the above methods are useful in reducing hydroxyl ions in concrete. Such methods can be used to resist ASR in fresh concrete, in concrete that is setting, or in hardened concrete.

Abstract: Methods of reducing hydroxyl ions in concrete pore solutions are provided. Such methods are useful in providing resistance to gels which form in concrete due to the alkali-silica (ASR) reaction. The methods comprise adding a salt or mixture thereof to the concrete, in aqueous or solid form, the salt or salt mixture having cations higher in valence than the anions. The methods also comprise adding an acidic phosphate or a silicon-containing alkoxide to the concrete. The methods further comprise resisting and/or inhibiting ASR in airfield runway concrete pore solutions by applying a soluble salt or a mixture of soluble salts in solution or a deicing salt mixture in situ to the runway concrete. All of the above methods are useful in reducing hydroxyl ions in concrete. Such methods can be used to resist ASR in fresh concrete, in concrete that is setting, or in hardened concrete.