Abstract: A planar modular microfluidic module, system and method for manufacturing such module is provided. The module includes a base layer, and a fluidic layer configured to be attached to and on top of the base layer, whereby the base layer and said fluidic layer configured to create a single basic module, a jacket configured to cover the base module around its lateral sides, in order to provide sturdiness to the basic module and create a jacket covered module. The jacket includes a physical connector configured to enable lateral connection between adjacent modules, the physical connector positioned on at least one lateral side of the jacket covered module, and a fluidic connection port located within said physical connector and configured to enable fluid flow connection between adjacent modules.

Abstract: There is provided a microfluidic device comprising a first region configured to hold target cells, e.g., tumor cells, a second region configured to hold effector cells, e.g., immune cells, and an array of microstructures disposed between the first and second regions, wherein the first region is in fluid communication with the second region, and wherein the array of microstructures is configured to selectively allow movement of immune cells, from the second region to an interaction zone that is at least partially disposed within the first region, for interaction with tumor cells in the interaction zone. The array of microstructures can be an array of micropillars. Also provided is a chip comprising a plurality of the device and a method of studying interactions of a first cell type with a second cell type.

Abstract: A planar modular microfluidic module, system and method for manufacturing such module is provided. The module includes a base layer, and a fluidic layer configured to be attached to and on top of the base layer, whereby the base layer and said fluidic layer configured to create a single basic module, a jacket configured to cover the base module around its lateral sides, in order to provide sturdiness to the basic module and create a jacket covered module. The jacket includes a physical connector configured to enable lateral connection between adjacent modules, the physical connector positioned on at least one lateral side of the jacket covered module, and a fluidic connection port located within said physical connector and configured to enable fluid flow connection between adjacent modules.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of differentiating stem cells in order to obtain hepatocyte-like cells, the method comprising the steps of a) subjecting definitive endoderm to at least one epigenetic modulator to obtain hepatoblasts and b) subjecting the hepatoblasts to at least one stem cell differentiation pathway inhibitor to obtain hepatocyte-like cells; wherein steps a) and b) do not comprise the use of a growth factor. In one preferred embodiment, the epigenetic modulator may be sodium butyrate and/or DMSO and the stem cell differentiation pathway inhibitor may be SB431542 and/or DMSO. Also disclosed are hepatocyte-like cells obtained from the method and uses of these cells such as drug screening.

Abstract: A method and system of in vitro developmental toxicity testing comprising the steps of micropatterning an extracellular matrix; growing embryonic stem cells on the micropatterned extracellular matrix in the presence of mesoendodermal induction and testing for change of the geometrical mesoendoderm structure in the presence or absence of a test compound wherein (1) a decrease in mesoendodermal differentiation and/or (2) a change in morphology of the geometrical mesoendoderm structure in the presence of the test compound compared to cells in the absence of the test compound indicates that the test compound is a developmental toxic agent.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of differentiating stem cells in order to obtain hepatocyte-like cells, the method comprising the steps of a) subjecting definitive endoderm to at least one epigenetic modulator to obtain hepatoblasts and b) subjecting the hepatoblasts to at least one stem cell differentiation pathway inhibitor to obtain hepatocyte-like cells; wherein steps a) and b) do not comprise the use of a growth factor. In one preferred embodiment, the epigenetic modulator may be sodium butyrate and/or DMSO and the stem cell differentiation pathway inhibitor may be SB431542 and/or DMSO. Also disclosed are hepatocyte-like cells obtained from the method and uses of these cells such as drug screening.

Abstract: A method of culturing cells or tissues is provided. The method comprises a) providing a support, wherein the support is an optical medium with a patterned surface; b) contacting the support with cells and a culture medium; and c) culturing the cells under suitable cultivation conditions. A device for cell or tissue culture comprising an optical medium, wherein a patterned surface of the optical medium forms a support upon which cells are cultivated, is also provided.

Abstract: A method and system of in vitro developmental toxicity testing comprising the steps of micropatterning an extracellular matrix; growing embryonic stem cells on the micropatterned extracellular matrix in the presence of mesoendermal induction and testing for change of the geometrical mesoendoderm structure in the presence or absence of a test compound wherein (1) a decrease in mesoendodermal differentiation and/or (2) a change in morphology of the geometrical mesoendoderm structure in the presence of the test compound compared to cells in the absence of the test compound indicates that the test compound is a developmental toxic agent.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the encapsulation of cells in biologic compatible three dimensional scaffolds and the use of such cells encapsulated in a scaffold. The cells are embedded in a charged polymer that is complex coacervating with an oppositely charged polymer within biologic compatible scaffolds. The polymer complex embedding the cells is forming an ultra thin membrane on the surface of the three dimensional scaffold.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the encapsulation of cells in biologic compatible three dimensional scaffolds and the use of such cells encapsulated in a scaffold. The cells are embedded in a charged polymer that is complex coacervating with an oppositely charged polymer within biologic compatible scaffolds. The polymer complex embedding the cells is forming an ultra thin membrane on the surface of the three dimensional scaffold.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the encapsulation of cells in biologic compatible three dimensional scaffolds and the use of such cells encapsulated in a scaffold. The cells are embedded in a charged polymer that is complex coacervating with an oppositely charged polymer within biologic compatible scaffolds. The polymer complex embedding the cells is forming an ultra thin membrane on the surface of the three dimensional scaffold.

Abstract: The invention provides cell culture devices comprising a channel, the channel comprising one or more inlets and one or more outlets, and a cell retention chamber defined by an internal surface of the channel and a plurality of projections extending therefrom. The invention further provides methods of use relating to such cell culture devices.