Abstract: A method is disclosed for improved isothermal amplification of nucleic acids comprising the step of release of an essential component from a matrix under predetermined conditions. Furthermore, the invention relates to a kit comprising mesophilic enzyme and a matrix with embedded essential components for isothermal amplification. A composition comprising a matrix and a mesophilic enzyme and a method for embedding a mesophilic enzyme are disclosed as well.

Abstract: The invention describes the manufacture and use of secretory cell containing bead structures that are coated with agarose. The beads, which are preferably 4 mm-12 mm in diameter, and which preferably contain islets, are made of a particular agarose, i.eagarose which has a sulfate content of less than 0.2 wt % but greater than zero, a pyruvate content of 0-0.1 wt %, and a Kjeldahl nitrogen content of 0-0.04 wt %. The gels found from the agarose exhibit a gel strength of at least 1200 g/cm2 (1.0 wt % concentration), substantial absence of DNA binding in 0.07 M or less tris acetate buffer, and an EEO at 1.0 wt % agarose concentration of 0.05 or less.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composite of enzyme and fiber matrix with three-dimensional structure. The composite of enzyme and fiber matrix with three-dimensional structure includes a significantly large amount of an enzyme loaded in and immobilized in/onto a matrix when compared to conventional composites. In addition, the immobilized enzyme is prevented from leaching from the matrix when an external impact is applied to the composite of enzyme and fiber matrix with three-dimensional structure. Therefore, the stability of the composite of enzyme and fiber matrix with three-dimensional structure of the present invention is maintained even after a long period passes since a remarkably great amount of enzymes compared with a known composite can be supported and immobilized to a matrix, and the immobilized enzyme is not easily released by an external impact.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for inducing desired activity in enzymes or microorganisms capable of producing the enzymes. The invention is further directed to methods of stabilizing activity in microorganisms. In specific embodiments, the invention provides methods for inducing and stabilizing nitrile hydratase activity, amidase activity, and asparaginase I activity. The invention further provides compositions comprising enzymes or microorganisms having induced and/or stabilized activity.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention include methods and compositions related to the production and use of numerous clonal lineages of embryonic progenitor cell lines derived from differentiating cultures of primordial stem cells with diverse molecular markers and having been cultured for >21 doublings of clonal expansion. The robustness of these clonally-purified lines, their ability to expand for >40 passages while maintaining their pattern of gene expression, lack of tumorigenicity, and their embryonic pattern of gene expression offers novel compositions and methods for modeling numerous differentiation pathways for the first time in vitro, and for the manufacture of purified product not existing in such a purified state in nature or using other manufacturing modalities. Representative progenitor cell lines described herein are capable of development into cutaneous adipocytes, blood-brain barrier cells, neuronal cells, or smooth muscle cells each with therapeutic potential.

Abstract: Provided are a microorganism for use in quantification of homocysteine and methionine and a method of quantifying homocysteine and methionine in a sample by using the microorganism.

Abstract: A method for producing an immobilized enzyme which includes the steps of immobilizing an enzyme used for hydrolyzing fats and oils on a immobilization carrier by adsorption, bringing the immobilized enzyme into contact with an organic solvent in which fat-soluble fatty acids or the derivatives thereof have been dissolved, and adjusting the moisture content of the immobilized enzyme from 1 to 20% by weight based on the weight of the carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biocompatible non-woven fibrous materials having a nano-micro topography and methods for producing such materials. The materials may be used to cover implantable medical devices and to fabricate a three-dimensional drug-eluting fibrous matrix featuring accurate spatial positioning of the drug particles within the matrix.

Abstract: A substrate having compounds disposed thereon for immobilizing a functional molecule, each compound having a chain comprising: a moiety R that is chemically coupled to the substrate, said moiety R being selected from the group consisting of an ether, ester, carbonyl, carbonate ester, thioether, disulfide, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, and carbonothioyl; and an epoxide-containing moiety that is coupled to the moiety R by a linker comprising at least one nucleophilic group. Methods of preparing the substrate and use of the substrate are also disclosed.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed for use in the production of useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use biomass materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, to enhance the production of a product, e.g., the production of ethanol and/or butanol by fermentation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making cytocompatible alginate gels and their use in the treatment of cardiomyopathy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a system for increasing thermal stability of a starch binding protein (SBP)-tagged recombinant protein. The present invention also provides a method for preventing releasing a SBP-tagged recombinant protein from a SBP-binding matrix and retaining an activity of the recombinant protein in aquatic environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sucrose phosphorylase from Bifidobacterium adolescentis which is useful as a biocatalyst in carbohydrate conversions at high temperatures. Indeed, the biocatalysts of the present invention are enzymatically active for a time period of at least 16 h and up to 1 to 2 week(s) at a temperature of at least 60° C. The biocatalysts of the present invention are: a) immobilized on an enzyme carrier, or b) are part of a cross-linked enzyme aggregate (CLEA), and/or c) are mutated, and/or d) are enzymatically active in the continuous presence of their substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel material useful for selectively isolating a cell such as monocyte and the like or a protein from a body fluid and a production method thereof, a physiological material using the material and an isolation material using the physiological material, as well as a method of harvesting a cell such as monocyte and the like using the isolation material, a method of harvesting a protein and a method of preparing a dendritic cell.

Abstract: Methods and systems for physically separating helper embryos from desired embryos in a group culturing technique in order to maintain the pedigree and genetic information of the desired embryos from different species, including cattle and human, and to provide the developmental benefits of group culturing. The separation of the groups of embryos can be the result of embedding one group of embryos in a gel or solid, or the groups can be physically separated by a membrane or other structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel material useful for selectively isolating a cell such as monocyte and the like or a protein from a body fluid and a production method thereof, a physiological material using the material and an isolation material using the physiological material, as well as a method of harvesting a cell such as monocyte and the like using the isolation material, a method of harvesting a protein and a method of preparing a dendritic cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to adipose stem cell compositions, methods for making said compositions, kits comprising said compositions and uses of said compositions in the therapy of diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, and a kit, for measuring the enzymatic activity of cytochrome P450 comprehensively and with high efficiency and accuracy, wherein an oxygen sensing layer and a cytochrome P450-supporting layer are vertically integrated on a chip, and cytochrome P450 is supported in a hydrophilic polymer matrix in the cytochrome P450-supporting layer, the cytochrome P450 generates NADPH by being irradiated with light in the presence of at least one caged compound selected from the group consisting of caged-NADP and caged-G6P, an enzyme utilizing NADPH as a coenzyme (i.e., cytochrome P450 reductase) and a substrate thereof to supply NADP and/or G6P from the caged compound to generate NADPH to start the reaction between the enzyme and a substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to porous matrices based on a biologically compatible polymer or polymer mixture, to a cell implantation that is established on said matrices and to additional cell implantation based on cell mixtures of hepatocytes and islets of Langerhans. The invention also relates to a method for producing porous matrices, to matrices obtained according to said method and to a special method for obtaining cells for the inoculation of an implantable matrix.

Abstract: The present invention provides highly impact-resistant, water-soluble or water dispersible, low-dust granules comprising an active ingredient and methods for obtaining the same.

Abstract: Disclosed are drug delivery compositions comprising an oligonucleotide-modified nanoparticle and a therapeutic agent. Specifically, disclosed are compositions comprising a number of oligonucleotide molecules in a ratio to therapeutic agent molecules to allow a sufficient transportation of the therapeutic agent molecules into a cell. The therapeutic agents include both hydrophobic and hydrophilic. Different attachments of therapeutic agents in a composition are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multi-coated lactic acid bacteria coated with a multi-coating layer forming bacterial clusters and including protein, polysaccharide, and edible oil/fat component, and a preparing method thereof. The multi-coated lactic acid bacteria according to the present invention may achieve an improved acid resistance, a bile resistance, and an accelerated test stability, may have a low moisture content to be particularly stable against a moisture variation, and thus may be appropriately used to prepare various products including lactic acid bacteria.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for encapsulating living cells and labels, as well as encapsulated labelled cells and kits for performing such encapsulation. The encapsulated cells may be useful in multiple parallel tissue culture experiments, where the labels in each microcapsule may be used to decipher a cells path through a series of culturing steps.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hydrogel network comprised of a physically cross-linked polymer and a chemically cross-linked polymer or physically entangled copolymer containing living cells, such as chondrocytes, encapsulated therein. In a preferred aspect, the physically cross-linked polymer is selected from the group consisting of thermally gelling polysaccharides and proteins, such as agarose or gelatin, and the chemically cross-linked or physically entangled polymer is synthesized from a water-soluble vinyl monomer, either as a homopolymer or copolymer, such as polyethylene glycol diacrylate (“PEG-DA”) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (“HEMA”).

Abstract: A device for the treatment of waste material in a waste water collection system includes an inner core and an outer portion partially surrounding the inner core such that at least one surface of the inner core is exposed. The inner core has a greater water solubility than the outer portion.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for formation of a microcapsule is described. The method includes encapsulating a cell in a microcapsule, the microcapsule having a diameter of less than about 100 ?m. The method further includes coating the microcapsule with chitosan and alginate.

Abstract: A process for production of an encapsulated cell product, the process comprises the steps of concentrating cells from a propagation medium using a tangential flow filtration system. Mixing the concentrated cells with an encapsulation medium to form a cell encapsulation mixture. Polymerizing, gelling, or cross-linking the cell encapsulation mixture to form an encapsulated cell product.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to methods, apparatuses, and cellular compositions and cellular products that use a unique trophoblast-containing 3D matrix as a compartmental chamber for growing embryoid bodies that can be induced to differentiate into organ-specific cell types.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a degradable composite material that contains at least one type of polysaccharide selected from chitin and chitosan, and has self-degrading capability. By supporting an enzyme capable of hydrolyzing chitin and chitosan on a molded article containing at least one type of polysaccharide selected therefrom, the polysaccharide can be slowly degraded in an environment where moisture is present such as a living body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel material useful for selectively isolating a cell such as monocyte and the like or a protein from a body fluid and a production method thereof, a physiological material using the material and an isolation material using the physiological material, as well as a method of harvesting a cell such as monocyte and the like using the isolation material, a method of harvesting a protein and a method of preparing a dendritic cell.

Abstract: The present invention includes a harvesting and irrigation device, a method and a kit for the collection of viable fat cells and/or adipose tissue with decreased handing and improved yield and viability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to matrices (e.g., fibrin-alginate matrices; fibrin-alginate-matrigel matrices) for culture of cells, organs (e.g., ovary or fragment thereof), cells and cell aggregates (e.g., ovarian follicles, embryoid bodies), and tissues. In some embodiments, protease inhibitors e.g., aprotinin) are used to prevent the degradation of fibrin.

Abstract: Microcapsules including a capsule shell encapsulating a suspension of a therapeutically effective amount of liver cells in physical contact with a liver cell stimulating amount of erythropoietin.

Abstract: A device for transplanting a graft such as a layer or layers of cultivated, autologous, allogenic or xenogenic cells to cover an accidental or surgical wound. The graft is cultivated and carried on a bed of collagen or other dissolvable or releasable material mounted on a protective substrate molded to conform to the profile of the wounded area and provided with a lateral attachment zone. The device facilitates the graft cultured in vitro to the recipient surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods and compositions for reducing turf thatch and/or preventing turf thatch buildup.

Abstract: There is provided methods for producing a hydrogel comprising conjugates of a hydrogel forming agent and a flavonoid including a method for producing a hydrogel that is capable of adhesion of cells and which comprises enzymatically cross-linked conjugates of a hydrogel forming agent and a flavonoid. There is also provided a method for producing a hydrogel comprising conjugates of a hydrogel forming agent and a flavonoid without the addition of an exogenous peroxide or peroxidase or without the addition of an exogenous peroxide. Hydrogels produced by such methods and methods of using the hydrogels are also described herein.

Abstract: A nucleic acid includes at least 15 nucleotides with a length specifically binding with the human factor VII/VIIa.

Abstract: This application discloses alginate microencapsulation-mediated differentiation of embryonic stem cells and use of the stem cell differentiation method for the development of effective treatment of various diseases and disorders. The microencapsulation of embryonic stem (ES) cells results in decreased cell aggregation and enhanced neural lineage differentiation through incorporating the soluble inducer retinoic acid (RA) into the permeable microcapsule system. This application also discloses a micro-encapsulation system for immobilizing mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) while sustaining the molecular communication. Thus, the invention provides the use of encapsulated mesenchymal stromal cells in the cellular transplantation therapies. Moreover, the invention provides methods for delivery of encapsulated MSCs into the central nervous system and therapies derived therefrom, such as, the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI) and other inflammatory conditions.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for culturing pluripotent or multipotent cells in vitro, the method comprising attaching pluripotent or multipotent cells to a plurality of microcarriers to form microcarrier-cell complexes, and culturing the microcarrier-cell complexes in suspension culture in the presence of a ROCK inhibitor.

Abstract: A method for preparing a biomaterial comprising a gel layer which forms a core region, and cells (cover cells) which cover around the gel layer, said method comprising the steps of: (a) bringing a biocompatible oil or a vegetable oil or a mixture thereof with a mineral oil into contact with a solution containing a gel-forming component to form monodisperse droplets; (b) inducing gelation of the monodisperse droplets to give gel beads; and (c) seeding the cover cells over the surface of the gel beads.

Abstract: A biocompatible article including (a) a biocompatible hydrogel; (b) an adhesive coating on at least a portion of the hydrogel; and (c) one or more organisms adhered to at least a portion of the adhesive coating is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a DNA polymerase immobilized by covalent bonding. More particularly, the present invention relates to an immobilized DNA polymerase whose activity is maximally preserved by masking the active site of the DNA polymerase and optimizing interaction of the masked molecule to the substrate material. In one embodiment, the average activity of the immobilized DNA polymerase is more than about 10% relative to that of the solution phase DNA polymerase. Further provided by the invention are methods and kits for performing polymerase chain reactions (PCR).

Abstract: The convention concerns methods for preparing a cross-linked polymer network comprising: forming a plurality of cross-links in a polymer network by (i) addition polymerization or (ii) ionic polymerization or (iii) partial radical polymerization of the polymer network to produce an intermediate polymer network, and forming further cross-links in the polymer network by radical polymerization of the intermediate polymer network to produce the cross-linked polymer network.

Abstract: An activatable functionalised Nth generation dendrimer having: a core comprising a first monomer having at least two carboxylic acid functional groups; and N successive generations, where N=0 to 10, wherein each generation comprises: a second monomer having at least two alcohol functional groups, wherein at least one alcohol group is bonded to a carboxylic acid group of the first monomer of the prior generation, and an additional first monomer attached to a second alcohol function group of said second monomer of that generation; and the final generation having attached thereto at said second alcohol functional group of said second monomer, a moiety having a dicarboxylic acid functional group, activatable by treatment with a carboxylic acid activating reagent such that reactivity of the carboxylic acid functional group is increased. The dendrimer, when activated, may be used in applications such as polymer crosslinking and/or nanoshell production.

Abstract: This present invention relates to a method for forming alginate microbeads. The method includes using a needle connected to a vibrator to continuously spot tiny alginate microdroplets in an oil layer. Subsequently, the temporarily formed alginate microdroplets sink into a CaCl2 solution to become gelled microbeads. As a whole, the method has opened up a route to perform alginate-microbead formation in a simple, continuous, controllable, uniform, cell-friendly, and less-contaminated manner.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a non-immunogenic cellular composition comprising: a cell having a cell surface and antigenic determinants on the cell surface; an optional linker molecule covalently attached to the cell surface; and a hydrophilic, biocompatible, non-immunogenicity providing compound or polymer (e.g., polyethylene glycol or a derivative thereof) covalently attached to the linker molecule or directly to the cell. In one embodiment, the linker molecule is covalently attached directly to the antigenic determinant on the cell surface. In an alternate embodiment, the linker molecule may be covalently attached to a non-antigenic site on the cell surface, but will camouflage the antigenic determinant on the cell surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions, methods, devices, and kits for non-specifically isolating bacterial cells. The compositions comprise a solid support which has a surface comprising a combination of a carbohydrate and a biotin-binding protein, wherein the protein is covalently bonded to the carbohydrate, and wherein the protein is linked to the solid support via the carbohydrate; and at least one of 1) a plurality of bacterial cells non-specifically bound to the combination of the carbohydrate and the protein or 2) an amphiphilic glycoside of a steroid or triterpene. The methods, devices, and kits include at least one of these compositions.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for culturing adherent PER.C6 cells and producing products therefrom.

Abstract: Sorption reinforced catalytic coating system for the degradation of threat agents including a synzyme coating about a material configured for the degradation of the threat agents, the synzyme coating including bucket-shaped molecules configured for the sorption of the threat agents A binding agent is configured for synzyme immobilization to maximize loading and retention of the synzyme coating on the material.

Abstract: A composite sorbent material is disclosed which comprises A) a housing of a dense, insoluble material having openings therein and B) a porous polymer gel housed within said housing, said housing being provided with openings therein for fluid communication between said porous monolithic polymer gel and the surroundings, and said porous monolithic polymer gel occupying the inner space of said housing and being kept on place within said housing by mechanical means. Processes for the preparation of composite sorbent materials by cryoprecipitation are also disclosed as well as the use of the composite sorbent material according to the invention e.g. for the removal of pollutants from gases or liquids, for the enrichment or separation of molecules and for cell culture.