Abstract: Scaffolds for tissue engineering prepared from biocompatible, biodegradable polymer-based, lighter than or light as water microcarriers and designed for cell culturing in vitro in a rotating bioreactor are provided. Methods for preparation and use of these scaffolds as tissue engineering devices are also provided.

Abstract: A method for preventing and controlling the formation of biofouling on an object that is immersed or partially immersed in a water environment in which there is one or more organic or inorganic compounds capable of releasing gas, comprising the step of applying to the surface of the object a composition comprising a polymeric resin and one or more enzymes or a paint or a coating and one or more enzymes, wherein the one or more enzymes are adapted to catalyze a reaction of the one or more compounds that leads to the formation of gas.

Abstract: This invention relates to phytases, polynucleotides encoding them, uses of the polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention, as well as the production and isolation of such polynucleotides and polypeptides. In particular, the invention provides polypeptides having phytase activity under high temperature conditions, and phytases that retain activity after exposure to high temperatures. The invention further provides phytases which have increased gastric lability. The phytases of the invention can be used in foodstuffs to improve the feeding value of phytate rich ingredients. The phytases of the invention can be formulated as foods or feeds or supplements for either to, e.g., aid in the digestion of phytate.

Abstract: Methods for preparing substantially non-antigenic polymers having lone electron pair-containing moieties in high purity are disclosed. The polymers are useful as intermediates for synthesis of amine-based polymers and in the formation of activated polymers for conjugation with nucleophiles. Conjugates and methods of preparation and treatment with the conjugates are also disclosed. The resultant polymer-amines are of sufficient purity so that expensive and time consuming purification steps required for pharmaceutical grade polymers are avoided.

Abstract: Immobilization of Candida rugosa lipase on a carrier selected from the group consisting of macroporous adsorbent resin of the acrylic type, synthetic epoxy activated resin and Mg—Al-hydrotalcite enhances its enantioselectivity by six to seven folds. The immobilized Candida rugosa lipase is suitable for use in resolution of racemic alcohols and/or carboxylic acids, particularly in resolution of racemic menthol or production of menthyl esters.

Abstract: A cell culture apparatus and a method for fabricating the cell culture apparatus are disclosed, the method comprises forming at least one fillister on a biomaterial composite layer by photolithography, wherein the biomaterial composite layer contains two gel materials. One is a bio-compatible hydrogel composition having various weight ratio of: 2-hydroxyethylmathacrylate (HEMA), bisphenol A and glycidyl methacrylate (bis-GMA), triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), r-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (MAPTMS), ?,?-diethoxyacetophenone (DEAP), and the other one is a photo-sensitive silica gel composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer substrate for use in the attachment and functioning of hepatocyte and hepatocyte like cells. In particular, the polymer substrate is a polyurethane polymer.

Abstract: A method of improving the blood compatibility of a blood-contacting surface includes immobilizing carbonic anhydrase on the surface, wherein the surface exhibits carbonic anhydrase activity of at least 20% of maximum theoretical activity of the surface based on monolayer surface coverage of carbonic anhydrase.

Abstract: Enzyme catalyst immobilized on porous flouropolymer supports. Catalytically active enzymes can be bound to a variety of fluoropolymer supports for use as a reaction catalyst. Moreover, consistently high rate of conversion during catalyst re-use over time is achieved. Furthermore, inactive enzyme catalyst can be stripped from the support and fresh enzyme can be bound to the support to achieve the original conversion rate. The immobilization of catalytic enzymes on porous fluoropolymers is a viable and novel technology for the preparation of advantaged catalysts.

Abstract: Polymeric materials are used to make a pliable, non-toxic, injectable porous template for vascular ingrowth. The pore size, usually between approximately 100 and 300 microns, allows vascular and connective tissue ingrowth throughout approximately 10 to 90% of the matrix following implantation, and the injection of cells uniformly throughout the implanted matrix without damage to the cells or patient. The introduced cells attach to the connective tissue within the matrix and are fed by the blood vessels. The preferred material for forming the matrix or support structure is a biocompatible synthetic polymer which degrades in a controlled manner by hydrolysis into harmless metabolites, for example, polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid, polyorthoester, polyanhydride, or copolymers thereof. The rate of tissue ingrowth increases as the porosity and/or the pore size of the implanted devices increases.

Abstract: A linear biodevice is provided with fibers that have a curved portion in its cross section approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and approximately spherical adhesive cells that adhere to the periphery of the fiber. A membrane-like biodevice is provided with a sheet that has an opening and approximately spherical adhesive cells that adhere to the opening. A curved portion is present in the cross section on an inner edge of the opening. A bioreactor is provided with a membrane-like biodevice in which spherical adhesive cells grow densely so as to close the openings of the sheet.

Abstract: A medical product includes at least one elongate body including cells and a method for manufacturing the medical product.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for ameliorating an adverse effect of systemic administration of a PEG hyaluronan degrading enzyme to a subject. The methods involve systemically administering a PEGylated hyaluronan degrading enzyme, particularly a PEGylated hyaluronidase, such as any of the animal or bacterial hyaluronidases, to the subject and administering an amount of a corticosteroid sufficient to ameliorate the adverse effect. Also provided are method of treating a hyaluronan-associated disease or condition for single-agent therapy or combination therapy.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to methods for modification of functionalized substrates. In another aspect, the invention relates to systems and methods for fabricating multilayer polymer compositions. In certain embodiments, the multilayer polymer compositions described herein can comprise heterobifunctional polymers and heterotrifunctional molecules.

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 surface coating comprises a primer coat that permits adhesion of eukaryotic cells thereto, and a plurality of macromolecular structures attached to the primer coat. At least some of the macromolecular structures have a cell-resistant character, meaning that cells generally will not adhere to them. The macromolecular structures are distributed across an area of the primer coat so that the surface coating permits adhesion of the eukaryotic cells to the primer layer and resists the adhesion of non-eukaryotic cells. Typically, the primer coat comprises a self-assembled polymeric monolayer and the macromolecular structures comprise nanoscale hydrogels. Such surface coatings may be formed on articles of manufacture for insertion into the body, such as orthopedic devices.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a biocomposite useful in artificial tissue replacement, methods for its production, and methods of use. The biocomposite can be implanted into humans or animals as an artificial tissue for treatment of a tissue defect. The biocomposite can be formed or manipulated into a desired shape for implantation.

Abstract: Conjugates of a lysosomal enzyme moiety and one or more non-peptidic water soluble polymers are provided. Typically, the non-peptidic water soluble polymer is a poly(ethylene glycol) or a derivative thereof. Also provided, among other things, are compositions comprising such conjugates, methods of making the conjugates, and methods of administering the compositions to a patient, e.g., for treatment of a lysosomal storage disease.

Abstract: A polymer matrix that may coated on an electrode is created by co-crosslinking (1) an adduct of a polyaniline formed by templated oxidative polymerization on a polymer acid; (2) a water-soluble crosslinker; and (3) a redox enzyme. The polymer matrix may be hydrated, and the absorbed water may make it permeable to, for example, glucose. The polyaniline may be polyaniline itself or a substituted polyaniline; the water-soluble crosslinker may be poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether, and the redox enzyme may be glucose oxidase. The polymer matrix may be produced by co-crosslinking (1) an adduct of an electrically conductive polymer and a polymer acid; (2) a water-soluble crosslinker; and (3) a redox enzyme in a single step at an about neutral pH, curing by drying. After hydration, the crosslinked polymer matrix may form a 3-dimensional glucose-permeable bioelectrocatalyst, catalyzing the electrooxidation of glucose.

Abstract: Novel transition metal complexes of iron, cobalt, ruthenium, osmium, and vanadium are described. The transition metal complexes can be used as redox mediators in enzyme based electrochemical sensors. In such instances, transition metal complexes accept electrons from, or transfer electrons to, enzymes at a high rate and also exchange electrons rapidly with the sensor. The transition metal complexes include at least one substituted or unsubstituted biimidazole ligand and may further include a second substituted or unsubstituted biimidazole ligand or a substituted or unsubstituted bipyridine or pyridylimidazole ligand. Transition metal complexes attached to polymeric backbones are also described.

Abstract: Embodiments provide one of a method, a device, and their use to isolate or analyze cells, including pathogens from body fluids by means of different separation methods.

Abstract: A granule with an allergenic component has reduced dust by including antifoam added during the production of the granule. The antifoam may be dispersed throughout the granule or added to one of the components of the granule. The granule with antifoam produces at least 30% less dust than a comparable granule produced according to a process in which no antifoam is added.

Abstract: The invention provides for a method of improving bioactivity of a surface of an implantable object. The invention also provides for a method of improving bioactivity of a surface of biological laboratory ware. The invention further provides a method of attaching cells to an object. The invention even further provides for a method of preparing an object for medical implantation. The invention also provides for an article with attached cell, and for an article for medical implantation. Improvements result from the application of gas-cluster ion beam technology and from the application of neutral beam technology, wherein neutral beams are derived from accelerated gas-cluster ion beams.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mesh for cell culture in which linear nanofiber is cross-linked to form a network, wherein the linear nanofiber is composed of polyhydroxyalkanoate; or polyhydroxyalkanoate, and collagen, gelatin or their mixture. The mesh for cell culture of the present invention can culture cell since the cell, more preferably the cancer cell is easily stuck to the mesh because of its structural characteristics and effect of the added collagen or gelatin, and also to smoothly supply nutrients, oxygen, etc. through connected pores. In particular, the mesh for cell culture of the present invention may be useful to culture the cancer cell.

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: An implantable device including conjugate formed of an acrylamide-based copolymer and a bioactive agent is provided.

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: A method of making a plasticized mycelium structure, including dissolving a soluble polymer in a liquid thereby forming a polymer solution of polymer particles. The polymer solution is combined with a fungal inoculum capable of growing hyphae in the presence of an aggregate. The resulting mixture is allowed to grow into a mycelium network. The mycelium network is made up of hyphae which bond with the polymer particles found in the polymer solution forming a structure substantially made up of mycelium that has a plasticizer homogenously distributed throughout the structure. The structure is cured to terminate mycelium growth.

Abstract: Disclosed are bioanodes comprising a quaternary ammonium treated Nafion® polymer membrane and a dehydrogenase incorporated within the treated Nafion® polymer. The dehydrogenase catalyzes the oxidation of an organic fuel and reduces an adenine dinucleotide. The ion conducting polymer membrane lies juxtaposed to a polymethylene green redox polymer membrane, which serves to electro-oxidize the reduced adenine dinucleotide. The bioanode is used in a fuel cell to produce high power densities.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of coated polymer particles containing superparamagnetic crystals, said process comprising reacting porous, surface-functionalized, superparamagnetic crystal-containing polymer particles of diameter 0.5 to 1.8 ?m with at least one polyisocyanate and at least one diol or at least one epoxide.

Abstract: A material includes a surface and a reactive agent that is located at the surface of the material, covalently attached to a backbone of the material, and/or located within the material. The reactive agent has nitrite reductase activity, nitrate reductase activity, and/or nitrosothiol reductase activity. The reactive agent also converts at least one of nitrites, nitrates and nitrosothiols to nitric oxide when in contact with blood. A reproducible nitrosothiol sensor is also disclosed.

Abstract: An automated machine for handling and embedding tissue samples contained on microtome sectionable supports. The machine includes an input member configured to hold a plurality of the microtome sectionable supports prior to a tissue embedding operation. An output member is configured to hold a plurality of the microtome sectionable supports after the tissue embedding operation. A cooling unit is configured to hold at least one of the microtome sectionable supports during the tissue embedding operation. A motorized carrier assembly is mounted for movement and configured to hold at least one of the microtome sectionable supports. The carrier assembly moves the support from the input member to the cooling unit and, finally, to the output member. A dispensing device dispenses an embedding material onto the microtome sectionable support and at least one tissue sample carried by the microtome sectionable support during the embedding operation.

Abstract: Cell storage and delivery systems and methods for storing and delivering viable cells to a mammal are disclosed. The cell storage and delivery systems include a biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable fibrous matrix physically associated with viable cells to contain and release the cells at a controlled rate. The biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable matrix can be formed by electrospinning fibers of biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable fiberizable material. The methods include methods for storing viable cells and for delivering viable cells to a mammal using the cell storage and delivery system.

Abstract: An orally administrable immunostimulant product comprises a microencapsulated cytokine and an enteric protection polymer to protect the cytokine, the cytokine is a fish, mollusc or crustacean cytokine, preferably a recombinant cytokine such as tumor necrosis factor ? (TNF?) over-expressed in a host microorganism.

Abstract: A system and method for recognition of images may include the use of alignment markers. The image recognized may be a pattern from an array, a character, a number, a shape, and/or irregular shapes. The pattern may be formed by elements in an array such as an identification marking and/or a sensor array. More particularly, the system and method relate to discriminating between images by accounting for the orientation of the image. The size and/or location of alignment markers may provide information about the orientation of an image. Information about the orientation of an image may reduce false recognitions. The system and method of image recognition may be used with identification markings, biosensors, micro-fluidic arrays, and/or optical character recognition systems.

Abstract: Inventors have discovered a method for inducing bone formation in a patient in need thereof comprising administering an effective amount of benzoyladenosine-3?,5?-cyclic monophosphate (6-Bnz-cAMP) to the patient. Systems for bone tissue engineering, comprising a polymer-based scaffold, such as a PLAGA scaffold and an effective amount of 6-Bnz-cAMP are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to culturing cells utilizing a matrix of microfibrillated thermoplastic polymeric materials. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of culturing cells. In addition, the invention relates to a microfibrillated article for culturing cells dispersed in a cell culture medium. The matrix of thermoplastic polymeric materials for culturing cells of this invention finds use in tissue engineering and wound healing applications.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method of adhering active enzymes to an inert support, the product produced thereby, and a method of using the enzyme-coated support in enzyme-catalyzed reactions such as the glucose isomerase-catalyzed conversion of glucose to fructose. The method includes the steps of coating an inert support with a cationic copolymer, preferably a polyamine, and most preferably a di-C1-C6-alkylamino-epichlorohydrin copolymer, and then adhering enzyme to the coated support in the absence of any intervening cross-linking agent.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for adhering cells in a specific and predetermined position, and associated methods. The device includes a plate defining a surface and a plurality of cytophilic islands that adhere cells, isolated by cytophobic regions to which cells do not adhere, contiguous with the cytophilic islands. The islands or the regions or both may be formed of a self-assembled monolayer (SAM).

Abstract: The present invention provides a production process of an organic/inorganic composite hydrogel, which demonstrates superior mechanical properties, by uniformly dispersing a clay mineral in an organic polymer over a wide range of clay mineral content, and a dried form thereof, to be produced easily in a short period of time. The production process of an organic/inorganic composite hydrogel of the present invention comprises reacting a water-soluble organic monomer (a) in the presence of a water-swellable clay mineral (b) by irradiating with an energy beam in a solution in which a non-water-soluble polymerization initiator (d) is dispersed in an aqueous medium (c).

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for producing androstenedione (4-androstenedione), of improved purity and for modulating its production, for example by deletion or inactivation of ksdA, cxgA, cxgB, cxgC, or cxgD. The invention also provides methods and compositions, including nucleic acids that encode enzymes, for producing 1,4-androstadiene-3,17-dione (ADD) and related pathway compounds, including 20-(hydroxymethyl)pregna-4-en-3-one and 20-(hydroxymethyl)pregna-1,4-dien-3-one. The compositions of the invention include nucleic acids, probes, vectors, cells, transgenic plants and seeds, transgenic animals, kits and arrays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bioartificial devices and systems that mimic kidney or nephron function and methods of making them.

Abstract: There is provided a sorbent for removing metabolic waste products from a dialysis liquid, the sorbent comprising a layer of immobilized uremic toxin-treating enzyme particles intermixed with cation exchange particles.

Abstract: A micro fluidic device comprises a laminate structure, comprising a plurality of individual layers. At least one layer comprises a micro fluidic channel structure and at least on one side of said layer a further layer is arranged comprising a three-dimensional (3D) micro structure such that the 3D micro structure is influencing a flow characteristic of a fluid within the micro fluidic channel structure.

Abstract: An electrically and ionically conductive porous material including a thermoplastic binder and one or more of anion exchange moieties or cation exchange moieties or mixtures thereof and/or one or more of a protein capture resin and an electrically conductive material. The thermoplastic binder immobilizes the moieties with respect to each other but does not substantially coat the moieties and forms the electrically conductive porous material. A wafer of the material and a method of making the material and wafer are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a kit and method for the capture of tumor cells in a body fluid sample or a serum-containing sample. The kit and method of the invention can capture living tumor cells but not non-living tumor cells or cell fragments so that the tumor species can be further identified by further culture of the captured tumor cells. Also, the kit and method of the invention can readily identify whether a sample contains tumor cells and collect these tumor cells for further identification so that the presence of cancer and development of the metastasis and early relapse can be identified.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for isolating one or more genetic elements encoding a gene product having a desired activity, comprising the steps of: (a) compartmentalising genetic elements into microcapsules; and (b) sorting the genetic elements which express the gene product having the desired activity; wherein at least one step is under microfluidic control. The invention enables the in vitro evolution of nucleic acids and proteins by repeated mutagenesis and iterative applications of the method of the invention.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device and method to prevent migration of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hMSCs) from a delivery site while allowing communication between the stem cells and native cardiomyocytes. The device is characterized by scaffold pore size, fiber diameter and biomaterial selection. The invention includes a two part polyurethane scaffold that prevents migration of stem cells, allows gap junction formation through pores and is packaged for minimally invasive delivery.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method of efficiently producing nitrate nitrogen as inorganic nutrients from an organic material without performing any operation using constant electrical power such as aeration. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a solid medium for cultivating a plant, which allows hydroponics to be performed through the direct addition of an organic fertilizer even in the case of performing hydroponics with solid medium cultivation.

Abstract: The seamless capsule of the invention is obtained by immersing in an aqueous fluid a two-layered seamless capsule comprising an inner layer comprising a suspension composition comprising a biocatalyst suspended in an oily substance and an outer layer comprising a shell composition comprising a water permeable substance. The seamless capsule of the invention, which has a pseudo three-layer structure of outer layer/oil layer/aqueous layer, is useful in that it is applicable to, for example, a bioreactor.