Abstract: A method is provided to functionally select cells with enhanced characteristics relevant to cell engraftment, including both spontaneous migration and directional migration towards specific chemo-attractants. The cells are preferably undifferentiated cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells. The method involves entrapping or encapsulating the cells in a biomaterial barrier, optionally inducing cell migration, and selecting cells that migrated through the barrier. The cells selected by this method have better migratory activities and enhanced in vivo engraftment to injured tissues when they are supplemented systemically.

Abstract: The present inventors discovered for the first time that labeling cell nuclei makes it possible to efficiently isolate stem cells. Namely, it was elucidated that stem cells with labeled nuclei remained labeled even after cell division, and showed self-renewing and long-living abilities characteristic of stem cells. Efficient isolation of stem cells is possible, for instance, by labeling the nuclear of each cell in a heterogeneous cellular group followed by selecting those cells that maintain a labeled state even after cell division. The present invention provides methods for enabling visualization of stem cells of animal tissues in a living state by labeling using the essential functions of the stem cells, and methods for simply and easily isolating the stem cells in a fresh state without using at all genetic manipulation or artificial markers.

Abstract: Methods for the isolation, expansion and storage of a population of stem cells belonging to human dental follicles, called FENC (Follicle-derived Embryonic Neural Crest stem cells,) including: a) Collection of the follicular sack in sterile conditions, digestion and primary culture growth and expansion; b) Optional amplification; c) FACsorting.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the use of cells derived from the cellular fraction of the vascular stroma of the extramedullary adipose tissue to promote the regeneration of tissue following lesions caused by irradiation. More specifically, the use according to the invention aims to prepare a drug for promoting regeneration of the skin, and in particular to repair the cutaneous wounds caused by irradiation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for separating adult stem cells from fatty tissue, wherein the fatty tissue is mixed with a fluid and the stem cells are subsequently separated. The fatty tissue with fat cells and adult stem cells is exposed to a fluid jet (38) having a pressure adjusted such that the adult stem cells are separated from the fat cells and the adult stem cells are separated from the fat cell-stem cell-fluid mixture. A container (12) is provided for receiving fatty tissue removed from a biological structure, which includes fat cells (62) and adult stem cells (64), wherein the container (12) has a feed device (28) for a pressurized fluid and the feed device (28) includes an outlet the arrangement (30) for the fluid which is introduced or can be introduced into the fatty tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an engineered biological material comprising or enriched for tissue of intervertebral disc; tissue derived from an engineered biological material; constructs comprising one or more tissues from an engineered biological material; methods for producing the engineered biological materials and constructs; and methods of using the engineered biological materials and constructs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rat embryonic stem cell characterized by having the following properties of (a) expressing Oct3/4 gene and Nanog gene, (b) positive for alkaline phosphatase activity, (c) having an embryoid body forming ability, (d) expressing SSEA (Stage-Specific Embryonic Antigen)-1 and SSEA-4, (e) having the same number of chromosomes as does a normal rat cell, (f) capable of being subcultured and holding the undifferentiated state, (g) having in vitro pluripotency, (h) having a potential to differentiate for cells of three embryonic germ lineages, (i) having teratoma formation ability, and (j) having an ability to produce a chimeric rat, a method of establishing the aforementioned rat embryonic stem cell and the like.

Abstract: A matrix, including epithelial basement membrane, for inducing repair of mammalian tissue defects and in vitro cell propagation derived from epithelial tissues of a warm-blooded vertebrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane which can be used for cultivating adherent or suspension cells, in particular adherent cells, wherein said membrane allows for the adhesion and proliferation of the cells due to modification of the membrane surface with a combination of at least one extracellular matrix protein, at least one extracellular matrix (proteo-) glycan, and at least one heparin-binding growth factor. The invention further relates to a method for preparing said modified or coated membrane which can be used for the cultivation of cells, in particular adherent cells, and to methods of using such membrane for the cultivation of cells, in particular adherent cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides muscle-derived progenitor cells that show long-term survival following transplantation into body tissues and which can augment soft tissue following introduction (e.g. via injection, transplantation, or implantation) into a site of soft tissue. Also provided are methods of isolating muscle-derived progenitor cells, and methods of genetically modifying the cells for gene transfer therapy. The invention further provides methods of using compositions comprising muscle-derived progenitor cells for the augmentation and bulking of mammalian, including human, soft tissues in the treatment of various functional conditions, including malformation, injury, weakness, disease, or dysfunction. In particular, the present invention provides treatments and amelioration for urinary incontinence and other urinary tract pathologies.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for inducing neuronal cell differentiation.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a skeletal muscle construct include primary muscle cells provided on a substrate without disposing the cells within an exogenous scaffold, the cells cultured in vitro such that the cells form a confluent monolayer; at least two anchors secured to the monolayer in spaced relationship; and at least one secondary tissue, such as neural or tendon tissue, provided in contact with the monolayer such that the monolayer detaches from the substrate and self-organizes to at least partially surround the at least one secondary tissue, thereby forming a three-dimensional skeletal muscle construct having a functional interface with the secondary tissue.

Abstract: A method for isolation of an inner cell mass and a method for preparation of embryonic stem cell lines using the inner cell mass isolated by the same. A blastocyst being free from a zona pellucida removed therefrom is placed on a feeder cell, and a micro cover glass is put on the blastocyst to apply pressure caused by a weight of the micro cover glass, to the blastocyst for a desired time, so that the inner cell mass may be obtained with considerably improved yield compared to conventional methods, and therefore, an embryonic stem cell line may be efficiently established and proliferated.

Abstract: A graft containing a scaffold that includes a matrix in which are positioned mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs) has the capacity to substantially improve wound healing, including wounds resulting from injury to nerve, bone and vascular tissue. MPCs can be harvested from debrided muscle tissue following orthopaedic trauma. The traumatized muscle-derived progenitor cells are a readily available autologous cell source that can be utilized to effect or improve wound healing in a variety of therapeutic settings and vehicles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for isolating neural cells using tenascin-R compounds, tenascin-R fragments particularly suited for said method and tenascin-R fusion proteins, to recombinant preparation of said tenascin-R compounds, and to a kit for carrying out said method and to the use of said method for preparing high-purity neural cell populations. The invention further relates to antibodies suitable for detecting and isolating tenascin-R compounds.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the isolation and characterization of cells isolated either from adult skeletal muscle or from adult cardiac muscle. These cells are used for the treatment of muscular disorders including muscular dystrophy and cardiopathics, respectively.

Abstract: An improved substrate for growing mono-layers of adherent-type cells and methods of growing tissue structures, ex vivo. The improved substrate, which comprises a silicon substrate coated with a photo cleavable polymer, releases adherent cells non-enzymatically. Also disclosed are methods for assembling complex layers of cells of various types.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems, devices, and methods for performing biological reactions. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of lipophilic, water immiscible, or hydrophobic barriers in sample separation, purification, modification, and analysis processes.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of expanding human embryonic stem cell (hESC) and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) populations to clinically relevant numbers while maintaining pluripotency. In particular, the use of macrolide antibiotics and inhibitors of Rho and Rho-associated kinases is described.

Abstract: In the transplant of a living organism tissue, such as a heart valve, taken from an animal, etc. into a human body, a cell removing solution for removing original cells from the living organism tissue is provided with flow approximately equal to the bloodstream of transplant recipient living body, and the living organism tissue is placed in the flow so as to effect immersion of the living organism tissue in the cell removing solution. In the immersion, it is preferred that the living organism tissue placed in the cell removing solution, while being rotated, be irradiated with microwave. As a result, original cells can be removed from the living organism tissue uniformly and reliably, so that the biocompatibility of living organism tissue after transplant can be enhanced.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method to recover a dendritic cell rich mixture from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) mobilized with one or more cell adhesion inhibitors (CAI) for the preparation of a dendritic cell vaccine. The CAI derived dendritic cell rich mixture (CdDC) from PBMC can either be used alone or better still, be induced into dendritic vaccine specific preparations with the addition or modification with different antigens and methodologies of immunological induction methods known to the art. These CAI derived dendritic vaccines can then be used, but not exclusively so, in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. In order to achieve the best immature and mature dendritic cell rich mixture, peripheral blood cells mobilization may be achieved by administering, simultaneously or in sequence, to an individual one or more of a combination of different chemical compounds, hormones, growth factors etc. prior to PBMC collection with one or more of cell adhesion inhibitors such as a CXCR4 antagonist.

Abstract: The present invention describes novel methods for isolating a substantially pure cell population of non-embryonic epidermal neural crest stem cells from the bulge-region of mammalian hair follicles. Also disclosed is the substantially pure cell population of follicular bulge-derived neural crest stem cells for medical research and therapeutic use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for promoting the healing of skin wounds or the re-establishment of the function of the skin and/or its skin appendices of a second skin area, comprising the step of: applying cells obtained from hair root sheaths of a first skin area of a donor onto a second skin area of a host. It further relates to cells, a preparation, the use of cells as well as a method for preparing a preparation.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a method for promoting the re-establishment of at least one function of the skin of a second skin area or of another area or part or tissue, comprising applying cells obtained from hair root sheaths of a first skin area of a donor onto a second skin area or another area or part or another tissue of a host. Furthermore, cells, a preparation, the use of cells and a method for preparing a preparation are proposed.

Abstract: The invention relates to substrates containing polyphosphazene with a forming surface as matrices for producing biological materials that can be implanted in a mammal. The invention also relates to a method for producing said substrates and substrates containing polyphosphazene with a microstructured surface.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the preparation and use of stromal cells for treatment of cardiac tissue.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for the preparation of biocompatible biomaterials from adipose tissue. Biocompatible biomaterials are cellular or acellular biomaterials. The invention further provides methods of use of the biocompatible biomaterials.

Abstract: Isolated monoclonal antibodies are disclosed herein that specifically bind a cell surface antigen expressed on the human pancreatic cancer cells or precancerous pancreatic cancer cells. Humanized forms of these antibodies, functional fragments of these antibodies, and hybridomas producing these antibodies are also disclosed. The antibodies can be conjugated to an effector molecule, such as a detectable marker, a therapeutic agent, or a toxin. The antibodies can be used for in vitro or in vivo pancreatic cancer diagnosis or disease monitoring via detection of pancreatic cancer cells or the pancreatic cancer cell surface antigen. Methods of treating a pancreatic cancer by administration of the antibodies are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides for decellularized tissue and method for decellularizing tissue. The method generally comprises the steps of obtaining a harvested tissue, performing a muscle shelf debridement, treating the tissue with an enzyme, washing the tissue with a detergent, and performing an organic solvent extraction on the tissue. The tissues decellularized according to the present invention have several advantages including removing more of the residual cell debris, dsDNA, and chemicals, as well as exhibiting less calcification and better ultimate tensile strength than tissues prepared not according to the method of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chimeric regulatory sequence with liver cell specificity. The chimeric regulatory sequence includes a proximal regulatory sequence and a distal enhancer 5? flanking region of human ?-fetoprotein (AFP) gene. The chimeric regulatory sequence is useful in purified specific lineages, such as liver cells, from other cell lineages.

Abstract: The invention relates to the provision of a novel cell population that can be used for tissue regeneration and the treatment of disease states associated with cell degeneration for age related tissue changes. The cell population are derived from adult stem/progenitor cells which are characterised by being positive or negative to the Thy1.1 cell marker.

Abstract: We used Accutase™, a commercially available cell detachment solution, for single cell propagation of pluripotent hESCs. Unlike trypsin dissociation, Accutase treatment does not significantly affect the plating efficiency of hESC dissociation into single cells. Cultures dissociated with Accutase to single cells at each passage maintain a higher proportion of pluripotent cells as compared to collagenase-passaged hESCs. Accutase-treated hESCs can be grown to a high density as monolayers, and yet retain their pluripotency.

Abstract: Solutions and suspensions comprising polymerized hemoglobin derived from human blood are disclosed. The solutions and suspensions may comprise cell culture medium, an enzyme (such as a protease), and/or a buffer. Processes of preparing the solutions and suspensions are also disclosed. The solutions and suspensions may be employed in methods of isolating mammalian cells, such as pancreatic islets, methods of preserving mammalian tissue and organs, methods of aiding the recovery of mammalian cells following their isolation, methods of maintaining mammalian cells, methods of propagating mammalian cells, and methods of treating a mammal with diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cell preparation that can be prepared from cells collected from a patient of any age group, and that has an excellent bone tissue regenerative capacity and is effective for bone tissue regeneration. Undifferentiated osteoblasts obtained from alveolar bone, particularly those obtained by being cultured after the enzyme treatment of alveolar bone have a remarkable bone tissue regenerative capacity, and are therefore useful for a cell preparation for bone tissue regeneration.

Abstract: The invention provides methodologies and apparatus for producing a cellular soft-tissue implants, both in small quantities and in commercializable quantities. Such soft-tissue implants include vascular graft substitutes. An acellular graft is produced by subjecting the tissue sample to an induced pressure mediated flow of an extracting solution, followed by inducing a pressure mediated flow of a treating solution, then washing the treated tissue to produce the acellular graft. The acellular grafts produced are uniform and nonimmunogenic. The inventive method allows for the production of multiple decellularized soft tissue implants, where processing time is significantly less than prior art processes and the number of implants produced per day is increased over prior art processes. In clinical use, the decellularized grafts produced exhibit significantly improved in long-term durability and function.

Abstract: The inventions disclosed herein are based on the identification of novel cell populations derived from human embryonic stem cells and other pluripotent cells. The inventive cell populations may be used for cell therapies for the treatment of various neurological diseases and as substrates in pharmacological assays.

Abstract: Provided in certain embodiments are methods for pairing patient cells and donor cells to prepare cytotoxic T cells, either in vitro or, when their formation is induced in a subject, in vivo. Such cytotoxic T cells could be administered to the patient for treating certain disorders, such as a cancer (for example, brain cancer).

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid exchange cell culture technique and tissue repair cells (TRCs) made by these methods, as well as methods using these cells. The method includes a new wash step which increases the tissue repair properties of the TRCs of the invention. This wash step allows for the production of TRC populations with greater tissue repair and anti-inflammatory capabilities. Embodiments of the present invention include a post-culture process for cultured cells that preferably includes the steps of: a wash process for removing unwanted residual culture components, a volume reduction process, and a harvesting process to remove cultured cells. Preferably, all these steps are performed within a aseptically closed cell culture chamber by implementing a separation method that minimizes mechanical disruption of the cells and is simple to automate. The harvested cells may then be concentrated to a final volume for the intended use.

Abstract: This invention comprises a method for generating functional neural networks using neural progenitor cells on microelectrode arrays (MEAs). The method involves dissociating neural progenitor cells from an embryo, propagating the neural progenitor cells, passaging the neural progenitor cells and seeding the neural progenitor cells on MEAs to produce a functional neural network. The neural progenitor cells may be continuously passaged to propagate an endless supply of neural progenitor cells. The resultant passaged progenitor cell derived neural network MEA may be used to detect and/or quantify various biological or chemical toxins.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for antibody production are described herein to produce human antibodies in immunodeficient mice. Particularly mice are implanted with human fetal thymus cells or human thymus and human liver tissue and human hematopoietic cells followed by immunization with an antigen. Immunization involves exposure to any of a variety of antigens including tumor antigens, microbial antigens, viral antigens and/or cytokines and growth factor.

Abstract: For an implantable device intended for use in the human body an in-vivo colonization with autologous cells is often desired. The devices, especially prosthetic devices like implant tissues, grafts, shunts, vessels, organs or a part of organs are commonly derived from animal or human origin and comprise a collagen-based tissue matrix. The invention proposes a coating deposited on a surface of the device and comprising the matrix protein CCN1 as an extracellular matrix-associated protein mediating cell adhesion or cell migration.

Abstract: A vessel is adapted to be used in a procedure for isolating and collecting cells from a tissue portion using a centrifuge by providing a sealable chamber separated into two sections by a mesh screen, the chamber having a conical bottom inner surface, with a port at the apex in the lowest point in the chamber and ports at the top of the chamber, the method including placing the tissue portion in the chamber above the screen, washing the tissue, repeatedly as needed, by introducing a washing solution through a top port and draining the wash solution from the chamber through the bottom port, introducing an enzyme solution through a top port, allowing the enzyme solution to partially digest the tissue, centrifuging the vessel, and draining the isolated cells through the bottom port.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for capturing cells. Cell binding peptides are provided that bind to one or more of stem cells, fibroblasts, or endothelial cells. In the methods, a sample containing cells is contacted with a cell binding peptide attached to a substrate, and the cells present in the sample are captured onto the substrate through binding to the cell binding peptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of immunogenic peptides comprising a T-cell epitope derived from a viral vector antigen and a redox motif such as C-(X)2-[CST] or [CST]-(X)2-C in the prevention and/or suppression of immune responses to viral vectors and in the manufacture of medicaments therefore.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of immunogenic peptides comprising a T-cell epitope derived from an allograft antigen and a redox motif such as C—(X)2-[CST] or [CST]-(X)2-C in the prevention and/or treatment of allograft rejection and in the manufacture of medicaments therefore.

Abstract: The invention relates to the isolation and use of a novel progenitor cell population from the lamina propria of the oral mucosa. The novel progenitor cell population is highly proliferative and can be differentiated into a range of cell lineages. Further, these novel progenitor cells possess immunomodulatory activity and so can be used in the allogeneic transfer of tissue or to help combat immune disorders.

Abstract: A rotating wall vessel is used as a culture vessel and bioreactor for the cultivation of hepatocytes in the form of spheroids to generate a culture with many properties of the intact liver. These properties include enzyme activity comparable to fresh cells and long-term maintenance of viability and cellular function for periods on the order of months. The cultures may be used to produce hepatocyte products, evaluate metabolism of an agent, propagate Hepatitis C virus and test agents as inhibitors of this virus. Thus, the culture system disclosed herein makes long term functional cultivation of human hepatocytes feasible.

Abstract: The present invention relates a method for isolating four cell types from a single umbilical cord as pure cultures. These cell lines (epithelial cells, fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells) can be characterized and utilized in experimental models and for therapeutic purposes. Particularly, the umbilical cells isolated herein are used to form a tissue replacement or engineered living composition. Also, the isolated umbilical cells of the invention may have the potential of progenitor cells.

Abstract: Isolated, mammalian, adult bone marrow-derived, lineage negative hematopoietic stem cell populations (Lin? HSCs) contain endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) capable of rescuing retinal blood vessels and neuronal networks in the eye. Preferably at least about 20% of the cells in the isolated Lin? HSCs express the cell surface antigen CD31. The isolated Lin? HSC populations are useful for treatment of ocular vascular diseases. In a preferred embodiment, the Lin? HSCs are isolated by extracting bone marrow from an adult mammal; separating a plurality of monocytes from the bone marrow; labeling the monocytes with biotin-conjugated lineage panel antibodies to one or more lineage surface antigens; removing of monocytes that are positive for the lineage surface antigens from the plurality of monocytes, and recovering a Lin? HSC population containing EPCs.

Abstract: Biologically low invasive vessels are filled with biological factors that have the activity of mobilizing specific functional cells in the body. The vessels are indwelled in the body. After specific functional cells are mobilized into the vessels, the vessels are removed from the body to collect functional cell populations mobilized to the vessels. Alternatively, the cells are directly collected from the vessels indwelled in the body.