Abstract: Provided is a cell culture apparatus for culturing cells, that provides enhanced oxygen delivery and supply to cells without the need for stirring or sparging. Oxygen diffusion occurs on both sides of the culture vessel, top and bottom. A gas-permeable membrane that includes perfluorocarbons or fluorocarbon derivatives (e.g., fluorinated silane, partially fluorinated silane) in its composition allows for the rapid, enhanced and uniform transfer of oxygen between the environment of cells or tissues contained in the cell culture container apparatus and the atmosphere of the incubator in which the cell culture apparatus is incubated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for maintaining undifferentiated pluripotent stem cell cultures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing cells and in particular to a method of preparing breastmilk stem cells (BSCs) by isolation from breastmilk and subsequent culture. The invention further relates to BSCs prepared by the methods of the invention and to methods and uses thereof. The invention has been developed primarily as a method for preparing and culturing BSC.

Abstract: A microfluidic cell culture apparatus includes a cell retention chamber and a perfusion channel. The cell retention chamber has a structured surface. The structured surface includes a major surface from which a plurality of projections extends into the chamber. The plurality of projections are arranged to suspend cells cultured in the chamber above the major surface. The first perfusion channel is configured to provide laminar flow of a fluid through the channel and forms a plurality of openings in communication with the cell retention chamber. The openings are configured to prevent cells from the retention chamber from entering the perfusion channel.

Abstract: Provided is a multiwell plate that includes first wells and second wells separated by a sidewall made of a porous material and a method of using the same.

Abstract: A cell culture system for fermentation or cultivation of at least one of cells, tissues or tissue-like cell cultures, organs or organ-like cell cultures and multicellular organisms comprises: a system vessel (1) in which at least one cavity (6) is formed, the cavity (6) having at least three ports (2, 3, 4); at least one porous substrate (9) installed within the cavity (6) so as to allow fluid flowing from any one to any other of said three ports (2, 3, 4) to pass through said porous substrate (9); and, at least one channel extending from a first one of said ports (3) within the porous substrate (9) towards a central region of said porous substrate (9).

Abstract: An anchoring/capturing system for selecting or analyzing a CHO cell according to a product secreted by the CHO cell is described. The anchoring/capturing system comprises a first antibody or a first antigen-binding fragment for anchoring to the extracellular surface of the CHO cell, and a second antibody or a second antigen-binding fragment for binding the secreted product. Uses and methods involving the anchoring/capturing system are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to cell culture media useful for introducing macromolecules and compounds (e.g., nucleic acid molecules) into cells (e.g., eukaryotic cells in the presence of said media. Cells containing introduced materials can be further cultured in the media. In particular, the invention allows introduction of nucleic acid molecules (e.g., vectors) into cells (particularly eukaryotic cells) and expression of proteins encoded by the nucleic acid molecules in the cells. The invention obviates the need to change the cell culture medium each time a different procedure is performed with the cells (e.g., culturing cells vs. transfecting cells). The invention thus provides efficient and high throughput methods to transform/transfect culture and cells avoiding the need for multiple manipulations and transfers of cells during transfection and expression studies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cell culture methods and compositions that are essentially serum-free and comprise a basal salt nutrient solution and an ErbB3 ligand.

Abstract: One or more embodiments are described directed to a method and system for concentrating components of a fluid circulated through a cell growth chamber such as a cell growth chamber. Accordingly, embodiments include methods and systems that utilize a tangential flow filter to concentrate components of a fluid that in embodiments includes expanded cells. In embodiments, a concentrated fluid component and a concentrated cell component are generated by flowing the fluid with expanded cells across a tangential flow filter. The concentrated cell component may be recirculated to the tangential flow filter to reach some desired concentration of cells. The concentrated fluid component may be collected to utilize cellular-produced constituents in the concentrated fluid component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to adenovirus E4ORF1 gene and to endothelial cells engineered to express the E4ORF1 gene. The present invention also relates to uses of the E4ORF1 gene, and cells expressing the E4ORF1 gene, and to compositions comprising the E4ORF1 gene, or comprising cells expressing the E4ORF1 gene.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle for delivering various chemicals, compositions and proteins to stem cells and embryoid bodies. The vehicle may be biocompatible and biodegradable polymer microparticles. Typically the particles will contain at least a growth factor for delivery to the embryoid bodies, and generally the growth factor induces differentiation of the cells in the embryoid body along a specific lineage. The present invention also provides methods for directing differentiation of the cells in the embryoid body.

Abstract: Compositions of purified biologically active Wnt proteins are provided. Wnt proteins are found to be hydrophobic and post-translationally modified by addition of a lipid moiety at a conserved cysteine residue. Methods for isolation of Wnt utilize detergents that maintain the solubility of the modified protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to identify a test compounds capability to modulate p75.sup.NTR induced apoptosis, said method comprising: i. Transfecting a suspension of eukaryotic cells with a vector encoding SEQ ID No.4 OR SEQ ID No.6), ii. Contacting said cells with the compound to be tested, and iii. Determine the apoptotic response in said cells, wherein an alteration in apoptotic response in the presence of said test compound compared to the apoptotic response in the absence of the test compound is an indication of the ability of the test compound to modulate p75.sup.NTR induced apoptosis.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions of cell aggregates and methods for making and using the cell aggregates where the aggregates comprise cells that are not embryonic stem cells but can differentiate into cell types of at least two of ectodermal, endodermal, and mesodermal embryonic germ layers, e.g., stem cells.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of isolating dermal stem cells, having the steps of subjecting cells separated from the skin by enzyme treatment to suspension culture, and isolating cells positive for stem cell markers from the cultured cells.

Abstract: The present invention is generally in the field of neurological diseases and disorders, particular in the field of neurodegenerative diseases in which the myelin cover of nerves is lost. IL6R/IL6 chimera is used to promote the formation of oligodendrocytes from embryonic stem cells for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases or posttraumatic nerve damage.

Abstract: A method of preparing neural precursor cells by exposing pluripotent stem cells or neural stem cells to a differentiation agent. The agent is a pyridine analog, which in preferred embodiments is a phenylethynyl-substituted or phenylazo-substituted pyridine. In other embodiments, a method of enhancing neural precursor cell survival is provided in which the survival is enhanced by exposure to the pyridine analog. In further embodiments, a method of preparing neuronal cells is provided in which pluripotent or neural stem cells exposed to the pyridine analog are then incubated without the pyridine analog, resulting in differentiation into neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. These methods may be used in toxicological screens, e.g., to evaluate the neurotoxicity of a test compound.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions of cell aggregates and methods for making and using the cell aggregates where the aggregates comprise cells that are not embryonic stem cells but can differentiate into cell types of at least two of ectodermal, endodermal, and mesodermal embryonic germ layers, e.g., stem cells.

Abstract: The present invention describes stem cells and progenitor cells derived from hemangiomas, including testing of angiogenic inhibitors using these cells. The invention as described is useful in providing a process to culture and propagate hemangioma stem cells and generate xenograft models to develop treatments for infantile hemangiomas and other types of vascular lesions.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and compositions useful for culturing stem cell including embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells, and embryonic germ cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the cultivation of a population of cells in a serum free cell culture medium, wherein the population of cells has a cell concentration of less than 100 cells/ml, wherein a serum free cell culture medium containing recombinant albumin and recombinant transferrin is used.

Abstract: The present application discloses methods expanding SCs in an undifferentiated state, the methods comprising incubating undifferentiated SCs in suspension within a culture system comprising basic medium and knockout serum replacement (KOSR). The methods may also be applicable for selective spontaneous or directed differentiation of SCs into a selected population of somatic cells from a culture system of SCs in suspension, the method further comprising incubating said undifferentiated SCs in culture system that support respectively, spontaneous or directed differentiation of SCs into the selected population of somatic cells. The present application also discloses a culture system for expansion of stem cells (SCs) comprising a suspension of undifferentiated stem cells within basic medium and knockout serum replacement (KOSR). The methods and culture system of the invention may be used for large scale production of differentiated cells.

Abstract: A portable warmer for use with a cell culture plate in order to maintain culture samples borne by the culture plate at a desired temperature includes a body having formed therein a shelf that is sized and shaped to generally conform to the outside dimensions of the base of a cell culture plate. The shelf includes a substantially horizontal surface atop of which the base of the cell culture plate may be freely rested. The shelf also includes a preferably electric heating element, which may be formed unitary with the horizontal surface of the shelf or may be contained within the body of the portable warmer in an area and in a manner adapted to cause heating of the horizontal surface of the shelf. The portable warmer is provided with one or more clamping devices for securing a received cell culture plate in place atop the shelf.

Abstract: Disclosed are therapeutic, blood-derived activated leukocyte compositions, methods of making them, and methods of using the compositions to repair or promote the prevention and healing of wounds.

Abstract: The present invention is of methods of establishing and propagating human embryonic stem cell lines using feeder cells-free, xeno-free culture systems and stem cells which are capable of being maintained in an undifferentiated, pluripotent and proliferative state in culture which is free of xeno contaminants and feeder cells.

Abstract: A very safe and useful agent for inhibiting fungal growth and the like are provided by the present invention. Specifically, the present invention provides (1) an agent for inhibiting fungal growth comprising hyaluronic acid or a salt thereof excluding a heavy metal salt as the active ingredient, and a method for inhibiting fungal growth, which comprises at least a step of allowing hyaluronic acid or a salt thereof excluding a heavy metal salt to contact with a fungus, (2) an agent for reinforcing activity of inhibiting fungal growth possessed by a cell, which comprises a DNA encoding a hyaluronic acid synthase as the active ingredient, (3) a method for reinforcing activity of inhibiting fungal growth of a cell, which comprises at least a step of transfecting a DNA encoding a hyaluronic acid synthase into the cell, and (4) a method for inhibiting fungal growth, which comprises at least a step of allowing a cell transfected with a DNA encoding a hyaluronic acid synthase to contact with a fungus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the culturing of cells by continuous perfusion culturing of a cell culture comprising cell culture medium and cells, wherein cell culture medium is added to the cell culture, the cell culture is circulated over a filter module comprising hollow fibers resulting in an outflow of liquid having a lower cell density than the cell culture and the flow within the filter module is an alternating tangential flow. Preferably, culture medium is added at a particular perfusion rate and/or biomass is removed form the culture at least once. The method is especially suitable for the culturing of aggregating cells. The invention also relates to such a process wherein a biological substance, preferably an antibody, is produced by the cells, which biological substance may be further purified in downstream processing.

Abstract: Provided is a cell culture apparatus for culturing cells, that provides enhanced oxygen delivery and supply to cells without the need for stirring or sparging. Oxygen diffusion occurs on both sides of the culture vessel, top and bottom. A gas-permeable membrane that includes perfluorocarbons in its composition allows for the rapid, enhanced and uniform transfer of oxygen between the environment of cells or tissues contained in the cell culture container apparatus and the atmosphere of the incubator in which the cell culture apparatus is incubated.

Abstract: A method for processing a fluid includes sparging a fluid within the compartment of a container with an initial gas so that the initial gas passes through a portion of the fluid to form a humid gas within the compartment. The humid gas is passed out of the compartment of the container and into a flexible condenser bag. The humid gas within the condenser bag is cooled so as to separate the humid gas within the condenser bag into a condensed fluid and a dehumidified gas. The condensed fluid and the dehumidified gas is then removed from the condenser bag.

Abstract: This invention provides a system for obtaining cells of the chondrocyte lineage by differentiating primate pluripotent stem cells. The process involves culturing the cells as a micromass or other aggregate form in a cocktail of differentiation agents that facilitates outgrowth of the desired cell type. Progeny are capable of synthesizing Type II collagen or aggrecan, or other products that are characteristic of the chondrocyte lineage. Chondrocytes and chondrocyte precursor cells obtained according to this disclosure are suitable for use in both research and clinical therapy.

Abstract: A method of enriching mesenchymal precursor cells including the step of enriching for cells based on at least two markers. The markers may be either i) the presence of markers specific for mesenchymal precursor cells, ii) the absence of markers specific for differentiated mesenchymal cells, or iii) expression levels of markers specific for mesenchymal precursor cells. The method may include a first solid phase sorting step utilising MACS recognising expression of the antigen to the STRO-1 Mab, followed by a second sorting step utilising two colour FACS to screen for the presence of high level STRO-1 antigen expression as well as the expression of VCAM-1.

Abstract: The invention describes the development of a new buffer system for cell culture media for establishing a CO2 regulation in the bioreactor with eukaryotic cells. This technology makes it possible to obtain CO2 regulation for process control, process optimisation and scaling. In addition, the invention describes a specific cell culture medium with specific buffer substances.

Abstract: Devices for the microencapsulation of cells include a first chamber for containing a cell-solution suspension. A plate covers one end of the first chamber. The plate has a plurality of apertures. A second chamber is provided for receiving encapsulated cells. The second chamber is separated from the first chamber by the plate. Cells from the first chamber are encapsulated by passing through the apertures in the plate and into the second chamber when pressure is applied to the cell-solution suspension.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel injectable delivery system for stem cell therapy, which comprises a thermo-sensitive amphiphlic chitosan nanogel. Therefore, the invention provides a method for repairing a tissue damage of a subject using the amphiphlic chitosan nanogel served as a carrier for delivering the stem cells to the damaged tissue. This invention also provides a method for sustaining the growth of stem cells using the amphiphlic chitosan nanogel served as a niche or scaffold.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for amplifying a large numbers of hair follicle stem cells in vitro by using microspheres as carriers for cell culture and a revolving bottle as a fermentation tank for cell proliferation. The method includes digesting hair follicles to obtain hair follicle stem cells, seeding the cells on microcarriers, transferring the microcarriers to a revolving bottle, feeding liquid culture media into the revolving bottle, placing the revolving bottle into a cell incubator, growing the cells on the microcarrier and harvesting the hair follicle stem cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of detecting viable epithelial cells in a sample. The method includes isolating the sample comprising cells from a patient and culturing the cells for a time sufficient for an epithelial cell-specific marker to be released from the cells. The marker includes a substantially full-length cytokeratin. The method further includes detecting the released marker. Detection of the marker indicates the presence of disseminated epithelial cells. Methods are also directed to identifying disseminated epithelial tumor cells.

Abstract: The preset invention relates to a novel cell graft suitable for transplantation or cell therapy and the use thereof for treating diseases. In particular, the graft provided herein overcomes concomitant rejection when transplanted onto a patient, which is especially beneficial for the condition where allogeneic cells are used. Also provided is a process for preparing such grafts by culturing at least one cell type under hypoxic or anoxic conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a large-scale propagation and maintenance method of embryoid bodies generated from stem cells. More particularly, the present invention relates to a large-scale propagation and maintenance method of embryoid bodies retaining their intrinsic characteristics for a long period of time, comprising the step of continuously subculturing embryoid bodies that are primarily produced from embryonic stem cells or from induced pluripotent stem cells. According to the method of the present invention, after preparation of embryoid bodies from a limited number of stem cells, large-scale production and maintenance of embryoid bodies can be realized by a simple mechanical subculturing method without the continuous supply of stem cells.

Abstract: Provided are assays and methods for creating proto-tissues from aggregates of cells. The invention concerns assays and methods useful in tissue engineering and reconstruction techniques, specifically in the formation of macrotissues from microtissues using microtissue pre-culture time as a controlling parameter.

Abstract: A versatile compartmentalized cell culture device, with a selectively permeable membrane separating the compartments, provides many attributes relative to traditional devices. It can be configured for high-density cell culture, co-culture, and sample dialysis while rolling or standing still. It can also be configured for continuous movement of liquid between compartments. The wide combination of attributes not found in other membrane based cell culture and bioprocessing devices includes more cell capacity, more cell secreted product capacity, higher cell and product density, increased medium capacity, minimized use of exogenous growth factors, compatibility with standard cell culture equipment and protocols, increased scale up efficiency, capacity to function when rolling or standing still, capacity for perfusion without the need for pumps, and more efficient sample dialysis.

Abstract: Methods of generating embryoid bodies (EBs) by culturing embryonic stem cells (ESCs) under static conditions followed by culturing the cells under dynamic conditions using e.g., a Glass Bulb-shaped Impeller (GBI) or shaking a culture vessel are provided. Also provided are methods of generating expanded and/or differentiated cells from the EBs of the invention and methods of using same for treating disorders requiring cell replacement therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of cell culture, which is a laboratory process used primarily for the growth, propagation, and production of cells for analysis and the production and harvesting of cell products. The present invention comprises functionalized and/or engineered hydrogel microcarriers that exhibit any or all of the following properties: controllable buoyancy, ferro- or paramagnetism, molecular or fabricated reporting elements, and optical clarity. The microcarriers are used in a bioreactor that employs external forces to control said microcarrier kinetic energy and translational or positional orientation in order to facilitate cell growth and/or cellular analysis. The bioreactor can be part of an automated system that employs any or all of the following; a microcarrier manufacturing method, a monitoring method, a cell culture method, and an analytical method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for inducing the differentiation of neural progenitors, neurons, and dopaminergic neurons from human embryonic stem cells with high efficiency, in which neural selection can be performed by the selected media and physical methods. The invention has advantages such as higher efficiency, the effect of lowering cost and time, and maintenance of neural progenitors for a longer period of time, as compared to the known methods for inducing the differentiation into neural progenitors, neurons, and dopaminergic neurons. Accordingly, the method can stably generate cells used for treating Parkinson's disease or other nervous system diseases.

Abstract: A cell culture apparatus consists of a vessel or array of vessels, each comprising a substantially flat bottom and substantially vertical sides, and composed of a substantially gas permeable material. The inner bottom surface of the vessel is commonly textured to provide the cells with adequate features for attachment and spreading. The vessel may include an integral annular flange which can be used to suspend the vessel from a suspensory element of a rack structure. To promote cell attachment and growth, the inner surfaces of the vessel bottom and sides may be coated with commonly available bio-active materials. Cells cultured in the system commonly grow in three dimensions for extended periods of time, and often produce significantly higher quantities of cellular products than cells grown in conventional labware.

Abstract: Well-defined, xeno-free culture media which comprise a TGF-beta isoform or the chimera formed between IL6 and the soluble IL6 receptor (IL6RIL6), which are capable of maintaining stem cells, and particularly, human embryonic stem cells, in an undifferentiated state are provided. Also provided are cell cultures comprising the culture media and the stem cells and methods of expanding and deriving embryonic stem cells in such well-defined, xeno-free culture media. In addition, the present invention provides methods of differentiating ESCs or EBs formed therefrom for the generation of lineage specific cells.

Abstract: A well has a pair of side surfaces, and one of the side surfaces is in contact with a compartment of a first channel with a gas-permeable membrane being interposed therebetween and the other side surface is in contact with a compartment of a second channel with a gas-permeable membrane being interposed therebetween. The well is filled with a liquid cell culture medium, and in such a state, a high-concentration gas and a low-concentration gas, which are different in the concentration of a specific component from each other, are allowed to flow through the first and second channels, respectively, to form a concentration distribution of the specific component in the well.

Abstract: A multilayered cell culture apparatus for the culturing of cells is disclosed. The cell culture apparatus is defined as an integral structure having a plurality of cell culture chambers in combination with tracheal space(s). The body of the apparatus has imparted therein gas permeable membranes in combination with tracheal spaces that will allow the free flow of gases between the cell culture chambers and the external environment. The flask body also includes an aperture that will allow access to the cell growth chambers by means of a needle or cannula. The size of the apparatus, and location of an optional neck and cap section, allows for its manipulation by standard automated assay equipment, further making the apparatus ideal for high throughput applications.

Abstract: Motor neuron progenitor (MNP) cells and populations of MNP cells, are provided, in particular, populations of human late stage MNP cells having a purity of greater than about 65% late stage MNP cells and high-purity populations of MNP cells having greater than 95% viable cells, as well as method of making and using the same, including deriving late stage MNP cells from pluripotent embryonic stem cells, producing high-purity populations of late stage MNP cells, producing populations of viable MNP cells, transporting viable MNP cells, and transplanting MNP cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cell culture medium formulation that supports the in vitro cultivation, particularly in suspension, of mammalian cells, particularly epithelial cells and fibroblast cells, and methods for cultivating mammalian cells in suspension in vitro using these media. The media comprise a basal medium and a polyanionic or polyanionic compound, preferably a polysulfonated or polysulfated compound, and more preferably dextran sulfate. The present invention also provides chemically defined, protein-free eukaryotic cell culture media comprising an iron chelate and zinc, which is capable of supporting the growth (and particularly the high-density growth of mammalian cells) in suspension culture, increasing the level of expression of recombinant protein in cultured cells, and/or increasing virus production in cultured cells.