Abstract: A one-step process for the lysis of microalgae cell walls and separation of the cellular lipids for use in biofuel production by utilizing a hydrophilic ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium. The hydrophilic ionic liquid both lyses the microalgae cell walls and forms two immiscible layers, one of which consists of the lipid contents of the lysed cells. After mixture of the hydrophilic ionic liquid with a suspension of microalgae cells, gravity causes a hydrophobic lipid phase to move to a top phase where it is removed from the mixture and purified. The hydrophilic ionic liquid is recycled to lyse new microalgae suspensions.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to protein signalling. In particular, compounds that inhibit the Wnt protein signalling pathway are disclosed. Such compounds may be used in the treatment of Wnt protein signalling-related diseases and conditions such as cancer, degenerative diseases, type II diabetes and osteopetrosis.

Abstract: A device and method for analyzing cells includes a housing with a chamber, a barrier supported by a frame disposed within the chamber, and a plate arranged at a bottom surface of the housing interior of the chamber. The plate is adapted to receive and sustain cells and the barrier separates the plate into at least two contiguous separate areas. In some embodiments, a thin rubber strip is arranged at the bottom edge of the barrier, which facilitates control of the area in which each cell type is grown, the size of the gap between the cells, and helps prevents over growth of the two cell types on to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for production of undifferentiated or differentiated embryonic stem cell aggregate suspension cultures from undifferentiated or differentiated embryonic stem cell single cell suspensions and methods of differentiation thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to multi-drug resistance (MDR) in cells, and the use of certain xanthene compounds for determining drug resistance in cells and the effect of test compounds on cell membrane transport by the membrane transporters MDR1, MRP and BCRP. Processes and kits for making these determinations and measuring these effects are described and provided.

Abstract: Alginate polyelectrolyte encapsulation is used for the controlled differentiation of embryonic stem cells. An isolated cell population is provided. The cell population includes a single cell suspension of ES cells encapsulated within an alginate polyelectrolyte microenvironment. The encapsulated ES cells are capable of differentiating within said microenvironment into hepatocyte lineage cells in the absence of embryoid body intermediates or growth factor supplementation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for isolating hair follicle mesenchymal stem cells and to the use thereof for therapy and prophylaxis as well as for cosmetic treatments.

Abstract: RP-factors, their cognate receptors, convertases, respective genes and inhibitors or mimetics thereof are described. In particular, antibodies, pharmaceutical compositions and (therapeutic, diagnostic) methods based on the RP-factors and their receptors/convertases are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for culturing stem cells, such that neuronal differentiation can be achieved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for obtaining adult stem cells, which have a surface antigen of CD49f, excellent formation of spheres due to sphere formation and high expression of OCT4 and SOX2, from a cell source including stem cells, and a cell therapeutic agent containing adult stem cells obtained by the method or cells differentiated therefrom as an active ingredient. According to the present invention, adult stem cells derived from spheres are suitable for mass culture of adult stem cells because of more rapid growth thereof compared with stem cells obtained by a known adhesive culture method, have a specific surface antigen so as to be homogeneously obtained by using the specific surface antigen, and are useful for preparing a cell therapeutic agent using the same because of excellent differentiation thereof.

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: A cell culture chamber and a cell culture method that are capable of effectively constructing an intercellular network in a culture space are provided. A cell culture chamber (10)according to the present invention is a cell culture chamber (10)including a plurality of microchambers (11) formed on a surface thereof, characterized in that convex portions (side walls 12) that partition the microchambers (11) adjacent to each other are formed to prevent cells from being adhered to upper surfaces of the convex portions. Consequently, cells can be cultured exclusively within the microchambers (11), and an intercellular network can be constructed effectively.

Abstract: A cartilage-like biomaterial is bioengineered by using a self-aggregating suspension cell culture with hydrostatic mechanical force without the use of a scaffold or foreign matrix for cell attachment during culture. The cells in suspension culture may be preconditioned prior to application of the hydrostatic mechanical force, such as hydrostatic pressure, for a period of time in the range of about 1 week to about 10 weeks. The cartilage-like biomaterial shares critical structural, phenotype, and functional characteristics with native, intact cartilage tissue.

Abstract: This invention discloses a substantially protein-free cell culture solution for assisted reproductive technologies and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: A coated microcarrier for cell culture includes a microcarrier base and a polymeric coating grafted to the base via a polymerization initiator. A method for forming the coated microcarrier includes (i) conjugating a polymerization initiator to the microcarrier base to form an initiator-conjugated microcarrier base; (ii) contacting the initiator-conjugated microcarrier base with monomers; and (iii) activating the initiator to initiate polymerization and graft the polymer to the base.

Abstract: The invention intends to provide a cell culture apparatus which is able to realize an adequate culture according to the culture state of cells while alleviating the labor of an operator. The cell culture apparatus includes a culture bag for causing the cells to proliferate, a cell inoculation cassette (or culture bag as an antibody stimulating and proliferation culture vessel) for stimulating the cells by an inducer for the proliferation, a culture medium cassette for storing a culture medium supplied to the culture bag and the cell inoculation cassette, a CCD camera 88 for acquiring images of the cells in the cell inoculation cassette, and an image processing computer and an operation control computer for determining the culture state (proliferation capability and proliferation ability of the cells) of the cells from the images of the cells acquired by the CCD camera, and causing a culture operation to be carried out on the basis of the determination.

Abstract: Pluripotent cells that are immunopositive for both the neural progenitor marker nestin and a pluripotent cell marker are provided. The cells exhibit rapid doubling times and can be maintained in vitro for extended periods. Also provided are cell cultures containing the pluripotent cells, a method of transplanting human pluripotent cells to a host, and a method of reducing seizure activity in a subject. These pluripotent cells, when transplanted into the ventricle of a host animal, migrate to the site of damage and adopt a suitably corrective phenotype, resulting in both structural and functional restoration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for culturing mammalian cells in a culture medium which is transferrin free and which contains no lipophilic or synthetic nitrogen-containing chelators. Also provided is the use of the medium and a process for providing a mammalian product by culturing cells capable of producing the product in the medium.

Abstract: Three-dimensional human broncho-epithelial tissue-like assemblies (TLAs) are produced in a rotating wall vessel (RWV) with microcarriers by coculturing mesenchymal bronchial-tracheal cells (BTC) and bronchial epithelium cells (BEC). These TLAs display structural characteristics and express markers of in vivo respiratory epithelia. TLAs are useful for screening compounds active in lung tissues such as antiviral compounds, cystic fibrosis treatments, allergens, and cytotoxic compounds.

Abstract: A material for ameliorating skin tissue provided by the invention comprises, as a main component, a culture obtained by culturing cells or tissue fragments derived from human or other mammalian alveolar mucosa. Typically, 50% or more of the cells contained in the culture are fibroblasts, and having a high growth rate and a high productivity in vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEDF) and/or keratinocyte growth factor (KGF).

Abstract: The present invention pertains to methods of increasing the efficiency of producing a bioproduct. In some embodiments, the method increases the quantity of a bioproduct produced, or decreases bioproduct production time, in a bioreactor cell culture producing the bioproduct, the method comprising, (a) intermittently or continuously analyzing the concentration of one or more nutrients in the bioreactor cell culture; and (b) adding to the bioreactor cell culture additional nutrient media when the concentration of the one or more nutrients is lower than a target value.

Abstract: The present invention relates in one aspect to a method for determining the cell culture history of a cell unit labelled with more than one type of tag comprising the steps of: (a) measuring one or more parameters of each tag that is used to label the cell unit; (b) identifying each tag in the cell unit; and (c) correlating the identity of each tag to the identity of the cell unit and/or the specific cell culture conditions to which the cell unit has been exposed.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to systems and methods for promoting the expansion of high density non-adherent cells through the use of a cell growth chamber, a mass transfer device, and a fluid circulation loop. Improved cell growth is achieved in the cell growth chamber by using a chamber having a particular orientation and shape, e.g., conical, to create a media-rich reservoir for growing cells. By placing the chamber in a vertical position, the force of media flow along the chamber walls is substantially equal and opposite to the gravitational force on the cells. The interaction of these forces maintains the non-adherent cells in suspension. The use of the cell growth chamber in conjunction with the mass transfer device and fluid circulation loop(s) creates efficiencies by relying on the cumulative and combined features of the devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of umbilical cord blood cells from a donor or patient to provide neural cells which may be used in transplantation. The isolated cells according to the present invention may be used to effect autologous and allogeneic transplantation and repair of neural tissue, in particular, tissue of the brain and spinal cord and to treat neurodegenerative diseases of the brain and spinal cord.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing an embryo from an oocyte by an assisted reproduction technology. The method includes (a) collecting an oocyte from an ovary of a subject in a collection medium comprising a first phosphodiesterase inhibitor and an agent that increases intracellular cAMP concentration in the oocyte, (b) culturing the oocyte in a maturation medium comprising a second phosphodiesterase inhibitor, and (c) producing an embryo from the oocyte by an assisted reproduction technology. The present invention also relates to methods of inducing oocyte maturation. For example a method of in vitro maturation of an oocyte is described which comprises steps (a) and (b) above. The present invention also relates to an oocyte maturation medium comprising a phosphodiesterase inhibitor and a ligand for inducing maturation of the oocyte. A combination product comprising an oocyte collection and maturation medium referred to above is also described.

Abstract: A stem cell niche for expanding stem cells in culture is described. The stem cell niche includes a scaffold, a plurality of stromal mesenchymal stem cells, and a plurality of umbilical cord blood stem cells grown in a rotating culture chamber. One embodiment of the rotating culture chamber has a fluid-filled compartment in which the umbilical cord blood stem cells are grown in the presence of the mesenchymal stem cells seeded on the scaffold. The culture chamber has a dual flow valving member at each end, wherein a first flow path passes under a molecular cut-off membrane covering a central core that transverses the culture chamber and a second flow path flows through the culture chamber and allows cells to be harvested while in suspension.

Abstract: Biodegradable microspheres having a diameter of 10-2000 ?m having cross-linked hydrolysed starch onto which at least one type of ligand has been coupled via a carboxylic ester bond. The ligand shall be an endogenous, charged molecule with a molecular mass of less than 1000 Da having at least one additional carboxylic acid function in addition to the one utilised for coupling the ligand to the microsphere and/or at least one amine function. On average 0.05-1.5 ligands are coupled to each glucose moiety in the hydrolysed starch.

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: Methods for reprogramming primate somatic cells to pluripotency using an episomal vector that does not encode an infectious virus are disclosed. Pluripotent cells produced in the methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microtiter plate and use thereof for conducting fermentation under fed-batch conditions. In order to produce a microtiter plate which permits screening under fed-batch conditions, the invention proposes that the cavities (2) of the microtiter plate according to the invention be filled with a culturing fluid and nutrient solution and be designed in such a way that each of the cavities (2) of the microtiter plate which is filled with nutrient solution is connected by a channel (4) to at least one other further cavity (3) of the microtiter plate which is filled with a culturing fluid. A diffusion barrier (13) arranged in the material permeable channel (4) controls the kinetics of the material transfer of nutrients from the cavity containing the nutrient solution to the cavities containing the culturing fluid.

Abstract: Method for the isolation, expansion and preservation of cardiac stem cells from human or animal tissue biopsy samples to be employed in cell transplantation and functional repair of the myocardium or other organs. Cells may also be used in gene therapy for treating genetic cardiomyopathies, for treating ischemic heart diseases and for setting in vitro models to study drugs.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods and compositions for reducing inflammation in a mammal. The invention includes a population of mesenchimal stromal cells that possess anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptolic, immune modulatory, and anti-tumorigenic properties.

Abstract: The invention provides tissue culture system for primary cells (e.g. normal mammalian primary epithelial progenitors). This system includes: a) a serum-free, chemically defined cell culture media; and, b) methods for isolation and in vitro long-term propagation of primary cells (e.g. primary epithelial cells). Primary cells so isolated and cultured can be kept undifferentiated and proliferate for many weeks (>15 weeks) or population doubling (>35 PD) without senescence, or any detectable genetic alterations. Upon changing media/culture conditions, these cells can be induced to differentiate. The invention also provides methods to transform normal primary cells so cultured into “cancer stem cells.” The genetically defined cancer stem cell tumor model mimics the behavior of the disease closely, e.g., the cells are invasive, hormone responsive and metastatic when injected into mice. The tumor cells express genes that are specific to cancer stem cells identified in patient samples.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to materials and methods for inhibiting process formation and extension by cells in culture. The subject invention further includes cultures of process-forming cells wherein formation and extension of processes have been inhibited. In another aspect, the subject invention concerns methods of transplantation using process-forming cells that have been cultured by the process-inhibiting methods of the invention.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a mammalian cell culture process are provided. Such control of the cell culture process involves control of the level of dissolved carbon dioxide in the cell culture media and the resulting ability to prevent increases in the osmolality level is achieved by enhanced stripping of carbon dioxide with little or no damage to the mammalian cells. The disclosed methods and systems of dissolved carbon dioxide stripping include enhanced surface gas exchange mechanisms within the bioreactor vessel through the use of an upward flow impeller combined with vertical baffles to convert swirling motions of the liquid into a largely vertical flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel expression cassettes and vectors for efficiently producing authentic recombinant human proteins from stable cultures of novel human cell lines, the authentic recombinant proteins produced therefrom, and antibodies raised against those authentic recombinant proteins.

Abstract: The assays, methods, tools and systems discussed herein represent an improved and unified system for monitoring the progression of an individual patient malignancy. The assays, methods, tools and systems discussed herein represent an improved and unified system for monitoring and for identifying cellular and secreted markers, for screening cells to detect phenotypic and genotypic drift and for predicting chemotherapeutic response of patient tumor cells to at least one therapeutic agent. The assays, methods, tools and systems discussed herein also represent an improved and unified system for monitoring and for screening multiple pharmaceutical agents for efficacy and long term effect as to a specific patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for obtention of myofibroblasts. According to this process: (a) a sample of cells essentially comprising fibroblasts is prepared; and (b) this sample of cells is cultured in a serum-free culture medium. The main purpose addressed by the invention is to obtain a population of myofibroblasts, the characteristics whereof facilitate any study of these cells, and in particular as pure as possible a population of myofibroblasts. Some examples of application of the invention are: identification of biomarkers of myofibroblasts, identification of therapeutic targets, identification and validation of anticancer compounds, and an in vitro model for the screening of pharmaceutical or cosmetic compounds.

Abstract: The methods of the present invention involve the manipulation and/or propagation of oviduct tumor cells derived from either wild-type or transgenic avians.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the culturing of cells, preferably E1-immortalized HER cells, more preferably PER.C6 cells in a reactor in suspension in a cell culture medium, wherein the cells produce a biological substance, preferably an antibody, wherein at least one cell culture medium component is fed to the cell culture and wherein the cell culture comprising the cells, the biological substance and cell culture medium is circulated over a separation system and wherein the separation system separates the biological substance from substances having a lower molecular weight than the biological substance and wherein the biological substance is retained in or fed back into the reactor. Preferably part of the substances of lower molecular weight is continuously removed from the cell culture.

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: This invention relates to methods of inducing differential stress resistance in a subject with cancer by starving the subject for a short term, administering a cell growth inhibitor to the subject, or reducing the caloric or glucose intake by the subject. The induced differential stress resistance results in improved resistance to cytotoxicity in normal cells, which, in turn, reduces cytotoxic side-effects due to chemotherapy, as well as improved effectiveness of chemotherapeutic agents.

Abstract: The invention provides neuronal progenitor cells, populations and cultures of cells, cell compositions and methods of producing neuronal progenitor cells. Neuronal progenitor cells can be prepared from embryonic stem cells, such as human embryonic stem cells.

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: 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.

Abstract: Methods for identifying trichogenic dermal cells, including dermal papilla cells and dermal sheath cells, capable of inducing hair follicle formation when injected into skin are provided. It has been discovered that EGF latrophilin and seven transmembrane domain-containing protein 1 (ELTD1). Transmembrane Protein 108 (TMEM1 08), Hyaluronan and proteoglycan link protein 1 (HAPLN1) are biomarkers that can be used to detect, identify, and distinguish trichogenic dermal cells, i.e., that are able to induce hair follicle formation, from other skin cells. Populations of skin cells enriched with trichogenic dermal cells can be produced by selecting for and enriching for dermal cells that express ELTD1, TMEM1 08, HAPLN1, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for maintaining and propagating undifferentiated pluripotent stem cells (SC) in suspension. The methods comprise culturing such SC in a non-adherent culture dish under conditions comprising a basic serum free medium and one or more of a basic medium, a serum replacement, an extra cellular matrix component and a factor supporting expansion of said SC. A specific and preferred culture condition comprise supplementing Neurobasal™ medium with KO serum replacement (KOSR). These conditions allowed for large scale and long term propagation of undifferentiated pluripotent SC. The culture system comprising suspended undifferentiated pluripotent SC were found to have many applications including in methods for directed as well as spontaneous differentiation of the SC into somatic cells. Also disclosed herein is a method of deriving SC, preferably human embryonic SC from human embryos via the formation of cell clusters.

Abstract: A method of treating a natural soft skeletal tissue injury in a patient the method comprising administering to the patient a composition of mesenchymal stem cells in liquid suspension enriched compared to the natural source of said cells, or tenocytes derived therefrom. The method is particularly suited to the regeneration of tendons in competitive mammals, such as the superficial digital flexor tendon of the horse.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a population of post-mitotic cells of the neutrophil lineage, which method comprises the ex vivo steps of: (a) providing a population of cells comprising neutrophil progenitor cells; and (b) culturing the population of cells in an animal cell culture medium comprising (i) one or more early acting cytokines and (ii) one or more cytokines that differentiate said progenitor cells into a neutrophil specific lineage, under conditions of low oxidative stress, the culture medium being agitated when the cells are at a cell density at which oxygen transfer via the surface of the culture medium is insufficient for growth of the progenitor cells and the progeny thereof under static conditions, to produce a population of post-mitotic cells of the neutrophil lineage. The resulting population of cells can be used to increase the number of neutrophils in a patient.

Abstract: Gas permeable devices and methods are disclosed for cell culture, including cell culture devices and methods that contain medium at heights, and certain gas permeable surface area to medium volume ratios. These devices and methods allow improvements in cell culture efficiency and scale up efficiency.