Abstract: A hydrogel-based biological delivery vehicle used to effectively deliver drug and biological material to tissue or organ sites. More specifically, a hydrogel binding matrix having a biopolymer backbone containing carboxyl groups. Tyramine may be substituted for at least a portion of the carboxyl groups, so that, when hydrogen peroxide is added, it causes creation of covalent bonds between tyramine molecules and cross-links the hydrogel binding matrix, thereby enabling the hydrogel binding matrix to transition from liquid to gel state. The hydrogel binding matrix, in its liquid form, is capable of encapsulating drug reservoirs to create a homogenous liquid with evenly distributed particles containing drugs or target molecules. As the hydrogel binding matrix solidifies into a gel state, the newly created cross-links do not disrupt or react with the drugs or target molecules contained within the drug reservoirs. This hydrogel-based biological delivery vehicle can be used in several medical applications.

Abstract: The invention is an improved method of making a carbon molecular sieve (CMS) membrane in which a precursor polymer is pyrolyzed to form a carbon molecular sieve membrane that is then exposed to a conditioning atmosphere comprised of a target permeate gas molecule such as ethylene when the membrane is desired to separate it from a light hydrocarbon gas stream. The exposure to the ethylene desirably occurs prior to the CMS permeance and selectivity combination substantially changing (e.g., within 5 days) of cooling from the pyrolyzing temperature. The CMS membranes have shown an improved combination of selectivity and permeance as well as stability and are useful to separate gases in gas streams such methane from natural gas, oxygen from air and ethylene or propylene from light hydrocarbon streams.

Abstract: Provided is a serum-free culture medium, the ingredients of the culture medium comprising 0.05-0.2 parts by volume of ?-mercaptoethanol, 0.5-2 parts by volume of non-essential amino acid aqueous solution, 4-6 parts by volume of human mesenchymal stem cell culture supernatant concentrate, and 90-95 parts by volume of a-MEM/DMEM-F12 and recombinant human alkaline fibroblast growth factor of a final concentration of 5-5 ng/ml. The present culture medium is used for carrying out stem cell culture.

Abstract: Brain injury can be caused by trauma or may occur in stroke or neurodegenerative diseases. The disclosure relates to compositions that can include exosomes isolated from human adipose-derived stem cells (hASC) and methods where exosomes from hASC may be used alone or in combination with insulin for the treatment of brain injury.

Abstract: A composition of matter is provided comprising a devitalized, acellular tissue-derived scaffold seeded with differentiated cells, particularly pancreatic islet cells, wherein the cells can maintain cell-specific function or structure in culture on the scaffold. Methods of generating same and uses thereof are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for providing factor replacement therapy. In particular, the present invention provides replacement therapy for subjects suffering from cystinosis.

Abstract: This disclosure provides an improved system for culturing human pluripotent stem cells. Traditionally, pluripotent stem cells are cultured on a layer of feeder cells (such as mouse embryonic fibroblasts) to prevent them from differentiating. In the system described here, the role of feeder cells is replaced by components added to the culture environment that support rapid proliferation without differentiation. Effective features are a suitable support structure for the cells, and an effective medium that can be added fresh to the culture without being preconditioned by another cell type. Culturing human embryonic stem cells in fresh medium according to this invention causes the cells to expand surprisingly rapidly, while retaining the ability to differentiate into cells representing all three embryonic germ layers. This new culture system allows for bulk proliferation of pPS cells for commercial production of important products for use in drug screening and human therapy.

Abstract: The invention provides an apoptosis-modulating cell-free composition comprising conditioned extracellular medium of a stem cell and uses thereof, particularly therapeutic uses. Also provided is a method of obtaining such a composition and an in vitro method of modulating apoptosis.

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: Disclosed herein are flowable tissue matrix compositions comprising small pieces of partially or completely decellularized tissue suspended in a gelatinized tissue or gelatin gel comprising partially or completely decellularized tissue or synthetic gelatin. The flowable tissue matrix compositions can contain factors that promote or enhance native cell migration, proliferation, and/or revascularization after implantation into a subject. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the flowable tissue matrix compositions. The compositions can be implanted into a tissue in need of repair, regeneration, healing, treatment, and/or alteration, and can promote or enhance native cell migration, proliferation, and/or revascularization.

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

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to tumor cell lines useful for increasing the proliferation potential of any human or animal cell in culture, thereby providing immortalized or continuous cell lines and cultures. The invention also concerns proliferation factors, and compositions containing the factors, which are capable of increasing the proliferation potential of any human or other animal cell in culture. The subject invention further pertains to a method for proliferating cells in culture by contacting cells with the proliferation factors. The proliferated cells can range in plasticity and can include, for example, blast cells, fertilized ova, non-fertilized gametes, embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells, precursor or progenitor cells, and highly specialized cells. Optionally, the cells can be induced to cease proliferation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of choroid plexus cells and/or choroid plexus conditioned media for enhancing the growth, survival and/or maintenance of function of non-choroid plexus cells grown in long term or short term culture.

Abstract: Platelets are induced to proliferate, form extensions and produce daughter cells by various methods, including culturing platelets under thrombocytopenic conditions. Expansion of platelet cell numbers increases the storage life of platelets. Modulation of RT activity can be used to produce new daughter platelets. Therefore, the invention provides a new therapeutic use for RT inhibitors that can now be used for treatment of thrombocytopenia and related disorders. Likewise, application of soluble protein factor that may be secreted and/or released by platelets cultured under thrombocytopenic conditions may also be used as a therapeutic agent to increase platelet numbers.

Abstract: Methods for the diagnosis of visceral, cutaneous and canine leishmaniasis in a subject suspected of being infected with the parasitic protozoa Leishmania is disclosed. Disclosed are antibody-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for the detection of antibodies to Leishmania parasite soluble antigens and antigen-capture ELISAs for the detection of Leishmania parasite soluble antigens in host samples. Also disclosed are immunodiagnostic kits for the detection of Leishmania parasite circulating antigens or IgM and IgG antibodies in a sample from subject having visceral, cutaneous or canine leishmaniasis. In these methods and kits, detection may be done photometrically or visually. The methods and kits also allow the visualization of Leishmania amastigotes or promastigotes in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides serum-free cell culture media formulations which are capable of supporting the in vitro cultivation of animal cells. The media comprise at least one nutrient of non-animal derivation, such as at least one plant peptide and/or at least one non-animal or plant lipid and/or fatty acid. The media may further optionally comprise an enzymatic digest or extract of yeast cells. The present invention also provides methods of cultivating animal cells in vitro using these cell culture media formulations. In addition, the media of the present invention can be used for growth of animal cells for virus production.

Abstract: A method for activating an efferent sympathetic nerve innervating an adipose tissue and improving obesity-associated symptoms is provided, comprising stimulating an afferent vagal nerve from the liver without directly enhancing peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-?2 function in the liver.

Abstract: A cell culture comprising human foreskin cells, the human foreskin cells being capable of maintaining stem cells in an undifferentiated state when co-cultured therewith.

Abstract: The invention provides media and methods for culturing mammalian cells whereby the sialylation of a protein produced by the cells is increased. The medium can contain N-acetylmannosamine and, optionally, galactose. The medium may also comprise fructose and mannose. Alternatively, the medium can contain galactose and fructose and, optionally, can also comprise mannose and/or N-acetylmannosamine. The methods can be practiced along with other methods for culturing cells so as to increase the quantity or quality of a protein produced by the cells, including culturing the cells at a temperature below 37° C.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods that treat or prevent skin defects in a subject.

Abstract: A method for improving the health and viability of pancreatic islets and improving the outcome of pancreatic islet transplantations is described. The method includes incubating the islets with an IKVAV-containing laminin A chain peptide, such as PA22-2, either before or during the culturing of the islets in an RCCS bioreactor.

Abstract: Methods for the diagnosis of visceral, cutaneous and canine leishmaniasis in a subject suspected of being infected with the parasitic protozoa Leishmania is disclosed. Disclosed are antibody-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for the detection of antibodies to Leishmania parasite soluble antigens and antigen-capture ELISAs for the detection of Leishmania parasite soluble antigens in host samples. Also disclosed are immunodiagnostic kits for the detection of Leishmania parasite circulating antigens or IgM and IgG antibodies in a sample from subject having visceral, cutaneous or canine leishmaniasis. In these methods and kits, detection may be done photometrically or visually. The methods and kits also allow the visualization of Leishmania amastigotes or promastigotes in a sample.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to allow a cell to produce a protein at a high level using a medium containing an enzymatic degradation product of fish meat or a fish meat extract. A method of culturing a cell comprising starting culturing in an initial medium and feeding at least once a feed medium to the initial medium during culturing, wherein at least one of the initial medium or the feed medium contains an enzymatic degradation product of fish meat or a fish meat extract added thereto. A method of producing a protein of interest using the above culture method.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions comprising cell culture medium conditioned by cells grown in three-dimensional culture. The cells used to condition the medium may be genetically modified to alter the concentration of growth factors and antioxidants in the medium. The conditioned cell medium (conditioned medium) may be used for at least one of cosmetic applications, cosmeceutical applications, and pharmaceutical applications, among other things. The invention also relates to proteins comprising a heterologous sequence that enhances cell penetration. The invention also relates to cells comprising DNA encoding such proteins. Methods for preparing the inventive compounds are also provided.

Abstract: Novel products comprising conditioned cell culture medium compositions and methods of use are described. The conditioned cell medium compositions of the invention may be comprised of any known defined or undefined medium and may be conditioned using any eukaryotic cell type. The medium may be conditioned by stromal cells, parenchymal cells, mesenchymal stem cells, liver reserve cells, neural stem cells, pancreatic stem cells and/or embryonic stem cells. Additionally, the cells may be genetically modified. A three-dimensional tissue construct is preferred. Once the cell medium of the invention is conditioned, it may be used in any state. Physical embodiments of the conditioned medium include, but are not limited to, liquid or solid, frozen, lyophilized or dried into a powder.

Abstract: The invention provides an in vitro culture medium for in vitro-produced porcine embryo for the in vitro culture thereof, which can improve the quality of the resulting blastocyst and can raise the ratio of the development into fetus and infant after transfer, along with a method for in vitro culturing in vitro-produced porcine embryo using the culture medium, which can improve the quality of the resulting blastocyst and can develop the blastocyst into fetus and infant after transfer. A culture medium for the in vitro culture of in vitro-produced porcine embryo, which contains lactic acid and pyruvic acid; a culture medium for the in vitro culture, which is conditioned with oviductal epithelial cell; and a method for in vitro culturing in vitro-produced porcine embryo, comprising culturing the in vitro-produced porcine embryo using the culture medium for the 0 to 2-day term after fertilization and subsequently culturing the embryo in a glucose-containing culture medium.

Abstract: This disclosure provides an improved system for culturing human pluripotent stem (pPS) cells in the absence of feeder cells. The role of the feeder cells can be replaced by supporting the culture on an extracellular matrix, and culturing the cells in a conditioned medium. Permanent cell lines are provided that can produce conditioned medium on a commercial scale. Methods have also been discovered to genetically alter pPS cells by introducing the cells with a viral vector or DNA/lipid complex. The system described in this disclosure allows for bulk proliferation of pPS cells for use in studying the biology of pPS cell differentiation, and the production of important products for use in human therapy.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for culturing in vitro potentially regenerative cells (PRCs) from which functional tissue-organs are regenerated. In one aspect of the invention, a tissue culture medium is provided which comprises at least 50% of water and a sterol compound that is dissolved in a fatty acid-containing oil at a concentration at least 0.1% by weight based on the weight of the oil and added to the water. The culture medium can be used to culture PRCs that are isolated from the body of a mammal to generate functional tissue-organs in vitro with substantially the same physiological structure and function as the corresponding ones existing in vivo and in situ. The cultured PRCs, tissues, and tissue-organs can serve as valuable models for scientific investigation in life sciences, nutraceutical discovery, drug screening, pharmacokinetic studies, medical devices and tissue/organ transplantation.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to elucidate a biologically active function of a component constituting undegraded sericin and to provide a novel medical material, cosmetic material, etc. utilizing the functional composition. Disclosed is a cell growth promoter obtainable by elution from a fiber discharged by a domestic silkworm, e.g., cocoon filaments or the like, wherein the cell growth promoter comprises sericin having a molecular weight of about 400,000 as measured by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) as a main component. This cell growth promoting agent (substance) is extremely useful because growth of cells is promoted when it is used in a wound dressing material, a vascular endothelium forming material and an organ forming material for medical use, in a cell culture base material for biological use, or in a cosmetic material for skin care use.

Abstract: A substantially enriched mammalian hematopoietic cell subpopulation is provided, which is characterized by progenitor cell activity for myeloid lineages, but lacking the potential to differentiate into lymphoid lineages. This population is further divided into specific myeloid progenitor subsets, including a common myeloid progenitor cells (CMP), megakaryocyte/erythroid progenitor cells (MEP) and granulocyte/monocyte lineage progenitor (GMP). Methods are provided for the isolation and culture of these subpopulations. The CMP population gives rise to all myeloid lineages, and can give rise to the two additional and isolatable progenitor populations that are exclusively committed to either the erythroid/megakaryocytic or myelomonocytic lineages. The cell enrichment methods employ reagents that specifically recognize Thy-1; and IL-7R&agr;, in conjunction with other markers expressed on lineage committed cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for in vitro culturing of an in vitro produced porcine embryo by culturing the embryo in a medium containing lactate and pyruvate without glucose and then in a medium containing glucose without lactate and pyruvate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cell composition containing macrophages, presenting anti-infectious and hematopoietic properties. More particularly, the invention relates to a cell composition containing macrophages, myeloid cells and progenitors; said cell compositions are useful for the restoration of hematopoiesis in an aplasic patient and/or the protection of patients against infectious diseases or against residual tumors.

Abstract: A method for adhering and proliferating cell, which comprises the steps of inoculating, culturing and then killing fibroblast derived from a mammal, is provided. A culture vessel manufactured according to the steps of the method which can provide improved adhesion to cell and enhanced cell-proliferation is also provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for culturing in vitro potentially regenerative cells (PRCs) from which functional tissue-organs are regenerated. In one aspect of the invention, a tissue culture medium is provided which comprises at least 50% of water and a sterol compound that is dissolved in a fatty acid-containing oil at a concentration at least 0.1% by weight based on the weight of the oil and added to the water. The culture medium can be used to culture PRCs that are isolated from the body of a mammal to generate functional tissue-organs in vitro with substantially the same physiological structure and function as the corresponding ones existing in vivo and in situ. The cultured PRCs, tissues, and tissue-organs can serve as valuable models for scientific investigation in life sciences, nutraceutical discovery, drug screening, pharmacokinetic studies, medical devices and tissue/organ transplantation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a substantially pure population of viable pancreatic progenitor cells, and methods for isolating such cells. The present invention further concerns certain therapeutic uses for such progenitor cells, and their progeny.

Abstract: Production of fully differentiated, optionally immortalized, neural cells—by enhancing replication then inducing differentiation by mimicking cell's natural environment in vitro. The cells are useful for transplantation or drug screening.

Abstract: A process of using a fish plasma component as a nutrient medium component for tissue culture includes obtaining blood from a fish, separating plasma from the blood, and extracting one or more specific components of the plasma. The tissue is cultured using the extracted plasma components, and none of any remainder of the plasma, in a nutrient medium. The tissue cultured using the extracted plasma component is other than fish tissue, such as mammalian tissue or insect tissue.

Abstract: A novel agar medium for the isolation, sub-cultivation, and indirect or direct drug-susceptibility testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of isolating and growing Mycobacterium tuberculosis and methods of drug-resistance screening using the agar medium of the invention.

Abstract: A method of using fish ovarian fluid for culture and preservation of mammalian cells includes obtaining ovarian fluid from a fish, and culturing mammalian cells in media including a commercially defined medium and a nutrient medium, wherein the nutrient medium includes the fish ovarian fluid. The cells may initially be cultured in a commercial medium and a conventional nutrient medium prior to culture in the fish ovarian fluid. Living cells may also be preserved by obtaining ovarian fluid from a fish, isolating the living cells, and adding the fish ovarian fluid to the living cells.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to elucidate a biologically active function of a component constituting undegraded sericin and to provide a novel medical material, cosmetic material, etc. utilizing the functional composition.

Abstract: The instant invention demonstrates that the 7S domain of type IV collagen disrupts cell aggregation and tissue development. Structural changes in mesoglea, inhibition of cell proliferation, and changes in cell differentiation patterns accompanies the blockage of cell aggregates which indicate that blockage may be due to alterations in mesoglea (extracellular matrix) structure with accompanying effects on cell behavior. Type IV collagen has a critical role in the initial formation of mesoglea and that perturbation of mesoglea formation affects cell division, cell differentiation, and morphogensis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of delivering a bioactive compound to an organism that involves growing individual cells in vitro under conditions that allow the formation of an organized tissue, at least a subset of the cells containing a foreign DNA sequence which mediates the production of the bioactive compound; and implanting the organized tissue into the organism, whereby the bioactive compound is produced and delivered to the organism.

Abstract: A culture medium for avian embryonic cells and an avian cell culture medium is disclosed. The culture medium is characterized in that it has elements complementary to avian embryonic cells. The complementary elements are cytokines, fibroblast growth factors, insulin-like growth factors or stem cell growth factors. The medium is substantially free of active retinoic acid. A method for culturing avian embryonic cells, and the resulting products, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composition comprising enzymatically digested submucosa of a warm-blooded vertebrate and a method of making that composition is described. More particularly the submucosa is enzymatically digested and gelled to form a shape retaining gel matrix suitable for inducing cell proliferation and growth both in vivo and in vitro.

Abstract: A method of selecting and growing pluripotential embryonic stem cells isolated from an ungulate species blastocysts of embryos that develop by way of an embryonic disc is disclosed. The method comprises growing blastocysts in tissue culture growth medium which includes both heat-inactivated new born calf serum and heat-inactivated fetal calf serum; disaggregating the blastocysts either after spontaneous hatching or after mechanical removal of the zone pellucida; growing stem cell colonies from the disaggregated cells in issue culture growth medium; selecting stem cell colonies by morphological characteristics; and growing the selected stem cells in tissue culture growth medium. The cells are round cells, tightly packed with large nuclei in relation to cytoplasm, and fairly prominent nucleoli. They grow in tightly adherent coloedes and as the colonies get larger the cells tend to flatten out in the center of the colony.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a serum-free medium for culturing animal cells which contains soybean protein hydrolysate and yeast extract; a method for culturing animal cells which comprises a step of culturing animal cells in the serum-free medium; and a method for producing a desired substance which comprises a step of culturing animal cells in the serum-free medium, causing the desired substance to be produced by and secreted out of the animal cells and a step of isolating the desired substance from the serum-free medium.

Abstract: A method of generating neural crest stem cells involves inducing neuroepithelial stem cells to differentiate in vitro into neural crest stem cells. Differentiation can be induced by replating the cells on laminin, withdrawing mitogens, or adding dorsalizing agents to the growth medium. Derivatives of the peripheral nervous system can be generated by inducing the neural crest stem cells to differentiate in vitro.

Abstract: The present invention provides an immortalized insulin producing human &bgr;-cell which may be rendered glucose responsive by suitable bioengineering methods. The invention also provides a method for producing an immortalized glucose responsive insulin producing human &bgr;-cell comprising the steps of selecting an unregulated immortalized human insulin secreting &bgr;-cell, transecting said selected cell line with elements for the genetic control of glucose responsiveness and proliferating said transfected &bgr;-cell accordingly.

Abstract: Novel products comprising conditioned cell culture medium compositions and methods of use are described. The conditioned cell medium compositions of the invention may be comprised of any known defined or undefined medium and may be conditioned using any eukaryotic cell type. The medium may be conditioned by stromal cells, parenchymal cells, mesenchymal stem cells, liver reserve cells, neural stem cells, pancreatic stem cells and/or embryonic stem cells. Additionally, the cells may be genetically modified. A three-dimensional tissue construct is preferred. Once the cell medium of the invention is conditioned, it may be used in any state. Physical embodiments of the conditioned medium include, but are not limited to, liquid or solid, frozen, lyophilized or dried into a powder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro cell culture device which includes a vessel comprising an inner surface, a layer of cartilage disposed on at least a portion of said inner surface, the layer of cartilage including a plurality of chondrocytes in an extracellular matrix, and a growth medium in the vessel, the layer of cartilage being bathed in the growth medium. Also disclosed is a composite cell culture prepared from the in vitro cell culture device, the composite cell culture includes a first layer including chondrocytes in an extracellular matrix, a second layer disposed on the first layer and including type I collagen, and a third layer disposed on the second layer and including cells at least partially covering the second layer.