Abstract: Methods for treating a cardiovascular disorder comprising concomitant administration of one or more extracellular matrix (ECM) based compositions directly to damaged or diseased cardiovascular tissue associated with the cardiovascular disorder, and provision of ventricular assistance. In a preferred embodiment, the ECM based compositions include an ECM material derived from a mammalian source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing artificial skin, comprising: adding a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor and a heparanase inhibitor to an artificial skin formation culture medium comprising human epidermal keratinocytes and human dermal fibroblasts, culturing the cells in the artificial skin formation culture medium, and forming artificial skin.

Abstract: A porous artificial transplant material to replace autogenous bone with excellent biocompatibility, cytocompatibility and biodegradability is provided. More specifically, a porous scaffold for tissue engineering including chitosan/hydroxyapatite-amylopectin (Chitosan/HAp-AP) and a preparation method thereof are provided. The porous scaffold for tissue engineering has cross linkage among chitosan, hydroxyapatite and amylopectin, which provides advantageous effect including superior cell proliferation and transmission, and excellent thermal stability and mechanical strength. Further, considering excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability which do not harm human body, the porous scaffold can be widely used as an artificial transplant material to replace autogenous bone in biomedical field.

Abstract: The present invention provides a neutralized glucomannan scaffold capable of promoting cell growth and suitable for three-dimensional tissue culture and engineering. The present invention also provides methods for making and degrading the neutralized glucomannan scaffold. The present invention further provides a method of growing cells on a neutralized glucomannan scaffold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tissue engineered compositions and methods comprising nanotopographic surface topography (“nanotopography”) for use in modulating the organization and/or function of multiple cell types.

Abstract: Screening assays and methods of performing such assays are provided. In certain examples, the assays and methods may be designed to determine whether or not two or more species can associate with each other. In some examples, the assays and methods may be used to determine if a known antigen binds to an unknown monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: The present invention concerns bioactive renal cell populations, in particular a B2 cell population comprising an enriched population of tubular cells and wherein the renal cell population is depleted of a B1 cell population, renal cell constructs, and methods of screening test agents using the bioactive renal cell populations.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the manufacture and use of hydrogels with increased permeability to macromolecules with minimum loss of matrix mechanical strength and prepolymer viscosity for patternability. The hydrogels of the invention are formed from a prepolymer, which is polymerized in the presence of hydrophobic nanoparticles. In some embodiments of the invention cells are present during polymerization, and are encapsulated by the hydrogel. A high interfacial energy between the hydrophobic substrate and the aqueous polymerizing solution disrupts the hydrogel network structure, leading to network defects that increase permeability without loss of patternability.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is described for seeding and culturing cells on a sample. The apparatus includes a chamber in which the volume of the chamber may be adjusted without compromising the seal or sterility of the chamber. The apparatus enables the seeding of cells in a reduced volume and culturing of cells in an increased volume. Further, the apparatus enables application of forces, strains and torques to a sample during seeding, culturing or transportation of the sample.

Abstract: A method of making engineered tissue from a plurality of cell aggregates is disclosed. A cell suspension is centrifuged. The resulting pellet is extruded through an orifice, and the extruded pellet is cut into pieces to produce cell aggregates. A plurality of the cell aggregates are printed in a pattern, and allowed to fuse to form a desired three-dimensional engineered tissue structure. Modeling methods predict the structural evolution of fusing cell aggregates for combinations of cell type to enable selection of organ printing process parameters for use in producing an engineered tissue having a desired three-dimensional structure.

Abstract: A device for characterizing the biological properties of cells can include a plurality of dual-compartment assay chambers wherein the compartments of each chamber are separated by a cell layer across which ions can flow. The biological properties of the cell layer in the presence or absence of experimental compounds can be determined by measuring an electrical gradient across the layer. A individual dual-compartment chamber of this type may be referred to as an “Ussing chamber.

Abstract: According to embodiments, a method of producing insulin-producing tissues (IPTs) by culturing comprises: preparing non-endocrinal epithelial cells (NEECs) and vascular endothelial cells (VECs), which have been isolated or originated from postnatal pancreata, preferably by capturing of NEECs by collagen; culturing in vitro the NEECs and the VECs at least partly separately from each other; and then generating in vitro a tissue complex (IPTs) that contains both the NEECs and the VECs. In another embodiment, the native islet cells are seeded on a monolayer of VECs that have preferably been separately cultured and purified. In a further embodiment, a method of enriching NEECs comprises: culturing NEECs adhering to a container or substrate; removing NEECs by treating with a tissue-dissociation enzyme to leave left-over cells (LOCs) still attached on the container or substrate; and culturing NEECs in a medium conditioned by, or in the presence of the LOCs.

Abstract: Conjugates are provided herein which comprise a protein attached to at least two polymeric moieties, at least one of which exhibits reverse thermal gelation. The conjugates are suitable for being cross-linked by non-covalent and/or covalent cross-linking. Compositions-of-matter comprising cross-linked conjugates are provided herein, as well as processes for producing same. Methods of controlling a physical property of compositions-of-matter are also provided herein. The conjugates and compositions-of-matter may be used for various applications, such as cell growth, tissue formation, and treatment of disorders characterized by tissue damage or loss, as described herein.

Abstract: Adult autologous stem cells cultured on a porous, three-dimensional tissue scaffold-implant for bone regeneration by the use of a hyaluronan and/or dexamethasone to accelerate bone healing alone or in combination with recombinant growth factors or transfected osteogenic genes. The scaffold-implant may be machined into a custom-shaped three-dimensional cell culture system for support of cell growth, reservoir for peptides, recombinant growth factors, cytokines and antineoplastic drugs in the presence of a hyaluronan and/or dexamethasone alone or in combination with growth factors or transfected osteogenic genes, to be assembled ex vivo in a tissue incubator for implantation into bone tissue.

Abstract: Methods are generally disclosed for attaching a cell binding motif to a carboxy end of a coat protein of a Tobacco Mosaic Virus particle to form a modified-TMV particle; and attaching a cell to the cell binding motif of the modified-TMV particle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of growing and maintaining pluripotent cells on an insoluble substrate that presents a peptide that binds to glycosaminoglycans, such as heparin. Specifically, methods of growing and maintaining pluripotent cells on substrates having a chemically defined surface presenting at least one peptide having basic amino acid residues separated by one or two hydrophobic amino acid residues.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating congestive heart failure are provided herein.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a bioreactor includes a cartridge adapted to deliver growth media to inner and outer surfaces of a tubular organ scaffold, the cartridge having a container that includes a first passage adapted to deliver a first growth medium to the inner surfaces of the tubular organ scaffold and a second passage adapted to deliver a second growth medium to the outer surfaces of the scaffold, wherein the first and second growth media are different media.

Abstract: Differentiation and stability of neural stem cells can be enhanced by in vitro or in vivo culturing with one or more extracellular matrix (ECM) compositions, such as collagen I, IV, laminin and/or a heparan sulfate proteoglycan. In one aspect of the invention, adult mammalian enteric neuronal progenitor cells can be induced to differentiate on various substrates derived from components or combinations of neural ECM compositions. Collagen I and IV supported neuronal differentiation and extensive glial differentiation individually and in combination. Addition of laminin or heparan sulfate to collagen substrates unexpectedly improved neuronal differentiation, increasing neuron number, branching of neuronal processes, and initiation of neuronal network formation. In another aspect, neuronal subtype differentiation was affected by varying ECM compositions in hydrogels overlaid on intestinal smooth muscle sheets.

Abstract: Described herein is a sealed cell pack with a permeable membrane for growth and manipulation of three-dimensional cell cultures. This allows a cell culture to be removed from the laboratory and subjected to real world insults before being returned to culture conditions for continued growth and study. One application is for use in the study of the direct effects of blast waves on neuronal cells and methods for mitigating this response.

Abstract: A hemostatic device, method of making, and method of using for internal and external applications to wounds in the body of a patient to induce hemostasis at an anatomical site.

Abstract: Screening assays and methods of performing such assays are provided. In certain examples, the assays and methods may be designed to determine whether or not two or more species can associate with each other. In some examples, the assays and methods may be used to determine if a known antigen binds to an unknown monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a means capable of transferring a cell sheet, a cell pattern or the like to a desired material at a high speed. The present invention provides a substrate for cell culture comprising a base and a cell adhesive region formed on a surface of the base, wherein the cell adhesive region is formed of a film that is rendered cell adhesive by applying an oxidation treatment and/or a decomposition treatment to a cell-adhesion inhibitory hydrophilic film containing an organic compound having a carbon-oxygen bond.

Abstract: Screening assays and methods of performing such assays are provided. In certain examples, the assays and methods may be designed to determine whether or not two or more species can associate with each other. In some examples, the assays and methods may be used to determine if a known antigen binds to an unknown monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: An ejection liquid capable of being stably ejected based on a system using thermal energy even if the liquid contains at least one selected from the group consisting of proteins and peptides, and a method and an apparatus for ejecting the liquid containing at least one selected from the group consisting of proteins and peptides using this system are provided. The applicability of the liquid for use in an inkjet system using thermal energy is improved by adding at least one selected from the group consisting of amino acids and salts thereof and a surfactant to an aqueous solution containing at least one selected from the group consisting of proteins and peptides.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a bone construct include providing bone marrow stromal cells on a substrate without disposing the cells within an exogenous scaffold, and culturing the cells in vitro in osteogenic media such that the cells form a confluent monolayer and detach from the substrate to form a self-organized three-dimensional bone construct. A system and method for forming a ligament construct using fibrogenic media and a system and method for forming a functionally integrated bone-ligament construct are also provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods for automated culture of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) such as human ESCs. In some aspects, methods of the invention employ optimized culture media and limited proteolytic treatment of cells to separate cell clusters for expansion. Automated systems for passage and expansion of ESCs are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of co-culturing mammalian muscle cells and mammalian motoneurons. The method comprises preparing one or more carriers coated with a covalently bonded monolayer of trimethoxysilylpropyl diethylenetriamine (DETA); suspending isolated fetal mammalian skeletal muscle cells in serum-free medium according to medium composition 1; suspending isolated fetal mammalian spinal motoneurons in serum-free medium according to medium composition 1; plating the suspended muscle cells onto the one or more carriers at a predetermined density and allowing the muscle cells to attach; plating the suspended motoneurons at a predetermined density onto the one or more carriers and allowing the motoneurons to attach; covering the one or more carriers with a mixture of medium composition 1 and medium composition 2; and incubating the carriers covered in the media mixture.

Abstract: A hybrid tissue scaffold is provided which comprises a porous primary scaffold having a plurality of pores and a porous secondary scaffold having a plurality of pores, wherein the secondary scaffold resides in the pores of the primary scaffold to provide a hybrid scaffold. The pores of the porous primary scaffold may have a pore size in a range of 0.50 mm to 5.0 mm, and the pores of the porous secondary scaffold may have a pore size in a range of 50 ?m to 600 ?m. The primary scaffold may provide 5% to 30% of a volume of the hybrid scaffold.

Abstract: Provided are a method capable of evaluating adherent cells under an environment similar to an in vivo environment by a culture method similar to a two-dimensional culture, and applications thereof. An adherent cell culture method uses, as a culture chamber (10), a chamber in which two or more culture spaces each having an equivalent diameter (D) that is 1 to 5 times the diameter of a desired spheroid and each having a height (H) that is 0.3 to 5 times the equivalent diameter are arranged and a surface of each of the culture spaces has a water contact angle of 45 degrees or less. Spheroids of adherent cells are cultured in the respective culture spaces (11) arranged in the culture chamber (10).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biopolymer and a cell-harvesting scaffold comprising same, as well as the associated cell-harvesting method that allows said harvesting to be performed in a simple and effective manner by reducing the culture temperature. The present invention also relates to a method for synthesising said biopolymer.

Abstract: A cell culture product is provided for propagating embryonic stem cells, and maintaining their self-renewal and pluripotency characteristics for extended periods of time in culture. The cell culturing product includes a substrate; and a coating thereon deposited from a coating solution. The coating solution includes a mixture of extracellular matrix proteins and an aqueous solvent, wherein the total protein concentration in the coating solution is about 10 ?g/ml to about 1 mg/ml.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of manufacturing bioactive gels from ECM material, i.e., gels which retain bioactivity, and can serve as scaffolds for preclinical and clinical tissue engineering and regenerative medicine approaches to tissue reconstruction. The manufacturing methods take advantage of a new recognition that bioactive gels from ECM material can be created by digesting particularized ECM material in an alkaline environment and neutralizing to provide bioactive gels.

Abstract: Methods of regenerating tissue using progenitor cells in combination with primary cells from a target tissue are disclosed. In particular, progenitor cells catalyze proliferation and tissue production by primary cells allowing the use of fewer primary cells from a target tissue for effective tissue regeneration. Cell-based therapies combining progenitor cells and primary cells can be used for repair and regeneration of damaged tissue and organs for treating bodily injuries and degenerative diseases. For example, adipose-derived stem cells and neonatal articular chondrocytes, co-encapsulated in mixed or bilayered cultures in a hydrogel comprising chondroitin sulfate methacrylate and poly(ethylene)glycol diacrylate, generated cartilage that could be used for treatment of traumatic injuries or diseases involving cartilage degeneration.

Abstract: Methods are described for the isolation and selection of a heterogeneous bone marrow cell population, called NCS-01, that is effective at treating neurodegeneration. For example, NCS-01 cells are shown to treat neurodegeneration caused by ischemia. In vivo studies demonstrate that selected NCS-01 cell populations treat neurodegeneration in a standard rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) animal model under conditions of transient or permanent total arterial occlusion. These studies also disclose that when the neurodegeneration is caused by ischemic stroke, combining the administration of a selected NCS-01 cell population with thrombolytic agents and/or mechanical methods of clot removal leads to a decrease in the volume of infarction caused by acute onset neurodegeneration. The disclosed cell therapy promises to make a significant clinical impact on patient survival after stroke.

Abstract: Techniques for generating microtissues, including a micro-fabricated platform including at least one micro-well including a plurality of micro-cantilevers coupled thereto and surrounded by a plurality of ridges, each micro-cantilever including a cap at a terminal end thereof. The platform can be immersed in a suspension of cells. The suspension of cells can be driven into at least one micro-well, and the ridges can be de-wetted to remove excess suspension and isolate the suspension of cells in each micro-well. The cells can be driven in the suspension of each micro-well toward a top surface of the suspension, which can be polymerized to form a matrix. The cells can be cultivated to spontaneously compact the matrix such that the micro-cantilevers anchor and constrain the contracting matrix to form a band of microtissue that spans across the micro-cantilevers.

Abstract: A nanostructure composed of a plurality of peptides, each peptide containing at least one aromatic amino acid, whereby one or more of these peptides is end-capping modified, is disclosed. The nanostructure can take a tubular, fibrillar, planar or spherical shape, and can encapsulate, entrap or be coated by other materials. Methods of preparing the nanostructure, and devices and methods utilizing same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for culturing neural cells using a culture medium is provided. Each neural cell includes a neural cell body and at least one neurite branched from the neural cell body. The culture medium includes a substrate and a carbon nanotube structure located on the substrate. A surface of the carbon nanotube structure is polarized to form a polar surface. The neural cells are cultured on the polar surface to grow neurites along the carbon nanotube wires. The carbon nanotube structure includes a number of carbon nanotube wires spaced apart from each other. A distance between adjacent carbon nanotube wires is greater than or equal to a diameter of the neural cell body.

Abstract: A tissue scaffold includes a first film having a plurality of cell openings and a second film adjacent the first film and having a plurality of cell openings larger than the cell openings of the first film. The cell openings of the first film interconnect with the cell openings of the second film to define pathways extending through the first and second films.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to placental membrane preparations and the methods of preparing and using thereof. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a placental membrane preparation. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of producing a placental membrane preparation. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of treating cartilage using placental membrane preparations.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to supports and scaffolds for cell and tissue engineering. The supports disclosed herein are composed of a thermally responsive material, containing pillars, that is coated with an acrylic polymer, thereby imparting an amphipathic matrix foundation. When exposed to a change in temperature, the coated support reacts by facilitating or repelling hydromolecular interactions. Further disclosed herein are methods for making hydrogels that can support tissue growth.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions comprising decellularized bone marrow extracellular matrix and uses thereof. Methods for repairing or regenerating defective, diseased, damaged or ischemic tissues or organs in a subject, preferably a human, using the decellularized bone marrow extracellular matrix of the invention are also provided. The invention is further directed to a medical device, preferably a stent or an artificial heart, and biocompatible materials, preferably a tissue regeneration scaffold, comprising decellularized bone marrow extracellular matrix for implantation into a subject.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods of making stable electrically active adult neurons from adult neural tissue. The disclosed compositions can be used with microelectrode arrays in vitro to represent in vivo neural function for drug discovery and for studying neuronal degenerative diseases, neuronal development, and neuronal regeneration.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for modulating the growth, development and repair of bone, cartilage or other connective tissue. Devices and stimulus waveforms are provided to differentially modulate the behavior of osteoblasts, chondrocytes and other connective tissue cells to promote proliferation, differentiation, matrix formation or mineralization for in vitro or in vivo applications. Continuous-mode and pulse-burst-mode stimulation of cells with charge-balanced signals may be used. Bone, cartilage and other connective tissue growth is stimulated in part by nitric oxide release through electrical stimulation and may be modulated through co-administration of NO donors and NO synthase inhibitors. Bone, cartilage and other connective tissue growth is stimulated in part by release of BMP-2 and BMP-7 in response to electrical stimulation to promote differentiation of cells.

Abstract: Compositions of the invention for regenerating defective or absent myocardium comprise an emulsified or injectable extracellular matrix composition. The composition may also include an extracellular matrix scaffold component of any formulation, and further include added cells, proteins, or other components to optimize the regenerative process and restore cardiac function.

Abstract: Compositions of the invention for regenerating defective or absent myocardium comprise an emulsified or injectable extracellular matrix composition. The composition may also include an extracellular matrix scaffold component of any formulation, and further include added cells, proteins, or other components to optimize the regenerative process and restore cardiac function.

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating a 3D scaffold includes: a plotter generating a microfiber structure; an electrospinning unit installed to be adjacent to the plotter along a first direction and spinning nanofiber in an internal space or on a surface of the microfiber structure to form a nanofiber web; a collection table reciprocating a lower portion of the plotter and that of the electrospinning unit along the first direction to allow the microfiber structure to be stacked thereon by the plotter and allow the nanofiber web to be formed thereon by the electrospinning unit; and a first guide rail allowing the collection table to be mounted thereon and guiding the collection table mounted thereon to reciprocate along the first direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to injectable compositions comprising biocompatible, hydrophilic, non-toxic and substantially spherical microspheres associated with stem cells useful for tissue construction and generation. The invention also relates to methods of tissue construction and generation, for the treatment of various tissue damage and defects, using the injectable compositions.

Abstract: Materials and methods are disclosed for controlling vasculogenesis using building blocks of a collagen matrix and endothelial colony forming cells (ECFC). The building blocks may be isolated by fractionating an acid soluble Type I collagen. The building blocks comprising monomers and/or oligomers may be recombined in desired ratios to alter the matrix microenvironment and to influence ECFC behavior.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and materials for influencing proliferation of stem cells. Specifically exemplified herein are compositions comprising cerium oxide nanoparticles which can be used to stimulate proliferation of stem cells under common culture conditions, or which can be utilized to improve therapeutic outcomes.