Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided a cell culturing substrate including: a cell culture surface having a film attached thereto, wherein the film includes one or more plasma polymerized monomers; and a coating on the film-coated surface, the coating deposited from a coating solution comprising one or more extracellular matrix proteins and an aqueous solvent, where the total extracellular matrix protein concentration in the coating solution is about 1 ng/mL to about 1 mg/mL.

Abstract: A carrier for expansion of induced pluripotent stem cells is provided, wherein the carrier comprises a substrate comprising one or more outer surfaces, wherein the one or more outer surfaces are modified with gas plasma treatment, and one or more structured indentations on one or more of the outer surfaces. The carrier has a length at least about 0.2 mm, a width at least about 0.2 mm, and a height in a range from about 0.05 mm to 1.2 mm and each of the structured indentations has a major axis in a range from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, a minor axis in a range from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm and a depth in a range from about 0.025 mm to about 0.5 mm. A method of making the carrier, and culturing induced pluripotent stem cells using the same carrier are also provided.

Abstract: A method for expanding human corneal endothelial cells includes: (a) providing an amniotic membrane with or without amniotic cells, wherein the amniotic membrane has an extracellular matrix; (b) placing onto the amniotic membrane, a sheet of endothelial layer, or a cell suspension including human corneal endothelial stem cells; and (c) culturing the corneal endothelial cells on the amniotic membrane for a duration sufficient for the corneal endothelial stem cells to expand to an appropriate area. The invention also relates to a method for creating a surgical graft for a recipient site of a patient using the method for expanding human corneal endothelial cells, and the surgical graft prepared therefrom.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are biodegradable hydrogel scaffolds for use in tissue engineering. The hydrogel scaffolds are composed of synthetic terpolymers complexed with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), which facilitate cell-sheet and tissue growth. In the presence of a monosaccharide, the PVA-hydrogel is dissolved and cell-sheets are released for harvesting. Further disclosed herein are methods for producing PVA hydrogels which support tissue growth. Tissue engineering applications and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pH-responsive cell scaffold for growing a cell culture is disclosed. The cell scaffold has pores in which biological cells may be disposed. As the pH of the local environment drops, the cell scaffold swells to draw in additional oxygen and/or other nutrients. The increased supply of oxygen and/or nutrients increases the longevity of the cells. In some embodiments, the cell scaffold induces a change in gene expression that promotes wound healing.

Abstract: The present invention provides tissue scaffolds, methods of generating such scaffolds, and methods of use of such scaffolds to generate aligned and functional tissues for use in methods including regenerative medicine, wound repair, and transplantation.

Abstract: This invention provides a cost-effective technique for mass-production of a cell culture vessel that allows mass cell culture to be performed in a manner that allows cells to be stably detached from the culture vessel. Specifically, the invention provides a method for producing a cell culture vessel suitable for large-capacity culture comprising cutting a long-sized cell support film to obtain a sheet-like cell support film, fixing the film to a first member, which is not closed, and bonding other members thereto. Thus, a cell culture vessel comprising a container section in which a cell support film is fixed to an inner wall surface can be produced.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for transferring cells to carriers, including: (a) providing a hydrophobic cell culture container or a cell culture container coated with a hydrophobic material on a bottom thereof; (b) adding carriers which are more hydrophilic than the hydrophobic cell culture container or hydrophobic materials and a culture medium containing cells into the hydrophobic cell culture container or the cell culture container coated with the hydrophobic material on the bottom thereof; and (c) culturing the cells, wherein the cells attach to the carriers and grow.

Abstract: A biocompatible implantable bone anchor is provided that has a threaded first portion that engages and anchors into a bone. The implant also has a neck region extending from the first portion adapted to promote autologous cell growth thereon at an interface of the bone and one or more epidermal or gum layers, the neck region having a plurality of channels extending about the neck region. The neck region is configured to mechanically engage at least one of an abutment, dental restoration, or osseous device attachment. An in situ bone anchor cell growth assembly includes the bone anchor and a manifold encompassing the neck portion so as to form a seal therebetween and a route of fluid communication between a manifold inlet and at least one of said plurality of channels. A process for growing autologous cells on a neck region of a bone anchor is provided.

Abstract: The present application discloses biodegradable polymers, to porous and other materials comprising such polymers, and to various medical uses of such materials, including use as a scaffold for supporting cell adhesion or the in-growth for regeneration of tissue. The polymer is of the formula A-O—(CHR1CHR2O)n—B wherein A is a poly(lactide-co-glycolide) residue, the molar ratio of (i) lactide units [—CH(CH3)—COO—] and (ii) glycolide units [—CH2—COO—] in the poly(lactide-co-glycolide) residue being in the range of 80:20 to 10:90, B is either a poly(lactide-co-glycolide) residue or hydrogen, C1-6-alkyl or hydroxy protecting groups, one of R1 and R2 is hydrogen or methyl, and the other is hydrogen, n is 10-1000, the molar ratio of (iii) polyalkylene glycol units [—(CHR1CHR2O)—] to the combined amount of (i) lactide units and (ii) glycolide units in the poly(lactide-co-glycolide) residue(s) is at the most 14:86, and the molecular weight of the copolymer is at least 20,000 g/mol.

Abstract: Provided are polymer modified substrates which comprise a) a substrate, b) a binding layer covalently attached to the surface of the substrate and covering at least a part of this surface; and c) a polymer brush formed by a plurality of polymer chains, each of which is covalently attached at one of its terminals to the binding layer. Moreover, methods are provided, for the preparation of the polymer modified substrates by polymerizing vinyl group containing monomers, such as vinylphosphonates, on a binding layer provided on a substrate.

Abstract: Sugar-acrylic monomers are synthesized to have a carbohydrate moiety linked to an acrylate group. The sugar-acrylic monomers may be polymerized to form polymers, adhesives, hydrogels, and the like. The sugar-acrylic monomers and polymers may be used in tissue engineering, adhesives and sealers, wound healing, and the like.

Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided a cell culturing substrate including: a cell culture surface having a film attached thereto, wherein the film includes one or more plasma polymerized monomers; and a coating on the film-coated surface, the coating deposited from a coating solution comprising one or more extracellular matrix proteins and an aqueous solvent, where the total extracellular matrix protein concentration in the coating solution is about 1 ng/mL to about 1 mg/mL.

Abstract: Disclosed is micro-device for culturing cells comprising: a plurality of fluid paths through which fluid moves; and at least one inlet port for injecting fluid to the fluid paths, said fluid paths communicating with each other and being different in height from each other. In the cell culture device having a plurality of fluid paths, cells can be cultured by introducing a polymeric material to at least one fluid path having a relatively low height; solidifying the polymeric material to form a 3-dimensional scaffold; and injecting fluid for cell culture to a fluid path in contact with the 3-dimensional scaffold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of constructing an integrated artificial immune system that comprises appropriate in vitro cellular and tissue constructs or their equivalents to mimic the normal tissues that interact with vaccines in mammals. The artificial immune system can be used to test the efficacy of vaccine candidates in vitro and thus, is useful to accelerate vaccine development and testing drug and chemical interaction with the immune system.

Abstract: Dual-functional nonfouling surfaces and materials, methods for making dual-functional nonfouling surfaces and materials, and devices that include dual-functional nonfouling surfaces and materials. The dual-functional surfaces are nonfouling surfaces that resist non-specific protein adsorption and cell adhesion. The dual-functional surfaces and materials include covalently coupled biomolecules (e.g., target binding partners) that impart specific biological activity thereto. The surfaces and materials are useful in medical diagnostics, biomaterials and bioprocessing, tissue engineering, and drug delivery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fabricating a patterned substrate for a cell culture, comprising the steps of: (1) preparing a substrate; (2) depositing a plasma polymer layer by using a precursor material on the substrate; (3) placing a shadow mask having a predetermined pattern on the plasma polymer layer; (4) treating the substrate, having the shadow mask placed thereon, with a reactive gas using plasma; and (5) removing the shadow mask from the substrate, and a patterned substrate for the cell culture fabricated thereby. The invention also relates to a method for a cell culture with a pattern, comprising the step of culturing cells on the patterned substrate for the cell culture, and a patterned cell chip, and a method of screening a material having an activity of inducing or promoting angiogenesis using the patterned cell chip.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for establishing and maintaining growth of cells and embryonic tissue on a synthetic polymer matrix. For example, the present invention provides synthetic growth matrices for stem cells, gametes, mature differentiated cells, and embryonic tissue (e.g., blastomeres, embryos, and embryoid bodies). In certain embodiments, the cells are capable of going through multiple passages while remaining in an undifferentiated state as a result of the synthetic polymer matrix.

Abstract: Three-dimensional tissue constructs are described, which may be created by isolating adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells, plating the cells onto a polymer scaffold, and culturing the plated scaffold in a culture of DMEM with approximately 10% FBS.

Abstract: Photosensitive cardiac rhythm modulation structures and systems are described. A genetically-engineered tissue comprising a population of pacing cells expressing a photosensitive membrane transport mechanism that is responsive to light of a particular wavelength(s) combined with one or more of a light source, a power generator, and a sensor provides pacemaker and/or defibrillator function to a subject. The systems further provide in vitro model systems for electrophysiological studies.

Abstract: The following disclosure provides compositions and methods for the repairing of a diseased or disordered retina, for example, in patients suffering from age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Abstract: Provided herein are scaffolds and methods useful to promote the formation of functional clusters on a tissue, for example, motor endplates (MEPs) or a component thereof on skeletal muscle cells or tissue, as well as the use of scaffolds so produced for repairing a tissue injury or defect.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the disclosure, a biomedical material is provided. The biomedical material includes a biocompatible material having a surface and a carrier distributed over the surface of the biocompatible material, wherein both of the biocompatible material and the carrier have no charges, one of them has charges or both of them have charges with different electricity. The biomedical material is utilized for dentistry, orthopedics, wound healing or medical beauty and applied in the repair and regeneration of various soft and hard tissues.

Abstract: To form a temperature-responsive surface for cell culture by simple processes, said temperature-responsive surface for cell culture being capable of efficiently culturing cells. Cultured cells or a cell sheet can be efficiently removed from the temperature-responsive surface for cell culture by merely changing the temperature of the substrate surface. To coat the substrate surface with a block copolymer, in which a water insoluble polymer segment is coupled with a temperature-responsive polymer segment, in an amount of 0.8 to 3.0 ?g/cm2 of the temperature-responsive polymer.

Abstract: Described herein are microfluidic modules and methods for making the same, wherein the microfluidic modules include a substrate comprising at least one ether-based, aliphatic polyurethane, and at least one fluidic element disposed therein. The ether-based aliphatic polyurethane can be either the substrate of the microfluidic modules or a coating of another substrate material, such that at least a portion of the ether-based, aliphatic polyurethane is in fluid communication. In one embodiment, the ether-based, aliphatic polyurethane includes dicyclohexylmethane-4,4?-diisocyanate. As the ether-based aliphatic polyurethane can decrease absorption of molecules, e.g., hydrophobic molecules, in such microfluidic modules, the microfluidic modules described herein can be used in various applications such as drug screening and fluorescent microscopy.

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: The present invention relates to a cell culture support comprising a substrate and a thermoresponsive polymeric blend layer, wherein the polymeric blend layer comprises at least one thermoresponsive polymer and at least one network forming adhesion promoter. The present invention further relates a method of making a cell culture complex comprising: providing a substrate; blending at least one thermoresponsive polymer and at least one network forming adhesion promoter to provide a polymeric blend; applying a thin film of said polymeric blend to the substrate to provide a polymeric blend layer on the substrate; curing the polymeric blend layer on the substrate to provide a cell culture support; and depositing cells onto said cell culture support, wherein the cells may optionally further comprise medium, to provide a cell culture complex.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of certain polymers as a substrate for stem cell, such as pluripotent stem cell growth and/or culture. The present invention also relates to articles such as tissue culture materials and cell culture devices comprising at least one polymer hydrogel as described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fibrous scaffold for use as a substrate in soft tissue applications, in particular for preparing annulus fibrosus (AF) tissue. In aspects, the present invention also relates to an engineered biological material comprising AF tissue; constructs comprising one or more engineered biological materials; methods for producing the biological materials and constructs; and methods of using the biological materials and constructs.

Abstract: The invention provides polymer scaffolds for cell-based tissue engineering.

Abstract: Materials for culturing cardiovascular tissues wherein a sponge made of a bioabsorbable material is reinforced with a reinforcement made of a bioabsorbable material.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-particulate cross-linked poly-?-lysine polymer. The poly-?-lysine and cross linker are linked by amide bonds and may the cross linker has at least two functional groups capable of reacting with an alpha carbon amine of poly-?-lysine. The polymer is suitably insoluble in water and other solvents and is provided in macro form for example a sheet, article or fibre. The macro form polymer is useful in a wide range of applications including wound treatment, as a medical diagnostic comprising a particulate support and a functional material bound or retained by the support and solid phase synthesis of peptides, oligonucleotides, oligosaccharides, immobilisation of species, cell culturing and in chromatographic separation.

Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided a cell culturing substrate including: a cell culture surface having a film attached thereto, wherein the film includes one or more plasma polymerized monomers; and a coating on the film-coated surface, the coating deposited from a coating solution comprising one or more extracellular matrix proteins and an aqueous solvent, where the total extracellular matrix protein concentration in the coating solution is about 1 ng/mL to about 1 mg/mL.

Abstract: Synthetic surfaces suitable for culturing stem cell derived cardiomyocytes contain acrylate polymers formed from one or more acrylate monomers. The acrylate surfaces, in many cases, are suitable for culturing stem cell derived cardiomyocytes in chemically defined media.

Abstract: There is described a group of novel self-assembling peptides (SAPs), comprising biotinylated and unbiotinylated sequences, hybrid peptide-peptoid sequences, branched sequences for a total of 48 tested motifs, showing a heterogeneous ensemble of spontaneously self-assembled structures at the nano- and microscale, ranging from short tabular fibers to twisted ribbons, nanotubes and hierarchical self-assembled micrometer-long sheets. Specifically, the SAPs according to the present invention which initially spontaneous assemble, surprisingly form stable solid scaffolds upon exposure to neutral pH buffer. Further these SAPs allow adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of murine and human neural stem cells and have self-healing propensity. They also did not exert toxic effects in the central nervous system, can stop bleeding and foster nervous regeneration.

Abstract: A method is described for producing a microfluidic device (19), which comprises the phases of producing a three-dimensional template (15) of geometry equal to the channelings that is desired to obtain in the device; inserting the template in the desired position into a mould (16), keeping it suspended by at least one of its end; coating said template by immersion in (or deposition of) a material in the liquid phase (or dissolved or dispersed in a solvent) capable of solidifying by means of a chemical reaction or physical transformation, forming a material constituting the body of the final device; and selectively removing the three-dimensional template. In a variant of the method, useful for the production of scaffolds to be inserted into the human body, a porogenic material is added to the liquid precursor or to the precursor solution, such that the material of the solid matrix is characterised by a continuous structure of pores into which it is possible to insert live cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a kit comprising a cell transfected with hepatic transcription regulators, and a culture medium that support growth of the cell. The present invention further provides a method for determining drug metabolism and predicting drug toxicity, comprising transfecting a cell with hepatic transcription regulators, and culturing the cell on a medium.

Abstract: A non-adherent cell support for use as a substrate in fluidic chambers used for cell culturing and assays. The non-adherent cell support allows for the formation of sphere cultures from single cells, which can better mimic primary tumor-like behavior in the study of cancer stem cells. The non-adherent cell support can allow for adhesive culturing and may include a hydrophobic substrate having a lower body and a raised support structure extending upwardly from an upper surface of the body. The support structure comprises one or more vertically extending support members that extend from a proximal portion at the upper surface of the body to a distal end spaced from the upper surface of the body. The support structure may be formed from a biocompatible material such as poly-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, polydimethylsiloxane, polymethyl methacrylate, polystyrene, or a polyethylene glycol diacrylate-based hydrogel.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides synthetic substrates for long-term culture of stem cells; and methods of use of the synthetic substrates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane for supporting cells, especially RPE cells. The membrane is useful in the treatment of conditions such as age related macular degeneration.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing an artificial construct suitable for transplantation into a biological organism that includes a two or three three-dimensional preform that is based on the actual two or three-dimensional structure of a native mammalian tissue; and an electrospinning apparatus, wherein the electrospinning apparatus is operative to deposit at least one layer of polymer fibers on the preform to form a polymer scaffold, and wherein the orientation of the fibers in the scaffold relative to one another is substantially parallel.

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 composition for repairing cartilage tissues includes a scaffold and a plurality of endothelial progenitor cells. The endothelial progenitor cells adhere on the scaffold. A method of making the composition for repairing cartilage tissue is also disclosed. This is advantageous for safely and quickly repairing cartilage tissues by using the composition and the manufacturing method thereof.

Abstract: Techniques, systems, apparatus and material are disclosed for fabricating a micro-structured biomaterial. In one aspect, a micro-structured biomaterial includes a three-dimensional solid-phase micro-cellular biomaterial that exhibits a negative Poisson ratio that is tunable in magnitude.

Abstract: Synthetic surfaces suitable for culturing stem cell derived cardiomyocytes contain acrylate polymers formed from one or more acrylate monomers. The acrylate surfaces, in many cases, are suitable for culturing stem cell derived cardiomyocytes in chemically defined media.

Abstract: Provided are method of generating a fiber from a globular protein such as albumin. Also provided are albumin fibers and fabrics and methods of using same for bonding a damaged tissue or for ex vivo or in vivo formation of a tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed are: an organic-inorganic complex dispersion improved in film formability and adhesion to a base material. The organic-inorganic complex dispersion comprises an aqueous medium and particles of a complex dispersed in the aqueous medium, wherein the complex has a three-dimensional network structure formed by a polymer of a monomer comprising a monomer represented by general formula (1) and at least one inorganic material selected from a water-swellable clay mineral and silica. Also disclosed is an antifogging material manufactured by using the organic-inorganic complex dispersion. Further disclosed is a cell culture substratum improved in the detachability of cells cultured on the substratum, which is manufactured by using the organic-inorganic complex dispersion. Still further disclosed are manufacturing methods for same.

Abstract: Provided herein is a three-dimensional scaffold composition comprising randomly oriented fibers, wherein the fibers comprise a polyethylene glycol-polylactic acid block copolymer (PEG-PLA) and a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). Also provided are methods for using the three-dimensional scaffolds described herein.

Abstract: In one aspect, compositions are described herein. In some embodiments, a composition comprises a polymer or oligomer formed from one or more polycarboxylic acids, one or more alcohols, and one or more catechol-containing species. In another aspect, methods of making a composition are described herein. In some embodiments, a method of making a composition comprises providing a polycarboxylic acid; providing an alcohol; combining the polycarboxylic acid with the alcohol; adding a catechol-containing species to the combination of the polycarboxylic acid and the alcohol; and forming a polymer or oligomer from the polycarboxylic acid, the alcohol, and the catechol-containing species. In some embodiments, the catechol-containing species comprises an amine moiety, a carboxylic acid moiety, or a hydroxyl moiety that is not part of the catechol group.

Abstract: A method of producing curved, folded or reconfigurable structures includes providing a polymer film, exposing the polymer film to at least one of patterned radiation or patterned chemical contact, and conditioning the polymer film subsequent to the exposing. The polymer film includes a polymer that is active to cross-linking of polymer chains in response to the exposing. The exposing is performed such that at least one exposed region of the polymer film develops a gradient in an amount of cross-linking of polymer chains along a cross-sectional direction of the polymer film, and the conditioning of the polymer film removes uncross-linked polymer chains to provide a curved, folded or reconfigurable structure.