Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer substrate for use in the attachment and functioning of hepatocyte and hepatocyte like cells. In particular, the polymer substrate is a polyurethane polymer.

Abstract: A multiphasic microfiber for a three-dimensional tissue scaffold and/or cellular support is provided in one aspect that includes at least one biocompatible material. The multiphasic microfiber optionally has a first phase and at least one distinct additional phase and is formed by electrohydrodynamic jetting. Further, such microfibers optionally have one or more biofunctional agents, which may be surface-bound moieties provided in spatial patterns. Multiphasic microfibers formed in accordance with the disclosure may form, in some cases, three-dimensional fiber scaffolds with precisely engineered, micrometer-scaled patterns for cellular contact guidance, which may thus support and/or promote cellular growth, proliferation, differentiation, repair, and/or regeneration for tissue and bioengineering applications.

Abstract: Disclosed are composite arrays and methods of forming the arrays. Composite arrays include a hydrogel-forming polymeric network and a network of electrospun fibers embedded within the polymeric network. For instance, the polymeric network can include one or more extracellular matrix proteins. The network of electrospun fibers can describe an open configuration that incorporates sufficient space between adjacent fibers to allow for cellular ingrowth between and among individual fibers. Disclosed composite arrays can be utilized as a supporting scaffold for living cells, for instance in development of bioengineered tissue constructs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer article having the shape of a curved polyhedron comprising only concave curvature faces and convex curvature edges or by also having concave curvature faces, in which a part of the concave curvature face has been replaced by a flat face, and convex curvature edges optionally comprising imbedded material.

Abstract: A spheroid composite includes: a substrate including a cell-adhesive porous base material and plural hydrophilic regions and hydrophobic regions that are disposed on the porous base material and formed by curing a photosensitive composition, wherein the photosensitive composition includes a branched polyalkylene glycol derivative having three or more polyalkylene glycol groups, each having a polymerizable substituent at a terminal thereof, and a tri- or higher-valent linking group that binds to the polyalkylene glycol groups; and spheroids formed in the hydrophobic regions on the substrate, the plural spheroids having a uniform size. A spheroid-containing hydrogel, which includes a hydrogel and two or more spheroids having a uniform size with a diameter of from 70 ?m to 400 ?m that are disposed in the hydrogel in such a manner that the two or more spheroids do not contact each other, can favorably maintain the function of the plural spheroids contained within the hydrogel.

Abstract: A surface coating comprises a primer coat that permits adhesion of eukaryotic cells thereto, and a plurality of macromolecular structures attached to the primer coat. At least some of the macromolecular structures have a cell-resistant character, meaning that cells generally will not adhere to them. The macromolecular structures are distributed across an area of the primer coat so that the surface coating permits adhesion of the eukaryotic cells to the primer layer and resists the adhesion of non-eukaryotic cells. Typically, the primer coat comprises a self-assembled polymeric monolayer and the macromolecular structures comprise nanoscale hydrogels. Such surface coatings may be formed on articles of manufacture for insertion into the body, such as orthopedic devices.

Abstract: A membrane which can be used for cultivating cells, in particular adherent cells. The membrane permits the adhesion and proliferation of the cells based on its specific composition comprising polyurethane. The resulting surface characteristics further permit the membrane to be used without any pre-treatment with surface modifying substances. A method for preparing a membrane which can be used for cultivating cells, in particular adherent cells. Methods of using the membrane for cultivating cells, in particular adherent cells.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein include porous scaffolds formed from a stimuli-responsive polymer. The stimuli-responsive polymer of the scaffold creates a “smart” scaffold that changes properties in response to an effective stimulus applied to the stimuli-responsive polymer. In a preferred embodiment, an effective stimulus applied to the scaffold initiates a phase transition event in the stimuli-responsive polymer that results in a change in the volume of the pores of the scaffold. The scaffolds can be used to capture appropriately sized objects (e.g., cells) by using the volume-change properties of the pores. Relatedly, the scaffolds can be used as tissue-engineering scaffolds by capturing cells in the pores and introducing the cell-loaded scaffold into a cell-growth environment (e.g., in vivo).

Abstract: The present invention relates to culturing cells utilizing a matrix of microfibrillated thermoplastic polymeric materials. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of culturing cells. In addition, the invention relates to a microfibrillated article for culturing cells dispersed in a cell culture medium. The matrix of thermoplastic polymeric materials for culturing cells of this invention finds use in tissue engineering and wound healing applications.

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: 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: The present invention provides a production process of an organic/inorganic composite hydrogel, which demonstrates superior mechanical properties, by uniformly dispersing a clay mineral in an organic polymer over a wide range of clay mineral content, and a dried form thereof, to be produced easily in a short period of time. The production process of an organic/inorganic composite hydrogel of the present invention comprises reacting a water-soluble organic monomer (a) in the presence of a water-swellable clay mineral (b) by irradiating with an energy beam in a solution in which a non-water-soluble polymerization initiator (d) is dispersed in an aqueous medium (c).

Abstract: Functionalized peptide monomers, peptides that have been functionalized to contain a polymerization moiety, are disclosed. The use of these functionalized peptide monomers to form peptide polymers which are useful as synthetic surfaces capable of supporting culture of cells in culture, particularly cells that will be used therapeutically, is also disclosed. Methods of making the surfaces and methods of using the surfaces are also disclosed.

Abstract: A biocompatible material, wherein at least a part of a surface of the biocompatible material is characterized by a micro or nano-meter scale topographical structure comprising a plurality of features where the structure is selected to promote the growth of undifferentiated pluripotent stem cells or serve to promote the uniform differentiated growth of stem cells. Furthermore, a biocompatible material is provided having a surface structure and composition that affects a cellular function, in particular cellular functions related to gene induction, cell differentiation and the formation of bone tissue in vivo and ex-vivo.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a unit including a substrate and polyelectrolyte multilayer films deposited thereon in order to: carry out a method involving the proliferation of initial stem or differentiated cells that are brought into contact with the unit; and cover the unit with confluent viable adherent cells resulting from the proliferation of the initial cells, the cover being obtained at the end of a period of no more than one month, such as 14 days, 11 days or, in particular, 7 days, after the initial cells are brought into contact with the unit.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of using tissue engineered blood vessels to repair and regenerate blood vessels of patients with vascular disease are disclosed.

Abstract: Porous polymeric articles, and more specifically, porous polymeric articles for tissue engineering and organ replacement, are described. In some embodiments, methods described herein include use of a polymer-solvent system (e.g., phase inversion) to generate porosity in a structure. The process may include formation of a structure precursor material including a first crosslinkable component and a second component that can be precipitated in a precipitation medium. The structure precursor material may be shaped into a three-dimensional shape by a suitable technique such as three-dimensional printing. Upon shaping of the structure precursor material, at least a portion of the first component may be crosslinked. The structure may then be contacted with a precipitation medium to remove the precursor solvent from the structure, which can cause the second polymer component to precipitate and form a porous structure containing a network of uniform pores.

Abstract: Described herein are multi-purpose substrates composed of (1) a base coated with a calcium phosphate coating and (2) a fluorophore-labeled collagen adsorbed on the calcium phosphate coating. The multi-purpose substrates are useful in culturing and studying the activity of a variety of cells. The multi-purpose substrates described herein can be used for both solution- and image-based analysis of cultured cells. New methods for producing and using such coated substrates are also disclosed.

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: A method for preparing a biocompatible polymeric composite includes modifying a first biocompatible polymer with a primer group to form a modified biocompatible polymer; blending the modified biocompatible polymer with a second biocompatible polymer and an inorganic material; allowing the primer group of the modified biocompatible polymer to react with the inorganic material to form a biocompatible polymeric composite. Such biocompatible polymeric composites may be formed into medical devices such as tissue growth scaffolds and bone growth scaffolds.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fiber, a method of forming a fiber, a system for forming a fiber, and a method of engineering tissue from a fiber. The fiber includes an engineered geometric feature forming a non-Euclidian geometry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a model of reconstructed cornea, which may be used especially in tissue engineering, to a biomaterial that may be used for preparing a reconstructed cornea, and also to a culture device allowing better reproducibility of the cultures of the model of reconstructed cornea.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions of three dimensional tissue that can be administered into tissues and organs using minimally invasive methods. The three dimensional tissues elaborate a repertoire of growth factors that facilitate repair or regeneration of damaged tissues and organs.

Abstract: An isolated, acellular biosynthetic cartilaginous matrix substantially devoid of synthetic biodegradable scaffold structure is provided. Through a method with the steps of a) contacting in vitro a population of chondrogenic cells with a synthetic biodegradable scaffold; b) culturing in vitro for a period of time said chondrogenic cells within said synthetic biodegradable scaffold so that the chondrogenic cells produce a biosynthetic cartilaginous matrix; c) substantially removing any antigen derived from said chondrogenic cells a matrix suitable of implantation into a living individual mammal, such as a human being is obtained.

Abstract: Various methods for altering surface characteristics of a microsphere are provided. One method includes coupling an enolic acid to the microsphere to modify the surface characteristics of the microsphere. The surface characteristics may include charge density and/or pKa. A reagent can be coupled to the microsphere via the enolic acid. The reagent may include a biomolecule. The modified surface characteristics may increase a stability of the reagent when the reagent is coupled to the microsphere. The modified surface characteristics may also improve performance of an assay carried out with the microsphere. Another embodiment relates to a microsphere that includes an enolic acid coupled to a polymer core of the microsphere such that the enolic acid modifies surface characteristics of the microsphere. A reagent can be coupled to the microsphere via the enolic acid.

Abstract: A cell culture support comprising a substrate, and a dual stimuli responsive block copolymer immobilized on the substrate, wherein the dual stimuli responsive block copolymer is both thermoresponsive and pH responsive. A method of culturing cells comprising the cell culture support having a dual stimuli responsive copolymer immobilized on a substrate, wherein the dual stimuli responsive copolymer is thermoresponsive and pH responsive; and growing the cells on the cell culture support. By lowering the temperature, cells are released from the cell culture support.

Abstract: A cell culture microcarrier includes a polymer formed from copolymerization of a mixture including (i) an uncharged hydrophilic unsaturated monomer having a hydroxyl group; (ii) a hydrophilic carboxylic acid containing unsaturated monomer; and (iii) a hydrophilic multifunctional unsaturated monomer. The microcarrier may further include a polypeptide, such as a polypeptide that promotes cell adhesion, conjugated to the surface of the microcarrier; e.g. via the carboxyl group from the hydrophilic carboxylic acid containing unsaturated monomer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microtype scaffolds for cell culture, which have their specific gravity increased and a method for manufacturing thereof, and more specifically, relates to microtype scaffolds for cell culture, which have their specific gravity increased, by adding a chemically stable inorganic compound having a high specific gravity in manufacturing biocompatible polymer microtype scaffolds for cell culture and a method for manufacturing thereof. In case where the inventive microtype scaffolds for cell culture is used, it is easy to separate cells cultured on microtype scaffolds, and cell damage can be minimized by reducing separation time, and it is easy to recover cells due to a definite boundary layer.

Abstract: A cell culture microcarrier includes a polymer formed from copolymerization of a mixture including (i) an uncharged hydrophilic unsaturated monomer having a hydroxyl group; (ii) a hydrophilic carboxylic acid containing unsaturated monomer; and (iii) a hydrophilic multifunctional unsaturated monomer. The microcarrier may further include a polypeptide, such as a polypeptide that promotes cell adhesion, conjugated to the surface of the microcarrier; e.g. via the carboxyl group from the hydrophilic carboxylic acid containing unsaturated monomer. Some of the microcarriers support attachment of human embryonic stem cells.

Abstract: A nanofibrillar structure for cell culture and tissue engineering is disclosed. The nanofibrillar structure can be used in a variety of applications including methods for proliferating and/or differentiating cells and manufacturing a tissue. Also disclosed is an improved nanofiber comprising a lipid, lipophilic molecule, or chemically modified surface. The nanofibers can be used in a variety of applications including the formation of nanofibrillar structures for cell culture and tissue engineering.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for producing synthetic surfaces that mimic collagen coated surfaces for cell culture comprising: providing a monomer source comprising one or more organic compounds which are capable of polymerization, wherein at least one organic compound is prolinol; creating a plasma of said monomer source; and contacting at least a portion of a surface with the plasma to provide a plasma polymer coated surface. Advantageously, such methods provide an animal-free, synthetic, chemically defined surface that mimics a collagen coated surface for cell culture. Advantageously, such methods not only reduce the cost and/or issues associated with animal-derived collagen but are also amenable to large scale manufacturing.

Abstract: A three dimensional inverted colloidal crystal scaffold is described which comprises a substrate having at least one well. The scaffold also includes a three dimensional matrix comprising a transparent biocompatible polymeric network containing microspherical voids. The microspherical voids are each connected to at least one other void through inter-connecting pores. Additionally, an apparatus for producing such a colloidal crystal scaffold is described. Methods for making the inverted colloidal crystal scaffold, for using the scaffold and for identifying the effects of a drug, pharmaceutical or toxin on a living cell using the inverted colloidal crystal scaffold are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device and a cell culture system comprising a substrate that generates significant chemical ion signatures adapted for culturing stem cells. This disclosure further provides unique surface properties, such as surface wettability, along with defined polymer microspot environments in an array, for effectively supporting the propagation and differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells in vitro. Methods of culturing, maintenance, differentiating stem cells as well as reprogramming somatic cells into stem cells using the device and the cell culture system with the suitable substrates, along with suitable culture media, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell culture substrate in which a polymer chain having a hydrophilic skeleton is grafted onto a surface of polystyrene or poly(?-caprolactone) having a water contact angle of from 75° to 100°. This cell culture substrate has excellent efficiency of cell culture without the necessity of immobilization and adsorption of a cell adhesion substance on a surface of a substrate.

Abstract: A stimuli responsive nanofiber that includes a stimuli responsive polymer, such as a thermally responsive polymer, and a cross-linking agent having at least two latent reactive activatable groups. The nanofiber may also include a biologically active material or a functional polymer. The stimuli responsive nanofiber can be used to modify the surface of a substrate. When the nanofiber includes a thermally responsive polymer, the physical properties of the surface can be controlled by controlling the temperature of the system, thus controlling the ability of the surface to bind to a biologically active material of interest.

Abstract: A device, and method of making the device, capable of therapeutic treatment and/or for in vitro testing of human skin. The device may be used on skin wounds for burned, injured, or diseased skin, and provides structures and functions as in normal uninjured skin, such as barrier function, which is a definitive property of normal skin. The device contains cultured dermal and epidermal cells on a biocompatible, biodegradable reticulated matrix. All or part of the cells may be autologous, from the recipient of the cultured skin device, which advantageously eliminates concerns of tissue compatibility. The cells may also be modified genetically to provide one or more factors to facilitate healing of the engrafted skin replacement, such as an angiogenic factor to stimulate growth of blood vessels.

Abstract: Slowly polymerizing polysaccharide hydrogels have been demonstrated to be useful as a means of delivering large numbers of isolated cells via injection. The gels promote engraftment and provide three dimensional templates for new cell growth. The resulting tissue is similar in composition and histology to naturally occurring tissue. This method can be used for a variety of reconstructive procedures, including custom molding of cell implants to reconstruct three dimensional tissue defects, as well as implantation of tissues generally.

Abstract: An implant for use in biological/biomedical applications may be prepared by subjecting a substrate to a gas-plasma treatment. The substrate may be a biocompatible material, including metals, ceramics, and polymers. More specifically, the substrate may be a bioresorbable polymer. The gas-plasma treatment may include subjecting the substrate to a plasma formed by a reactive gas. The gas-plasma treatment may be performed for a chosen duration at a radio frequency within a temperature range, a pressure range, and a supplied energy range. The substrate may be exposed to living cells, such that some of the living cells become coupled to the substrate. Gas-plasma treatment parameters may be chosen such that the living cells coupled to the treated substrate produce more of a cellular product than living cells coupled to an untreated substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparation of a biodegradable polymer scaffold using biodegradable polymer, surfactant and alcohol. The biodegradable polymer scaffold obtained from the process disclosed is useful for tissue engineering, therapeutic compound delivery and/or wound dressing.

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: This invention relates to a method for cartilage tissue engineering using scaffolds in simulated microgravity culture. This invention enables engineering of homogeneous cartilage tissue using bone marrow cells in a more rapid manner in a simulated microgravity environment, while allowing control of the configuration of the resulting cartilage tissue.

Abstract: The present teachings provide a practical cell culture support by which a cell culture with a high degree of freedom can be realized. More specifically, the cell culture support includes a polymer layer exhibiting thermoresponsiveness and a cell culture region obtained by plasma-treating a surface layer portion thereof with a reactive gas, whereby a cell culture support having thermoresponsiveness and cellular adhesiveness while avoiding or limiting the use of cell adhesion factors is provided.

Abstract: Provided are keratin compositions useful in cell culture. In some embodiments the keratins are biocompatible, promote cell growth, promote cell adhesion and provide an excellent substrate for cell culture. Keratin compositions described herein may be used as coatings, gels, three-dimensional scaffolds, additives to cell culture media, microcarriers, etc. The keratin substrates may also be used to deliver cells, e.g., for cell therapy applications.

Abstract: The invention discloses a tissue engineering graft, comprising:(a) pharmaceutically-acceptable biodegradable material; and (b) seed cells, which can be inoculated on the described biodegradable material and are selected from:(i) fibroblasts; (ii) adipose derived cells, or (iii) mixture of dermal fibroblasts and ASCs according to the ratio of 1:10000-10000:1. The graft can be prepared by mixing of seed cell and pharmaceutically-acceptable biodegradable material, obtaining a construct of seed cells and pharmaceutically-acceptable biodegradable material, then culturing the construct in a bioreactor in vitro. The graft can be used for repairing the defect of tendon tissues.

Abstract: Imaging specimen such as biological tissue is facilitated. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a relatively thin, surface portion of a specimen is stained and imaged. The thin portion is removed, exposing a new portion of the specimen. The newly-exposed portion is stained and imaged. Subsequent new surface portions (newly exposed) are similarly stained and imaged, with multiple images obtained from the specimen in an automated fashion. Some applications are directed to the distinct imaging of specimen characteristics having relatively small vertical separation (e.g., less than about 40 nanometers), with an upper characteristic imaged, removed, and the lower characteristic subsequently imaged.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a three-dimensional porous hybrid scaffold for tissue engineering and methods of its manufacture and use.

Abstract: A composition, a medical implant constructed from the composition, and a method of making the composition are described. The composition comprises a porous-coated substrate, the porous coating comprising a reticulated particle coating, the coating being formed by fusing the reticulated particle to the surface, preferably by sintering.

Abstract: Provided herein are urine progenitor cells and methods for producing a culture of urine progenitor cells from a urine sample. The cells may be selected based upon the use of a selective cell medium, based upon morphology, and/or by selecting cell-specific markers. Also provided is an isolated urine progenitor cell that is c-kit positive and can differentiate into urothelium, smooth muscle, endothelium or interstitial cells. Methods of use of urine progenitor cells are provided, wherein cell are seeded onto a tissue scaffold are provided. Methods of treating a subject in need thereof are also provided, including providing a bladder tissue substrate that includes differentiated UPCs and transplanting the substrate into the patient. Finally, kits are provided that include a container suitable for the transport of a urine sample; media; one or more antibiotics; a package for holding said container, media, and antibiotics; and optionally, instructions for use.

Abstract: A cell culture article including a substrate having nanoparticles on the substrate surface, the nanoparticle including: a polymer of formula (I) where (x), (y), (z), R, R?, R?, S, W, and X, are as defined herein. Methods for making the cell culture article or cell culture article and methods for performing an assay of a ligand with the article are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to scaffolds for use as medical devices, for guided tissue regeneration and repair, wherein the relationship between fibre diameter and pore size in a scaffold is decoupled, thereby enabling the small fibre diameters required for cell attachment and proliferation and the large pore sizes needed for cell migration into the scaffold to be achieved.