Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an excellent treatment agent for a lysosomal storage disease. According to the present invention, there is provided a treatment agent for a lysosomal storage disease including a cell structure which includes a plurality of biocompatible polymer blocks and a plurality of cells of at least one type and in which at least one of the polymer blocks is disposed in gaps between the plurality of cells.

Abstract: Provided are an ink composition for bioprinting and a hydrogel formed therefrom, wherein the ink composition: a monomer or macromer having a photocurable functional group; and acrylic hyperbranched polyglycerol (AHPG).

Abstract: The present invention provides a series of injectable bionanocomposites that may be delivered via injection to various tissue repair sites including myocardial infarction, intervertebral disc reconstruction, reconstruction of skeletal muscle, and musculoskeletal applications, urinary incontinence, adipose tissue engineering, and orthopedic applications such as osteoporosis, and meniscus and articular cartilage repair.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cell culture vessel or a sample cell for observation use that makes it possible to observe three-dimensionally-cultured cells from various angles. The cell culture vessel or the sample cell for observation use according to the present invention is characterized by being equipped with a culture gel in which a cell or cell tissue is embedded and a first vessel which encloses the culture gel, wherein a space in the first vessel is filled with the culture gel; and the first vessel has a light-permeable window made from a hydrogel.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions that may include a triblock self-assembling polypeptide and a molecule attached to the polypeptide. Also described herein are methods of making the compositions and methods of using the compositions.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a three-dimensional culture system comprising a biocompatible polymer and a combination of factors in an amount effective to induce differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursors and/or oligodendrocytes from pluripotent stem cells. The present disclosure provides methods of generating oligodendrocyte precursors and/or oligodendrocytes using a three-dimensional culture system of the present disclosure. The present disclosure provides methods to treat neurological diseases and demyelinating diseases.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a sheet-like cell structure having excellent strength and shape-maintaining performance, and a sheet-like cell structure having excellent strength and shape-maintaining performance. According to the present invention, there is provided a method for producing a sheet-like cell structure, including: a step of adding a biocompatible macromolecular block, a cell, and a liquid medium onto a culture support body having a plurality of recessed portions on a culture surface, and immersing the biocompatible macromolecular block and the cell in uppermost portions of the recessed portions; and a step of culturing the cell to obtain a sheet-like cell structure.

Abstract: An artificial skin culture container according to the present invention can solve the problems of the contraction of the dermal layer of artificial skin and the detachment thereof from the culture container, which result from an interaction between collagen and fibroblasts existing in the dermal layer of artificial skin during the production of the artificial skin, by using agar and hydrophobically modifying a portion of the agar. Therefore, the use of the culture container enables to stably culture artificial skin and produce artificial skin similar to the human skin. In addition, the artificial skin culture container of the present invention comprises agar, and thus a culture solution can be supplied through a side portion as well as a lower portion of the culture container, which allows to effectively culture artificial skin.

Abstract: A method for preparing diphenol compounds includes adding a hydroxyphenyl carboxylic acid, a tyrosine ethyl ester, hydroxybenzotriazole hydrate and a solvent and stirring to produce a first solution. EDCI HCl is added to the first solution to produce a first mixture. Ethyl acetate is added to the first mixture to produce a second mixture. The second mixture is added to sodium chloride to produce a third mixture having layer separation. An aqueous layer is removed from the third mixture. The third mixture is extracted with reagents after the aqueous layer has been removed from the third mixture to produce a fourth mixture. Magnesium sulfate is added to the fourth mixture to produce a fifth mixture. The fifth mixture is filtered to produce filtrate. The filtrate is concentrated. Crystallization of the concentrated filtrate is induced. Methylene chloride is added to the crystallized filtrate to produce a solid product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrogels comprising a plurality of amphiphilic peptides and/or peptoids capable of self-assembling into three-dimensional macromolecular nanofibrous networks, which entrap water and form said hydrogels, wherein at least a portion of said plurality of amphiphilic peptides is chemically cross-linked. The present invention further relates to methods for preparing such hydrogels and to various uses of such hydrogels, e.g. as cell culture substrates, for drug and gene delivery, as wound dressing, as an implant, as an injectable agent that gels in situ, in pharmaceutical or cosmetic compositions, in regenerative medicine, in tissue engineering and tissue regeneration, or in electronic devices. It also relates to a method of tissue regeneration or tissue replacement using a hydrogel in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrogels comprising a plurality of amphiphilic peptides and/or peptoids capable of self-assembling into three-dimensional macromolecular nanofibrous networks, which entrap water and form said hydrogels, wherein at least a portion of said plurality of amphiphilic peptides and/or peptoids is chemically cross-linked. The present invention further relates to methods for preparing such hydrogels and to various uses of such hydrogels, e.g. as cell culture substrates, for drug and gene delivery, as wound dressing, as an implant, as an injectable agent that gels in situ, in pharmaceutical or cosmetic compositions, in regenerative medicine, in tissue engineering and tissue regeneration, or in electronic devices. It also relates to a method of tissue regeneration or tissue replacement using a hydrogel in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrogels comprising a plurality of amphiphilic peptides and/or peptoids capable of self-assembling into three-dimensional macromolecular nanofibrous networks, which entrap water and form said hydrogels, wherein at least a portion of said plurality of amphiphilic peptides and/or peptoids is chemically cross-linked. The present invention further relates to methods for preparing such hydrogels and to various uses of such hydrogels, e.g. as cell culture substrates, for drug and gene delivery, as wound dressing, as an implant, as an injectable agent that gels in situ, in pharmaceutical or cosmetic compositions, in regenerative medicine, in tissue engineering and tissue regeneration, or in electronic devices. It also relates to a method of tissue regeneration or tissue replacement using a hydrogel in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: A mulitwell plate having a plurality of picowells on the bottom of the wells of the plate as well as methods of producing the mulitwell plate are provided. Provided is also a method of handling living cells by providing an ordered array of living cells immobilized in a non-fluid matrix, contacting the living cells with a stimulus; and detecting a response to the stimulus. The present invention is also of a method of producing an ordered array of living cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides an amphiphilic linear peptide and/or peptoid as well as a hy-drogel that includes the amphiphilic linear peptide/peptoid. The amphiphilic linear pep-tide/peptoid is capable of forming, a hydrogel. These peptides/peptoids include short amphi-philic sequences with a hydrophobic portion of aliphatic amino acids and at least one acidic, neutral, or basic polar amino acid. The amphiphilic linear peptide/peptoid is build up of non repetitive aliphatic amino acids, which may be in the L- or D-form. A plurality of such pep-tides/peptoids assembles to supramolecular helical fibers and forms peptide hydrogels after assembly: A corresponding hydrogel is formed in aqueous solutions at physiological pH and is thus useful for inter alia cell culture, tissue engineering, and drug release. Such hydrogels which are rigid, biocompatible and entrapping up to 99.9% of water are also well suited for applications utilizing electronic devices.

Abstract: In one aspect, nerve growth inhibition devices are described herein. In some embodiments, a nerve growth inhibition device described herein comprises a tube having a proximal end and a distal end. A matrix material is disposed in the tube, and the matrix material comprises one or more microchannels. The proximal end of the tube comprises an opening operable to receive nerve tissue, the distal end of the tube is sealed, and the microchannels of the matrix material extend from the proximal end of the tube toward the distal end of the tube.

Abstract: A method for the creation of endothelial parent vessels from human vascular endothelial cells in vitro in a culture perfusion device (CPD) including a collagen chamber, inlet ports, a capillary tube, and an outlet port. A collagen solution is injected into the collagen chamber through a syringe needle until the chamber is filled with collagen. The CPD is perfused by filling the inlet ports and sequentially priming the inlet ports, and the outlet ports. A perfusable channel is created in the collagen chamber and a concentrated suspension of endothelial cells is injected into the inlet ports. The endothelial cells are injected into the at least one perfusable channel and incubated to attach to the walls of the perfusable channel. The cells are distributed within the CPD; and perfused to form a parent vessel having homogeneous monolayers of cells.

Abstract: A temperature responsive sheet is disclosed that comprises a chemically modified water-soluble elastin obtained by N-acylating at least some of the primary amines and secondary amines contained in a high molecular weight water-soluble elastin molecule and coupling some or all of carboxyl groups contained in the molecule with a glycine alkyl ester. Also is disclosed a process for producing a cell sheet that comprises preparing above the temperature responsive sheet a film that functions as a scaffold for animal cells, culturing specific cells on the film so as to prepare a cell sheet, and subsequently separating the cell sheet and the temperature responsive sheet comprising the chemically modified water-soluble elastin under conditions of no greater than the culturing temperature for the cells.

Abstract: Three-dimensional (3D), prevascularized, engineered tissue constructs, 3D prevascularized engineered tissue models of cancer, and bioreactors and bioreactor arrays including the tissue constructs are disclosed. Methods of making the tissue constructs, methods of using the tissue constructs, methods of drug discovery using the tissue constructs and/or cancer models, and the like are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system includes a first chamber configured to receive a hydrogel and a scaffold comprising a cell, wherein the hydrogel is in fluid communication with the scaffold, and wherein the hydrogel includes a plurality of unidirectional pores. The system also includes a second chamber configured to receive a first fluid and a second fluid, wherein the second chamber includes a wall that separates the first fluid from the second fluid. The system further includes a porous membrane configured to separate the first chamber from the second chamber. The wall is configured to move along the porous membrane as cellular extensions are projected into at least a portion of the plurality of unidirectional pores of the hydrogel.

Abstract: Provide are a peptide gel with practically sufficient mechanical strength and a self-assembling peptide capable of forming the peptide gel. The self-assembling peptide is formed of the following amino acid sequence: a1b1c1b2a2b3db4a3b5c2b6a4 where: a1 to a4 each represent a basic amino acid residue; b1 to b6 each represent an uncharged polar amino acid residue and/or a hydrophobic amino acid residue, provided that at least five thereof each represent a hydrophobic amino acid residue; c1 and c2 each represent an acidic amino acid residue; and d represents a hydrophobic amino acid residue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel injectable delivery system for stem cell therapy, which comprises a thermo-sensitive amphiphlic chitosan nanogel. Therefore, the invention provides a method for repairing a tissue damage of a subject using the amphiphlic chitosan nanogel served as a carrier for delivering the stem cells to the damaged tissue. This invention also provides a method for sustaining the growth of stem cells using the amphiphlic chitosan nanogel served as a niche or scaffold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to collagen hydrogels. Particularly, the invention relates to hydrogels comprising a telopeptide collagen (“telo-collagen”) and an atelopeptide collagen (“atelo-collagen”); hydrogels comprising collagen and chitosan; methods of making the hydrogels; methods of reducing gelation of a hydrogel mixture at room temperature; methods of reducing compaction of cells; and methods of culturing cells on such hydrogels.

Abstract: A scaffold having a reinforced tissue regeneration ability and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The scaffold is formed in a lattice form by alternately stacking biodegradable synthetic polymer-hydrogel layers. In this case, the biodegradable synthetic polymer-hydrogel layer is formed by disposing a plurality of biodegradable synthetic polymer-hydrogel units including a biodegradable synthetic polymer and a hydrogel at a predetermined gap.

Abstract: A polyacrylamide hydrogel includes co-polymerized acrylamide, bisacrylamide and N-hydroxyethylacrylamide

Abstract: The present invention provides porous electroactive hydrogels, the deformation angle of which is controlled by electroactuation, and methods for preparing and using such hydrogels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrogels comprising a plurality of amphiphilic peptides and/or peptoids capable of self-assembling into three-dimensional macromolecular nanofibrous networks, which entrap water and form said hydrogels, wherein at least a portion of said plurality of amphiphilic peptides and/or peptoids is chemically cross-linked. The present invention further relates to methods for preparing such hydrogels and to various uses of such hydrogels, e.g. as cell culture substrates, for drug and gene delivery, as wound dressing, as an implant, as an injectable agent that gels in situ, in pharmaceutical or cosmetic compositions, in regenerative medicine, in tissue engineering and tissue regeneration, or in electronic devices. It also relates to a method of tissue regeneration or tissue replacement using a hydrogel in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to collagen hydrogels. Particularly, the invention relates to hydrogels comprising a telopeptide collagen (“telo-collagen”) and an atelopeptide collagen (“atelo-collagen”); hydrogels comprising collagen and chitosan; methods of making the hydrogels; methods of reducing gelation of a hydrogel mixture at room temperature; methods of reducing compaction of cells; and methods of culturing cells on such hydrogels.

Abstract: Methods of making a biologically active three-dimensional scaffold capable of supporting growth and differentiation of a cell are described. Biologically active three-dimensional scaffold made by the methods of the invention and an engineered tissue made from the scaffolds are described. Fibers of desired porosity can be obtained from non-structural ECM by lyophilization and/or electrospinning which can be useful for numerous tissue engineering applications requiring complex scaffolds, such as wound healing, artificial skin (burns), soft tissue replacement/repair and spinal cord injury.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional (3D) biomimetic scaffold that exploits the use of electrical fields and electrical insulating materials to pattern previously polymerized hydro gels with different molecules and/or macromolecular entities. The invention also relates to the 3D-biomimetic scaffolds obtained and to the uses and applications thereof.

Abstract: A tissue system includes: a support material; and a vascular network comprising a plurality of channels disposed in the support material. A method includes printing a bioink in a support structure to form a network of vascular precursor materials; and converting the vascular precursor materials into a physiologically relevant vascular network. Notably, the tissue systems, networks, etc. are physiologically-relevant, i.e. exhibiting one or more characteristics indicative of physiological relevance, such as a substantially fractal geometry, inter-vessel spacing, cellular composition, dermal structure, concentric multi-layered structure, etc.

Abstract: Region-specific extracellular matrix (ECM) biomaterials are provided. Such materials include acellular scaffolds, sponges, solutions, and hydrogels suitable for stem cell culture.

Abstract: A targeted cultivation phase adjustment is provided in a process for the cultivation of cells in which biological cells are cultivated on at least one boundary surface between different, non-solid cultivation phases so that pre-determined cultivation conditions are given. A cultivation apparatus (100) for biological cells is also provided that includes a culture container (10) with different, non-solid cultivation phases (20) between which at least one boundary surface is formed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel protocol for making a hydrogel, which shows increased stability compared to hydrogels of the art, and can be reliably reproduced. The hydrogels produced by the methods of the present invention are preferably three dimensional, and particularly suitable for the culture of stem cells.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for creating a laminar construct for tissue-engineered dermal equivalent are provided. One composition provided herein comprises a hydrogel matrix comprising two or more hydrogels layers and a population of stem cells. Associated methods are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a corneal endothelial composition comprising a transparent hydrogel scaffold and a single layer of cultured corneal endothelial cells on the surface of the scaffold. The hydrogel scaffold I comprised of at least one biopolymer, preferably gelatin.

Abstract: Provided is a cell cultivation method in which the cell is cultured using a peptide hydrogel as a scaffold, for carrying out high-dimensional culture of a cell such as porcine hepatocyte, human hepatocyte, porcine pancreatic islet or human pancreatic islet for a long period under conditions where cell survival, cell morphology and cell functions are maintained. Also provided are a cell culture including a cell and a peptide hydrogel obtained by the above-described cultivation method, a bioreactor including the cell culture, and a cell preparation including the cell culture.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods are provided for growing and maintaining cells. A three-dimensional matrix, such as a hydrogel material, is seeded with cells and placed in a bioreactor having two compartments. The matrix is supported between the two compartments by first and second porous materials, which engage opposing surfaces of the matrix. A first media stream having certain properties is propagated through the first compartment, where it contacts one surface of the matrix via the first porous material. A second media stream having different properties is propagated through the second compartment such that it contacts the opposite surface of the matrix via the second porous material. Through migration of each stream at least partially into the matrix, various controlled gradients may be established within the matrix, encouraging growth of the cells. Such gradients include osmotic pressure, oscillating osmotic pressure, hydrostatic pressure, oxygen tension, and/or nutrient gradients.

Abstract: The invention provides a culture device comprising a plurality of culture units, wherein each unit comprises a culture chamber, an inlet port for liquid supply of the culture and an outlet port for discharging liquid from the unit, wherein the inlet port is in fluid communication with the culture chamber and the culture chamber is in fluid communication with the outlet port for allowing a liquid flow through the culture chamber. The culture device is particularly suitable for testing immune cells and immunofunction in vitro. Aspects of the invention include a culture device and associated methods for cultivating immune cells and an in vitro method of analysing the effect of a test compound on immune cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to polyarylates comprising repeating units having the structure: as well as their preparation and use as cell growth substrates.

Abstract: A masking member contains parallel through-holes, each of the through-holes contains a tilted wall structure; an upper end of the tilted wall structure of one of the through-holes abuts on an upper end of the tilted wall structure of an adjacent one of the through-holes thereby forming a knife-edge ridge at the upper ends. The masking member may in contact with a substrate. Formation in quantity of various different populations of a substance being studied with multiple combinations of distribution form and distribution density may be conducted by dripping a suspension of a single concentration of the substance onto the masking member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, and in particular breast cancer. Specifically, in some embodiments the invention relates to methods of diagnosing cancer, and in particular breast cancer, using an antibody specific for a gene product that localizes selectively to the endoplasmic reticulum of the cancer cell(s). In some embodiments, the invention relates to methods of treating cancer, and in particular breast cancer, by administering a composition comprising an RNA interference sequence (e.g., shRNA, RNAi and/or siRNA molecule) characterized by an ability to inhibit an mRNA molecule, which mRNA molecule is encoded by the C43 gene (SEQ ID NO: 1). The invention additionally relates to methods for detecting cancer cells by detecting reduced methylation of the C43 promoter, and methods for reducing cancer metastasis by using demethylation inhibitors that result in increased methylation of the C43 promoter.

Abstract: Degradable and biologically inert hydrogel networks are described. The hydrogel networks are crosslinked and based on a biocompatible polymer that is chain extended with hydrophobic segments that include no more than 5 hydrophobic monomers to form a macromonomer that is then crosslinked to form a network that includes individual micelles throughout the crosslinked network. The hydrophobic segments of the macromonomer as well as other potentially toxic materials such as crosslink initiators can be sequestered in the micelles to better control degradation characteristics of the network as well as prevent toxicity to developing cellular structures of the network.

Abstract: The present invention relates to composite hydrogels comprising at least one non-peptidic polymer and at least one peptide having the general formula: Z—(X)m—(Y)n—Z?p, wherein Z is an N-terminal protecting group; X is, at each occurrence, independently selected from an aliphatic amino acid, an aliphatic amino acid derivative and a glycine; Y is, at each occurrence, independently selected from a polar amino acid and a polar amino acid derivative; Z? is a C-terminal protecting group; m is an integer selected from 2 to 6; n is selected from 1 or 2; and p is selected from 0 or 1. The present invention further relates to methods of producing the composite hydrogels, to uses of the composite hydrogels for the delivery of drugs and other bioactive agents/moieties, as an implant or injectable agent that facilitates tissue regeneration, and as a topical agent for wound healing.

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: In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for fabricating a three-dimensional artificial cardiac patch construct. In some embodiments, such method includes the steps of coating a substrate with an organic polymer; allowing the organic polymer coating to air dry; mounting anchors on the organic polymer coating; and sterilizing the organic polymer coating and the anchors. In further embodiments, the method includes the steps of forming a biodegradable gel-based support scaffold on top of the organic polymer coating and seeding the biodegradable gel-based support scaffold with neonatal cardiac cells. In yet further embodiments, the method comprises culturing the neonatal cardiac cells in vitro to form a real cardiac layer, under culture conditions that are suitable for the cells to self-organize into a monolayer and detach from the substrate to form the three-dimensional cardiac patch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to collagen hydrogels. Particularly, the invention relates to hydrogels comprising a telopeptide collagen (“telo-collagen”) and an atelopeptide collagen (“atelo-collagen”); hydrogels comprising collagen and chitosan; methods of making the hydrogels; methods of reducing gelation of a hydrogel mixture at room temperature; methods of reducing compaction of cells; and methods of culturing cells on such hydrogels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an in vitro vascularized tissue, which enables obtaining the in vitro vascularized tissue by inducing in vitro angiogenesis in a tissue using vascular cells, for use in in vitro research of diseases in vascularized tissues and developing a treatment. The method for manufacturing the in vitro vascularized tissue comprises the steps of: supplying to a container for manufacturing tissue a hydrogel in which vascularized tissue cells are mixed; submerging a collection tip to which vascular cells are coupled into the hydrogel; hardening the hydrogel while the collection tip is submerged; and supplying a cell culture fluid to the upper side of the hydrogel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bioactive hydrogel as a hybrid material of heparin and star-branched polyethylene glycol with functionalized end groups, wherein the heparin is bound directly by reaction of the carboxyl groups activated with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimides/N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide (EDC/s-NHS) with the terminal amino groups of the polyethylene glycol covalently by amide bonds.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing a vascular progenitor cell sheet derived from induced pluripotent stem cells, which has the strength to tolerate practical applications and exhibits a high treatment effect. This vascular progenitor cell sheet derived from induced pluripotent stem cells is prepared by performing: (1) a step for preparing magnetically labeled Flk-1 positive cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells; (2) a step for preparing a mixture of the Flk-1 positive cells and a gel material including type I collagen, laminin, type IV collagen and entactin as active ingredients, and then disseminating the mixture in a culture vessel; (3) a step for drawing the Flk-1 positive cells in the mixture to the culture surface of the culture vessel by application of a magnetic force to form a multi-layered cell layer; and (4) a step for gelling the gel material.