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: Provided are an in-vitro cell colony culture device and use thereof, the in-vitro cell colony culture device comprising: a micro-patterned template having a micro-patterned cavity, and adhesive hydrogel formed on the lower surface of the micro-patterned template, and the micro-patterned cavity defining the growth space of the cell colony. An upper template can be retained or removed as required to from a monolayer cell micro-pattern or a multiplayer cell micro-cluster.

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 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 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 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: In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a kit is described. The kit includes primed living cells joined to and at least partially within a three-dimensional hydrogel structure and an isolated polypeptide having the carboxy-terminal amino acid sequence of an alpha Connexin, or a conservative variant thereof, wherein the polypeptide does not include the full length alpha Connexin protein.

Abstract: A novel method for building complex three-dimensional scaffolds for biomimetic applications such as in vitro organ growth, using a gelatin/sugar/water gel, ultraviolet radiation, and heat or enzyme is described. The method produces gelatin-sugar hydrogels demonstrating greater thermal stability, mechanical strength, and resistance to enzymatic degradation. The invention also provides a means to assemble the gelatin sugar hydrogel films into complex three-dimensional structures (scaffolds). To account for the native biochemical factors present in natural scaffolds, methods of conjugating such factors to the gelatin-sugar hydrogel are described. These scaffolds can then be applied for tissue culturing and organ growth. The present invention also describes a system and apparatus for constructing these complex three-dimensional scaffolds by taking advantage of the physical and chemical properties of the gelatin-sugar hydrogel.

Abstract: A substrate for use in culturing cells or tissues. The substrate comprises a gel, one or more microstructures partially embedded within a surface of the gel, the one or more microstructures presenting two different curvatures or presenting two different stiffness values or presenting a combination of different curvatures and different stiffness values, wherein the microstructures are disposed at defined locations within the surface of the gel, and wherein the cells and tissues are cultured on an exposed surface of the microstructures.

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 and systems forming biocompatible materials are disclosed herein. Forming a biocompatible material may include contacting a liquid, having a linking material, with an adjoining material having embedded therein a nucleating material that causes the linking material to nucleate and grow into the liquid. After a time sufficient to cause the linking material to grow substantially from the nucleating material into a space occupied by the liquid, the liquid may be solidified to form a solid such that the linking material secures the solid to the adjoining material.

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 system and methods for identifying a compound for de-fatting and functional recovery of macrosteatotic hepatocytes.

Abstract: Provided herein is a synthetic polymer-based hydrogel for the self-renewal and expansion of human stem cells such as embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Also provided are methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: A cell tissue gel containing collagen and hyaluronan at a weight ratio of 0.01-100:1 and uses thereof for stem cell delivery.

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: A tissue construct comprising includes a self-assembled, scaffold-free, high-density cell aggregate. The cell aggregate includes a plurality of cells and a plurality of biocompatible and degradable nanoparticles and/or microparticles that are incorporated within the cell aggregate. The nanoparticles and/or microparticles act as a bulking agent and/or provide bioactive agents or signals within the cell aggregate to increase the cell aggregate size and/or thickness and improve the mechanical properties of the cell aggregate and/or regulate cell function within the aggregate allowing the cell aggregate to be readily manipulated and formed into tissue constructs with defined architectures and potential tissue specific functionality.

Abstract: A basement membrane having a barrier function is formed by culturing alveolar epithelial cells or vascular endothelial cells on a fibrous collagen matrix coated with a polymer having a sugar chain that can localize a receptor that has an activity to accumulate a basement membrane component on the basal surface of the cells having an ability to form a basement membrane. A reconstructed artificial tissue is obtained by seeding and culturing desired homogeneous or heterogeneous cells on the basement membrane specimen constructed by the following process: (i) the cells having an ability to form a basement membrane adhered onto a support structure through a basement membrane are treated with a surface active agent; (ii) the lipid component of cells is lysed; (iii) the mixture of an alkaline solution and a protease inhibitor is used to lyse the protein remained on the surface of the basement membrane of the cells.

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: 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 the use of an hydrogel comprising silylated biomolecule for the three-dimensional culture of cardiomyocytes or stem cells which are able to differentiate into cardiomyocytes, and to an aqueous composition comprising i) cardiomyocytes or stem cells which are able to differentiate into cardiomyocytes, and ii) a hydrogel comprising silylated biomolecule, for use for treating heart failure, in particular heart failure following myocardial infarction.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to promote the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells. In particular, the present invention provides methods to produce a population of pancreatic endoderm cells, wherein the initial seeding density of undifferentiated epluripotent cells is defined.

Abstract: Hydrogels based on gelatin crosslinked with N,N?-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) are disclosed. The hydrogels according to the invention are useful for cell culture, growth and proliferation, for the controlled release of bioactive molecules, and to promote tissue regeneration.

Abstract: Structures and methods for tissue engineering include a multicellular body including a plurality of living cells. A plurality of multicellular bodies can be arranged in a pattern and allowed to fuse to form an engineered tissue. The arrangement can include filler bodies including a biocompatible material that resists migration and ingrowth of cells from the multicellular bodies and that is resistant to adherence of cells to it. Three-dimensional constructs can be assembled by printing or otherwise stacking the multicellular bodies and filler bodies such that there is direct contact between adjoining multicellular bodies, suitably along a contact area that has a substantial length. The direct contact between the multicellular bodies promotes efficient and reliable fusion. The increased contact area between adjoining multicellular bodies also promotes efficient and reliable fusion.

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: The present invention relates to a system for cell transport Said system allows the transport of cells, assuring their integrity and viability during the entire transport process. It consists of a system suitable for a wide variety of formats which allows a broad range of technical applications of the system The system of the invention allows providing ready-to-use cells, without the cells having to be manipulated before they are used by technical experts in cell biology The invention particularly relates to an agarose plus agarase mixture covering or enveloping, depending on the format of the selected transport system, the cell culture, protecting it during the transport process, as well as to the methodology of cell recovery of the cells transported in the system.

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: The present invention provides an amphiphilic linear peptide and/or peptoid as well as a hydrogel that includes the amphiphilic linear peptide/peptoid.

Abstract: Provided is a microarray platform for the culture of cells atop combinatorial matrix mixtures; enabling the study of differentiation in response to a multitude of microenvironments in parallel.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to fluorescent cell lines and to the use of such cell lines in monitoring cellular activity, such as angiogenesis. This disclosure further relates to the use of such cell lines in a three-dimensional cell culture to monitor angiogenic and metastatic potential of tumor cells and selecting personalized therapeutics for treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing life-based organic particles, including particles selected from the list comprising cells, cellular spheroids, tissues, eukaryotes, micro-organisms, organs or embryos, comprises a hollow volume (10) that (a) is internally divided into at least first (14), second (16) and third (17) sub-volumes by at least two phaseguides (12, 13) formed inside the volume and (b) includes parts that are relatively upstream and relatively downstream when judged with reference to the movement of a meniscus or a bulk liquid in the volume (10). The apparatus includes at least first, second and third fluid conduits (19, 21, 22) connected to permit fluid communication between the upstream exterior of the volume (10) and a respective said sub-volume (14, 16, 17); and at least one further conduit (24) connected to permit fluid communication between the downstream exterior of the volume (10) and a said sub-volume.

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: Described herein is a three-dimensional cell culture scaffold composition comprising an absorbent rigid (AR) component, and in some embodiments, further comprises a gel component. The absorbent rigid component preferably comprises a glass fiber material. It is a surprising finding of the present invention that an AR component having a void volume of between approximately 70% and 95% results in a three-dimensional cell culture composition that allows for robust, high-throughput screening and high-content screening accessible tissue models with preserved cell morphology, heterogeneity of cell types and cell populations, extracellular matrix constituents, functional cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions and signaling with sufficient specificities to tissue physiology and pathology.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nonadhesive sphere cell culture container, system and method, which is performed by coating a gel film on the bottom of the culture container, and then by immersing the liquid medium containing cells on the gel film to cultivate cells as the sphere cells. Abundant cancer stem cells with sphere formation can be harvested by the invention with advantages of marked reduction of cost, time-saving (takes only 7-10 days for spheres formation), and without additional separation technique.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an extracellular matrix comprising a modified polysaccharide consisting of repeating disaccharide units whereby in at least 11% of the disaccharide units one primary alcohol group is oxidized into a carboxylic acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bioreactor (1) for cell culture on a three-dimensional substrate, comprising a culture chamber (2), the inner walls of which form a vertical duct, preferably, tapered, with a diameter that widens regularly form the duct inlet to the duct outlet, means (3, 4) enabling the culture medium to flow in said vertical duct. The invention also relates to the advantageous use of these bioreactors in tissue engineering, for the production of tissue grafts, notably a bone or cartilage graft.

Abstract: Methods for inducing differentiation of dermis-derived cells to serve as a source of chondrocytes and associated methods of use in forming tissue engineered constructs. One example of a method is a method for inducing differentiation of cells into chondrocytes comprising providing aggrecan sensitive isolated dermis cells and seeding the cells onto an aggrecan coated surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates material based on microbial cellulose that is useful in culturing and transferring cells as well as delivering drugs. The material comprises cellulose nanofibers and/or derivatives thereof, based on microbial cellulose, wherein the cellulose nanofibers are in a form of a hydrogel or membrane. The invention also provides methods for producing these materials and compositions and uses thereof.

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 hydrogel tissue engineering scaffold having microbubbles dispersed therein is disclosed. Also, a system for cell culturing including a controller and actuator to apply dynamic deformational loading to a hydrogel is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for producing hydrogels with microbubbles and for culturing cells using hydrogels with microbubbles.

Abstract: The present invention relates material that is useful in culturing and transferring cells as well as delivering cells. The material comprises plant derived cellulose nanofibers or derivatives thereof, wherein the cellulose nanofibers are in a form of a hydrogel or membrane. The invention also provides methods for producing these materials and compositions and uses thereof.

Abstract: Alginate hydrogel fibers and related materials as well as methods for preparing such materials are provided. An alginate hydrogel fiber includes water in an amount of more than about 92% by weight of the fiber and a cross-linked alginate in an amount of about 0.1% to about 8% by weight of the fiber, wherein the cross-link is a cation. An alginate hydrogel paper includes one or more alginate hydrogel fibers, which form a non-woven matrix. Three-dimensional cellular arrays are also provided, wherein the alginate hydrogel making up the alginate paper is substantially index-matched with a predetermined culture medium. A method for making alginate hydrogel fiber and a method for index-matching alginate hydrogel paper with culture medium are provided. A kit for conducting biochemical, diagnostic, cellular, and/or non-cellular analysis comprises alginate hydrogel paper index-matched to culture medium.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are bioreactor systems and methods of utilizing said systems.

Abstract: A method is disclosed herein for treating a polymeric surface to define an improved cell culture surface. The method includes the steps of: coating the polymeric surface with a hydrogel; and attaching proteins to the hydrogel-coated surface. Advantageously, a method is provided which consistently produces improved cell culture surfaces that generally avoid bare spots and possible undesired protein absorption or cell differentiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a synthetic cell culture platform, comprising: a two dimensional and/or three dimensional surface comprising peptides conjugated to said surface and methods of using the platform for increasing cell adhesion, stable attachment and/or proliferation of cells grown on the platform and for promoting differentiation of neural stem cells into neurons.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for mimicking an in vivo environment for culturing cells in vitro. The in vivo mimicking environment is based on the generation of a tissue-specific extracellular matrix wherein the matrix provides a substrate for which the cultured cell originated from. The tissue-specific extracellular matrix can further comprise a component of a whole tissue-specific homogenate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cryogel which contains a polyol selected from polyvinyl alcohol or galactomannan and a co-polymer of Formula I: The cryogel is formed by mixing the monomers of the co-polymer of Formula I at a temperature of less about 5 degrees C. with the polyol and a free radical initiator in an aqueous solution and polymerizing the solution to form the cryogel. The cryogel is used for culturing cells and can be decomposed by contact with a monosaccharide.

Abstract: A single cell-culture chamber is provided that includes a dried vitrigel membrane covering and secured to one open end surface of a tubular frame. Also provided is a double cell-culture chamber that includes two tubular frames of substantially the same planar cross-sectional shape adhesively secured to each other with a dried vitrigel membrane interposed between the opposing open end surfaces of the tubular frames so as to form a first chamber and a second chamber via the dried vitrigel membrane.

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.