Abstract: The invention provides a novel composition and methods of its preparation and uses. The composition comprises as main components serum and a gelling agent and is useful in various medical applications. The composition may be used to coat a medical device, as a biological glue, or as dressings, membranes, scaffolding or hydrogel useful in bioengineering applications. One or more therapeutic products may be added to the composition and the composition is also a vehicle for delivery of therapeutic products.

Abstract: Provided is a method for controlling the degree of labeling (DOL) of a carrier molecule or solid support by the addition of a reactive label competitor to the labeling reaction. When the reactive label competitor is added to the labeling solution the competitor competes with the carrier molecule or solid support for the label, reducing the number of labels available to conjugates to the carrier molecule or solid support. This provides for a facile method that predictably alters the DOL of a carrier molecule or solid support.

Abstract: The present invention provides a three-dimensional tissue equivalent for in-vivo and in-vitro uses. The three dimensional tissue equivalent of the present invention is a non-contractile cellular sheet cultured over a porous scaffold using a macromass culturing technique, for example where the cellular sheet is entirely on one side of a porous sponge. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a dermal wound dressing that comprises a high density cellular sheet of dermal fibroblast cells.

Abstract: This invention relates to cell-independent processes which mimic cellular bioremodelling and produce organised biomaterials which have mechanical properties and viable cell densities suitable for use as functional tissue implants. The biomaterials are produced by providing a gel comprising a matrix of scaffold fibres of and an interstitial fluid; and plastically compacting the gel to produce the biomaterial. The biomaterials may comprise 3D structures such as layering, alignment and meso-scale zonal heterogeneities of cells and matrix which mimic native tissue structure. Biomaterials with biomimetic structure as described herein may be useful in a range of therapeutic applications.

Abstract: A composition comprising a plurality of cell aggregates for use in the production of engineered organotypic tissue by organ printing. A method of making a plurality of cell aggregates comprises centrifuging a cell suspension to form a pellet, extruding the pellet through an orifice, and cutting the extruded pellet into pieces. Apparatus for making cell aggregates comprises an extrusion system and a cutting system. In a method of organ printing, a plurality of cell aggregates are embedded in a polymeric or gel matrix and allowed to fuse to form a desired three-dimensional tissue structure. An intermediate product comprises at least one layer of matrix and a plurality of cell aggregates embedded therein in a predetermined pattern. Modeling methods predict the structural evolution of fusing cell aggregates for combinations of cell type, matrix, and embedding patterns to enable selection of organ printing processes parameters for use in producing an engineered tissue having a desired three-dimensional structure.

Abstract: Compositions of matter are described which contain restricted cancer cells. When so restricted, the cells produce an unexpectedly high amount of material which suppresses cancer cell proliferation. The phenomenon crosses cancer type and species lines. Processes for making these compositions, and their use, are also described.

Abstract: Artificial dermis (1) obtained from plasma with platelets (2) and human fibroblasts. The plasma with platelets (2) is obtained from the fractionating of total blood (4) from the patient (8) by light centrifugation, and the human fibroblasts (3) from a skin biopsy (5). Clotting is obtained by adding calcium. This artificial dermis (1) provides for the rapid growth of the keratinocytes (6) seeded on its surface to build an artificial skin (7) which can easily be transplanted. Large areas of artificial dermis (1) are obtained from a small skin biopsy (5) and minimal quantities of plasma with platelets (2), which being enriched with cytokines and platelet growth factors, strengthens the proliferation of the cells seeded, both inside and on the surface. The artificial skin (7) obtained can be used to treat major burn treatments, chronic skin ulcers, etc., or be used, by employing genetically altered cells, as a vehicle for gene therapy.

Abstract: An organotypic culture comprises an artificial stroma overlayed with epithelial cells isolated from a human colon or intestine. The stroma comprises a mixture of collagen and human fibroblasts isolated from a human colon or intestine. The culture contains a factor that binds the IGF-1 receptor, a factor that binds the EGF receptor, and a factor that binds the LIF receptor. These factors may be added exogenously to the culture via medium or may be expressed by various recombinantly engineered cell types in the culture. The organotypic culture can result in growth that is in situ-like or emphasizes other physiological or morphological states, depending on the balance of factors in the growth media. The organotypic culture may be used in methods for screening of therapeutic, carcinogenic, or growth enhancement factors, or for treating intestinal injuries by applying to the site of an injury the intact culture or the components thereof.

Abstract: The thin film of the invention comprises a hydrate of a vitrified gel containing one or more extracellular matrix components, which can be integrated with a retainer as required. A hydrogel thin film containing one or more extracellular matrix components such as thin-film collagen hydrogel thin film, which is useful for a cell culture substratum and for preventing organ adhesion, can be easily prepared, and is excellent in expediency.

Abstract: A method for constructing a stable bioactive mammalian embryonic kidney is described herein. A kidney so constructed requires no artificial support, nor porous man made membranes or tubing to effectuate its biological function of filtering body fluids. A single donor embryonic kidney, or fragment thereof, can produce a great number of functional kidneys suitable for treating subjects with various kidney disorders. It is anticipated that said in vitro produced kidney would be less, or not at all, antigenic when transplanted into a subject, because of its embryonic character and artificial propagation in culture. This method of producing a functional organ can be useful in cloning other organ structures containing inducible epithelial tissues.

Abstract: A carrier for cell culture comprising an alginic acid gel layer laminated with a gel layer containing a cell adhesion substance, wherein the gel layer containing a cell adhesion substance has a dry thickness of less than 0.3 ?m. The carrier for cell culture enables reproducible and convenient cell layer lamination without inhibiting growth and proliferation of cells upon solubilization of the carrier for preparation of a cell sheet.

Abstract: A carrier for cell culture comprising a water-containing polymer gel containing chitosan, wherein the water-containing polymer gel is coated with collagen and/or alginic acid, and a carrier for cell culture, which comprises a gel layer containing chitosan and an inorganic layer adjacently provided to the gel layer.

Abstract: Disclosed are a tissue filler and tissue reconstruction method using the same that enables missing or reduced tissue of a body to recover to a normal state thereof, and the tissue filler comprised by mixing mesenchymal stem cells into a hydrochloric acid solution of atherocollagen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of in vitro testing of the efficacy of a potentially active substance comprising monitoring the effect of said potentially active substance on an artificial skin, comprising a composite product forming a collagen support comprising at least one porous collagen layer covered on at least one side with a collagen membrane component selected from the group consisting of a collagen membrane prepared by compression of a collagen sponge at a pressure of at least about 50 bar and of a collagen membrane comprising a collagen film prepared by drying a collagen gel separately from the porous collagen layer, thereby providing a reliable method for finding new potentially active substances.

Abstract: A cell or tissue-culturing carrier which can effectively regenerate an intended a cell or tissue, while suppressing an excessive growth of fibroblasts, and a method of culturing a cell or tissue by using the above carrier, the cell or tissue-culturing carrier wherein fibroblasts showing substantially no growing property in a gel based on the hydrogel-forming polymer, is constituted by using a hydrogel-forming polymer; an aqueous solution of which shows a thermo-reversible sol-gel transition such that it assumes a sol state at a lower temperature and assumes a gel state at a higher temperature.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods and apparatus for minimizing the risks inherent in endovascular grafting for blood vessel therapy and repair. The invention involves delivering adult stem cells, embryonic stem cells, progenitor cells, fibroblasts, or smooth muscle cells to the diseased blood vessel.

Abstract: Polynucleotides encoding mammalian ECM signaling molecules affecting the cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation activities characterizing such complex biological processes as angiogenesis, chondrogenesis, and oncogenesis, are provided. The polynucleotide compositions include DNAs and RNAs comprising part, or all, of an ECM signaling molecule coding sequence, or biological equivalents. Polypeptide compositions are also provided. The polypeptide compositions comprise mammalian ECM signaling molecules, peptide fragments, inhibitory peptides capable of interacting with receptors for ECM signaling molecules, and antibody products recognizing Cyr61. Also provided are methods for producing mammalian ECM signaling molecules. Further provided are methods for using mammalian ECM signaling molecules to screen for, and/or modulate, disorders associated with angiogenesis, chondrogenesis, and oncogenesis; ex vivo methods for using mammalian ECM signaling molecules to prepare blood products are also provided.

Abstract: A hydrogel composition and methods of preparing and using the same are disclosed. The hydrogel composition comprises an oxidized polysaccharide, and a cross-linker having at least two functional cross-linking groups. The cross-linker reversibly cross-links the polysaccharide and is provided in an amount to provide dangling cross-linkers. The method of preparing a hydrogel comprises the steps of providing an oxidized polysaccharide, and providing a cross-linker having at least two functional cross-linking groups. The cross-linker is mixed with the polysaccharide at a concentration of the cross-linker sufficient to form a hydrogel wherein the cross-linker reversibly cross-links the polysaccharide and has dangling cross-linkers. The hydrogels are useful, for example, for tissue engineering, cell transplantation and drug delivery applications.

Abstract: A method of preparing a protein array based on biochemical protein-protein interaction is provided. An array of a first protein which includes a PDZ domain is deposited on a substrate. A second protein, which includes an amino acid sequence (S/T)—X—(V/I/L)—COOH (each hyphen represents a peptide bond, each parenthesis encloses amino acids which are alternatives to one other, each slash within such parentheses separates the alternative amino acids, and the X represents any amino acid which is selected from the group comprising the twenty naturally occurring amino acids), is applied to the first protein array. The amino acid sequence (S/T)—X—(V/I/L)—COOH of the second protein is bound to the PDZ domain of the first protein.

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: A programmable scaffold which is a three-dimensional scaffold having interconnected pore structures and biologically active molecules physically entrapped therein. Preferably, the scaffold is a lyophilized hydrogel of crosslinked alginate or hyaluronic acid. The scaffold can be arrayed on a platform and loaded with various combinations of biologically active molecules for high throughput and high parallel screening and tissue engineering. A method for making and modifying the scaffold having steps of impregnating the scaffold with solutions of biologically active molecule and lyophilizing the impregnated scaffold.

Abstract: A composition which comprises human mesenchymal stem cells which have the potential to differentiate into cells of more than one connective tissue type and a composition which induces cells from the mesenchymal stem cell population to differentiate into the adipogenic lineage, and a process for inducing such differentiation. The composition for inducing such differentiation comprises a glucocorticoid, a compound which stimulates cAMP production or inhibits cAMP degradation (such as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor), and/or a compound which upregulates peroxisome proliferator activated receptor &ggr; (PPAR &ggr;) expression and/or increases its binding affinity to its DNA binding site. The process can further include isolating the adipocytes from remaining hMSCs.

Abstract: Processes are described for making a cryopreserved Composite Living Construct (CCLC) as well as a corresponding thawed and rinsed CCLC, comprised of separated layers of cultured fibroblasts and cultured keratinocytes, wherein the percent of cells that are viable, i.e., the cell viability, of such CCLC is at least about 70%. The viable cell density in the CCLC is at least about 50% of that before cryopreservation. The storage stability of the CCLC is at least about 12 months. Additionally, the metabolic activity of thawed and rinsed CCLC is at least about 50% of the Composite Living Construct (CLC) before cryopreservation. The structural integrity of CCLC is substantially the same as the CLC before cryopreservation.

Abstract: A carrier for cell culture comprising an alginic acid gel layer laminated with a gel layer containing a cell adhesion substance, wherein the gel layer containing a cell adhesion substance has a dry thickness of less than 0.3 &mgr;m. The carrier for cell culture enables reproducible and convenient cell layer lamination without inhibiting growth and proliferation of cells upon solubilization of the carrier for preparation of a cell sheet.

Abstract: The present invention is directed, in certain embodiments, to improved, small scale systems and methods able to selectively treat parts of a single cell, including, in certain embodiments, portions of a main body portion of a single cell, and able, in certain embodiments, to establish long-term gradients of active substances within subcellular regions of a single cell. The present invention provides, in some embodiments, techniques for selectively contacting a portion of the surface of a biological cell with a fluid or fluid component carrying a particular potential for a biophysical or biochemical interaction with the cell, and simultaneously contacting a different portion of the surface of the cell with another fluid or fluid component having a different potential for the biophysical or biochemical interaction with the cell.

Abstract: A cell culture material comprising a sugar containing polymer in which at least one kind of sugar chain is bonded as a side chain via a spacer molecule is made into a three-dimensional shape whereupon a three-dimensional cell material is prepared. With regard to the sugar containing polymer, a sugar containing polymer having a carboxyl group such as alginic acid, hyaluronic acid, pectic acid or a derivative thereof is preferably used. Sugar chain having a specific recognition to a cell is bonded as a side chain and, therefore, when the cell is incubated using the cell culture material, it is possible to maintain and improve the proliferation, morphology and function of the cells and to retain the cell form in a form of near that in vivo due to a specific interaction between the cell and the sugar chain.

Abstract: A device is provided containing cells or tissue distributed on a filamentous cell-supporting matrix which is encapsulated by a semi-permeable membrane which can be immunoisolatory. The matrix may be formed of a plurality of monofilaments twisted into yarn that is in non-woven strands, or of the monofilaments or yarn woven into a mesh. Configurations of the matrix include a hollow cylinder, tube, solid cylinder or cord. A coating of extracellular matrix molecules may be on the matrix, or the matrix may be treated with plasma irradiation to enhance cell adhesion. The device can be made by inserting the matrix in a hollow membrane tube, injecting cells or tissue into the tube and sealing ends of the tube. The device is particularly useful for implantation into a mammalian host to provide therapy resulting from a biologically active molecule produced by the cells and tissue.

Abstract: A method of repairing a long bone having a defect is provided. The method includes the steps of: (a) mechanically fixating the long bone or portions thereof; and (b) filling the defect with a biodegradable scaffold impregnated with growth factors and/or osteoprogenitor cells and awaiting for osteointegration to take place.

Abstract: Three-dimensional porous biodegradable and biocompatible, polymeric scaffolds for tissue engineering are prepared by a method involving effervescing of an effervescent salt in a gel to result in a porous structure. A polymer is dissolved in an organic solvent to prepare a polymer solution of high viscosity. Optionally, the polymer solution is mixed with an organic solvent that does not dissolve the polymer to concentrate the solution. An effervescent salt is homogeneously mixed with the polymer solution to give a polymer/salt/organic solvent mixed gel. The organic solvent is removed from the mixed gel to produce an organic solvent-free polymer/salt gel slurry. The gel slurry is submerged in a hot aqueous solution or acidic solution to cause the salt to effervesce at room temperature to form a porous three-dimensional polymeric structure. The polymeric structure is washed with distilled water and freeze-dried to yield a scaffold that is suitable for cell or tissue culture.

Abstract: Heparin-binding regions of several proteins, such as neural cell adhesion molecule, fibronectin, laminin, midkine, and anti-thrombin III have been shown to promote neurite extension on two-dimensional surfaces. The effect of heparin-binding peptides on neurite extension through three-dimensional matrices was investigated by culturing embryonic chick dorsal root ganglia (DRG) within fibrin gels containing chemically attached heparin-binding peptide (HBP). The length of neurites within fibrin gels containing cross-linked HBP was increased by more than 70% over extension through fibrin gels containing no peptide. The HBP sequence of antithrombin III was incorporated into the fibrin gel as the C-terminal domain of a bidomain, chimeric peptide; the N-terminal second domain of this peptide contained the &agr;2-plasmin inhibitor substrate for Factor XIIIa. Factor XIIIa, a transglutaminase, was used to chemically attach the HBP-containing chimeric peptide to the fibrin gels during polymerization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to macroporous chitosan beads having 5-200 &mgr;m in size of relatively large and uniform pores that are distributed from surface to core region, and a preparation method thereof compring the following steps; by dropping chitosan solution, aqueous chitosan solution or their mixture into the low-temperature of organic solvent or liquid nitrogen; and by regulating pore size by phase separation method via temperature difference.

Abstract: Methods and materials are provided for reforming degenerated intervertebral discs of the spine of a vertebrate and in particular the spine of a human. Tissue is evacuated from the nucleus pulposus portion of a degenerated intervertebral disc space, and a biodegradable substrate containing isolated intervertebral disc cells is implanted in the evacuated space for reformation of intervertebral disc tissue. Intervertebral disc cells are provided by digesting intervertebral disc tissue with collagenase and incubating the cells in a medium supplemented with hyaluronidase. The substrate may be bioactive so as to enhance cell function. Substrates include bioactive glass granules, polymer foams and the polymer foams coated with a bioactive gel material produced by a sol-gel process. A polymer foam is dipped into a sol resulting from combining a metal alkoxide precursor with water and acid, residual sol is evacuated from pores of the foam, and remaining sol contained by the foam is allowed to gel.

Abstract: Use of collagen of aquatic origin for the production of supports for tissue engineering is disclosed. The collagen may be obtained from fish skin, preferably in its native form. Novel tissue engineering supports with a low risk of contamination are produced.

Abstract: A cell growth scaffold provides individual cell growth channels in a transparent body for microscopic observation of cells during growth.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is directed to methods and apparatus for detection, prognostic diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer and other hyperproliferative disorders in humans and animals. More particularly, the present invention is directed to vascular mimicry factors that are expressed by tumor cells in various cancers and in diseased tissue and other disorders and methods and apparatus for detection and usage of such vascular mimicry factors. These claims are based on the recent discovery that aggressive, but not non-aggressive, tumor cells can “mimic” other cell types—in the expression of specific genes and in biological function.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a poly (vinyl alcohol) hydrogel construct having a wide range of mechanical strengths for use as a human tissue replacement. The hydrogel construct may comprise a tissue scaffolding, a low bearing surface within a joint, or any other structure which is suitable for supporting the growth of tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-contracting tissue equivalent comprising at least one cellular component and at least one non-cellular component. The tissue equivalent closely resembles normal tissue in being substantially non-contracting. In addition, the non-contracting tissue equivalent is translucent, allowing direct visual observation of the different layers of cells in the tissue equivalent. The non-contracting tissue equivalent is useful for a variety of complete tissue replacements including skin and cornea. The non-contracting tissue equivalent is useful for in vitro testing, evaluation and screening of potential pharmaceuticals or consumer products, production of biocompatible clinical products for tissue replacement and augmentation, and research studies on fundamental aspects of tissue structure and function.

Abstract: The invention features methods of making living tissue constructs that can be used to repair perforations in tympanic membranes, the repair constructs themselves, and methods of repair.

Abstract: The present invention provides cell compositions for in vivo implantation, and designed for the sustained and controlled delivery of therapeutic substances.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming a pattern of cells on a surface, the surface being prepatterned in having a pattern of cell-growth-promoting molecules and/or cell-growth inhibiting molecules attached thereon. The invention also relates to patterns of cells, artificial tissues and to a use thereof.

Abstract: The thin film of the invention comprises a hydrate of a vitrified gel containing an extracellular matrix components, which can be integrated with a retainer as required. A hydrogel thin film containing an extracellular matrix components such as thin-film collagen hydrogel thin film, which is useful for a cell culture substratum and for preventing organ adhesion, can be easily prepared, and is excellent in expediency.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for accelerating the differentiation of human MSCs into the osteogenic lineage with resultant enhanced de novo bone formation. This makes possible improved methods for bone defect repair. Thus, one aspect of the invention is a method for accelerating the differentiation of ALCAM-bearing hMSCs into the osteogenic lineage by contacting such hMSCs with a ligand that binds to activated leukocyte-cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM) on a single hMSC. Preferably, the ligand is a Fab fragment of a monoclonal antibody expressed by the hybridoma of ATCC Accession No. NB 11789.

Abstract: Immune recognition of a transplant such as tissue implanted in a host mammal is obscured by encapsulating the transplant in a hydrogel matrix containing gelatin, dextran, at least one nitric oxide inhibitor and polar amino acids. The polar amino acids increase rigidity of the matrix and allow direct injection of the encapsulated transplant into a mammal without further immunosuppression. Preferably, the nitric oxide inhibitor is a combination of L-cysteine and an L-arginine analogue such as aminoguanidine, and the polar amino acids are a combination of L-glutamic acid, L-lysine and L-arginine. The matrix may also contain a superoxide inhibitor such as EDTA. Implanting can be carried out by applying a buffer medium containing a nitric oxide inhibitor to an implant site, implanting the encapsulated transplant, and applying to the implant site a buffer medium which may contain a nitric oxide inhibitor. The buffer medium may also contain a superoxide inhibitor.

Abstract: A matrix for supporting cells such as animal cells is provided that enables cells to be supported at high efficiency and density in a short period. The matrix contains a plurality of cone shaped pores having an average diameter opening in an upstream surface of the matrix of from 500 to 1500 &mgr;m. The diameter decreases from the upstream surface to a downstream surface, and the average diameter of the cone shaped pores in the whole matrix is from 100 to 1000 &mgr;m. The matrix also contains a plurality of communicating pores that communicate with the cone shaped pores and with each other. These pores have an average diameter of from 5 to 100 &mgr;m, and the diameter decreases from a pore opening positioned near one surface of the matrix or near an interior surface of the cone shaped pores to a pore opening positioned remote from the surfaces. The matrix may also contain a plurality of column shaped pores having an average diameter of 100 to 1000 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A matrix for tissue culture comprising two kinds of sponges having at least one different physical property and/or at least one different chemical property; a method for culturing tissue using said matrix for tissue culture comprising inoculating and culturing first cell on a first sponge, laminating a second sponge thereon, and inoculating and culturing second cell on said second sponge; a method for fixing a cultured tissue comprising placing a cultured tissue in gelatin solution solated by elevating temperature, lowering temperature to gelatinize gelatin to fix the cultured tissue by said gelatinated gelatin; and an artificial skin fixed comprising dermis layer fixed by gelatin and epidermis layer laminated on the dermis layer.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to offer an incubation carrier for achieving high activity and high density of the microorganism in a bioreactor, in a treatment of waste water, etc.

Abstract: A device that includes a living cell or tissue and an agent that inhibits the ability of a host molecule to damage the cell or tissue. The device can be constructed in various forms including an implantable device, a composite microreactor and a double composite microreactor. The composite microreactor includes an internal particle that includes a living cell or tissue, an internal particle matrix that includes the living cell or tissue and an internal semipermeable coating enclosing the internal particle matrix, a gel super matrix in which the internal particle is embedded, and an agent that inhibits the ability of a host molecule to damage the cell or tissue. The double composite microreactor includes an internal particle, a particle that includes a particle matrix in which the internal particle is embedded, a super matrix in which the particle is embedded, and an agent that inhibits the ability of a host molecule to damage the living cell or tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides genetically engineered cell lines that expresses bcl-2 in response to hypoxic conditions and are, therefore, resistant to apoptosis. In one embodiment, &bgr;Tc-tet cells are stably transformed with the bcl-2 gene operably linked to the hypoxia responsive PGK promoter. The cells may be provided directly to a patient or may be encapsulated to from a bioartificial organ.

Abstract: A suspension of animal cells is incubated with supports to adhere the cells to the supports. Preferably, the supports have pores that provide pore volume, and the cells are grown during incubation until most of the available pore volume is filled with cells. An encapsulating layer is then formed around the supported cells by exposing the cells on the supports to a reactive gas composed of a carrier gas such as sterile air saturated with an inorganic alkoxide followed by treatment with steam to hydrolyze residual alkoxide groups. The encapsulated cells are stored by immersion in culture media. The cells may be in the form of cell aggregates, and the supports can be sterilized. The supports and encapsulating layer can have pores of a size that permit free exchange nutrients and metabolic products, and excludes the cells from contacting antibodies or immune cells when implanted. The encapsulated cells can used in an extracorporeal device or implanted directly.

Abstract: Biological agents such as secretory cells are encapsulated in a hydrophilic gel made of agarose or collagen-agarose and gelatin sponge-agarose combinations. In a preferred embodiment, semi-solid beads are formed from a suspension containing collagen, agarose and secretory cells such as pancreatic islets, the collagen is polymerized to form solid, agarose-collagen beads and the solid beads are coated with agarose. Coating is preferably by rolling the solid beads in about 5-10% agarose, contacting the rolled beads with mineral oil and washing oil from the beads. Beads containing secretory cells can be transplanted into a mammal to treat a condition caused by impaired secretory cell function.