Abstract: A container for forming a cell aggregate is provided in which a group represented by a general formula of: (in the formula, each of R1, R2, and R3 is independently a an alkyl group with a carbon number of 1 or more and 6 or less and m is an integer of 2 or more and 6 or less.) and at least one of an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a hydroxyl group are present near a surface thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure related to isolated laminin-521, methods for making recombinant laminin-521, host cells that express recombinant laminin-521, and compositions containing laminin-521. Laminin-521 can maintain stem cells in vitro pluripotency, enable self-renewal, and enable single cell survival of human embryonic stem cells. When pluripotent human embryonic stem cells are cultured on plates coated with recombinant laminin-521 (laminin-11), in the absence of differentiation inhibitors or feeder cells, the embryonic stem cells proliferate and maintain their pluripotency. It has also been discovered that human recombinant laminin-521 (laminin-11) provides single cell survival of stem cells after complete dissociation into a single cell suspension. Useful cell culture mediums containing at most 3.9 ng/ml of beta fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) are also described herein.

Abstract: A method for making a nerve graft includes the following steps. A culture layer including a lyophobic substrate, a carbon nanotube film structure, and a protein layer is provided. The carbon nanotube film structure is sandwiched between the lyophobic substrate and the protein layer. A number of nerve cells are seeded on a surface of the protein layer away from the lyophobic substrate. The nerve cells are cultured until a number of neurites branch from the nerve cells and are connected between the nerve cells.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for enhancing cell attachment, cell proliferation and cell function using a surface which mimics a collagen coated surface. Advantageously, such methods employ a xeno-free, synthetic, chemically defined surface.

Abstract: A method for making a nerve graft includes the following steps. A culture layer including a carbon nanotube film structure and a protein layer is provided. The protein layer is located on a surface of the carbon nanotube film structure. A number of nerve cells are seeded on a surface of the protein layer away from the carbon nanotube film structure. The nerve cells are cultured until a number of neurites branch from the nerve cells and are connected between the nerve cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for arranging various cells as cell clusters in an arbitrary three-dimensional space and producing a three dimensional structure of a desired shape constituted exclusively by cells. Furthermore, the present invention provides a support provided with a substrate and a thread or needle-shaped material that penetrates the substrate and cell clusters for positioning cell clusters in arbitrary space. The support is provided with a sheet that can be removed as necessary for covering the substrate. Further, a method for using the support structure to position cell clusters in an arbitrary space and a method for the production of three-dimensional cell structures are provided.

Abstract: Cell cultures or tissue engineering supports, include at least a porous matrix based on a collagen sponge which defines first pores and a porous three-dimensional knit which defines second pores, the porous matrix filling the three-dimensional knit and all the first and second pores being at least partially interconnected with one another.

Abstract: Methods of making cell sheets, tissue sheets and tissue-engineered blood vessels are provided. The methods include culturing cells on a nanoimprinted coated scaffold under hypoxic conditions to form an aligned cell sheet and then removing the aligned cell sheet from the scaffold. The cell sheets, tissue sheets and tissue-engineered blood vessels made the methods are also disclosed. The cell sheets, tissue sheets and tissue-engineered blood vessels may be implanted in subjects to treat a variety of conditions.

Abstract: A device that includes a scaffold composition and a bioactive composition with the bioactive composition being incorporated into or coated onto the scaffold composition such that the scaffold composition and/or a bioactive composition controls egress of a resident cell or progeny thereof. The devices mediate active recruitment, modification, and release of host cells from the material.

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: The present invention relates to a method for producing a coated cell culture carrier, wherein a solution comprising a polyurethane urea is applied to a cell carrier and dried. The polyurethane urea is produced beforehand by converting at least one polycarbonate polyol component, at least one polyisocyanate component, and at least one diamino component. The invention further relates to a cell culture carrier obtained according to the method and the use thereof for in-vitro cultivation of stem cells, particularly for cultivating mesenchymal stem cells.

Abstract: A method of making a three-dimensional biocompatible scaffold capable of supporting cell activities such as growth and differentiation, the method includes providing a supporting grid that forms an open network and provides mechanical support of a second biocompatible material. The second biocompatible material has interconnected cavities that allow nutrients, metabolites and soluble factors to diffuse throughout the scaffold. The scaffold design can be understood as a hierarchically organised structure. At the micron to submicron length scale a top/down manufacturing approach is used to make a structure that will constitute the frame into which a bottom/up processing approach is applied to form an open porous scaffold with specific nano sized features. The advantage of this hierarchically organised design is that benefits can be drawn independently from both the micron and the nano sized structures, promoting specific cell activities and providing sufficient mechanical compliance.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a cell chip and a method of fabricating the same. The cell chip includes a cell-adhesivecell-adhesive layer disposed on a substrate. Photocrosslinked polymer barriers are disposed on the cell-adhesivecell-adhesive layer. The photocrosslinked polymer barriers may serve to restrict and grow cells only on the cell-adhesivecell-adhesive layer exposed between the barriers. Therefore, a cell growth direction may be precisely controlled. In addition, the photocrosslinked polymer barrier has a pattern formed by light, and simplifies a process of fabricating a cell chip.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing an aligned cell population comprising the culturing one or more cells on a surface having a texture, which texture has an average height of from about 100 nanometers to about 5 micrometers, thereby forming an aligned cell population on the textured surface. Also provided is a method to prepare the surface which method comprises the steps of: a) depositing a metal onto an unstressed or pre-stressed thermoplastic material; b) reducing the surface area of the receptive material by at least about 60%; and c) preparing the surface via lithography.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tissue engineered compositions and methods comprising nanotopographic surface topography (“nanotopography”) for use in modulating the organization and/or function of multiple cell types.

Abstract: A hydrophilic composite includes a carbon nanotube structure and a protein layer. The carbon nanotube structure has at least one carbon nanotube film. The protein layer covers one surface of the carbon nanotube structure, and is coupled to the at least one carbon nanotube film. The carbon nanotube structure is disposed on a substrate.

Abstract: A method for the production of retinal cells, useful in transplantation therapy, comprises: (i) obtaining one or more mammalian adult Müller cells; and (ii) culturing the cells in the presence of an extracellular matrix protein and a growth factor to thereby induce dedifferentiation of the Müller cells into a progenitor phenotype.

Abstract: The invention concerns a recombinant CBE gelatin and recombinant gelatins having multimers of the CBEmonomersequence that are of particular use in several applications involving cell attachment such as in cell culture work and applications involving cell cultures of anchor dependent cells and also in a variety of medical applications.

Abstract: Gas permeable devices and methods are disclosed for cell culture, including cell culture devices and methods that contain medium at heights, and certain gas permeable surface area to medium volume ratios. These devices and methods allow improvements in cell culture efficiency and scale up efficiency.

Abstract: This invention relates to an agent for promoting differentiation of an ES cell, preferably an agent for promoting differentiation of an ES cell into a hepatocyte or a prophylactic agent for teratoma, comprising uPA. Furthermore this invention relates to a method of promoting differentiation of an ES cell, preferably a method of promoting differentiation of an ES cell into a hepatocyte, comprising the step of contacting uPA with the ES cell, or a method of preparing a hepatocyte comprising the step of contacting uPA with an ES cell to differentiate the ES cell into a hepatocyte.

Abstract: A method for producing a cell culture article having a synthetic polymer layer for incubating with cells includes diluting one or more (meth)acrylate monomers in a solvent and dispersing the diluted monomers on a surface of the cell culture article. Some or substantially all of the solvent is removed and the monomers are then polymerized on the surface of the article to form the synthetic polymer layer attached to the surface of the article.

Abstract: Biocompatible composites comprising peptide amphiphiles and surface modified substrates and related methods for attachment thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an engineered biological material comprising or enriched for tissue of intervertebral disc; tissue derived from an engineered biological material; constructs comprising one or more tissues from an engineered biological material; methods for producing the engineered biological materials and constructs; and methods of using the engineered biological materials and constructs.

Abstract: The invention provides a substrate suitable for cell culture observation and a method of observation using the same. Crystalline carbon such as a graphite powder is mixed into a thermosetting resin such as a furan resin, and the mixture is molded in the shape of a sheet and carbonized to produce a carbon substrate; then, a cell is made to adhere to the carbon substrate, and the cell is caused to proliferate on the carbon substrate and observed using a microscope.

Abstract: Gas permeable devices and methods are disclosed for cell culture, including cell culture devices and methods that contain medium at heights, and certain gas permeable surface area to medium volume ratios. These devices and methods allow improvements in cell culture efficiency and scale up efficiency.

Abstract: Gas permeable devices and methods are disclosed for cell culture, including cell culture devices and methods that contain medium at heights, and certain gas permeable surface area to medium volume ratios. These devices and methods allow improvements in cell culture efficiency and scale up efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention provides a functionalized composition and resulting functionalized body or prosthesis for in vitro and in vivo use comprising at least one calcium phosphate containing phase that is functionalized with a linker group comprising at least one of an organic acid molecule, a phosphonic acid, an amine, N,N-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, and 3-maleimidopropionic acid N-hydroxysuccinimide ester, and combinations thereof, and one or more of a chemical and/or a biologically active moieties, wherein the linker group provides for a reactive location for the attachment of the chemical or biologically active moiety, or both, to the calcium phosphate containing phase, and optionally including an unmodified and/or modified calcium aluminate containing phase. The functionalized compositions have a pliable physical property when mixed with water and adhere to natural bone and subsequently harden at ambient temperatures.

Abstract: This invention provides a system for efficiently producing differentiated cells from pluripotent cells, such as human embryonic stem cells. Rather than permitting the cells to form embryoid bodies according to established techniques, differentiation is effected directly in monolayer culture on a suitable solid surface. The cells are either plated directly onto a differentiation-promoting surface, or grown initially on the solid surface in the absence of feeder cells and then exchanged into a medium that assists in the differentiation process. The solid surface and the culture medium can be chosen to direct differentiation down a particular pathway, generating a cell population that is remarkably uniform. The methodology is well adapted to bulk production of committed precursor and terminally differentiated cells for use in drug screening or regenerative medicine.

Abstract: We describe a method for the isolation of prostate stem cells, typically prostate stem cells which express CD 133 antigen; stem cells and cancer stem cells isolated by the method and their use.

Abstract: A cell culture microcarrier includes (1) a polystyrene microcarrier base having a remnant of a carboxylic acid group, and (ii) a polypeptide conjugated to the base via the remnant of the carboxylic acid group. The polypeptide may contain a cell adhesive sequence, such as RGD. Cells cultured with such microcarriers exhibit peptide-specific binding to the microcarriers.

Abstract: Polymeric materials are used to make a pliable, non-toxic, injectable porous template for vascular ingrowth. The pore size, usually between approximately 100 and 300 microns, allows vascular and connective tissue ingrowth throughout approximately 10 to 90% of the matrix following implantation, and the injection of cells uniformly throughout the implanted matrix without damage to the cells or patient. The introduced cells attach to the connective tissue within the matrix and are fed by the blood vessels. The preferred material for forming the matrix or support structure is a biocompatible synthetic polymer which degrades in a controlled manner by hydrolysis into harmless metabolites, for example, polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid, polyorthoester, polyanhydride, or copolymers thereof. The rate of tissue ingrowth increases as the porosity and/or the pore size of the implanted devices increases.

Abstract: This invention relates to the finding that collagen peptides bind to the osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR) and stimulate the activation and/or differentiation of OSCAR expressing cells, such as osteoclasts and osteoclast precursor cells. Collagen peptides are described which may be useful in the modulation of the differentiation and/or activation of OSCAR expressing cells, for example in the treatment of bone defects and disorders characterized by altered differentiation and/or activation of OS-CAR expressing cells.

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: This disclosure provides an improved system for culturing human pluripotent stem cells. Traditionally, pluripotent stem cells are cultured on a layer of feeder cells (such as mouse embryonic fibroblasts) to prevent them from differentiating. In the system described here, the role of feeder cells is replaced by components added to the culture environment that support rapid proliferation without differentiation. Effective features are a suitable support structure for the cells, and an effective medium that can be added fresh to the culture without being preconditioned by another cell type. Culturing human embryonic stem cells in fresh medium according to this invention causes the cells to expand surprisingly rapidly, while retaining the ability to differentiate into cells representing all three embryonic germ layers. This new culture system allows for bulk proliferation of pPS cells for commercial production of important products for use in drug screening and human therapy.

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 cell culture system including: a substrate, a substrate coating, one or more live cells, and an overlay source. The substrate coating and overlay can be laminin, and laminin•entactin complex, respectively. Alternatively, the substrate coating and overlay can be laminin•entactin complex, and laminin, respectively. The cell culture system can further include liquid media and a protective cover. A method for making and using the system in cell culture articles and culture methods, as defined herein, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for cell culture, in particular of neuronal cells, including: a substrate defining a first microfluidic chamber to be seeded with a first cell culture, and at least a second microfluidic chamber, a fluidic interconnection system connecting the first and second chambers and enabling cellular extensions, in particular axons, to extend from one chamber to the other, wherein the interconnection system of the device is made so as to promote the progression of at least one first type of cellular extension, the first and second types of extension being different either due to the microfluidic chamber from which they originate, or due to the type of cell of which they constitute an extension.

Abstract: Provided is a method of causing a cell to migrate to a scaffold. Also provided is a method of treating a mammal that has a cartilage defect. Further provided is a tissue scaffold comprising stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) and transforming growth factor-? (TGF-?). Additionally, a method of making a tissue scaffold capable of recruiting a cell is provided.

Abstract: An improved substrate for growing mono-layers of adherent-type cells and methods of growing tissue structures, ex vivo. The improved substrate, which comprises a silicon substrate coated with a photo cleavable polymer, releases adherent cells non-enzymatically. Also disclosed are methods for assembling complex layers of cells of various types.

Abstract: A device that includes a scaffold composition and a bioactive composition with the bioactive composition being incorporated into or coated onto the scaffold composition such that the scaffold composition and/or a bioactive composition controls egress of a resident cell or progeny thereof. The devices mediate active recruitment, modification, and release of host cells from the material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for selective chemical binding and immobilization of macromolecules on solid supports in conjunction with self-assembled monolayer (SAM) surfaces. Immobilization involves selective binding of peptides and other macromolecules to SAM surfaces using reactive landing (RL) of mass-selected, gas phase ions. SAM surfaces provide a simple and convenient platform for tailoring chemical properties of a variety of substrates. The invention finds applications in biochemistry ranging from characterization of molecular recognition events at the amino acid level and identification of biologically active motifs in proteins, to development of novel biosensors and substrates for stimulated protein and cell adhesion.

Abstract: A method for the construction of arrays from self-assembling monolayers is described. The arrays have particular utility for the screening of peptides ligands that can foster the growth of cells in culture. This technique has been used to identify peptide ligands that foster the growth of human stem cells, which otherwise require an extracellular matrix in order to grow in an undifferentiated state. This also makes possible an assay to identify other such peptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to artificial tissue growth guides comprising a core and an outer sleeve, which facilitates the regeneration of damaged tissues, such as nerves. The core is fixed to the sleeve at two attachment sites so that cells seeded within the core produce mechanical tension between the attachment sites. This tension aligns the cells and the fibres of the core and provides an improved substrate for tissue regeneration. Growth guides may be surgically implanted into an individual.

Abstract: A method of priming neural stem cells in vitro by adhesively culturing in a mixture of basic fibroblast growth factor, laminin and heparin to differentiate into specific neuronal phenotypes, including cholinergic, glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons, in a region-specific manner, when transplanted in vivo.

Abstract: The invention relates to processes for coating a surface with a crosslinked polyelectrolytes multilayer film incorporating a protein, preferably a growth factor type protein. The invention also relates to crosslinked polyelectrolytes multilayer films obtained by this process, and a coated surface obtained therefrom.

Abstract: A synthetic cell culture surface, prepared from a mixture of at least three (meth)acrylate monomers where one of the monomers has an N-hydroxysuccinimide moiety is provided, which supports the growth of cells including undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells in defined media. Methods for preparing the cell culture surface is also provided.

Abstract: Compositions are described that are suitable for implantation in a human and that contain a scaffold housing cells having an osteocytic phenotype and, attached to the scaffold, cartilage material containing a population of chondrocytes.

Abstract: Provided are a technique for easily forming a spheroid by three-dimensionally culturing hepatocytes, and a technique for forming a spheroid having a higher expression level of a transporter MRP2 playing a role of biliary excretion than that of a conventional method. In order to solve the above-described problems, the present inventors have found out a condition under which hepatocytes easily form the spheroid on a nanopillar sheet. More specifically, this is related to a concentration of Type I collagen coated onto the NP sheet. Also, they have found out a condition under which an expression level of a gene related to the excretion of the formed spheroid is improved. More specifically, after the spheroid is previously formed, a biological matrix is overlayered thereon.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a structure having: a porous polymeric film permeated by a first extracellular matrix material; and a topcoat layer comprising a second extracellular matrix gel disposed on the film. Also disclosed herein is a method of: providing a porous polymeric film; permeating the film with a first extracellular matrix material; and applying a topcoat layer of a second extracellular matrix material to the film. Also disclosed herein is a method of: laser-machining holes through a film comprising collagen to form a web-like structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to an osteogenic composite matrix consisting of collagen and non-collagen components of an extracellular matrix (ECM-components), to a method for producing said matrix, to a method for producing an implant or a scaffold for tissue engineering which is provided with a coating formed by said osteogenic composite matrix and is used for stimulating and accelerating a hard tissue formation such as, for example. The implant osseointegration in bones. The inventive osteogenic composite matrix comprises a collagen and at least one non-collagen ECM component or the derivatives thereof, wherein the collagen component consists of non-crosslinked collagen fibers produced by fibrillogenesis and the non-collagen ECM component or the derivatives thereof are integrated into said collagen fibers.