Abstract: This invention discloses a substantially protein-free cell culture solution for assisted reproductive technologies and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing a cytotoxic lymphocyte characterized in that the method comprises the step of carrying out at least one step selected from induction, maintenance and expansion of a cytotoxic lymphocyte using a medium containing serum and plasma at a total concentration of 0% by volume or more and less than 5% by volume, in the presence of fibronectin, a fragment thereof or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the induction of differentiation in stem cells to cardiomyocytes and factors such as prostaglandin alone or in combination with other factors including essential minerals selected from the group including transferrin and selenium, small molecules selected from the group including a p38 MAPK inhibitor such as SB203580 and protein growth factors of the FGF, IGF and BMP families such as but not limited to IGF1, FGF2, BMP2, BMP4 and BMP6. and insulin that influence the process of differentiation to cardiomyocytes. Media that is appropriate for the induction of differentiation of cardiomyocytes from stem cells is also provided wherein the media contains these factors. The use of cardiomyocytes and cardiac progenitors produced by the directed differentiation in transplantation and screening for cardiac compounds is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising notochord enriched media and/or one or more factors derived therefrom. Such compositions are useful for enhancing the production of proteoglycan in cells or animals in need thereof, for example for treating degenerative disc disease. The notochord enriched media is preferably obtained from a nonchondrodystrophic animal.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for increasing protein production are provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions involving nutritive media, media supplements, media subgroup and buffer formulations are provided. Powder buffer formulations that produce particular ionic and pH conditions upon reconstitution with a solvent are also disclosed. Methods of producing these media, media supplements, media subgroups and buffer formulations as well as kits and methods for cultivation of procaryotic and eukaryotic cells (including human cells) are also provided. Also disclosed are methods of producing sterile powdered media, media supplements, powdered growth factors, media subgroup and buffer formulations. Methods of sterilization include gamma irradiation. Methods for producing dry cell powders where spray-drying a cell suspension may be used are disclosed. Cells, media, media supplements, media subgroups and buffer powders produced by these methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for culturing tenocytes. In particular the present invention relates to a method for culturing tenocytes comprising the step of incubating tenocytes in a culture medium comprising insulin or functional derivative.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biocompatible bilayer porous matrix and preparation thereof. The bilayer porous matrix is composed of gelatin, chondroitin 6 sulfate, and hyaluronic acid, also, prepared through freeze-drying technique at different temperature and time duration to form varied pore sizes on each layer. The present invention also provides a method of cell culture using the bilayer porous matrix.

Abstract: The present invention provides adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), adipose-derived stem cell-enriched fractions (ADSC-EF) and adipose-derived lattices, alone and combined with the ADSCs of the invention. In one aspect, the present invention provides an ADSC substantially free of adipocytes and red blood cells and clonal populations of connective tissue stem cells. The ADSCs can be employed, alone or within biologically-compatible compositions, to generate differentiated tissues and structures, both in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, the ADSCs can be expanded and cultured to produce molecules such as hormones, and to provide conditioned culture media for supporting the growth and expansion of other cell populations. In another aspect the present invention provides a adipose-derived lattice substantially devoid of cells, which includes extracellular matrix material from adipose tissue.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for culturing in vitro potentially regenerative cells (PRCs) from which functional tissue-organs are regenerated. In one aspect of the invention, a tissue culture medium is provided which comprises at least 50% of water and a sterol compound that is dissolved in a fatty acid-containing oil at a concentration at least 0.1% by weight based on the weight of the oil and added to the water. The culture medium can be used to culture PRCs that are isolated from the body of a mammal to generate functional tissue-organs in vitro with substantially the same physiological structure and function as the corresponding ones existing in vivo and in situ. The cultured PRCs, tissues, and tissue-organs can serve as valuable models for scientific investigation in life sciences, nutraceutical discovery, drug screening, pharmacokinetic studies, medical devices and tissue/organ transplantation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for identifying substances that modulate the activity of hyperpolarization-activated cation channels, and the use of this process.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for enhancing development of a preimplantation mammalian embryo and for increasing the live birth potential of an in vitro fertilized mammalian embryo are disclosed. An in vitro method of activating the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor ? (PPAR?) in a preimplantation mammalian embryo comprises culturing an embryo in an embryo culture medium, and upon or after commencement of expression of PPAR? in the cells of the embryo, activating the PPAR? by adding an amount of a PPAR? ligand to said medium effective to bind to PPAR? to deter apoptosis in the cells of the cultured embryo and/or increase proliferation of the cells of the cultured embryo.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a differentiation inhibiting agent which allows culture of a stem cell or an embryonic stem cell in an undifferentiated state without use of any feeder cell, a method for culturing using the same, a cell culture liquid using the same, and a cell prepared by culturing using this differentiation inhibiting agent. The present invention provides a differentiation inhibiting agent which comprises a low molecular weight compound, especially a tetrahydroisoquinoline derivative, as an active ingredient; a method for safely culturing a stem cell in large scale in undifferentiated state in the absence of feeder cell which comprises culturing a stem cell by using a tetrahydroisoquinoline derivative; a culture liquid for stem cells comprising a tetrahydroisoquinoline derivative; and a cell which is obtained by culture using a tetrahydroisoquinoline derivative as a differentiation inhibiting agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides agents for treating blood coagulation abnormalities, which contain as an active ingredient a lentiviral vector carrying a blood coagulation factor gene operably linked to a promoter which induces platelet-specific expression. Agents for treating hemophilia A or hemophilia B are provided by application of the gene encoding Factor VIII or Factor IX. Blood coagulation abnormalities can be treated by gene therapy by infecting hematopoietic stem cells or such with the therapeutic agents of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel biocompatible polymer that may be used in tissue engineering. More specifically, the specification describes methods and compositions for making and using a citric acid copolymers.

Abstract: The present invention provides stem cell feeder layer cell lines that contain are readily triggered to differentiation. The expression vector encodes the senescence-triggering factors (STFs) consisting of Cip/Kip, INK4A, Cy protein or ankyrin-binding protein motifs. Each expression vector also contains an inducible transcription regulation element for conditional expression of the STFs.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the separation, identification and characterization of active peptide fragments from peptones.

Abstract: The present invention relates to in vitro cultured skin substitutes, and in particular to improved methods for organotypic culture of skin substitutes. In some embodiments, the dermal equivalent of the skin substitute is lifted to air interface of the culture prior to seeding with keratinocytes. In other embodiments, increased concentrations of collagen are used to form the dermal equivalent. In still other embodiments, optimized media are utilized to maintain the skin equivalents.

Abstract: Pluripotent cells are maintained in a self-renewing state in serum-free culture medium comprising a gp130 agonist (LIF) and a GSK3 inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides libraries which are useful for rapid identification of biologically active compounds. The invention further provides peptides which include cell-growth affecting peptides and peptides which enhance or inhibit production of cellular proteins. Many of the peptides of the invention may be produced in large quantity by recombinant techniques and formulated in culture medium to produce the desired effect on cultured cells and tissues. Certain of the libraries of the invention and the peptides identified in them are particularly useful in concatemer-based recombinant expression methods.

Abstract: The invention provides stable feed media containing pyruvate and methods for stabilizing feed media by adding pyruvate. The invention further provides methods for producing proteins using such media and proteins produced through the use of such methods.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of the manufacture of recombinant proteins. More specifically, it relates to the use of a serum-free culture medium comprising an antioxidant for the production of recombinant dimeric gonadotropins. The antioxidant may be selected from the group consisting of L-glutathione, 2-mercaptoethanol, L-methionine and a combination of ascorbic acid and of (+)-alpha-tocoplierol.

Abstract: Provided are a medium for culturing hematopoietic cells including lysyl oxidase inhibitor and a method of culturing hematopoietic cells using the medium.

Abstract: The present invention concerns systems and methods for providing human cell cultures. Specific embodiments of the invention relate to cultures of feeder cells for use in stem cell technology, as well as cultures, culture systems and methods for maintenance and propagating of stem cells in an undifferentiated state as well as for the development of somatic cells cultures from stem cells, the somatic cell cultures being free of extraembryonic cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cell strain which is derived from an fcwf-4 cell that is a cell derived from a feline whole fetus and which is capable of being cultured without animal-derived proteins, a method for producing the cell strain, and a method for producing a virus by using the cell. An inexpensive and safe feline vaccine can be produced according to the present invention.

Abstract: Articles of manufacturing comprising electrospun elements having continuous or stepwise gradients of porosity, average pore size, weight per volume and/or of agents for promoting cell colonization, differentiation, extravasation and/or migration are provided. Also provided are methods of manufacturing and using same for guiding tissue regeneration.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for increasing the success of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Specifically, the inventions described herein increase the survival rate of manipulated embryos for increasing post implantation numbers of viable offspring. In particular, the present invention provides for compositions and methods for allowing further embryonic development and increasing rates of embryonic maturation, such as increasing cleavage rate, TE numbers, and blastocyte formation of in vitro fertilized and nuclear transfer embryos in media comprising follistatin, thereby providing for increased survival of fertilized and manipulated embryos leading to increased numbers of live offspring from in vitro fertilized and implanted nuclear transfer embryos. Further provided are diagnostic kits for determining transplantation potential.

Abstract: An improved system for large scale production of polypeptides in cell culture is provided. In accordance with the present invention, cells expressing a polypeptide of interest are grown in media that contain copper, glutamate or both. The use of such a system allows production of polypeptides in which misfolding and/or aggregation are reduced, and in which total glycosylation is increased. Polypeptides expressed in accordance with the present invention may be advantageously used in the preparation of pharmaceutical, agricultural or other commercial compositions.

Abstract: An improved system and method for dispensing dehydrated culture media (DCM) powder into containers for preparation as a culture media. The manual and automated systems and methods operate to dispense DCM powder, as well as liquid, into vessels or media preparation instruments in a manner to avoid DCM dust inhalation by persons in the surrounding area and contamination of equipment and surfaces in the surrounding area.

Abstract: The present invention provides serum-free cell culture media formulations which are capable of supporting the in vitro cultivation of animal cells. The media comprise at least one nutrient of non-animal derivation, such as at least one plant peptide and/or at least one non-animal or plant lipid and/or fatty acid. The media may further optionally comprise an enzymatic digest or extract of yeast cells. The present invention also provides methods of cultivating animal cells in vitro using these cell culture media formulations. In addition, the media of tile present invention can be used for growth of animal cells for virus production.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a coating solution for capturing and preserving biological materials. The coating solution includes at least one saccharide. The coating solution may also include at least one other constituent, such as amino acids, complex proteins, surfactants, and mixtures thereof. The present invention is also directed to providing a method for collecting and preserving biological material using a coating solution.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel peptide amphiphile molecules and compositions discovered to possess improved solubility in aqueous buffers which, in turn, facilitates purification required for pharmaceutical applications, particularly for in vivo administration to human patients. In addition, gels of such peptide amphiphile compositions are shown herein to possess unexpectedly superior gelation kinetics and rheological properties, including an increased mechanical stiffness, which better mimics the mechanical properties of natural central nervous system tissues.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of culturing mammalian taste cells, including taste receptor cells. Cells are maintained for a duration of up to three months and longer while maintaining molecular and functional characteristics of mature taste cells. The cells are cultured on coated cell culture vessels and, from first replacement of medium onwards, the medium is replaced in intervals of at least 5 days. The invention further provides isolation and culturing methods of taste cells wherein the time that the cells are exposed to isolation solution and proteolytic enzymes is minimized and the cells are cultured in coated culture vessels with the medium replaced in intervals of at least 5 days from first replacement onwards. The invention further provides cultured taste cells, transfection and assay methods, and taste cell assay buffers with an osmolarity of about 300-320 and pH of about 7.0-7.3.

Abstract: Disclosed is an implantable material comprising a biocompatible matrix and cells which, when provided to a vascular access structure, can promote functionality generally. For example, implantable material of the present invention can enhance maturation of an arteriovenous native fistula as well as prolong the fistula in a mature, functional state suitable for dialysis. Additionally, the present invention can promote formation of a functional arteriovenous graft suitable for dialysis as well as promote formation of a functional peripheral bypass graft. Implantable material can be configured as a flexible planar form or a flowable composition with shape-retaining properties suitable for implantation at, adjacent or in the vicinity of an anastomoses or arteriovenous graft. According to the methods disclosed herein, the implantable material is provided to an exterior surface of a blood vessel. Certain embodiments of the flexible planar form define a slot.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and compositions comprising Slit2 agonists and antagonists useful for modulating hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) proliferation and growth. In some aspects, the disclosure provides methods and compositions for stimulating HSC proliferation in vivo, ex vivo, or in vitro. In other aspects, the disclosure provides methods and compositions for inhibiting HSC proliferation.

Abstract: A polypeptide selected from the group consisting of: (1) a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, and (2) a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence in which the third amino acid of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 is substituted by another amino acid and having insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) activity; a DNA encoding said polypeptide; a vector containing said DNA; a host cell containing said vector; and a method for preparing a recombinant protein using said polypeptide.

Abstract: Method for obtaining and expanding postembryonic hematopoietic stem cells from umbilical cord blood while avoiding unwanted differentiation. Initial cells from umbilical cord blood are proliferated and multiplied ex vivo in a stroma-free medium and in the presence of a regio-modified glycan or glycosaminoglycan. The regio-modified glycan or glycosaminoglycan, e.g. a heparin derivative, is N-desulfated, and N-reacetylated or N-reacylated, in essence, on C2 atoms. The heparin derivative advantageously comprises less than 5 percent of C3-O-sulfate, at least 60 percent C2-O-sulfate, and it is preferably added in a quantity of 15 to 50 mg/L to the medium in order to stop an unwanted differentiation. The stem cells generated in this manner can differentiate, after expansion, into myeloma cells and lymphatic cells, and they can be used as an immunotherapeutic agent against many diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nutritive medium, medium supplement, media subgroup and buffer formulations. The present invention provides powder nutritive medium, medium supplement and medium subgroup formulations, e.g., cell culture medium supplements (including powdered sera such as powdered fetal bovine serum (FBS)), medium subgroup formulations and cell culture media comprising all of the necessary nutritive factors that facilitate the in vitro cultivation of cells. The invention further provides powder buffer formulations that produce particular ionic and pH conditions upon reconstitution with a solvent. The invention provides methods for production of media, media supplement, media subgroup and buffer formulations, and also provides kits and methods for cultivation of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, particularly bacterial cells, yeast cells, plant cells and animal cells (including human cells) using these dry powder nutritive media, media supplement, media subgroup and buffer formulations.

Abstract: Methods are taught for culturing mammalian cells, preferably human cells, to improve production of proteins, recombinant or endogenous. Methods are also provided for the growth and long-term survival of cell lines, particularly cell lines established from primary culture. Cell culture media are also provided, contained varying levels of selected amino acids, supplemented with various growth factors and trace elements. In additionally, the media are optionally serum-free, and preferably use an energy source other than glucose. The media are particularly suitable for the primary culture and long-term culture of human fetal cells.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a preservative solution for cells, tissues and organs using a rare sugar and a preservation method using the solution. [Means for Resolution] A preservative solution for cryopreservation of animal or human organs and animal or plant tissues or cells, the solution containing a rare sugar D-allose. A preservative solution for cryopreservation of the human kidney, cells derived from animals or humans, or human or animal sperm and/or ovum and/or fermented ovum in which the cryopreservation is conducted at from ?5 to 20° C. A preservative solution for cryopreservation of cells derived from animals or humans, or human or animal sperm and/or ovum and/or fermented ovum in which the cryopreservation is conducted at a temperature at which to start freezing to ?196° C.

Abstract: The invention provides tissue culture system for primary cells (e.g. normal mammalian primary epithelial progenitors). This system includes: a) a serum-free, chemically defined cell culture media; and, b) methods for isolation and in vitro long-term propagation of primary cells (e.g. primary epithelial cells). Primary cells so isolated and cultured can be kept undifferentiated and proliferate for many weeks (>15 weeks) or population doubling (>35 PD) without senescence, or any detectable genetic alterations. Upon changing media/culture conditions, these cells can be induced to differentiate. The invention also provides methods to transform normal primary cells so cultured into “cancer stem cells.” The genetically defined cancer stem cell tumor model mimics the behavior of the disease closely, e.g., the cells are invasive, hormone responsive and metastatic when injected into mice. The tumor cells express genes that are specific to cancer stem cells identified in patient samples.

Abstract: Vascular endothelial growth factor alternative splice variants and methods of their use are provided.

Abstract: Embryonic stem (ES) cells are cultured in the presence of a compound which selectively inhibits propagation or survival of cells other than ES cells. The ES cells have not been genetically altered. Instead, the compound inhibits a signalling pathway which is essential for propagation of differentiated cells but is not essential for propagation of ES cells—hence ES cells are selectively maintained in the culture.

Abstract: Physiochemical parameters to improve the culturing and sub-culturing (here called cloning) of human embryonic stem cells have been investigated. Low levels of oxygen and higher than expected levels of osmolarity in the culture medium have both been found to contribute to the improved culture of human stem cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to metal binding compounds which may be added to cell culture media to replace factors required for cultivation of the cells (e.g. transferrin) which are of animal or human origin. More specifically, the invention is directed to metal binding compounds or complexes thereof comprising one or more transition element cations (such as ferrous or ferric ions), which are added to cell and tissue culture medium compositions. The metal binding compounds may be added to the media alone or may be first complexed with a transition metal ion. The invention is also directed to methods of use of such compositions, including, for example, methods for the cultivation of eukaryotic cells, particularly animal cells, in vitro. The invention also relates to compositions comprising such culture media and one or more cells, and to kits comprising one or more of the above-described compositions.

Abstract: Methods for the diagnosis of visceral, cutaneous and canine leishmaniasis in a subject suspected of being infected with the parasitic protozoa Leishmania is disclosed. Disclosed are antibody-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for the detection of antibodies to Leishmania parasite soluble antigens and antigen-capture ELISAs for the detection of Leishmania parasite soluble antigens in host samples. Also disclosed are immunodiagnostic kits for the detection of Leishmania parasite circulating antigens or IgM and IgG antibodies in a sample from subject having visceral, cutaneous or canine leishmaniasis. In these methods and kits, detection may be done photometrically or visually. The methods and kits also allow the visualization of Leishmania amastigotes or promastigotes in a sample.

Abstract: The invention provides systems, including apparatus, methods, and kits, for the microfluidic manipulation and/or detection of particles, such as cells and/or beads. The invention provides systems, including apparatus, methods, and kits, for the microfluidic manipulation and/or analysis of particles, such as cells, viruses, organelles, beads, and/or vesicles. The invention also provides microfluidic mechanisms for carrying out these manipulations and analyses. These mechanisms may enable controlled input, movement/positioning, retention/localization, treatment, measurement, release, and/or output of particles. Furthermore, these mechanisms may be combined in any suitable order and/or employed for any suitable number of times within a system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process and kit for isolating cone photoreceptor cells from retinal tissue with a purity level of at least 80%, typically of about 90%. The isolation process uses a PNA-panning procedure conducted on dissociated retinal tissue. The present invention also provides a culture medium enabling the in vitro survival and development of such isolated cone cells. The means of the invention are applicable to adult mammalian cone cells, and more particularly to adult human cone cells. They have the advantage of being applicable to pathologic or otherwise altered cone cells, and thus give access to the screening of compounds capable of showing neuroprotective activity on adult cone cells.

Abstract: An artificial physiological salt solution, wherein the active hydrogen reaction value is 0.01 to 1, the pH is 4.0 to 7.9 and the osmotic pressure is 260 mOsm/L to 2560 mOsm/L, as well as a manufacturing method for the same are provided as a novel artificial physiological salt solution, which has active oxygen eliminating activity and anti-inflammation effects, and can be appropriately used in a multitude of applications such as organ cleaning solutions (cleaning solutions for the eyes, cleaning solutions for the nose and the like), artificial infusions, artificial amniotic fluid, protective solutions, cell/tissue cultures and the like, as well as a manufacturing method for the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cell culture methods and compositions that are essentially serum-free and comprise a basal salt nutrient solution and an ErbB3 ligand.