Abstract: The question is to increase the quality and safety of the media used in embryo and cell manipulations by means of supplementation, in the manipulation medium, by one or several of the following compounds: synthetic hyaluronan ( sHA), phospholipids or unsaturated fatty acids obtained from soybean seeds (PLFA), replacing others which are habitually added to embryo manipulation media and which produce potential damage and/or contamination by viruses, prions, endotoxins, etc., this being important with regard to the quality of the embryos or cells which it is desired to generate, both for the production of transgenic animals, for animal production, and for cell therapy or assisted reproduction; achieving a reduction in adhesiveness and an increase in viscosity, without losing the fluidity of the medium; this is essential in micro-manipulations such as ICSI, nuclear transfer, embryo biopsies, the micro-injection of cells into embryos in pre-implantational stages, or cell fusion.

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.

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: The invention is directed to a chemically defined animal cell culture media, and methods for preparing such a medium, wherein the media are suitable for culturing epidermal cells, preferably human epidermal cells, including cells of the hair follicle. The invention further provides for methods of culturing epidermal cells, hair follicles, and skin explants in the media as well as uses of the cell cultures and explant cultures in screening assays.

Abstract: The present invention provides a role for neurotrophins in hES cell survival and important new insights into the molecular mechanisms controlling the growth of these cells. Although previous studies identified growth factors that affect self-renewal of hES cells, the novelty of the present invention is the identification of factors that act through specific receptors present on hES cells and activate the receptors at physiological concentrations to promote survival and proliferation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to improve current culturing methods for the differentiation of cardiomyocytes from hES cells. The method includes culturing the hES cells in the presence of ascorbic acid or a derivative thereof. Preferably the culturing is conducted in serum free conditions. The invention also includes isolated cardiomyocytes and cardiac progenitors differentiated by the methods as well as the use of these cells in methods of treating and preventing cardiac diseases and conditions. Culture media and extracellular media are also provided which include ascorbic acid for the differentiation of hES cells to cardiomyocytes.

Abstract: The invention relates to nutrient media, in particular cell culture media, which contain at least one substance selected from the group comprising citric acid, succinic acid, malic acid, ?-keto-glutaric acid, fumaric acid, oxalacetic acid, isocitric acid, oxalosuccinic acid, tartaric acid, lactic acid, adipic acid and mixtures thereof and salts, derivatives or complexes of these acids. The invention further relates to the use and methods of production of said cell culture media, methods of cultivation of a cell culture in a cell culture medium according to the invention and cells that can be obtained by said methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to adipose tissue-derived stem cells and to methods and compositions for enhancing growth and differentiation of such cells. The invention further relates to growing such cells in serum-free or low serum growth medium, and formulations thereof.

Abstract: Differentiation towards a neural fate, and away from a non-neural fate, is promoted by activation of Notch signalling in ES cells and then transferring the cells into neural differentiation protocols. Media for neural differentiation comprises a Notch activator, e.g. a notch ligand that can be clustered. Genetic manipulation is used as an alternative to media additives for Notch activation.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and media for preparing and maintaining self-renewing pluripotent embryonic stem cells. The methods include, in some embodiments, culturing embryonic stem cells in culture medium that includes culture medium conditioned by cells that express wnt3a.

Abstract: Methods of improving protein production in animal cell cultures are provided. Cell culture methods are presented wherein glucose is fed in a restricted manner to cell culture; this restricted feeding of glucose to the cell culture results in lactate production being controlled to a low level. The restricted feeding of glucose in a fed-batch process is not accomplished through a constant-rate feeding of glucose, and the restricted feeding need not depend on sampling. Instead, restricted feeding of glucose to the culture is accomplished through feeding of glucose to the culture at a rate that is a function of an expected or a premodeled rate of glucose consumption by the animal cells when exposed to medium containing a high level of glucose. Because lactate production is controlled to low levels, recombinant protein production is increased.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a cytotoxic lymphocyte characterized in that the method comprises the step of carrying out at least one of induction, maintenance and expansion of a cytotoxic lymphocyte in the presence of fibronectin, a fragment thereof or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: The invention comprises a process for producing a protein of interest in a perfusion system using induction agents without a substantial loss of cell viability. The invention also comprises methods of growing cells in a perfusion system using induction agents without a substantial loss of cell viability.

Abstract: An in vitro culture and/or fertilization medium containing N-acetylcysteine amide (NAC amide) reduces or prevents oxidative stress and free radical formation that contribute to the cellular damage and eventual demise of sperm, oocytes and embryos that are cultured, fertilized and maintained in vitro. The NAC amide-containing medium composition for in vitro culture and fertilization is suitable for use in the culture of oocytes, in the culture and development of early embryos, in the preparation or culture of sperm, and in the pre-treatment of oocytes or sperm. The NAC amide-containing composition supports the growth of viable embryos until blastocyst stage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process of differentiating stem cells, in particular hES cells, into cardiomyocytes and into neural progenitors by growing the hES cells in the presence of a defined medium that is substantially free of xeno- and serum-components and thus comprises a clinically compliant medium. The defined media comprises defined factors that contribute to the promotion of differentiation to cardiomyocytes and neural progenitors. The invention also includes defined culture media and cell populations and methods of using them.

Abstract: An isolated mammalian extraembryonic endoderm-like cell line is provided. Methods for producing isolated mammalian extraembryonic endoderm-like cell line derived from a mammalian pluripotent stem cell culture are provided. Primate or human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) spontaneously generate the primate or human extraembryonic endoderm-like cell line wherein the extraembryonic endoderm-like cells sustain the pluripotence of the primate or human ESCs.

Abstract: A medium is described for the protein-free and serum-free cultivation of cells, especially mammalian cells, whereby the medium contains a proportion of soy hydrolysate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for inducing differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells into mature neurons by culturing them in an optimal medium supplemented with necessary composition. According to the pre-induction method of the invention and a method for inducing differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into neurons by culturing them in neuronal induction media (NIM) containing butyl hydroxyanisole, forskolin and VPA, mesenchymal stem cells can be effectively differentiated into neurons or motor neurons, which thereby can be effectively used as a therapeutic agent for cell therapy for neurodegenerative diseases.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the preservation of cells using glucosaminoglycans and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: While culture medium and systems have been described that permit the culture and proliferation of human embryonic stem cells in feeder free and animal product free conditions, these conditions will not readily support cloning of an embryonic stem cell culture meaning, at least here, the initiation of a sub-culture using one or a very few originating cells. It has been found here that a class of small molecules that are inhibitors of kinase enzymes will increase the efficiency of cloning of stem cell cultures sufficiently to make such cloning practical in the defined medium and in other media as well.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cell adhesion promoting (“CAP”) peptide combinations that promote cell attachment or cell adhesion to culture surfaces that are otherwise cell adhesion resistant “CAR”. The invention provides combination of peptides that, when covalently coupled to a CAR layer such as hyaluronic acid that has been created on a polystyrene surface, promote cell attachment, growth differentiation, and execution of other desired cellular functions in culture.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to tissue-engineering scaffolds containing both a microporous scaffold made from a biocompatible material suitable for use in tissue-engineering scaffolds and a nanofiberous, nanoporous hydrogel formed from a self-assembling peptide, where at least a portion of the hydrogel is disposed within the pores of the microporous scaffold, thus providing tissue-engineering scaffolds having average pore diameters in the nanometer range and that provide both mechanical properties suitable for implantation into a body of a mammal and excellent tissue response once implanted in the body.

Abstract: Compositions comprising biopolymers such as alginates and cell attachment peptides are disclosed. Compositions may optionally further comprise cells. Methods for repairing or treating a tissues and organs with such compositions and systems for providing such compositions to tissues and organs, and methods for delivering desired proteins to individual with such compositions and systems for providing such compositions are also disclosed. In vitro methods of culturing cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for producing mammalian cells having enhanced characteristics such as faster growth rates and the ability to grow to higher cell densities. The invention also relates to methods for producing cells having the ability to grow in media lacking components such as insulin and insulin substitutes. The invention also relates to isolated mammalian cells having improved growth characteristics and/or the ability to grow in media lacking components such as insulin and insulin substitutes.

Abstract: Self renewal of pluripotent cells in culture is promoted using a serum-free medium that comprises, inter alia, insulin and progesterone and has an osmolarity of 260-270 Osm/kg.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a medium, broth or agar, and a method of utilizing the same, in order to isolate and/or identify anaerobes from a mixed sample that contains facultative microorganisms. The medium contains an inhibitor of the electron transport system, such as a salt of azide (N3?), cyanide (CN?) or related compounds. These inhibitors are present in an amount sufficient to limit the growth of facultative microorganisms under anaerobic conditions while not inhibiting the growth of the anaerobe microorganisms. Preferably, the inhibitor is present in the amount of from about 0.1 mg/ml to about 1.0 mg/ml in broth medium, and from about 0.01 mg/ml to 1.0 mg/ml in agar medium.

Abstract: A buffer solution for suspending animal or human cells and for dissolving biologically active molecules in order to introduce said biologically active molecules into the cells using electric current. The buffer solution includes at least one of sodium succinate, mannitol and sodium lactobionate. The buffer solution has a buffer capacity of at least 20 mmol*l?1*pH?1 at a change in the pH from pH 7 to pH 8 and at a temperature of 25° C., and an ionic strength of at least 200 mmol*l?1.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to construct a culture device optimized for culturing animal cells. The present invention provides a device for culturing cells which comprises at least one water-containing polymer gel film for adhering animal cells onto at least one surface of the film, and has a structure capable of supplying different liquids to both sides of the film.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a medium for a serum-free medium capable of culturing ES cells for a long period while maintaining their undifferentiated state without using feeder cells, and a basal medium for producing the medium thus described. The basal medium of the present invention is characterized by that it has composition shown by Table I. Further, the present invention discloses a medium for ES cells produced with the basal medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a buffer solution for suspending animal or human cells and for dissolving biologically active molecules in order to introduce biologically active molecules into cells using an electric current. The inventive buffer solution has a buffering capacity of at least 20 mmol?1×pH?1 and an ionic strength of at least 200 mmol×1?1 during a change to the pH value from pH 7 to pH 8 and at a temperature of 25° C. The use of a buffer solution of this type allows biologically active molecules to be introduced into animal and human cells with a high degree of transfection efficiency and at the same time a low cell mortality. Different cell types, in particular dormant and actively dividing cells of low activity, can be successfully transfected in the buffer solution.

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: Described herein are compounds such as macromolecules that have been modified in order to facilitate crosslinking by introduction of at least one hydrazide-reactive group and/or aminooxy-reactive group, and methods of making and using thereof for scar-free wound healing, for delivering bioactive agents or living cells, for preventing adhesion after a surgical procedure or for bone and cartilage repair. The macromolecule can be an oligonucleotide, a necleic acid, a polypeptide, a lipid, a glycoprotein, a glycolipid, a polysaccharide, a protein or a synthetic polymer, preferably a glycosaminoglycan like hyaluronan.

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 unique medium for the cultivation of intestinal cell lines. The medium allows for the development of a highly differentiated intestinal epithelial cell monolayer in a much shorter period of time than currently possible without the aid of cell culture substrates.

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: A method for culturing cells in the presence of an alcanoic acid for enhancing protein production.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of generating neurons from stem cells which comprises culturing neurons in a medium and culturing the stem cells in the resultant mixture. The present invention also relates to a medium for culturing stem cells prepared by culturing neurons in a base culture medium.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to cryopreservation and a method for preventing injury caused by cooling and warming of tissue and for reducing the toxicity of vitrification solutions. The present method achieves reduction or elimination of injury by increasing the tonicity of the medium to greater than isotonic prior to cooling. The method was developed by attempting to simulate without freezing, the events that take place during freezing living cells and/or tissue. A further benefit of the method is that, since the cryopreservation medium is hypertonic, it can be diluted to a more extreme degree in one step once the system is rewarmed, without engendering the degree of cell swelling that would attend the same dilution factor when diluting an isotonic cryopreservation medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for in vitro maturation of oocytes comprising the steps of: (a) culturing one or more GV oocytes in a culture medium, the culture medium comprising a nuclear maturation inhibiting substance and comprising one or more gonadotropins and/or one or more growth factors, the culturing taking place for a time period sufficient for cytoplasmatic maturation to occur; (b) washing the GV oocytes of step (a) to remove the nuclear maturation inhibiting substance; (c) culturing the washed oocytes of step (b) in a culture medium comprising one or more gonadotropins and/or one or more growth factors and/or MAS for a time period sufficient for nuclear maturation. The invention also relates to an oocyte culture medium comprising a nuclear maturation inhibiting substance and comprising one or more gonadotropins and/or one or more growth factors.

Abstract: Peptides are provided having an excellent safety, stability due to relatively low molecular weights thereof, and cell growth promotion, which are different from cell growth factors produced by abnormal cells such as tumor cells. Peptide compositions which are excellent in promoting cell growth containing partial peptides of one or more peptide chains selected from peptide chains forming noncrystalline portions constituting silk protein. The partial peptides have specific amino acid sequences formed of four to forty amino acid residues. This invention has succeeded in providing novel peptides excellent for cell growth by separating and fractionating peptides, having specific amino acid sequences of molecular weights not higher than 10,000, preferably ranging from 4,000 to 400, from the noncrystalline portions of silk protein as well as by synthesizing peptides similar to such peptides.

Abstract: A solid medium having a 10 minute-average water absorption rate of at least 0.05 ml/minute, which is obtainable by a method for producing a solid medium comprising the steps of dissolving components of the solid medium other than solvent water into the solvent water, solidifying the obtained solution, and drying the solidified medium to remove water, wherein water is removed in such an amount that the solid medium after the removal of water should have the 10 minute-average water absorption rate of at least 0.05 ml/minute, and the amount of the solvent water is larger than a prescribed amount by an amount almost equal to the amount of the water to be removed. The solid medium does not cause growth inhibition of microorganisms due to drying, shows a superior water absorption rate to enable application of a larger amount of a sample in a short period of time, and is suitable for quick and accurate measurement tests of microbial numbers.

Abstract: The present invention provides defined serum-free cell culture media useful in culturing fibroblasts, especially articular chondrocytes, that avoids problems inherent in the use of serum-containing media. The defined media comprise platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and chemically defined lipids, or combinations of these compounds. In another aspect, the present invention also provides tissue culture methods that comprise incubating chondrocytes in the defined serum free media. The methods enhance attachment and proliferative expansion of chondrocytes seeded at low density while maintaining their redifferentiation potential.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cell adhesion promoting (“CAP”) peptide combinations that promote cell attachment or cell adhesion to culture surfaces that are otherwise cell adhesion resistant “CAR”. The invention provides combination of peptides that, when covalently coupled to a CAR layer such as hyaluronic acid that has been created on a polystyrene surface, promote cell attachment, growth differentiation, and execution of other desired cellular functions in culture.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medium for cultivating tumor cells, comprising the following constituents, as comprised for example in the medium RPMI 1640: (a) fetal calf serum (FCS), (b) penicillin-streptomycin, (c) L-glutamine, (d) transferrin, (e) insulin, (f) human epidermal growth factor (EGF) and (g) ?-TGF. A method for characterizing tumor cells or potential tumor cells, respectively, is also described. Said method includes the culturing of cells in the inventive medium and the two tumor cell lines LNHOS1 and PTHOS1 established by means of the inventive culturing method.

Abstract: Immortalized human stromal cell lines sustain and expand human hematopoietic precursor cells. The precursor cells are obtained from a blood product and inoculated into a culture medium conditioned by exposure to a human stromal cell line. Preferred human stromal cell lines secrete SCF, LIF, MIP1?, and IL-6, as exemplified by a human stromal cell line designated HS-1. The conditioned culture medium may be supplemented with additional growth factors, such as interleukin-3. After expansion the human hematopoietic precursor cells are harvested and returned to a patient or frozen and stored. The immortalized human stromal cell lines can also be used as feeder layers in ex vivo bone marrow cultures or in colony forming assays.

Abstract: Serum-free media for growth and proliferation of chondrocytes and mesenchymal stem cells in culture are provided. A serum-free medium for growth of chondrocytes includes a serum-free composition comprising FGF-2, linoleic acid, ascorbic acid, B-mercaptoethanol, transferrin and dexamethasone. Further, the composition comprises EGF, PDGFbb, insulin and albumin. A method for growing chondrocytes in a serum free medium comprising the compostion is also provided. Also provided for mesenchymal stem cell growth, is a serum-free medium which includes a composition comprising FGF-2, LIF, SCF, pantotenate, biotin and selenium and method, therefore.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cell adhesion promoting (“CAP”) peptide combinations that promote cell attachment or cell adhesion to culture surfaces that are otherwise cell adhesion resistant “CAR”. The invention provides combination of peptides that, when covalently coupled to a CAR layer such as hyaluronic acid that has been created on a polystyrene surface, promote cell attachment, growth differentiation, and execution of other desired cellular functions in culture.

Abstract: The invention provides an in vitro culture medium for in vitro-produced porcine embryo for the in vitro culture thereof, which can improve the quality of the resulting blastocyst and can raise the ratio of the development into fetus and infant after transfer, along with a method for in vitro culturing in vitro-produced porcine embryo using the culture medium, which can improve the quality of the resulting blastocyst and can develop the blastocyst into fetus and infant after transfer. A culture medium for the in vitro culture of in vitro-produced porcine embryo, which contains lactic acid and pyruvic acid; a culture medium for the in vitro culture, which is conditioned with oviductal epithelial cell; and a method for in vitro culturing in vitro-produced porcine embryo, comprising culturing the in vitro-produced porcine embryo using the culture medium for the 0 to 2-day term after fertilization and subsequently culturing the embryo in a glucose-containing culture medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to materials and methods for producing equivalents of tissues of the ocular surface, especially conjunctival tissue equivalents. The method of the invention involves biopsy of an appropriate tissue, primary culture in a certain medium, proliferative culture in a second medium, and differentiative culture in a third medium. The tissue equivalents are typically grown upon a substrate, typically amniotic membrane, which provides ease of handling as one advantage.

Abstract: The present invention provides specific peptides identified as having cell adhesion, growth, expression or secretion-enhancing activities. Many of the peptides of the invention may be produced in large quantity by such means as chemical synthesis or recombinant DNA methodology. They may be non-specifically adsorbed, or chemically attached to a surface or, alternatively, formulated in a culture medium to produce the desired effect on cultured cells.