Abstract: A method for expanding human corneal endothelial cells includes: (a) providing an amniotic membrane with or without amniotic cells, wherein the amniotic membrane has an extracellular matrix; (b) placing onto the amniotic membrane, a sheet of endothelial layer, or a cell suspension including human corneal endothelial stem cells; and (c) culturing the corneal endothelial cells on the amniotic membrane for a duration sufficient for the corneal endothelial stem cells to expand to an appropriate area. The invention also relates to a method for creating a surgical graft for a recipient site of a patient using the method for expanding human corneal endothelial cells, and the surgical graft prepared therefrom.

Abstract: A material comprising positively and negatively charged nanoparticles, wherein one of said nanoparticles contained a magnetically responsive element, are combined with a support molecule, which is a long natural or synthetic molecule or polymer to make a magnetic nanoparticle assembly. When the magnetic nanoparticle assembly is combined with cells, it will magnetize those cells. The magnetized cells can then be washed to remove the magnetic nanoparticle assembly and the magnetized cells manipulated in a magnetic field.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the manufacture and use of hydrogels with increased permeability to macromolecules with minimum loss of matrix mechanical strength and prepolymer viscosity for patternability. The hydrogels of the invention are formed from a prepolymer, which is polymerized in the presence of hydrophobic nanoparticles. In some embodiments of the invention cells are present during polymerization, and are encapsulated by the hydrogel. A high interfacial energy between the hydrophobic substrate and the aqueous polymerizing solution disrupts the hydrogel network structure, leading to network defects that increase permeability without loss of patternability.

Abstract: A culture medium is used for culturing neural cells. Each neural cell includes a neural cell body and at least one neurite branched from the neural cell body. The culture medium includes a substrate and a carbon nanotube structure located on the substrate. The carbon nanotube structure includes a number of carbon nanotube wires spaced apart from each other. A distance between adjacent carbon nanotube wires is greater than or equal to diameters of the neural cell bodies. The carbon nanotube wires are capable of guiding extending directions of the neurites.

Abstract: A method for culturing neural cells using a culture medium is provided. Each neural cell includes a neural cell body and at least one neurite branched from the neural cell body. The culture medium includes a substrate and a carbon nanotube structure located on the substrate. A surface of the carbon nanotube structure is polarized to form a polar surface. The neural cells are cultured on the polar surface to grow neurites along the carbon nanotube wires. The carbon nanotube structure includes a number of carbon nanotube wires spaced apart from each other. A distance between adjacent carbon nanotube wires is greater than or equal to a diameter of the neural cell body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a plurality of gold nanoparticles in a plant, the method comprising growing the plant hydroponically, contacting at least a first part of the plant with a substance comprising at least one gold salt, providing an average photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) to at least second part of the plant, waiting a period of time sufficient for formation of a plurality of gold nanoparticles in at least a portion of the plant, thereby manufacturing the plurality of gold nanoparticles in the plant. Disclosed also are, inter alia, a plurality of gold nanoparticles manufactured by such a method; an article of manufacture comprising a plurality of gold nanoparticles manufactured by such a method; and a plurality of triangular gold nanoparticles manufactured by such a method.

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 are scaffolds for regeneration of articular cartilage which are applicable to both the superficial zone and the middle zone of articular cartilage, and a method for manufacturing the same. The scaffolds have sufficient mechanical properties to support the implantation and regeneration of chondrocytes, and allow cells to show high cell viability with a high content of sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). In addition, being applicable to both the superficial zone and the middle zone of articular cartilage, the scaffolds facilitate cell adhesion and provide biomimetic surface environments that are effective for growing and differentiating stem cells. Therefore, the scaffolds are helpful in regenerating damaged articular cartilage, thus finding applications in stem cell therapy for articular cartilage damage and disease. Also, the application of the scaffolds can be extended to prostheses of the ear and the nose in plastic surgery.

Abstract: Provided are methods of enhancing ex vivo proliferation of a T cell population, the methods comprising contacting the T cell population with IL-7 and anti-CD3/CD28 antibody to activate and expand the T cell population. Further provided are methods of generating an antigen-specific cytotoxic T cell population comprising priming a CD3/CD28-expanded T cell population against an antigen (e.g., a cancer cell) in the presence of at least one of IL-7, IL-12, and IL-15, or a combination thereof. Further provided are methods of treating T cell lymphopenia in a subject, comprising administering a CD3/CD28-expanded T cell population to the subject.

Abstract: A method for culturing neural cells using a culture medium is provided. Each neural cell includes a neural cell body and at least one neurite branched from the neural cell body. The culture medium includes a substrate and a carbon nanotube structure located on the substrate. A surface of the carbon nanotube structure is polarized to form a polar surface. The neural cells are cultured on the polar surface to grow neurites along the carbon nanotube wires. The carbon nanotube structure includes a number of carbon nanotube wires spaced apart from each other. A distance between adjacent carbon nanotube wires is greater than or equal to a diameter of the neural cell body.

Abstract: A method for making a culture medium for culturing neural cells is provided. Each neural cell includes a neural cell body and at least one neurite branched from the neural cell body. The method includes the following steps. An original carbon nanotube structure is provided. The original carbon nanotube structure includes at least one drawn carbon nanotube film including a number of carbon nanotubes joined end to end by van der Waals force. The carbon nanotubes are substantially oriented along a same direction. A carbon nanotube structure including a number of carbon nanotube wires spaced from each other is formed from the original carbon nanotube structure. A distance between adjacent carbon nanotube wires is larger than or equal to a diameter of the neural cell body, the carbon nanotube wires are capable of guiding extending directions of the neurites. The carbon nanotube structure is fixed on a substrate.

Abstract: A carrier substrate for primary tissue culture has a nanotube array. A tissue culture vessel has an outer vessel and a nanotube carrier substrate with a nanotube array, located within the outer vessel, wherein the surface roughness of the nanotube array is 1 nm to 100 nm. The nanotube array is used for in vitro culturing of primary tissue in connection with a tissue culture vessel for in vitro culturing of primary tissue and a method for in vitro culturing primary tissue, wherein a nanotube array is arranged essentially horizontal inside an outer cell culture vessel, so that openings of the nanotubes point at least in upward direction, the nanotube array is contacted with cell culture medium and an isolated primary tissue sample is placed on top-side on said nanotube array.

Abstract: A dynamic and noninvasive method of monitoring the adhesion and proliferation of biological cells through multimode operation (acoustic and optical) using a ZnO nanostructure-modified quartz crystal microbalance (ZnOnano-QCM) biosensor is disclosed.

Abstract: A graft includes a carbon nanotube structure and a biological tissue. The carbon nanotube structure has a polar surface. The polar surface is formed by treating the carbon nanotube structure with polarization. The biological tissue is adhered on the polar surface. In addition, a method for manufacturing a graft is also provided.

Abstract: A cell culture article including a substrate having nanoparticles on the substrate surface, the nanoparticle including: a polymer of formula (I) where (x), (y), (z), R, R?, R?, S, W, and X, are as defined herein. Methods for making the cell culture article or cell culture article and methods for performing an assay of a ligand with the article are also disclosed.

Abstract: In accordance with the purpose(s) of the present disclosure, as embodied and broadly described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure, in one aspect, relate to methods of making a structure including nanotubes, a structure including nanotubes, methods of delivering a fluid to a cell, methods of removing a fluid to a cell, methods of accessing intracellular space, and the like.

Abstract: A method for magnetic sorting of mammalian sperm cells having damaged membranes is described. In an embodiment of the invention, carboxyl-group functionalized magnetic particles are conjugated to propidium iodide, the resulting composition is mixed with a sample of sperm cells, and sperm cells bound to magnetic particles are separated by magnetic-activated cell sorting.

Abstract: Cartilage has been constructed using biodegradable electrospun polymeric scaffolds seeded with chondrocytes or adult mesenchymal stem cells. More particularly engineered cartilage has been prepared where the cartilage has a biodegradable and biocompatible nanofibrous polymer support prepared by electrospinning and a plurality of chondocytes or mesenchymal stem cells dispersed in the pores of the support. The tissue engineered cartilages of the invention possess compressive strength properties similar to natural cartilage. Methods of preparing engineered tissues, including tissue engineered cartilages, are provided in which an electrospun nanofibrous polymer support is provided, the support is treated with a cell solution and the polymer-cell mixture cultured in a rotating bioreactor to generate the cartilage. The invention provides for the use of the tissue engineered cartilages in the treatment of cartilage degenerative diseases, reconstructive surgery, and cosmetic surgery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the toxicity assessment of nano-materials, and more specifically, it is relates to an objective, reproducible and accurate assessment method for the unbiased toxicity testings of nano-materials, which minimize artifacts of the conventional methods for the toxicity assessment of the nano-materials by considering the dose characteristics of the nano-material itself using Selective multi-Plane Illumination Microcopy (SPIM); and the response characteristics of the nano-material using the improved or novel cellular responses assessment methods for nano-materials (e.g., modified MTT assay using image cytometric analysis, normal-inverted exposure apparatus, and modified flow cytometry), and a system and an apparatus thereof.

Abstract: A method for forming a nerve graft includes the following steps. A carbon nanotube structure is provided. A hydrophilic layer is formed on a surface of the carbon nanotube structure. The hydrophilic layer is polarized to form a polar surface on the hydrophilic layer. A number of neurons are formed on the polar surface of the hydrophilic layer to form a nerve network. The neurons connect with each other.

Abstract: A material comprising positively and negatively charged nanoparticles, wherein one of said nanoparticles contained a magnetically responsive element, are combined with a support molecule, which is a long natural or synthetic molecule or polymer to make a magnetic nanoparticle assembly. When the magnetic nanoparticle assembly is combined with cells, it will magnetize those cells. The magnetized cells can then be washed to remove the magnetic nanoparticle assembly and the magnetized cells manipulated in a magnetic field.

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: 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 is directed to methods of inducing spatial organization of cells an in vitro culture system using ultrasound technology. The invention is further directed to methods of inducing extracellular matrix remodeling and neovessel formation in an in vitro culture system and generating vascularized engineered tissue constructs using ultrasound technology.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for the fabrication of 3D polymeric fibers having micron, sub-micron, and nanometer dimensions, as well as methods of use of these polymeric fibers.

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: Nano scale collagen particles can be obtained from an embrittling and attrition process that reduces the size of collagen particles to the nano scale. These nano scale collagen particles have many favorable properties such as providing beneficial and enhanced properties for cell seeding and wound healing. The nano scale collagen particles can be included in biocompatible (e.g., biostable or biodegradable) compositions and are useful for wound treatment and management, as well as in cell cultures and tissue engineering implants.

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

Abstract: Fabrication of yarns or other shaped articles from materials in powder form (or nanoparticles or nanofibers) using carbon nanotube/nanofiber sheet as a platform (template). This includes methods for fabricating biscrolled yarns using carbon nanotube/nanofiber sheets and biscrolled fibers fabricated thereby.

Abstract: Described herein are composites useful in tissue and organ engineering. In one aspect, the composite comprises the reaction product between a macromolecule comprising at least one thiol group and a gold nanoparticle. The thiolated macro-molecule crosslinks with the gold nanoparticle to produce a composite that is useful in anchoring cells. The composites can be used to form multi-layer 3-D structures, where the cells in each layer can aggregate and fuse with one another to form tissues and organs.

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: Compositions and methods are provided for the manufacture and use of hydrogels with increased permeability to macromolecules with minimum loss of matrix mechanical strength and prepolymer viscosity for patternability. The hydrogels of the invention are formed from a prepolymer, which is polymerized in the presence of hydrophobic nanoparticles. In some embodiments of the invention cells are present during polymerization, and are encapsulated by the hydrogel. A high interfacial energy between the hydrophobic substrate and the aqueous polymerizing solution disrupts the hydrogel network structure, leading to network defects that increase permeability without loss of patternability.

Abstract: The invention relates a multilayer preform obtained by electro-spinning, which preform is suitable as a scaffold for a prosthesis, which preform comprises at least one layer of microfibres and at least one layer of nanofibres, wherein the pore size of the at least one layer of microfibres is in the range of 1-300 micrometre and in that the pore size of the at least one layer of nanofibres is in the range of 1-300 micrometre. The present invention also relates to a method of producing said preform. The present invention also relates to the use of the present preform as a substrate for growing human or animal tissue thereon. The present invention furthermore relates to a method for growing human or animal tissue on a substrate, wherein the present preform is used as the substrate.

Abstract: Methods of preparing pre-engineered surfaces using various nanolithography techniques to generate, isolate, and multiply homogeneous cell populations. Surfaces can be treated by etching before exposure to biological systems like cells. Stem cell applications are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to supports for bioassays and the use thereof in cell culturing and in cell-based methods and assays. More precisely, the invention provides solid materials coated with films of nanostructured titanium dioxide suitable for the immobilisation of viruses and for cell-adhesion. The nanostructured TiO2 film-coated support of the invention is particularly useful for the preparation of microarrays for genetic and phenotypic analysis.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for cryopreserving a cell is described. The method includes encapsulating a cell in a microcapsule, the microcapsule having a diameter of less than about 100 ?M. The method further includes vitrifying the encapsulated cell in a vitrifying solution comprising a cryoprotectant, wherein the cell is cooled at a rate of equal to or greater than 30,000° C./min and the cryoprotectant is present at a concentration of less than or equal to 1.5 M.

Abstract: A nanostructure composed of a plurality of peptides, each peptide containing at least one aromatic amino acid, whereby one or more of these peptides is end-capping modified, is disclosed. The nanostructure can take a tubular, fibrillar, planar or spherical shape, and can encapsulate, entrap or be coated by other materials. Methods of preparing the nanostructure, and devices and methods utilizing same are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing a cell culture vessel (10) having a carbon nanotube (CNT) layer (14) on its surface. The method comprises the steps of providing a vessel (12) having a predetermined shape; providing a CNT dispersion of a CNT material composed primarily of CNT dispersed in a dispersion medium at a concentration of not more than 50 mg/L; and forming the carbon nanotube layer (14) on the surface of the vessel (12). The formation of the CNT layer (14) is achieved by alternately repeating a supply step of applying the CNT dispersion solution to the vessel (12) and a drying step of drying the applied dispersion solution one or more times.

Abstract: The invention provides articles of manufacture comprising biocompatible nanostructures comprising nanotubes and nanopores for, e.g., organ, tissue and/or cell growth, e.g., for bone, kidney or liver growth, and uses thereof, e.g., for in vitro testing, in vivo implants, including their use in making and using artificial organs, and related therapeutics. The invention provides lock-in nanostructures comprising a plurality of nanopores or nanotubes, wherein the nanopore or nanotube entrance has a smaller diameter or size than the rest (the interior) of the nanopore or nanotube. The invention also provides dual structured biomaterial comprising micro- or macro-pores and nanopores. The invention provides biomaterials having a surface comprising a plurality of enlarged diameter nanopores and/or nanotubes.

Abstract: Methods of making a biologically active three-dimensional scaffold capable of supporting growth and differentiation of a cell are described. Biologically active three-dimensional scaffold made by the methods of the invention and an engineered tissue made from the scaffolds are described. Fibers of desired porosity can be obtained from non-structural ECM by lyophilization and/or electrospinning which can be useful for numerous tissue engineering applications requiring complex scaffolds, such as wound healing, artificial skin (burns), soft tissue replacement/repair and spinal cord injury.