The present invention relates to a nano-ligand for promoting cell adhesion and regeneration of macrophages and a method of promoting cell adhesion and regeneration of macrophages by using the nano-ligand. The method of promoting cell adhesion and regeneration of macrophages according to the present invention applies a magnetic field to a substrate including the nano-ligand, so that it is possible to reversely control the sliding of the nano-ligand, as well as temporally and spatially control the sliding of the nano-ligand, and efficiently control cell adhesion and phenotypic polarization of macrophages in vivo or ex vivo through the magnetic field-based spatiotemporal control.

The present disclosure provides a method of fabricating curvature-defined (C-D) or shape-defined (S-D) concave and convex polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surfaces and a method of fabricating C-D or S-D convex and concave gel surfaces for use in cell and tissue culturing and in other surface and interface applications, and provides a method of using C-D or S-D convex and concave surfaces with varying curvatures to direct cell attachment, spreading, and migration.

Among the various aspects of the present disclosure is the provision of methods, synthetic DC, and compositions for T cell activation. The present disclosure provides for synthetic dendritic cells (DCs), methods of generating synthetic dendritic cells (DCs), methods of generating T cell-encapsulated gelatin microspheres and microcapsules, methods of activating T cells using synthetic DCs, methods for expanding T cells against individualized antigen-specific mutational antigens using synthetic DCs, and methods of treating a chronic disease (e.g., HIV, HPV) or cancer using the synthetic DCs.

The present disclosure provides processes for genetically engineering T cells, such as primary CD4+ T cells and/or CD8+ T cells, for use in cell therapy that does not involve expanding the cells. In particular aspects, the provided processes successfully generate compositions of engineered T cells, such as containing populations of engineered T cells, that express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) within a shortened amount of time as compared to alternative engineering processes, such as processes that involve expanding the cells. In certain aspects, the provided processes successfully generate a composition of engineered T cells suitable for use in cell therapy within 4 days from when the process to stimulate or activate the cells is initiated. In some aspects, the resulting engineered cell compositions are composed of cell population that are less differentiated, less exhausted, and more potent than engineered T cell compositions generated by other means, such as by processes that involve expanding the cells. Also provided are compositions of T cells generated by the provided methods and their uses for treating subjects.

A method of preparing and obtaining cell aggregates having increased oxygenation abilities. The method includes the preparation of fluorinated polymeric microparticles. Once the fluorinated polymeric microparticles are prepared, they are combined with mammalian cells to create the cell aggregates having increased oxygenation.

Disclosed are compositions and methods for pluripotent stem cell culture. Compositions include mineral coated microparticles having a core and a mineral coating, wherein the mineral coating includes fibroblast growth factor. Also disclosed are methods for pluripotent stem cell culture methods using mineral coated microparticles including fibroblast growth factor.

The present invention is directed to the use of microfluidics in the preparation of cells and compositions for therapeutic uses.

The present invention features assays for co-culturing primary cells while maintaining key biological activities specific to the primary cells. The invention is based, at least in part, on the discovery that compositions and methods for primary cells in a high-throughput co-culture platform, image analysis for distinguishing cells in co-cultures and assays that are suitable for screening of agents in epithelial cells, such as hepatocytes.

Methods for producing megakaryocytic progenitors (preMKs) and megakaryocytes (MKs) from stem cells are provided. The present disclosure further provides compositions comprising preMKs and MKs and their lysates, and also methods of use of preMKs, MKs, their lysates and compositions thereof.

The present disclosure provides a culture substrate for culturing stem cells, the culture substrate including a surface portion having: soft regions that extend side by side along a plurality of directions intersecting each other; and a plurality of stiff regions compartmented by the soft regions, wherein in the surface portion, the stiff regions have acute angle parts protruding toward the soft regions, and the cells can be deformed into a shape that is accommodated within the region of the stiff regions.