The subject invention concerns materials and methods for expansion of stem cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), that improve translational success of the cells in the treatment of various conditions. The subject invention utilizes cell self-aggregation as a non-genetic means to enhance their therapeutic potency in a microcarrier bioreactor. In one embodiment of the method cells are cultured in a container or vessel in the presence of thermally responsive microcarriers (TRMs) wherein cells adhere to the surface of the TRMs. After a period of time the cell culture temperature is reduced so that the cells detach from the TRMs. The detached cells are allowed to form 3D aggregates. The 3D aggregates can be collected and treated to dissociate the cells. Dissociated cells can then be used for transplantation in methods of treatment or for in vitro characterization and study.

The present invention relates to a nano-ligand for promoting cell adhesion and differentiation of stem cells and a method of promoting cell adhesion and differentiation of stem cells by using the nano-ligand, and the method of promoting cell adhesion and differentiation of stem cells according to the present invention may temporally and spatially, and reversibly control nano-ligand sliding by applying a magnetic field to a substrate including the nano-ligands, and efficiently control stem cell adhesion and differentiation ex vivo or in vivo through the magnetic-field based on spatiotemporal control.

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.

A modular engineered tissue construct includes a plurality of fused self-assembled, scaffold-free, high-density cell aggregates. At least one cell aggregate includes a plurality of cells and a plurality of biocompatible and biodegradable nanoparticles and/or microparticles that are incorporated within the cell aggregates. The nanoparticles and/or microparticles acting as a bulking agent within the cell aggregate to increase the cell aggregate size and/or thickness and improve the mechanical properties of the cell aggregate as well as to deliver bioactive agents.

Provided herein are methods and compositions for expansion of human embryonic stem with suspendable expansion complexes including microcarriers.

Provided herein are materials and methods for the preparation of blood products. In one aspect, provided herein is a composition including platelets or platelet derivatives and an aqueous medium, wherein the aqueous medium has a protein concentration less than 50% of the protein concentration of donor apheresis plasma.

Disclosed is a method for differentiating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into chondrocytes and integrating them into a matrix/scaffold to provide a cartilage implant. The method comprises the steps of seeding a surface of a substrate with iPSCs. The surface is coated with nanoparticles in a particle density of at least 500 particles/μm2, and parts of the surface in between said nanoparticles are coated with a coating agent. Growth differentiation factor 5 (GDF5) molecules are attached to the nanoparticles. The method further comprises the steps of adding a first differentiation medium to the seeded iPSCs and allowing the seeded iPSCs to differentiate at least into chondrocyte progenitor cells on the surface in the presence of the first differentiation medium. The obtained differentiated cells are integrated into a matrix/scaffold.

Provided are methods of controlling disassociation of cells from a carrier, compositions, and methods of collecting cells. The methods of controlling disassociation of cells from a carrier may include contacting a polymeric carrier with one or more digesting agents to disassociate at least a portion of a plurality of cells from the polymeric carrier. The polymeric carrier may be crosslinked with a crosslinker including at least one of a redox sensitive moiety, a UV light sensitive moiety, a pH sensitive moiety, and a temperature sensitive moiety.

An organ-on-a-chip microfluidic device is disclosed that mimics a human lymph node and/or human lymphoid tissue. The device can include cells from human blood and lymphatic tissue, include an extracellular matrix for the development of immune system components, and provide for the perfusion of fluids and solids resembling blood and lymphatic fluid within micrometer sized channels.

Provided herein are materials and methods for the preparation of blood products. In one aspect, provided herein is a composition including platelets or platelet derivatives and an aqueous medium, wherein the aqueous medium has a protein concentration less than 50% of the protein concentration of donor apheresis plasma.