Thin film devices, e.g., multilayer thin film devices, that encapsulate cells for transplantation into a subject are provided. Also provided are methods of using and methods of preparing the subject devices. The thin film devices include a first porous polymer layer and a second porous polymer layer that define a lumen therebetween and encapsulate a population of cells within the lumen. The thin film devices can promote vascularization into the lumen of the device via the pores in the first polymer layer and/or second polymer layer; limit foreign body response to the device; limit ingress of cells, immunoglobulins, and cytokines into the lumen via the first and the second polymer layers; and release from the first polymer layer and/or the second polymer layer molecules secreted by the population of cells.

Hydrodynamic methods for conformally coating non-uniform size cells and cell clusters with biomaterials for implantation, thus preventing immune rejection or inflammation or autoimmune destruction while preserving cell functionality, are disclosed. Further disclosed are reagents, apparatus, and methods for conformally coating cells and cell clusters with hydrogels that are biocompatible, mechanically and chemically stable and porous, with an appropriate pore cut-off size.

A two-dimensional lattice or mesh scaffold for therapeutic cell implants is disclosed as well as methods for manufacture and use. The lattice is constructed of crisscrossing capillaries of hydrophobic parylene, such as parylene AF4, that may be coated with a hydrophilic polymer, such as parylene C, for cell adhesion. At each intersection of the crisscross, the intersecting capillaries are internally connected so as to allow oxygen to flow freely within. The walls of the capillaries are thin enough to be permeable to oxygen, on the scale of a micron thick, so that oxygen can flow through the lattice and permeate through the capillary walls. For some implants, cells are sandwiched between two or more lattices, the cells being slightly held apart from aggregation with each other by the lattice holes. The implants may then be surgically implanted within a subject.

Methods, systems, and computer readable media for physiology parameter-invariant meal detection are disclosed. According to one system, the system includes at least one processor and a meal detection module implemented using the at least one processor. The meal detection module is configured to receive insulin intake information and blood glucose level information for a user, to detect a meal event using a physiology parameter-invariant meal detection algorithm, and after detecting the meal event, to perform at least one control action associated with insulin management.

An implantable system includes cells that produce and release a therapeutic agent, or agents, to a host in need. The system can include cells capable of eluting therapeutic agents in response to changing physiological conditions within a host. The system may comprise naked cells, encapsulated cells, or a mixture of non-encapsulating and encapsulated cells. The system may also comprise cells, and/or cell groups, of different origins. The implantable device may be placed intra-vascular, within bone marrow, within soft tissue, in the peritoneal cavity, or intra-hepatic, etc. The system can be comprised of a stent, or like devices. Such stents and like devices may optionally include port(s), catheter(s), and containment envelope systems for holding the above cells.

A somatic stem cell that is CD10+, CXCR4+, and CD31+ and another somatic stem cell that is CD105+, CD44+, and nestin+. Also disclosed are both a method of preparing these stem cells and a method of using them to treat degenerative diseases, e.g., a muscle-degenerative disease. The invention further includes making and using liver cells derived from the somatic cell that is CD105+, CD44+, and nestin+.

An implantable bioreactor containing a barrier which is designed to allow the release of cell-derived biomolecules, but restricts the entry of immunologic and other cells, or the egress of the cells contained within the bioreactor. Two broad classes of implantable bioreactors are envisioned, encompassing devices for both systemic delivery of the bio-products and local delivery at the target tissue. Bioreactors of both classes can be implanted via surgery, through percutaneous techniques, or other techniques which effect implantation.

A device containing transplanted tissue includes a housing, having a chamber configured for insertion into a body of a subject and protecting the transplanted tissue from the subject's immune system. The housing includes an oxygen supply container, a hydrogel layer, a port, and an access port. The oxygen supply container has a chamber defined by top and bottom surfaces and sides, disposed within the chamber of the housing. The top surface and the bottom surface of the oxygen supply container include a gas-permeable membrane. The hydrogel layer has inner and outer surfaces. The inner surface of the hydrogel layer contacts the top surface of the oxygen supply container or the bottom surface of the oxygen supply container. The port is configured to deliver oxygen to the oxygen supply container. The access port is configured to receive an exogenous supply of gas and is fluidly connected to the port.

An array of hollow nanotubes is configured and dimensioned to allow impurities to transport through the hollow nanotubes from a first space containing an impurity-laden fluid to a second space where the impurities may be collected for removal, allowing fluids, such as blood, to be purified.

Thin film devices, e.g., multilayer thin film devices, that encapsulate cells for transplantation into a subject are provided. Also provided are methods of using and methods of preparing the subject devices. The thin film devices include a first porous polymer layer and a second porous polymer layer that define a lumen therebetween and encapsulate a population of cells within the lumen. The thin film devices can promote vascularization into the lumen of the device via the pores in the first polymer layer and/or second polymer layer; limit foreign body response to the device; limit ingress of cells, immunoglobulins, and cytokines into the lumen via the first and the second polymer layers; and release from the first polymer layer and/or the second polymer layer molecules secreted by the population of cells.