This invention provides solid substrates for promoting cell or tissue growth or restored function, which solid substrate is characterized by a specific fluid uptake capacity value of at least 75%, which specific fluid uptake capacity value is determined by establishing a spontaneous fluid uptake value divided by a total fluid uptake value. This invention also provides solid substrates for promoting cell or tissue growth or restored function, which solid substrate is characterized by having a contact angle value of less than 60 degrees, when in contact with a fluid. This invention also provides solid substrates for promoting cell or tissue growth or restored function, which solid substrate is characterized by a substantial surface roughness (Ra) as measured by scanning electron microscopy or atomic force microscopy. The invention also provides for processes for selection of an optimized coral-based solid substrate for promoting cell or tissue growth or restored function and applications of the same.

Methods of implanting therapeutic cells in a subject and methods of preparing pancreatic islet cells for implantation into a subject, prior to implantation into a subject, are provided herein.

In some aspects, the present invention provides an active dressing for transfer of superficial epidermal biopsies to a wound site, where the dressing can enhance keratinocyte out growth from the biopsies at the wound site and improve the rate of re-epithelization. In some embodiments, the dressing can include a perforated dehydrated amniotic membrane sheet that is coupled to a backing sheet having suitable adhesive properties. The perforations can have appropriate dimensions and distributions for capturing and transferring the skin biopsies. Without being limited to any particular theory, the amniotic membrane sheet can enhance the re-epithelization of the wound site to which the biopsies are transferred, e.g., by supplying signaling proteins and extra-cellular matrix (ECM) components.

An extended release immunomodulatory implant operatively arranged to facilitate bone morphogenesis, including an inner portion including at least one growth factor, a first layer including at least one of one or more interleukins and capsaicin, and a second layer including an antigen operatively arranged to activate an innate immune system.

A hydrogel material for modulating an immune response in a human subject or other mammal includes a collection of microgel particles having one or more network cross linker components, wherein the microgel particles, when exposed to an endogenous or exogenous annealing agent, links the microgel particles together in situ to form a covalently-stabilized scaffold of microgel particles having interstitial spaces formed between the microgel particles and wherein the collection of microgel particles further includes at least one of an antigen and an adjuvant.

Provided herein are methods for the production of native and reconstituted hyaluronan (HA) complexes containing pentraxin-3 (PTX3) and heavy chain 1 (HC1) of inter alpha inhibitor (II). Compositions containing the complexes and therapeutic methods using the complexes are provided. Combinations and kits for use in practicing the methods also are provided.

A hybrid hydrogel including a hydrogel material and a plurality of first hybrid nanoparticles is provided. The plurality of first hybrid nanoparticles are conjugated to the hydrogel material, wherein each of the first hybrid nanoparticles includes a first positive-charged polysaccharide and a first negative-charged polysaccharide. The first positive-charged polysaccharide is located at an inner core of the first hybrid nanoparticles. The first negative-charged polysaccharide is located at an outer shell of the first hybrid nanoparticles and carries a plurality of first growth factors. The first negative-charged polysaccharide and the first positive-charged polysaccharide are electrostatically attracted to form the first hybrid nanoparticles. A method of fabricating the hybrid hydrogel is also provided.

This invention provides solid substrates for promoting cell or tissue growth or restored function, which solid substrate is characterized by a specific fluid uptake capacity value of at least 75%, which specific fluid uptake capacity value is determined by establishing a spontaneous fluid uptake value divided by a total fluid uptake value. This invention also provides solid substrates for promoting cell or tissue growth or restored function, which solid substrate is characterized by having a contact angle value of less than 60 degrees, when in contact with a fluid. This invention also provides solid substrates for promoting cell or tissue growth or restored function, which said substrate is characterized by a substantial surface roughness (Ra) as measured by scanning electron microscopy or atomic force microscopy. The invention also provides for processes for selection of an optimized coral-based solid substrate for promoting cell or tissue growth or restored function and applications of the same.

Expanded, nanofiber structures are provided as well as methods of use thereof and methods of making.

The invention provides a novel, versatile degradable hydrogel composition, and methods thereof, with precisely tunable stiffness, plasticity (e.g., degree of covalent vs. physical crosslinks) and predictive disintegration rates degradation, allowing controlled disintegration and release of therapeutic cells or pharmaceuticals and/or in vitro 3D cell expansion.