The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods for treating autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by restoring an ASD patient's gut microbiota. These methods can be used with ASD patient with or without ongoing gastrointestinal symptoms. Provided here is a method for ASD treatment in a subject in need thereof comprising or consisting essentially of administering a therapeutic composition comprising a fecal microbe or a fecal microbiota preparation to the subject. Also provided here is a method comprises administering an antibiotic to a human subject; subjecting the human subject to a bowel cleanse; and administering purified fecal microbiota to the human subject. Further provided are evaluation and quantitative characterization of patient symptom improvements upon treatment described here.

Provided herein are methods and compositions for the production of hepatocytes from placenta stem cells. Further provided herein is the use of such hepatocytes in the treatment of, and intervention in, for example, trauma, inflammation, and degenerative disorders of the liver. Also provided herein are compositions and methods relating to combinations of nanofibrous scaffolds and adherent placental stem cells and methods of using the same in cartilage repair. Finally, provided herein are compositions and methods relating to nonadherent, CD34.sup.+CD45.sup. stem cells from placenta.

The present disclosure relates to materials and methods for extracellular vesicle (e.g., exosome)-mediated delivery of cargo (e.g., endogenous and/or exogenous) to non-bovine mammalian (e.g., human) cells. For example, exosomes isolated from bovine milk for delivering cargo to non-bovine mammalian (e.g., human) cells are provided.

The present invention relates to a method of forming polymeric microparticles housing live microorganisms, the method using the steps of (a) providing a microbial solution comprising a crosslinkable polymeric material compatible with live microorganisms; a protective agent; a microbial population; and water; and a crosslinking agent solution comprising a crosslinking agent and water; and (b) subjecting the microbial and crosslinking agent solutions to spray-drying using a co-axial nozzle configured to spray at least three fluids independently, thereby producing microparticles of a crosslinked polymeric material housing live microorganisms where the microbial solution and crosslinking agent solution are each sprayed through one of the innermost two channels of the co-axial nozzle and an atomizing gas is sprayed through the outermost channel. In a specific embodiment, the polymeric material is alginate, and the microbial population is selected from one or more of probiotic bacteria and/or a live biotherapeutic.

Disclosed are an implantable therapeutic delivery system and methods of treatment utilizing the implantable therapeutic delivery system. The implantable therapeutic delivery system includes a nanofibrous core substrate including one or more internal spaces wherein one or more therapeutic agents is positioned in the one or more internal spaces; and an outer biocompatible polymeric coating surrounding said nanofibrous core substrate.

Hollow spheres are produced having a wall composed of collagen and at least one collagen derivative, wherein the cavity is filled with at least one gas. For this purpose, at least one suspension or solution of collagen and at least one collagen derivative, at least one separation liquid and at least one crosslinking liquid are arranged in a container, followed by introduction of a gas mixture via a gas supply device, as a result of which gas-filled hollow spheres having a collagen/collagen derivative wall are formed and are supplied to the separation liquid and then to the crosslinking liquid.

The present disclosure relates to implantable constructs (encapsulated cells) designed to deliver therapeutic reagents, such as IL-12 and/or IL-12 and methods of using the same to treat conditions, such as cancer.

Provided herein are methods and compositions for the production of hepatocytes from placenta stem cells. Further provided herein is the use of such hepatocytes in the treatment of, and intervention in, for example, trauma, inflammation, and degenerative disorders of the liver. Also provided herein are compositions and methods relating to combinations of nanofibrous scaffolds and adherent placental stem cells and methods of using the same in cartilage repair. Finally, provided herein are compositions and methods relating to nonadherent, CD34.sup.+CD45.sup. stem cells from placenta.

The present invention relates to an implantable therapeutic delivery system, methods of treatment utilizing the implantable therapeutic delivery system, and methods of fabricating the implantable delivery system. A first aspect of the present invention is directed to an implantable therapeutic delivery system. This therapeutic delivery system comprises a substrate, an inner polymeric coating that surrounds the substrate, and an outer hydrogel coating that surrounds said inner polymeric coating. One or more therapeutic agents are positioned in the outer hydrogel coating.

A facility for industrial drying and/or encapsulation of thermolabile substances comprising at least one injection unit (1) wherein the thermolabile substance is introduced, an encapsulating material when the facility is used to encapsulate, a solvent, additives and an injection gas flow for obtaining droplets from the thermolabile substance. It further comprises a drying unit (2) through which the droplets and a drying gas are introduced for evaporating the solvent and comprises a collection unit (3) configured to separate the microcapsules generated from the drying gas and which is selected from a cartridge filter collector, a cyclone collector or a combination of the two. It also describes a method for the industrial encapsulation of thermolabile substances which is carried out at the proposed facility.