Covalently modified alginate polymers, possessing enhanced biocompatibility and tailored physiochemical properties, as well as methods of making and use thereof, are disclosed herein. The covalently modified alginates are useful as a matrix for the encapsulation and transplantation of cells. Also disclosed are high throughput methods for the characterizing the biocompatibility and physiochemical properties of modified alginate polymers.

Covalently modified alginate polymers, possessing enhanced biocompatibility and tailored physiochemical properties, as well as methods of making and use thereof, are disclosed herein. The covalently modified alginates are useful as a matrix for the encapsulation and transplantation of cells. Also disclosed are high throughput methods for the characterizing the biocompatibility and physiochemical properties of modified alginate polymers.

The disclosure relates to stem cells and their therapeutic use in the treatment and/or prevention of pancreatic diseases or disorders. Provided herein are compositions comprising c-kit positive pancreatic stem cells and methods of preparing and using c-kit positive pancreatic stem cells for the treatment and/or prevention of pancreatic diseases or disorders.

The disclosure relates to stem cells and their therapeutic use in the treatment and/or prevention of pancreatic diseases or disorders. Provided herein are compositions comprising c-kit positive pancreatic stem cells and methods of preparing and using c-kit positive pancreatic stem cells for the treatment and/or prevention of pancreatic diseases or disorders.

Genetically modified cells that are compatible with multiple subjects, e.g., universal donor cells, and methods of generating said genetic modified cells are provided herein. The universal donor cells comprise at least one genetic modification within or near a gene that encodes one or more MHC-I or MHC-II human leukocyte antigens or a component or a transcriptional regulator of a MHC-I or MHC-II complex, wherein genetic modification comprises an insertion of a polynucleotide encoding a tolerogenic factor and/or survival factor. The universal donor cells may further comprise at least one genetic modification within or near a gene that encodes a survival factor, wherein said genetic modification comprises an insertion of a polynucleotide encoding a second tolerogenic factor and/or a different survival factor.

Genetically modified cells that are compatible with multiple subjects, e.g., universal donor cells, and methods of generating said genetic modified cells are provided herein. The universal donor cells comprise at least one genetic modification within or near a gene that encodes one or more MHC-I or MHC-II human leukocyte antigens or a component or a transcriptional regulator of a MHC-I or MHC-II complex, wherein genetic modification comprises an insertion of a polynucleotide encoding a tolerogenic factor and/or survival factor. The universal donor cells may further comprise at least one genetic modification within or near a gene that encodes a survival factor, wherein said genetic modification comprises an insertion of a polynucleotide encoding a second tolerogenic factor and/or a different survival factor.

Provided is a microcapsule for increasing the survival and/or function of a cell, such as an islet cell, microcapsule can include an outer shell comprising a first polymer; an interior core comprising: at least one live cell; a second polymer; and at least one microsphere comprising a third polymer and a compound capable of improving survival of the at least one cell. The improved survival and/or function of the at least one live cell in the microcapsule is compared to a live cell in a microcapsule in the absence of the compound capable of improving survival of the at least one cell. The first and second polymer may include alginate and the third polymer (used for the microsphere) may comprise PLGA. The compound may include a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Also provided are methods for producing such microcapsules; insulin delivery systems using the microcapsules, and methods to treat disease, such as diabetes, using the microcapsules.

Provided is a microcapsule for increasing the survival and/or function of a cell, such as an islet cell, microcapsule can include an outer shell comprising a first polymer; an interior core comprising: at least one live cell; a second polymer; and at least one microsphere comprising a third polymer and a compound capable of improving survival of the at least one cell. The improved survival and/or function of the at least one live cell in the microcapsule is compared to a live cell in a microcapsule in the absence of the compound capable of improving survival of the at least one cell. The first and second polymer may include alginate and the third polymer (used for the microsphere) may comprise PLGA. The compound may include a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Also provided are methods for producing such microcapsules; insulin delivery systems using the microcapsules, and methods to treat disease, such as diabetes, using the microcapsules.

The present invention provides devices and methods for delivering a population of cells or a therapeutic agent to a subject in need thereof.

The present invention provides devices and methods for delivering a population of cells or a therapeutic agent to a subject in need thereof.