The disclosure relates generally to a system, device, and method for cell culturing. In certain embodiments, the system, device, and method may be used to encapsulate single cells in embryo-like, core-shell microcapsules. In some embodiments, microfluidic devices may be utilized to fabricate core-shell hydrogel microcapsules, which may be used to encapsulate individual cells. In some embodiments, the disclosed system and method are utilized to encapsulate cancer stem cells. The disclosed system, device, and method can be used to isolate and culture CSCs, to facilitate the understanding of cancer biology and etiology, and to advance the development of effective CSC-targeted cancer therapies.

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.

Microfluidic devices and methods for co-encapsulation of a cell and a controlled release particle in one droplet are escribed herein. The devices and methods utilize laminar flow, high shear liquid-liquid interfaces, hydrodynamic vortices, and/or acoustic focusing to increase co-encapsulation efficiency. The precise variation of the droplets microenvironment is enabled by the controlled release particle co-encapsulated with the single cell in each droplet. This capability, coupled with established detection methods, provides an important tool for precise, single cell analysis.

A method for preparing non-free radical photo-crosslinked hydrogels includes: dissolving component A that is a polymer derivative modified with o-nitrobenzyl phototrigger in a biocompatible medium to obtain solution A; dissolving component B that is a polymer derivative containing hydrazide, hydroxylamine or primary amine in a biocompatible medium to obtain solution B; mixing solution A and solution B to obtain a precursor solution of hydrogel; under light irradiation, crosslinking aldehyde generated from the o-nitrobenzyl with the hydrazine, hydroxylamine or primary amine to obtain a hydrogel by forming hydrazone, oxime or schiff base, respectively. A kit for preparation and application of the hydrogel in tissue repair, beauty therapy, and cells, proteins or drugs carriers is also described. The method or kit can achieve in situ photo-gelling on tissue surface or in situ forming thin gel on wounds in clinical treatment of wounds.

A process providing a method to create 3D scaffolds using nano-scale fibers, comprising: deposition and alignment of a plurality of electrospun fiber layers on a substrate; application of a photosensitive biomedical polymer liquid to each fiber layer deposited on said substrate; deposition and cross-alignment of a plurality of electrospun fiber layers on said substrate; retaining said polymer liquid in place using said cross-aligned fiber layers; curing said polymer liquid on top of each fiber layer using UV light.

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 coating of any material where reduced fibrosis is desired, such as encapsulated cells for transplantation and medical devices implanted or used in the body.

An encapsulated living (viable) mammalian cell, and methods of making and using that cell, are provided.

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 coating of any material where reduced fibrosis is desired, such as encapsulated cells for transplantation and medical devices implanted or used in the body.

Provided herein are methods and compositions for enhancement of stem-cell based immunomodulation and promotion of tissue repair.

Hydrodynamic methods for conformally coating non-uniform size cells and cell clusters for implantation, thus preventing immune rejection or inflammation or autoimmune destruction while preserving cell functionality. A method 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. The methods of the invention are advantageously reproducible and result in a relatively high yield of coated versus non-coated cell clusters, without compromising cell functionality. Conformal coating devices configured to perform the methods of the invention, methods of optimally utilizing said devices and purifying the coated islets, and coated biomaterials made by said methods.