The present invention relates to the use of an hydrogel comprising silylated biomolecule for the three-dimensional culture of cardiomyocytes or stem cells which are able to differentiate into cardiomyocytes, and to an aqueous composition comprising i) cardiomyocytes or stem cells which are able to differentiate into cardiomyocytes, and ii) a hydrogel comprising silylated biomolecule, for use for treating heart failure, in particular heart failure following myocardial infarction.

A multiscale hierarchical scaffold with the complexity of extracellular matrix (ECM) is disclosed. The multiscale hierarchical scaffold may be a carbon-based scaffold with hierarchical nanoscale and microscale architecture with controlled physicochemical properties. More specifically, multiscale hierarchy is built by growing carbon nanotube carpets on two types of scaffolds, namely, interconnected microporous carbon foams and aligned carbon fiber mats.

A method for forming neuromuscular junctions includes forming functional neuromuscular junctions between motoneurons and muscle cells by co-culturing one or more human motoneurons and one or more rat muscle cells in a substantially serum-free medium. A synthetic mammalian neuromuscular junction includes a human motoneuron functionally linked to a rat muscle cell in a substantially serum-free medium. An artificial substrate may be used to support the one or more neuromuscular junctions.

Methods to form a surface coating and surface pattern, which are based on adsorption of hydrocarbon chains that can be used with imaging optics to visualize macrophage fusion and multinucleated giant cell formation with living specimens are described.

The invention provides a self-assembled microparticle having an acid having two or more acid groups and an organic base in a solvent. The microparticles may form into a macrostructure and provide a scaffold for cell culture. The particle is of micron scale. The microparticle may be obtained by contacting a bis-acid and organic base in a hydrophilic solvent, wherein the acid is insoluble or sparingly soluble in the hydrophilic solvent and the organic base is soluble in a hydrophilic solvent. The microparticles have antimicrobial activity and may be used in a wide range of consumer product applications, cell culture and medical products, such as wound dressings.

Systems and methods for growing cells or cell sheets are described. The method may use biocompatible or food-safe materials. The method may allow for cell alignment. optionally in selected patterns, which may be produced by casting a membrane on a 3D printed mold. The method may include surface treatment of an elastomeric membrane. The method may allow for the reuse of the membranes by autoclaving and/or a washing step. The method may create multi-layer cell sheets with an extracellular matrix (ECM) created by the cells, which may be detached from the membrane. Optionally, the cells may be separated from the ECM.

Hydrogel compositions and methods of using hydrogel compositions are disclosed. Advantageously, the hydrogel compositions offer the ability to promote cellular expansion and/or cellular differentiation of various cells.

Hydrogel Compositions and methods of using hydrogel compositions are disclosed. Advantageously, the hydrogel compositions offer the ability to rapidly screen substrate components for influencing cell attachment, spreading, proliferation, migration, and differentiation. In particularly suitable embodiments, the hydrogel compositions of the present disclosure may be used to promote tubulogenesis of endothelial cells.

Hydrogel compositions and methods of using hydrogel compositions are disclosed. Advantageously, the hydrogel compositions offer the ability to promote cellular expansion and/or cellular differentiation of various cells.

The invention provides a surface, wherein said surface comprises (i) a polymer substrate and (ii) sugar groups and peptide groups coupled to said substrate suitable for culturing hepatocytes.