Systems and methods for creating cell sheets with high extracellular (ECM) content, while controlling cell alignment, are described. The method is simple, easy to perform, has a low-cost, and uses non-toxic and food-grade and food-safe materials. The method allows for cell alignment in sophisticated patterns using simple molding process with 3D printed molds prepared with cheap open-source 3D printers and using different types of filament materials. The method allows for the reuse of the silicone-based membranes by simple autoclaving and/or an isopropanol washing step. The method also creates multi-layer cell constructs and induced ECM production with optional ECM crosslinking using food-grade materials resulting in strong sheets formed in a short process that can be formed using simple scraping.

A microfluidic device can include a superstructure defining a microfluidic channel therein and a first hydrogel bonded to the microfluidic channel to define a perfusable channel therein, the first hydrogel including cells embedded therein or thereon. The microfluidic device can optionally include a second hydrogel bonded to the microfluidic channel or to the hydrogel.

The invention relates to the fields of biomaterials, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. More specifically, it relates to biomaterial substrates having precise surface properties and the use thereof to investigate cell-material interactions. Provided is a cell culture system having a biomaterial substrate which has at least a first linear surface gradient oriented orthogonally to a second linear surface gradient, wherein the first gradient and the second gradient are selected from the group consisting of stiffness (S), (aligned) topography (T) and wettability (W). Also provided is a cell screening platform having a combination of at least two, preferably at least three, more preferably four distinct cell culture systems.

Disclosed are constructs and methods to accelerate maturation of human pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes by maintaining them on a Cardiac Mimetic Matrix (CMM) substrate.

Efficient stem cell delivery into biomaterials using capillary driven encapsulation are disclosed herein where stem/progenitor and/or tissue specific cells are rapidly and efficiently seeded via capillary driven encapsulation into a porous scaffold for cell delivery in the skin or any other organ. The rapid capillary force approach maximizes both seeding time and efficiency by combining hydrophobic, entropic and capillary forces to promote active, ‘bottom-up’ cell engraftment. This methodology uses micro domain patterned biopolymers in a porous dry gel to generate capillary pressure to move a viscous stem cell mix from a hydrophobic reservoir into the polymer matrix to promote active cell seeding within the entire gel volume.

The invention relates to culturing brain endothelial cells, and optionally astrocytes and neurons in a fluidic device under conditions whereby the cells mimic the structure and function of the blood brain barrier. Culture of such cells in a microfluidic device, whether alone or in combination with other cells, drives maturation and/or differentiation further than existing systems.

A composition, including a substrate having a planar array of depressions each defined by concave walls and a moat disposed around each depression of said array of depressions.

Compositions, devices and methods are described for improving adhesion, attachment, and/or differentiation of cells in a microfluidic device or chip. In one embodiment, one or more ECM proteins are covalently coupled to the surface of a microchannel of a microfluidic device. The microfluidic devices can be stored or used immediately for culture and/or support of living cells such as mammalian cells, and/or for simulating a function of a tissue, e.g., a liver tissue, muscle tissue, etc. Extended adhesion and viability with sustained function over time is observed.

Compositions, devices and methods are described for improving adhesion, attachment, and/or differentiation of cells in a microfluidic device or chip. In one embodiment, one or more ECM proteins are covalently coupled to the surface of a microchannel of a microfluidic device. The microfluidic devices can be stored or used immediately for culture and/or support of living cells such as mammalian cells, and/or for simulating a function of a tissue, e.g., a liver tissue, muscle tissue, etc. Extended adhesion and viability with sustained function over time is observed.

The substrates, systems, and methods described herein relate to textured substrates for preparing a comestible meat product. Substrates and methods are described herein for controlling one or more of growth, adhesion, retention, and/or release of cells (e.g., of a cell sheet) on or from the surface of the substrate. A method of preparing a comestible meat product may include applying a plurality of non-human cells to at least one patterned texture substrate, growing the cells on the patterned texture substrate to form the comestible meat product, and separating the comestible meat product from the patterned texture substrate. The patterned texture allows for improved growth, adhesion, retention, and/or release of cells as compared to another surface not comprising the patterned texture. In some embodiments, the cell culture substrate surfaces include a plurality of regions corresponding to a plurality of patterned textures.