The present invention refers to a process, and to the related apparatus, for the in vitro preparation of a biomimetic tissue prostheses of the tympanic membrane from mesenchymal stem cells; such prostheses are used for repairing or reconstructing the injured tympanic membrane in patients needing it, for example as a consequence of various trauma or pathologies.

The present invention provides a functionalized composition and resulting functionalized body or prosthesis for in vitro and in vivo use comprising at least one calcium phosphate containing phase that is functionalized with a linker group comprising at least one of an organic acid molecule, a phosphonic acid, an amine, N,N-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, and 3-maleimidopropionic acid N-hydroxysuccinimide ester, and combinations thereof, and one or more of a chemical and/or a biologically active moieties, wherein the linker group provides for a reactive location for the attachment of the chemical or biologically active moiety, or both, to the calcium phosphate containing phase, and optionally including an unmodified and/or modified calcium aluminate containing phase. Methods of manufacturing a functionalized artificial prosthesis and methods of repairing a bone, vertebrae, or tissue structures are provided.

The present invention relates to a biomaterial comprising adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), a ceramic material and an extracellular matrix. In particular, the biomaterial according the present invention secretes osteoprotegerin (OPG), and comprises insulin-like growth factor (IGF1) and stromal cell-derived factor 1-alpha (SDF-1). The present invention also relates to methods for producing the biomaterial and uses thereof.

A bioactive filamentary structure includes a sheath coated with a mixture of synthetic bone graft particles and a polymer solution forming a scaffold structure. In forming such a structure, synthetic bone graft particles and a polymer solution are applied around a filamentary structure. A polymer is precipitated from the polymer solution such that the synthetic bone graft particles and the polymer coat the filamentary structure and the polymer is adhered to the synthetic bone graft particles to retain the graft particles.

Disclosed is a three-dimensional (3-D) in vitro model for studying and subsequently treating cancer dormancy. The model is specifically useful in studying breast cancer and may be used for drug discovery because it maintains the breast cancer cells in a dormant state, unlike conventional two-dimensional (2-D) tissue culture plastic (TCP). Tumor-forming breast cancers cells were seeded on the 3-D model scaffolds and remained viable without proliferation. They also express stem cell markers typical for dormant cells. Dormant breast cancer cells also maintain their phenotype when seeded on the 3-D model unlike conventional 2-D models. The 3-D model includes a fibrous polycaprolactone with 30 wt. % hydroxyapatite. The 3-D model mimics the structure of bone tissue.

In one aspect, methods of promoting bone growth are described herein. In some embodiments, a method of promoting bone growth described herein comprises promoting cell differentiation or phenotype progression in a population of bone cells by providing a citrate-presenting composition to the population of bone cells. In some embodiments, the citrate-presenting composition is provided to the bone cells at a first stage of cell development selected to obtain a first cell differentiation or phenotype progression. Additionally, in some cases, a second citrate-presenting composition is further provided to the bone cells at a second stage of cell development selected to obtain a second cell differentiation or phenotype progression.

Provided herein are methods of using adherent placental stem cells and placental stem cell populations, and methods of culturing, proliferating and expanding the same. Also provided herein are methods of differentiating the placental stem cells. Further provided herein are methods of using the placental stem cells to formulate implantable or injectable compositions suitable for administration to a subject. Still further provided herein are provides methods for treating bone defects with stem cells and compositions comprising stem cells.

In one aspect, methods of promoting bone growth are described herein. In some embodiments, a method of promoting bone growth described herein comprises promoting cell differentiation or phenotype progression in a population of bone cells by providing a citrate-presenting composition to the population of bone cells. In some embodiments, the citrate-presenting composition is provided to the bone cells at a first stage of cell development selected to obtain a first cell differentiation or phenotype progression. Additionally, in some cases, a second citrate-presenting composition is further provided to the bone cells at a second stage of cell development selected to obtain a second cell differentiation or phenotype progression.

A cell culture article is provided. The cell culture substrate includes a polygalacturonic acid compound selected from at least one of: pectic acid or salts thereof, and partially esterified pectic acid having a degree of esterification from 1 to 40 mol % or salts thereof. The polygalacturonic acid compound is crosslinked with a divalent cation and the divalent cation concentration ranges from 0.5 to 2 g/1 of the substrate.

The application provides biocompatible carriers comprising bone forming and/or cartilage forming cells and methods for making them. The application further provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising said ATMPs and method of treatments using said ATMPs. The application further relates to said ATMPS for use in the treatment of bone disorders, cartilage disorders and joint disorders. The current invention further relates to method of treatments of bone disorders, cartilage disorders and joint disorders.