Disclosed are cell culture scaffolds comprising a scaffold composition comprising chitosan and alginate, hyaluronic acid, or chondroitin sulfate, wherein the scaffold is formed from an aqueous solution comprising greater than 4 wt % chitosan. These scaffolds can be contacted with cells, e.g., patient-derived cancer cells. The scaffolds provide 3D structure allowing appropriate cell function to occur. A scaffold of chitosan and chondroitin sulfate are also disclosed. Scaffold compositions comprising chitosan and alginate, hyaluronic acid, or chondroitin sulfate are also disclosed. Methods of making these scaffolds, e.g., by freeze casting or 3D printing, and using them to evaluate a patient's cancer cell and personalize treatment are also disclosed.

Provided herein is a cell macroencapsulation device composed of hydrogel in a 3D conformation that optimizes encapsulated cell viability and function when transplanted into a vascularized tissue space. The hydrogel macroencapsulation device is intended to reduce or eliminate immune response to the cell graft, while allowing exchange of encapsulated cell-secreted products, such as insulin. Also described herein is an injection-mold and fabrication process to generate the hydrogel macroencapsulation devices for use in the clinic.

The present invention provides a novel means for storing and/or transporting multicellular aggregates. The multicellular aggregates comprise a plurality of adjoining cells, wherein the aggregate is entrapped or encapsulated in a reversibly cross-linked hydrogel and the entrapped or encapsulated aggregate is packaged in a sealed receptacle. Methods for preparing such aggregates for storage and/or transportation from a first location to a second location are also provided, together with related methods for transporting or storing said aggregates and methods for fulfilling an order or request for said aggregates.

A method or apparatus for creating a three-dimensional tissue construct of a desired shape for repair or replacement of a portion of an organism. The method may comprise injecting at least one biomaterial in a three-dimensional pattern into a first material such that the at least one biomaterial is held in the desired shape of the tissue construct by the first material. The apparatus may comprise an injector configured to inject at least one biomaterial in a three-dimensional pattern into a first material such that the at least one biomaterial is held in the desired shape of the tissue construct by the first material. The first material may comprise a yield stress material, which may be a material exhibiting Herschel-Bulkley behavior. The tissue construct may have a smallest feature size of ten micrometers or less.

A cell patterning material, a method of preparing the cell patterning material, a cell patterning method using the cell patterning material, and a biosensor including patterned cells obtained by using the cell patterning method are provided. According to the present disclosure, cells may be conveniently and efficiently patterned and the time for applying external stimulation for patterning may be controlled. In addition, the patterned cells may have an excellent proliferation rate and excellent differentiation efficiency, and may be re-patterned in a different direction, and High-throughput screening using the patterned cells is possible.

The present invention provides alginic acid derivatives represented by formula (I) and formula (II), and a novel crosslinked alginic acid obtained by carrying out a Huisgen reaction using an alginic acid derivative of formula (I) and an alginic acid derivative of formula (II). There are thereby provided novel alginic acid derivatives and a novel crosslinked alginic acid.

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A method is disclosed for coating and patterning hydrogels in order to modify surface properties. The method exploits the water content of the hydrogel and the hydrophobicity of the reaction solvent to create a thin oxide adhesion layer on the hydrogel surface. This oxide adhesion layer enables rapid transformation of the hydrophilic, cell non-adhesive hydrogel into either a highly hydrophobic or a cell-adhesive hydrogel by reaction with an alkylphosphonic acid or an α,ω-diphosphonoalkane, respectively. Also disclosed are coated, patterned hydrogels and constructs comprising the coated, patterned hydrogels.

The present invention is directed to the use of microfluidics in the preparation of cells and compositions for therapeutic uses.

A method for producing at least one microneedle containing a vaccine for transdermal delivery of the vaccine to a patient includes preparing microparticles or nanoparticles of encapsulated vaccine by preparing a solution comprising a vaccine antigen and a biocompatible polymer matrix; and spray drying the solution to form the microparticles or nanoparticles. The method includes the further steps of preparing a film composition including at least one pre-polymer solution; preparing a suspension comprising the microparticles or nanoparticles and the film composition; loading the suspension into a 3D printer; printing, via the 3D printer, at least one microneedle made from the suspension; and, converting the pre-polymer solution into a cross-linked biopolymer by exposing the at least one microneedle to UV light. Also disclosed are microneedles containing a vaccine for transdermal delivery.

Described herein are oral delivery systems for use in delivering live mammalian cells to the intestinal tract of an individual.