Provided herein is technology relating to engineered tissues and particularly, but not exclusively, to methods, compositions, and systems for engineering a biosynthetic vascular network.

A method of corneal implantation with cross-linking is disclosed herein. In one or more embodiments, the method includes the steps of: (i) prior to implantation, treating an implant formed from donor corneal tissue or a tissue culture grown corneal stroma with a solution of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), Triton X-100, benzalkonium chloride (BAK), Igepal, genipin, 100% glycerol, or alcohol for making the implant acellular, and for killing any bacteria, viruses, or parasites prior to implantation; (ii) implanting the implant into a recipient cornea; (iii) applying laser energy to the implant so as to modify the refractive power of the implant while being monitored using a Shack-Hartmann wavefront system so as to achieve a desired refractive power for the implant; and (iv) applying a cross-linking solution and irradiating the implant to cross-link the implant to prevent an immune response to the implant and/or rejection of the implant by a patient.

A method for promoting conversion of cells into cardiomyocytic tissue is carried out by contacting fibrotic tissue (e.g., scar tissue) with a microRNA oligonucleotide or combination of microRNA oligonucleotides. The methods lead to direct reprogramming of fibroblasts to cardiomyocytes or cardiomyoblasts.

Compositions including a first soft tissue-derived matrix and a second soft tissue-derived matrix are provided, as well as methods of making such compositions. In some embodiments, the composition comprises dilapidated, decellularized adipose tissue-derived matrix and dilapidated, decellularized fascial tissue-derived matrix, which may be combined in various proportions. Such adipose-fascia matrix compositions provide improved volume retention when implanted into a patient. The composition may further include exogenous cells or other substances, and/or a carrier. The composition is suitable for use in plastic surgery procedures, including reconstructive or cosmetic surgery procedures, as well as procedures for wound treatment and tissue regeneration. The methods for making the compositions may involve separation of first and second soft tissues from one another, followed by performing one or more treatments on the separated soft tissues, then combining the treated soft tissues and, optionally, performing one or more additional treatments on the combined soft tissues.

A modular engineered tissue construct includes a plurality of fused self-assembled, scaffold-free, high-density cell aggregates. At least one cell aggregate includes a plurality of cells and a plurality of biocompatible and biodegradable nanoparticles and/or microparticles that are incorporated within the cell aggregates. The nanoparticles and/or microparticles acting as a bulking agent within the cell aggregate to increase the cell aggregate size and/or thickness and improve the mechanical properties of the cell aggregate as well as to deliver bioactive agents.

The present disclosure provides engineered tissue constructs having a population of cells, such as hepatocytes and stromal cells, and methods of making and using the same (e.g., for treating a disease or disorder, such as acute liver failure, a urea cycle disorder, or hyperbilirubinemia (e.g., in a subject having Crigler-Najjar syndrome) in a human subject in need thereof).

Provided herein are novel methods and composition utilizing adipose tissue-derived stromal stem cells for treating fistulae.

Compositions including a first soft tissue-derived matrix and a second soft tissue-derived matrix are provided, as well as methods of making such compositions. In some embodiments, the composition comprises delipidated, decellularized adipose tissue-derived matrix and delipidated, decellularized fascial tissue-derived matrix, which may be combined in various proportions. Such adipose-fascia matrix compositions provide improved volume retention when implanted into a patient. The composition may further include exogenous cells or other substances, and/or a carrier. The composition is suitable for use in plastic surgery procedures, including reconstructive or cosmetic surgery procedures, as well as procedures for wound treatment and tissue regeneration. The methods for making the compositions may involve separation of first and second soft tissues from one another, followed by performing one or more treatments on the separated soft tissues, then combining the treated soft tissues and, optionally, performing one or more additional treatments on the combined soft tissues.

The present disclosure provides patterned biomaterials having organized cords and extracellular matrix embedded in a 3D scaffold. According, the present disclosure provides compositions and applications for patterned biomaterials. Pre-patterning of these biomaterials can lead to enhanced integration of these materials into host organisms, providing a strategy for enhancing the viability of engineered tissues by promoting vascularization.

The present disclosure provides patterned biomaterials having organized cords and extracellular matrix embedded in a 3D scaffold. According, the present disclosure provides compositions and applications for patterned biomaterials. Pre-patterning of these biomaterials can lead to enhanced integration of these materials into host organisms, providing a strategy for enhancing the viability of engineered tissues by promoting vascularization.