Biosynthetic wound coatings as susbtrates for cell growth.

Experimental studies of composite materials formed on the basis of fluorine-containing latex and bioactive polysaccharides showed that physicochemical properties of composite materials and their adhesion characteristics can be modulated by variations of polysaccharide-latex ratio and the nature of polysaccharides. The ratio of components ensuring the formation of biosynthetic films that meet the standards for modern wound coating and maintain adhesion and growth of substrate-dependent mammalian cells was determined. These materials can considerably increase the efficiency of treatment of extensive and deep skin wounds in cases when application of cell cultures is indicated.

Localization of green fluorescent protein in mouse preimplantation embryos.

The localization of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) was studied in preimplantation embryos obtained from reciprocal mating of hemizygous C57Bl/6-Tgn (ACTbEGFP)1Osb/J mice with C57Bl/6 mice. Specific fluorescence of EGFP was observed in all oocytes and embryos obtained from transgenic females during all preimplantation stages and in embryos inheriting the EGFP gene from transgenic males starting from the 8 blastomere stage during the compactization period. EGFP mRNA or EGFP synthesized during oogenesis can be retained in embryos during the entire preimplantation period, while expression of EGFP gene transferred from the father coincides with the onset of compactization.

Immobilization and long-term culturing of mouse embryonic stem cells in collagen-chitosan gel matrix.

We propose a method of creation of a 3D matrix consisting of native collagen fibers and natural polysaccharide chitosan. The collagen-chitosan hydrogels maintain viability and prolipherative activity of embryonic stem cells obtained from internal cells of mouse blastocyst. The proposed system forming hydrogels in situ can be used in cell therapy for immobilization and targeted delivery of stem cells.

Factors affecting survival of reconstructed mouse embryos after nuclear transfer.

Reconstruction of mouse embryos was performed by injection of donor genetic material from differentiated cells of various types (cumulus cells, cardiomyocytes, and epithelial cells) into recipient cells (mature oocytes and zygotes). A medium for microsurgery was selected, which enhanced survival of both embryonic and somatic cells during the reconstructive manipulations. Special preparation of somatic cells to transplantation was carried out, which employed factors synchronizing the cells in a certain phase of the cell cycle in order to enhance their capacity to maintain the development of reconstructed embryos.

Rationalising the design of polymeric thermoresponsive biomaterials.

We investigated the cell adhesion and growth of a series of thermoresponsive copolymers of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPA) and N-tert-butylacrylamide (NtBA) above their lower critical solubility temperatures (LCST). It was found that cell adhesion and growth on the solvent cast films improved with increasing the NtBA content in the copolymers. The improvement was dependent on cell line.