Abstract: Methods and compositions generating and using an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra)-rich solution. Methods for generating and isolating interleukin-1 receptor antagonist include incubating adipose tissue and/or adipocytes with polyacrylamide beads to produce interleukin-1 receptor antagonist. The interleukin-1 receptor antagonist is isolated from the polyacrylamide beads to obtain the solution rich in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist. Methods for treating a site of inflammation in a patient include administering to the site of inflammation the solution rich in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist.

Abstract: An apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at various fractions in the apparatus. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient. Also selected fractions from the sample can be applied to a patient, either alone or as part of a mixture.

Abstract: A system for separating components of a composition according to density. The system includes a torque generating device, a separation device, and a housing. The separation device separates the composition into different components according to density. The housing accommodates the separation device. The housing includes a base having an interface that transfers torque from the torque generating device to the separation device, a cover, and a conduit for introducing the composition into the separation device without opening the cover.

Abstract: An isolation device for repairing a cartilage defect including a syringe and a barrier device. The barrier device is connected to the syringe. The barrier device is sized to surround and contain the cartilage defect, and is configured to provide a seal around the cartilage defect for application of a positive pressure and a negative pressure from the device. The device is configured to provide a localized therapy to the cartilage defect.

Abstract: A device for processing a biological material is disclosed. The device includes a syringe barrel comprising beads, a filter positioned at a close end of the barrel, a plunger insertable into the barrel through an open end, and a needle. The plunger includes a paddle assembly that is configured to mix a biological material with the beads after the biological material has been harvested from a patient.

Abstract: A device for separating a component out of a multicomponent mixture. The device has a housing that extends along a central longitudinal axis. The housing has a top end and a bottom end, and defines a channel that extends from the top end of the housing around the central axis to the bottom end of the housing to define a helical flow path. The device also includes an inlet port at the top end of the housing that communicates with the channel, and a first outlet port.

Abstract: A material separation system and method is disclosed. The system may include a buoy having a volume that includes or houses a reacting component. The buoy may be placed in a container to hold the material to be separated during a separation procedure. The separated material may be used to various procedures following separation.

Abstract: A method for rinsing and delivering a bone graft. The method includes selecting a delivery syringe containing bone graft material wherein the syringe is coupled to a filter assembly, determining a bone graft:fluid ratio, washing the bone graft material, reconstituting the bone graft material to generate the bone graft with the predetermined bone graft:fluid ratio, and delivering the bone graft to a surgical site.

Abstract: A device for washing a suspension of cells. The device includes a bowl-shaped basin having a top end and a bottom end and an axis extending from the top end to the bottom end, and an inlet port formed in the basin. The inlet port is positioned at an angle to allow for a wash solution to be injected or delivered into the basin and circulate around the basin about the central axis. A suspension of cells can be washed in the circulating wash solution. The circulating wash solution forces the cells to settle at the bottom of the basin, where they can be extracted.

Abstract: A separator system operable to use centrifugation to fractionate a multiple component material, such as a suspension including blood, comprises a buoy. The buoy can be carried in a separation container and has a tuned density that is configured to reach an equilibrium position in the multiple component material. A guide surface is carried on a buoy upper surface and is inclined to an accumulation position near a buoy perimeter. The buoy suspension fractionation system can be used in a method of isolating a fraction from a suspension, and in a method for re-suspending particulates for withdrawal.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and compositions related to generating and using a solution rich in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist are provided. Methods include contacting a liquid comprising white blood cells with a solid extraction material and stimulating with an electromagnetic field to activate production of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist. The interleukin-1 receptor antagonist can be separated from the solid extraction material. Methods for treating a site of inflammation in a patient include administering the solution rich in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist to the site of inflammation.

Abstract: A system for separating and concentrating a component of a whole material is disclosed. The whole material can include a material that has more than one component, such as whole blood that can include at least red blood cells, monocytes, and plasma. The system can include a substantially single container including a separation section and a concentration section wherein a component can be moved from the separation section, after a separation, to the concentration section to be concentrated. The concentrated component can then be withdrawn from the separation and concentration container for a selected procedure.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at various fractions in the apparatus. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient. Also selected fractions from the sample can be applied to a patient, either alone or as part of a mixture.

Abstract: Methods and a system for transfusing blood to a mammalian subject. The method includes obtaining a volume of donated red blood cells (RBCs), adding an enhancement composition to the RBCs to form a treated blood composition, incubating the treated blood composition to form an incubated blood composition, and administering the incubated blood composition to a patient. The system includes a functionally-closed, sterile Y-type tube set.

Abstract: Methods for transfusing blood to a mammalian subject. The method includes obtaining a unit of blood, rejuvenating the blood with an enhancement composition, measuring 2,3-DPG concentration of the blood, and delivering the blood to a subject.

Abstract: A bone marrow aspiration assembly including an outer cannula assembly, an inner cannula assembly, and a flexible seal. The outer cannula assembly includes an outer handle and an outer cannula defining a first passageway and including a plurality of first openings between a first end and a second end of the first passageway. The inner cannula assembly includes an inner handle and an inner cannula defining a second passageway and is configured to be received within the first passageway. The inner cannula includes a plurality of second openings between a first end and a second end of the second passageway. The flexible seal is mounted to the inner handle and positioned such that the seal contacts the outer cannula assembly when the inner cannula assembly is in cooperation with the outer cannula assembly to create a substantially airtight seal therebetween.

Abstract: Methods for treating blood. The methods comprise obtaining whole blood from a donor, mixing the whole blood with a red blood cell enhancement composition, and incubating the mixture of whole blood and red blood cell enhancement composition. The method can be performed at a time proximate to the time of obtaining blood from the donor, or after the blood has been stored for a period of time. The method rejuvenates red blood cells.

Abstract: Methods for managing osteoarthritis, in a human or other mammalian subject, comprising the measurement of certain cytokines and growth factors in a tissue sample of a subject, including one or more of platelet-derived growth factor AB (PDGF-AB), platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB), and epidermal growth factor (EGF). Tissue samples may be whole blood, blood fractions, urine, saliva, and synovial fluid. Methods include diagnosing osteoarthritis, and methods for assessing the severity of osteoarthritis, such as in subject that have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis using radiographic or other methods. Methods may also include comparison of measured cytokine levels to a reference level. Methods of managing the clinical progression of osteoarthritis include initiating a clinical action based on the difference between the measured cytokine level and a reference level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separation, concentration, and/or applying a biological or bio-engineered fluid. Generally, the fluid application device includes a sprayer body to enable the application of the fluid and a container adaptable to enable the separation of the fluid into at least a first component and a second component. The container is releasably coupled to the nozzle. The nozzle is adapted to withdraw at least one of the first component or the second component from the container after the fluid has been separated to apply the fluid to a selected site.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aspiration assembly including an outer cannulated needle having a tip, a threaded collar, and an inner aspiration needle. A material can be aspirated through at least the inner aspiration needle. The distance that the tip of the inner aspiration needle extends from the tip of the outer cannulated needle changes when the inner aspiration needle is rotated relative to the outer cannulated needle.