Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of preserving or preparing cell-based compositions for use in wound management. The methods can be carried out by steps including: (a) providing skin cells; (b) treating the skin cells with a monosaccharide; (c) treating the skin cells with a disaccharide; and (d) lyophilizing the skin cells.

Abstract: The effect of the action of collagenase in treating lesions containing collagen or mixed fibrin clots (e.g., burns or ulcers) is improved by applying collagenase to the wound in combination with an organogel and a phosphatidylcholine, of which lecithin is a readily available source, particularly when the collagenase is first mixed and stored with that choline and an organic solvent and is subsequently mixed with a second individually stored formulation comprising a gel-forming agent and water, the two formulations individually having satisfactory shelf lives and the resultant mixture being applied to the lesion promptly after being formed.

Abstract: The effect of the action of collagenase in treating lesions containing collagen or mixed fibrin clots (e.g., burns or ulcers) is improved by applying collagenase to the wound in combination with an organogel and a phosphotidylcholine, of which lecithin is a readily available source, particularly when the collagenase is first mixed and stored with that choline and an organic solvent and is subsequently mixed with a second individually stored formulation comprising a gel-forming agent and water, the two formulations individually having satisfactory shelf lives and the resultant mixture being applied to the lesion promptly after being formed.

Abstract: The invention features methods of producing a preparation of very long lived epithelial cells, e.g., keratinocytes. The method includes providing a human epithelial tissue, e.g., epidermis; isolating at least one keratinocyte clone from the tissue; and determining if the clone is capable of at least 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350 or 400 population doublings after isolation from human tissue. Preparations of very long lived keratinocytes and methods of using the keratinocytes are also provided.

Abstract: The invention features methods of producing a preparation of very long lived epithelial cells, e.g., keratinocytes. The method includes providing a human epithelial tissue, e.g., epidermis; isolating at least one keratinocyte clone from the tissue; and determining if the clone is capable of at least 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350 or 400 population doublings after isolation from human tissue. Preparations of very long lived keratinocytes and methods of using the keratinocytes are also provided.

Abstract: The debridement of wounds, and particularly burn wounds, is more effectively accomplished by starting with a first substance comprising a mixture of collagenase and a non-aqueous excipient and a second substance comprising an aqueous excipient and, preferably, a cream such as an antibiotic cream, both of which substances have a satisfactory shelf life, and treating the wound by combining those two substances and promptly applying the resulting combination to the wound. Shelf life requirements are satisfied, and the effect of applying the resulting combination to the wound promptly after the combination has been formed results in a more effective debridement than would be expected from the application of other collagenase substances.

Abstract: The invention provides the development of models for cell migration, including an in vitro model and an in vivo model. The in vitro model for cell migration comprises a first extracellular matrix containing a cell (the cell which will migrate) and a second extracellular matrix in physical contact with the first extracellular matrix. The first extracellular matrix simulates a first natural environment in which the cell naturally resides, and the second extracellular matrix simulates a second natural environment into which the cell naturally migrates from the first natural environment. The in vivo model according to the subject invention comprises an animal model having a naturally occurring first extracellular matrix containing a cell, and a second extracellular matrix in physical contact with the first extracellular matrix. The first and second extracellular matrices are generally as described above for the in vitro model, except that the first extracellular matrix is part of an animal model.