Abstract: A consistent and repeatable thawing method of frozen samples in a bag-format storage vessel is described herein. Methods and systems may allow for multiple bag-format storage vessel sizes to be used in the same device. A subset of a plurality of sensors may be qualified for the thawing method. The method may further include heating a frozen sample using a first heater bank and a second heater bank. In addition, the method may include measuring a plurality of second temperatures of the bag-format vessel. At or slightly after a second threshold temperature, the method may include heating using the first heater bank and terminating heating using the second heater bank. The method may include terminating the heating of the partially thawed sample using the first heater bank after the partially thawed sample has been heated using the first heater bank for a duration.

Abstract: A liquid for cryopreserving a cell and a liquid for administration of a mammalian cell capable of cryopreserving a mammalian cell and effectively suppressing cell death after thawing, and a method for cryopreserving a mammalian cell using the cell cryopreservation liquid. The liquid is an isotonic solution that includes 2.0 to 6.0% (w/v) of trehalose or a derivative thereof, or a salt of the trehalose or the derivative, 4.0 to 7.0% (w/v) of dextran or a derivative thereof, or a salt of the dextran or the derivative, and DMSO or glycerin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising, in a physiologically acceptable medium: a) at least one saccharide, b) at least one amino acid, c) DMSO or at least one C3-C5 alkanediol, d) at least one antioxidant, and e) cells for therapeutic purposes, said composition having a pH between 7.0 and 8.5, preferably between 7.0 and 8.3. It also relates to a method for the cryopreservation of at least one sample of cells for therapeutic purposes, comprising the following steps: i) mixing the sample of cells for therapeutic purposes with ingredients a) to d) above and a physiologically acceptable medium, so as to obtain a composition having a pH between 7.0 and 8.5, preferably between 7.0 and 8.3, then ii) freezing the composition obtained in step i).

Abstract: A bone graft composition comprising a viable, osteogenic cellular material combined with a viscous cryoprotectant that includes a penetrating cryoprotective agent and a non-penetrating cryoprotective agent. The viscosity of the cryoprotectant is such that the composition is malleable, cohesive and capable of being formed into desired shapes.

Abstract: Medical material and a method for preparing a biological tissue for a medical application are provided. The material is useful as a sealing element in a heart valve prosthesis. A method includes decellularizing the biological tissue by decellularizing solution to obtain an acellular extracellular matrix, solubilizing the extracellular matrix of the biological tissue, and crosslinking collagen fibers of the solubilized extracellular matrix.

Abstract: The present application relates to a cell cryopreservation protective composition, the use of the composition, and a cell cryopreservation method. The cell cryopreservation protective composition comprises a zwitterionic molecule having the general formula R1—N+(CH3)2—(CH2)n—R2, wherein R1 is a linear or branched alkyl having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and is optionally substituted with a substituent; R2 is any negatively charged group selected from the group consisting of —COO?, —SO4?, —SO3?, and (I); and R3 is a group selected from the group consisting of (methyl)acryloyloxyalkyl, alkyl and alkenyl; and the zwitterionic molecule having general formula R1—N+(CH3)2—(CH2)n—R2 is preferably a betaine compound. The cell cryopreservation protective composition can carry out cell cryopreservation in a non-toxic and efficient manner, and results in an extremely high post-thaw cell survival rate and does not require stepwise cryopreservation.

Abstract: A bone implant comprising cancellous bone that is essentially free of blood cells, and which has been treated with at least a loosening agent, such as collagenase and/or a digestive enzyme, for a time and at a concentration to loosen the osteogenic cells in the cancellous bone matrix. The osteogenic cells in the matrix are viable cells. The treatment of the cancellous bone with at least one loosening agent enables the osteogenic cells to be more available for carrying out their osteogenic function and to provide for an increased rate of bone formation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a preparation system and method for preparing a sample for electron microscopy, the preparation system comprising: a liquid handling system (0) comprising a dispensing head (1), wherein said liquid handling system (0) is configured to aspirate and dispense a volume of a sample via the dispensing head (1), a support structure (2) that is configured to accommodate the sample, a temperature-controlled stage (4) that is configured to keep said support structure (2) at a pre-defined temperature, a first adapter (3) configured to hold said support structure (2), and a transfer mechanism (60) that is configured to be connected to the first adapter (3) holding the support structure (2) and to move said support structure (2) into a container (8) containing a liquid cryogen (80) so that the sample on the support structure (2) contacts the cryogen (80).

Abstract: This invention provides disrupted cartilage products, methods of manufacturing disrupted cartilage products, and methods of treating a subject comprising administering a cartilage product. The cartilage products are manufactured by a method comprising disrupting a collagen matrix, e.g. to produce a flexible cartilage product. Optionally, the cartilage products comprise viable chondrocytes, bioactive factors such as chondrogenic factors, and a collagen type II matrix. Optionally, the cartilage products are non-immunogenic.

Abstract: This invention provides porated cartilage products and methods of producing porated cartilage products. Optionally, the cartilage products are sized, porated, and digested to provide a flexible cartilage product. Optionally, the cartilage products comprise viable chondrocytes, bioactive factors such as chondrogenic factors, and a collagen type II matrix. Optionally, the cartilage products are non-immunogenic.

Abstract: A live tissue storage solution is formed of an aqueous culture medium including additives, inorganic salts and nutrients. The additives preferably include amino acids including but not limited to L-Arg, L-Cys, Gly, L-His, L-Ile, L-Lys, L-Leu, L-Met, L-Phe, L-Ser, L-Try, L-Try, and L-Val. The inorganic salts preferably include calcium chloride, sodium chloride, magnesium sulphate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium phosphate. The nutrients preferably include glucose, choline, folic acid, nicinamide, riboflavin, which are known to maintain cell culture. Examples include Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium DMEM or Minimal Essential Medium MEM with or without serum. The culture medium contains additives to reduce, inhibit, or mitigate lipid oxidation, lipotoxicy, lipid-induced responses, and lipid inflammation.

Abstract: Provided are transplant preservation solutions comprising a polyglycerol wherein the polyglycerol is of a molecular weight between about 0.15 kDa and about 3.99 kDa, methods and uses thereof as well as kits providing said transplant preservation solutions.

Abstract: A method for platelet preservation comprising placing a composition comprising platelets in a gas mixture comprising xenon and oxygen under pressure of about 0-10 Bars at a first temperature of about 18° C.-37° C. for a first period of time, and then subsequently cooling the composition to a second temperature of about 0,1° C.-6° C., and holding the composition under the pressure and in the second temperature for a second period of time.

Abstract: The invention provides improved methods for preparing hematopoietic cells for transplantation and the resulting improved hematopoietic cell compositions. The invention further relates to improved culture media and methods of culturing, processing, modulating, and expanding blood cell products for hematopoietic transplantation.

Abstract: A method for treating cartilage defects including providing a placental membrane preparation that includes ground or minced placental membranes and optionally, a ground or minced cartilage and/or biocompatible glue, and introducing the preparation to a cartilage defect within a skeletal joint. The cartilage defect may include a hyaline cartilage defect, such as a chondral defect, or meniscal defect. The treatment may be provided in combination with other treatments such as marrow stimulation treatments and surgical repair treatments using sutures or other fixation techniques. The preparation promotes the regeneration of cartilage within the skeletal joint.

Abstract: Brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECS) can be generated from pluripotent stem cells, and possess membrane barrier functions along with capability for maturation into other developing tissues. This cell type has not been successfully frozen with loss of significant viability and/or BMEC functional properties. For example, BMECs can be used to model barrier function in blood brain barrier, by calculating the trans-endothelial resistance (TEER). However, thawed primary BMECs lose TEER resistance. By optimizing cell preparation, freezing media selection, and the controlled freezing, the Inventors have achieved complete recovery of frozen cells, achieving proper tight junction protein expression and physiologically relevant TEER. The freezing methods and compositions described herein, thereby allow for BMECs to be manufactured, frozen and distributed at scale.

Abstract: Therapeutic compositions are described for the treatment of a variety of conditions including heart, eye, lungs, organs, joints, dermal, nerve, and the like. A therapeutic composition may be a fluid comprising amniotic fluid or micronized amniotic particles. A therapeutic composite may be a dispersion of micronized amniotic membrane combined with a fluid, such as plasma, saline, amniotic fluid, combinations thereof and the like. In another embodiment, the therapeutic composite is a mixture of micronized amniotic membrane particles combined with an amniotic rich stem cell fluid. An amniotic rich or concentrated stem cell fluid comprises at least 0.5×106 amniotic stem cells per milliliter of fluid or composition. A therapeutic composite may be used to treat any number of conditions through topical application, surgical introduction, and/or injection.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a vitrification stick for use in the cryopreservation of biological materials, and may include a body having a first portion and a second portion, a specimen end extending from the second portion of the body, and having a cavity defined therein, and a cap including an open end, a closed end, and an aperture, the cap being dimensioned so as to receive at least the specimen end. The cap is positionable relative to the second portion of the body between an open stage and a closed stage, and in the open stage the cavity of the specimen end is exposed by the aperture to an area exterior to the cap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of human fertility treatment. The present invention more specifically relates to the identification of soluble CD146 (sCD146) as a biomarker which, when measured in an embryo culture medium, can be used to determine whether the embryo can be selected for implantation in the uterus of a mammal or not. The present invention thus provides a new tool and related kits to (pre)select embryo eligible for implantation. The invention also relates to methods for promoting pregnancy in a human who undergoes embryo transfer.

Abstract: A frozen therapeutic dose includes an amniotic material and is configured into a pack for easy administering of the dose to a treatment location. A frozen therapeutic dose may contain a concentration of live amniotic stem cells. A frozen therapeutic dose may be provided in a form, such as a multi-pack form, to enable a person to administer a dose to a treatment location without the need of traveling to a doctor's office or clinic. A frozen therapeutic dose package may be kept in a conventional freezer at ?20° C. for example, for extended periods of time and a person may remove the package as needed for treatment. A frozen dose package or pack may contain a secondary material configured to mix with the frozen therapeutic dose. A secondary material may be configured within a single dose compartment with the frozen dose or within a separate compartment.

Abstract: A nucleic acid extraction method includes the following steps. Firstly, a mixture of a sample and a lysis buffer is provided. The pH of the lysis buffer is lower than 7. Then, the mixture of the sample and the lysis buffer is transferred to a nucleic acid catching chamber containing chitosan coating material, so that nucleic acid of the sample is bound to the chitosan coating material. Then, the chitosan coating material is washed with at least one wash buffer, thereby removing residual protein and cell debris. Then, the chitosan coating material is eluted with an elution buffer while heating the chitosan coating material, so that the nucleic acid is separated from the chitosan coating material. The pH of the elution buffer is higher than 7.

Abstract: A biological sample vitrification carrier and a method for freezing a biological sample are provided. Specifically, the carrier comprises a main body and a sealing cap that form a sealed frozen sample placing region. Frozen liquid circulating in a liquid circulating channel in the main body contacts with an outer surface of the frozen sample placing region and cools a biological sample in the frozen sample placing region. The biological sample vitrification carrier and the method in the present invention have the advantages of safety, nontoxicity and high vitrification and rewarming operation efficiency and have wide application prospects in the field of biological sample freezing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved Bone Tendon Bone graft for use in orthopedic surgical procedures. Specifically exemplified herein is a Bone Tendon Bone graft comprising one or more bone blocks having a groove cut into the surface thereof, wherein said groove is sufficient to accommodate a fixation screw. Also disclosed is a method of harvesting grafts that has improved efficiency and increases the quantity of extracted tissue and minimizes time required by surgeon for implantation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising a decellularized tissue. The present invention also provides an engineered three dimensional lung tissue exhibiting characteristics of a natural lung tissue. The engineered tissue is useful for the study of lung developmental biology and pathology as well as drug discovery.

Abstract: A profusion system for a mammalian organ comprising a first and a second pump to propel perfusion fluid through one of a closed fluid circuit system and a selectively closeable fluid circuit system that includes an organ artery and an organ vein, a filter cartridge bank consisting of a plurality of filtration cartridges, and a first and a second fluid reservoir.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide, in order to manufacture cells to transplant into patients with corneal endothelial failure, a medium used to culture corneal endothelial cells obtained from human corneal tissue and grow said cells while maintaining the morphology thereof as corneal endothelial cells. [Solution] A medium containing a conditioned medium from mesenchymal stem cells; and a method in which said medium is used to culture corneal endothelial cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dual-media approach for culturing isolated corneal endothelial cells. Isolated corneal endothelial cells are first contacted with a proliferative medium to propagate and/or expand the endothelial cells followed by a maintenance medium to preserve the morphology and/or characteristics of the corneal endothelial cells. The invention includes the proliferative medium and the maintenance medium and also a combination of the two medium.

Abstract: A laminated graft fabricated from human birth tissue material comprising at least two amniotic membranes, or at least two chorionic membranes, or at least one amniotic membrane and at least one chorionic membrane, and at least one morselized placental composition to form a human birth tissue laminate graft. Methods of processing human birth tissue material to form a laminated graft are also provided. Additionally, methods for treating a wound or defect and methods of promoting regeneration of diseased or damaged tissue are provided.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for cryoprotection of recombinant live cancer cells. Specifically, an improved cryoprotective medium is provided which includes a hydroxyethyl starch and/or derivative thereof alone or in combination with either DMSO or glycerol.

Abstract: The method involves placing an oocyte cell in a cell holder (1), securing the cell holder in a treatment station, applying a treatment solution to the cell by washing the cell with the solution, and rapidly cooling the cell holder and cell to a predetermined cryopreservation temperature for cryopreservation of the cell. The cell is cooled at a high rate sufficient to permit vitrification of the cell and any surrounding treatment solution to occur. The cell is then maintained at or below a predetermined storage temperature for storage. The method allows multiple cells to be treated simultaneously each secured within a respective cell holder.

Abstract: The invention relates to small molecule ice recrystallization inhibitor (IRI) compounds having increased ice recrystallization inhibition activity. The IRI compounds disclosed herein are useful in compositions, kits and methods for cryopreserving biological material such as organs, tissues and cells.

Abstract: An automated system and method of cryopreservation of oocytes, embryos, or blastocysts. The method entails delivering two or more solutions into a container holding oocytes, embryos, or blastocysts, and controlling the flow of the solutions to gradually change the concentration of cryoprotectants and dehydrating agents in the container to minimize shock to the oocytes, embryos or blastocysts.

Abstract: Cryopreserved stem cells with high cell viability after thawing were obtained by slow freezing using a DMSO-free cryopreservation medium. Stem cells and/or progenitor cells thereof are contacted with a DMSO-free cryopreservation medium, comprising between 4 v/v % and 25 v/v % of propylene glycol and between 1.0 w % and 10 w % of a sugar; and are subsequently subject to a slow-freezing process. Optionally, the cryopreservation medium may comprise serum albumin and/or hyaluronic acid.

Abstract: A method for preparing tissue for medical applications, in particular tissue for use for an artificial heart valve, wherein the method has the steps of decellularizing the tissue by means of a detergent and subsequently cross-linking the collagen fibers of the tissue by means of a suitable cross-linking agent. At least one lipopeptide, such as surfactin, for example, is used as the detergent for decellularization.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of culturing a corneal endothelial cell by use of a culture medium containing an ascorbic acid derivative and the like.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for avoiding fracturing, e.g., thermo-mechanical fracturing, in vitrified biological systems via rapid cooling and/or warming persufflation techniques, by reducing the domain size of fracturing and by reducing thermal gradients. Also disclosed is a system adapted to rapidly cool and warm vitrifiable vascular biological tissue by persufflation, significantly reducing cryoprotectant toxicity from that of surface cooled tissue, in which the system is constructed and configured to use one or more of helium gas, hydrogen gas, neon gas, argon gas, krypton gas, xenon gas, oxygen gas, or various gaseous compounds. The system can be operated under pressure to increase the density and heat capacity of the gas relative to its density and heat capacity at atmospheric pressure and to cool the gas by one or more of mechanical action and by the phase change of a material such as a cryogenic gas or solid.

Abstract: A composition for the cryopreservation of cells according to the present invention at least comprises sericin and one or more components selected from the group consisting of amino acids and saccharides. Further, a method for the cryopreservation of cells according to the present invention comprises the steps of placing target cells in the abovementioned composition for the cryopreservation of cells and cryopreserving them. According to the composition for the cryopreservation of cells of the present invention, cells can be cryopreserved over a long period of time without the use of serum and components derived from serum.

Abstract: The present invention provides an artificial kidney precursor containing a non-human mammalian metanephros separated out from a living body, wherein the metanephros has been subjected to freezing and thawing treatments outside a living body, and contains mammalian mesenchymal stem cells transferred outside a living body, and a method of production thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stem cells obtained from the amnion and their methods of obtaining and culturing. The present invention further relates to compositions comprising amnion-derived stems cells (ADSCs) and to methods of using ADSCs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a tissue matrix and its subsequent use in the replacement and/or repair of a damaged or defective meniscus. The invention also provides meniscal tissue that is substantially decellularised.

Abstract: Novel methods and systems for electromagnetic freezing are disclosed. An oscillating magnetic field can be applied in conjunction with a static magnetic field in order to align magnetic particles inside biological tissues. Such chains may be naturally present or artificially introduced. Needle-shaped electrodes may be used to produce ions and disturb the air layers insulating the tissues to be frozen.

Abstract: An improved cryopreservation process and substances can involve a cellular collection (1) in a cryopreservation fluid (4) that has been conditioned or treated (7) to enhance the cryopreservation process by adding (18) energy (19) such as in the surface energy of a substance in the cryopreservation fluid (4) prior to reducing energy for that same cryopreservation media for freezing. This can offer enhanced-post-cryogenic viability of the cryopreserved structures or a more optimum cooling curve (22) for a specific cell type.

Abstract: Methods for defatting omentum and processes for preparing an acellular omentum, i.e., devitalized or decellularized omentum, comprising extracellular matrix for implantation into a mammalian system. Constructs for medical applications comprising decellularized omentum are also described. More specifically, mesh reinforced omentum biomatrix for soft tissue repair is described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for cryopreserving biological material. In particular, the method comprises storing the biological material at a cryopreserving temperature in a composition comprising polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). wherein the composition is substantially free of vitrification-inducing agents such as DMSO and glycerol. The invention also provides methods of inhibiting ice recrystallisation and of reducing cell damage during the warming or thawing of a cryopreserved composition comprising biological material. The invention also relates to processes for producing a biological material, and related kits.

Abstract: Methods of preparing a human birth tissue material are provided. A placental construct for treatment of a disease or condition is also provided. A kit including at least one placental construct and at least one structural carrier is provided. A catheter for recovering amniotic fluid is also provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for inhibiting plant growth by inducing hypothermia by applying a treating substance to summer annual weeds and grasses. Susceptible undesirable plants will be killed by this treatment, while non-susceptible desirable plants will not be adversely affected by this treatment. Compressed carbon dioxide may be applied to other summer grasses to cause the grasses to become dormant. An apparatus is provided for inducing hypothermia in undesirable plants by applying a treating substance. A canister capable of housing gas may be provided. A valve may be provided to control the amount and pressure of gas dispensed from the canister.

Abstract: A composition of neural tissue is made of spinal cord tissue harvested from a spinal cord of a mammal. The spinal cord tissue is harvested from vertebral column of the mammal. The spinal cord tissue is harvested post mortem. The mammal is one of a primate, an equine, a bovine, a porcine or other mammalian animal. The spinal cord tissue is dried or has the water content in the tissue reduced or eliminated by freeze drying or hypothermic dehydration.

Abstract: Systems and methods of the invention generally relate to prolonging viability of bodily tissue in static cold storage and hypothermic machine perfusion techniques by reducing the rate of edema through the application of compressive force to the bodily tissue via a compression device. Compression devices of the invention may comprise biocompatible materials and may apply compressive force through incorporation of elastic materials, through expandable bladders, or other means. Certain embodiments include perfusion devices comprising a pneumatic system, a pumping chamber, and an organ chamber. The pumping chamber is configured to diffuse a gas into a perfusate and to generate a pulse wave for moving the perfusate through a bodily tissue. The organ chamber is configured to receive the perfusate along with a bodily tissue fitted with a compression device. Both the organ chamber and the pumping chamber are configured to substantially automatically purge excess fluid.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of cryopreserving a tissue derived from a pluripotent stem cell, including the steps of (1) bringing a tissue derived from a pluripotent stem cell into contact with a cell protection solution that contains sulfoxide and chain polyol, (2) maintaining, in a cryopreservation solution, the pluripotent stem cell-derived tissue that was brought into contact with the cell protection solution in the first step, and (3) cryopreserving, in the presence of a coolant, the pluripotent stem cell-derived tissue that was maintained in the cryopreservation solution.

Abstract: The disclosure provides implants containing a plurality of particles containing at least one population of viable tissuegenic cells adherent to and resident in the growth-conductive matrix or at least viable population of tissuegenic cells caused to be in contact with the growth-conductive matrix; methods to fabricate implants; methods of fabricating the implants; and use of the implants in tissue repair.