Abstract: A single-use round flexible mixing bag for use in bioprocessing in which a fluid is received and agitated using an internal fluid-agitating element comprising a radial flow impeller driven by an internal pneumatic vane motor is disclosed. The bag may include an integral sparger and sensor receiver. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An organ perfusion apparatus and method monitor, sustain and/or restore viability of organs and preserve organs for storage and/or transport. Other apparatus include an organ transporter, an organ cassette and an organ diagnostic device. The method includes perfusing the organ at hypothermic and/or normothermic temperatures, preferably after hypothermic organ flushing for organ transport and/or storage. The method can be practiced with prior or subsequent static or perfusion hypothermic exposure of the organ. Organ viability is restored by restoring high energy nucleotide (e.g., ATP) levels by perfusing the organ with a medical fluid, such as an oxygenated cross-linked hemoglobin-based bicarbonate medical fluid, at normothermic temperatures.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for measuring the contractility of intestinal tissue upon treatment with GLP-2 or a GLP-2 ligand. Also disclosed is an assay which directly measures the activity of GLP-2 or GLP-2 ligands ex vivo and permits the screening of putative GLP-2 ligands in native tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus intended for evaluation, preservation and perfusion of an organ, such as a lung. The apparatus includes a container with a bottom portion, an insert portion and a lid portion. A pulmonary artery tube is intended to be connected to the lung pulmonary artery and a trachea tube is intended to be connected to the trachea of the lungs and bent tube connects the pulmonary artery tube to a circuit for providing a fluid to the pulmonary artery is provided. The circuit includes a pump, an oxygenator, an optional leukocyte-filter, and a holder for connecting the trachea tube to a source of respiration. There is an oxygenator tube set and a leukocyte-filter tube set. A supporting structure for the container comprises a recess sized for enclosing said container and a display panel. Moreover, there are two handles, which may be unfolded into a position for supporting a sterile cloth.

Abstract: Method and device for treatment of a heart after harvesting and before transplantation. The device includes a container intended to comprise the heart; a first line for connection to an aorta of the heart; a fluid circuit comprising an oxygenator for oxygenating said fluid and a heater/cooler for regulating the temperature of said fluid; and a pump for perfusion of said fluid through the coronary blood vessels of the heart. The fluid includes an oncotic agent exerting an oncotic pressure larger than about 30 mmHg; and is cardioplegic by comprising a potassium concentration, which is between 15 mM and 30 mM. A control device is arranged for controlling the pump to perform said perfusion intermittently, whereby the perfusion time is less than half of the cycle time. The perfusion is performed at a pressure, which is at least 15 mmHg and at least 15 mmHg lower than said oncotic pressure.

Abstract: A membrane supported bioreactor arrangement and method for anaerobic conversion of gas into liquid products including membrane modules having hollow fibers packed across a cross sectional area of the membrane module, each of the hollow fibers formed from an asymmetric membrane wall having a porous outer layer defining biopores for retaining a porous biolayer about the outer surface of the membrane wall and a less permeable hydration layer around the hollow fiber lumen; a membrane vessel for surrounding the outside of the hollow fibers with a process gas from a gas supply conduit; and a liquid supply conduit operably connected to the hollow fibers for supplying a process liquid to the hollow fiber lumens. The gas supply conduit enables the formation of a biolayer on the outer surface of the hollow fiber wall by interaction of microorganisms with the process gas and the production of a liquid product.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a hypothermic pulsatile perfusion (HPP) apparatus is described. The example HPP includes a chamber configured to house an object (e.g., kidney, liver, heart, skin graft) to be transplanted. The example HPP may include a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) element(s) (e.g., coil) configured to facilitate performing a first (e.g., magnetic resonance (MR) based) analysis of the object using a first set of frequencies. The example HPP may also include a spectrum element (e.g., optical probe) configured to facilitate performing a second (e.g., non-MR based) analysis of the object using a second, different set of frequencies. The HPP apparatus is constructed from MR compatible, non-ferromagnetic materials. In one embodiment, a combination MR/non-MR apparatus may apply MR and non-MR electromagnetic energy to an object housed in the HPP apparatus.

Abstract: A tissue cutting device that is especially suited for neurosurgical applications is disclosed and described, as well as alternative systems for tissue preservation and transport. The cutting device includes an outer cannula in which a reciprocating inner cannula is disposed. A tissue collector is also provided and is in fluid communication with the lumen of the inner cannula. A temperature control sleeve may be disposed around the tissue collector to control the temperature of the tissue samples. A preservation system may be supplied that is configured to deliver fluids to tissue samples in the tissue collector. A fluid supply sleeve may be disposed about the outer cannula and is selectively positionable along the length of the outer cannula.

Abstract: Presented is an airway organ bioreactor apparatus, and methods of use thereof, as well as bioartificial airway organs produced using the methods, and methods of treating subjects using the bioartificial airway organs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to engineered blood vessels and methods of making such vessels using matrices comprising endothelial and smooth muscle cells, or cells capable of differentiating into endothelial and smooth muscle cell lineages (e.g., stem cells, or the progenitors thereof).

Abstract: A microfluidic device for culturing cells, termed a microscale cell culture analog (?CCA), is provided. The microfluidic device allows multiple cell or tissue types to be cultured in a physiologically relevant environment, facilitates high-throughput operation and can be used for drug discovery. The microfluidic device uses gravity-induced fluidic flow, eliminating the need for a pump and preventing formation of air bubbles. Reciprocating motion between a pair of connected reservoirs is used to effect the gravity-induced flow in microfluidic channels. Bacterial contamination is reduced and high throughput enabled by eliminating a pump. The microfluidic device integrates a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) model to enable PK-PD analyses on-chip. This combined in vitro/in silico system enables prediction of drug toxicity in a more realistic manner than conventional in vitro systems.

Abstract: A system for cryoencapsulating a natural or manmade biological specimen which is capable of enabling the nucleation of at least one of benign polycrystalline or vitreous ice in the specimen via the introduction of particulate nuclei and cryoprotectant into the specimen including: (a) one or more specimen cooling modules or stations; (b) one or more specimen particulate or particulate-former introduction modules or stations; (c) one or more specimen cryoprotectant-introduction modules or stations; and (d) a system control unit and necessary system utilities, wherein the system is to implement a combined process of specimen cooling, specimen particulate introduction or formation, and specimen cryoprotectant introduction, and wherein the introduced particulate is to favorably enable the nucleation of one or both of encapsulating polycrystalline or vitreous ice resulting in ice formation with at least one of reduced ice damage or cryoprotectant toxic damage to the specimen during cryoencapsulation or during event

Abstract: A blood storage system comprising: a collection vessel for red blood cells; an oxygen or oxygen and carbon dioxide depletion device; a storage vessel for red blood cells; tubing connecting the collection vessel to the oxygen or oxygen and carbon dioxide depletion device and the oxygen or oxygen and carbon dioxide depletion device to the storage vessel; and a gamma or X-ray irradiating device is used to irradiate red blood cells stored in the vessel, storing red blood cells under anaerobic conditions.

Abstract: An arrangement for the transport and/or safekeeping of a human or animal tissue sample comprising a tablet and one or more alignment pins; each pin having a tip to pierce the cover of the tablet; the tablet designed with at least two layers that include a cover layer and a support member; and at least one alignment pin with a tip that is undercut in the direction of piercing so that it locks against the inside of the cover layer, counteracted by a lower piercing resistance of the support member in the area the piercing point. Upon piercing the cover layer, the tablet and/or the respective alignment pin limit the piercing depth of the alignment pin forming a locking event. The arrangement is designed to preserve orientation information and allow for unobscured imaging of the sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for establishing sulfide perfusion is described and includes a sulfide supply for introducing sulfide into fluid for perfusion, an apparatus for delivery of the perfusion fluid, a fluid chemistry monitor for monitoring the concentration of sulfide and other components of the perfusion fluid, and an electronic controller connected with the sulfide supply and the fluid chemistry monitor to control the sulfide supply to regulate the sulfide concentration of the perfusion fluid based on input from the fluid chemistry monitor.

Abstract: A device for preparing an undifferentiated cell, the device comprises means for contacting a more committed cell with an agent that causes the more committed cell to retrodifferentiate into an undifferentiated cell.

Abstract: A nested permeable support device is described herein that can be used to perform various experiments to test new therapeutic compounds (new chemical entities). In one application, the nested permeable support device is used to perform a first pass assay to determine the bioavailability of a new chemical entity following absorption through the digestive tract and metabolism by the liver.

Abstract: A blood vessel preservation device is disclosed comprised of a vessel cannister, cannister cap, vessel alignment insert, pulsatile pump and both inlet and outlet tubing. The vessel canister is advantageously configured as a hollow tube-like structure with a central bore having one open terminus—the proximal terminus—and a closed distal terminus—similar to a large test tube—. Integrated embodiments of the device are disclosed wherein blood is provided from natural circulation and returns thereto. Non-integrated embodiments are also disclosed wherein sufficient blood is provided to the device and thereafter the device functions separate and apart from a patient's circulatory system.

Abstract: Hybrid synthetic grafts and embodiments of systems and methods for producing hybrid vascular grafts that can yield implantable grafts that combine synthetic grafts with living cells. Embodiments of systems can include a pressure/flow loop subsystem having an external flow loop system coupled to a specimen holder, where the pressure/flow loop subsystem is capable of adjusting at least two dynamic conditions in the specimen holder or a diameter of a specimen in the specimen holder. Embodiments of methods can coat a hybrid graft with a confluent monolayer of endothelial cells by immobilizing stem cells on a hybrid hemodialysis access graft or a hybrid femoral artery bypass graft, and placing the hybrid graft in a system embodiment according to the invention under conditions effective to promote the stem cells to form a confluent monolayer on the hybrid graft and in an environment to promote the stem cells to differentiate into endothelial cells.

Abstract: The invention is targeted at the process of separating gas, such as air, from a liquid path. Specifically, the invention provides a means to remove gas from a dynamic liquid path, manage the removed gas and liquid path. The invention provides a means to remove gas from a dynamic liquid path using the buoyant property of gas in a less buoyant liquid, having ingress and egress ports for liquid and gas flow, and separate points of egress for liquid and trapped gas and integral liquid channels.

Abstract: A process for preserving tissues is described which comprises transferring the tissues in a container and evacuating the container.

Abstract: A method for treating conditions related to lack of blood supply with a lipid based resuscitation fluid is disclosed. The resuscitation fluid contains a lipid component and an aqueous carrier. The lipid component forms an emulsion with the aqueous carrier. The resuscitation fluid can be used to increase the blood pressure and to carry oxygen to tissues. The resuscitation fluid can also be used for preserving the biological integrity of donor organs for transplantation.

Abstract: A single-use, single or multiple tissue, organ, and graft bioreactor and environmental control system is designed to replicate the necessary conditions for growth of tissues, organs, or grafts, while addressing problems in scaling up the tissue growth; adaptation to a single-use or disposable format; and operation as a stand-alone unit that provides full environmental control of cell culture conditions.

Abstract: An organ perfusion apparatus and method monitor, sustain and/or restore viability of organs and preserve organs for storage and/or transport. Other apparatus include an organ transporter, an organ cassette and an organ diagnostic device. The apparatus and methods include the cassette and transporter with heat transfer surfaces arranged to transfer heat between a cooling source in said transporter and the heat transfer surfaces of the cassette.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for the isolation, characterization, cryopreservation and banking of human germline stem cells and gonadal tissue. Also disclosed are methods for the transplanting of the cryopreserved cells to repopulate a sterile reproductive organ.

Abstract: The straw comprises a tube (41) and a plug (42) consisting of a one-piece cylinder of microporous material, permeable to gases and liquid tight. The microporous material is a sintered self-sealing microporous material with at least a solid portion (42) having a diameter matching the inner diameter of said tube (41), said solid portion being in direct contact with said tube (41), said plug having in the tube a permeability to gases when it is dry such that if one end of the tube is placed in communication with a pressure source 150 mbar above atmospheric pressure and the other end of the tube is opened to atmospheric pressure, the air flow per unit area through the plug is in the range of 7.5 to 40 ml/min.mm2.

Abstract: A method for the creation of endothelial parent vessels from human vascular endothelial cells in vitro in a culture perfusion device (CPD) including a collagen chamber, inlet ports, a capillary tube, and an outlet port. A collagen solution is injected into the collagen chamber through a syringe needle until the chamber is filled with collagen. The CPD is perfused by filling the inlet ports and sequentially priming the inlet ports, and the outlet ports. A perfusable channel is created in the collagen chamber and a concentrated suspension of endothelial cells is injected into the inlet ports. The endothelial cells are injected into the at least one perfusable channel and incubated to attach to the walls of the perfusable channel. The cells are distributed within the CPD; and perfused to form a parent vessel having homogeneous monolayers of cells.

Abstract: An organ perfusion apparatus and method monitor, sustain and/or restore viability of organs and preserve organs for storage and/or transport. Other apparatus include an organ transporter, an organ cassette and an organ diagnostic device. The method includes perfusing the organ at hypothermic and/or normothermic temperatures, preferably after hypothermic organ flushing for organ transport and/or storage. The method can be practiced with prior or subsequent static or perfusion hypothermic exposure of the organ. Organ viability is restored by restoring high energy nucleotide (e.g., ATP) levels by perfusing the organ with a medical fluid, such as an oxygenated cross-linked hemoglobin-based bicarbonate medical fluid, at normothermic temperatures.

Abstract: An organ perfusion apparatus and method monitor, sustain and/or restore viability of organs and preserve organs for storage and/or transport. Other apparatus include an organ transporter, an organ cassette and an organ diagnostic device. The method includes perfusing the organ at hypothermic and/or normothermic temperatures, preferably after hypothermic organ flushing for organ transport and/or storage. The method can be practiced with prior or subsequent static or perfusion hypothermic exposure of the organ. Organ viability is restored by restoring high energy nucleotide (e.g., ATP) levels by perfusing the organ with a medical fluid, such as an oxygenated cross-linked hemoglobin-based bicarbonate medical fluid, at normothermic temperatures.

Abstract: An organ perfusion apparatus and method monitor, sustain and/or restore viability of organs and preserve organs for storage and/or transport. Other apparatus include an organ transporter, an organ cassette and an organ diagnostic device. The method includes perfusing the organ at hypothermic and/or normothermic temperatures, preferably after hypothermic organ flushing for organ transport and/or storage. The method can be practiced with prior or subsequent static or perfusion hypothermic exposure of the organ. Organ viability is restored by restoring high energy nucleotide (e.g., ATP) levels by perfusing the organ with a medical fluid, such as an oxygenated cross-linked hemoglobin-based bicarbonate medical fluid, at normothermic temperatures.

Abstract: An organ perfusion apparatus and method monitor, sustain and/or restore viability of organs and preserve organs for storage and/or transport. Other apparatus include an organ transporter, an organ cassette and an organ diagnostic device. The method includes perfusing the organ at hypothermic and/or normothermic temperatures, preferably after hypothermic organ flushing for organ transport and/or storage. The method can be practiced with prior or subsequent static or perfusion hypothermic exposure of the organ. Organ viability is restored by restoring high energy nucleotide (e.g., ATP) levels by perfusing the organ with a medical fluid, such as an oxygenated cross-linked hemoglobin-based bicarbonate medical fluid, at normothermic temperatures.

Abstract: An organ perfusion apparatus and method monitor, sustain and/or restore viability of organs and preserve organs for storage and/or transport. Other apparatus include an organ transporter, an organ cassette and an organ diagnostic device. The method includes perfusing the organ at hypothermic and/or normothermic temperatures, preferably after hypothermic organ flushing for organ transport and/or storage. The method can be practiced with prior or subsequent static or perfusion hypothermic exposure of the organ. Organ viability is restored by restoring high energy nucleotide (e.g., ATP) levels by perfusing the organ with a medical fluid, such as an oxygenated cross-linked hemoglobin-based bicarbonate medical fluid, at normothermic temperatures.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for inflating and perfusing a body organ. The system and method includes a housing, a vacuum source, a perfusion pump and a temperature control module. The housing defines a cavity for containing an ex vivo body organ. In embodiments, the housing may include a cover. The housing includes one or more apertures that are defined therethrough and configured to mechanically interface with one or more sensors. The vacuum source is configured to inflate and deflate the body organ. The perfusion pump is configured to circulate a solution into the body organ. The temperature control module is operatively connected to one or more heating elements and one or more cooling elements. In addition, the temperature control module is configured to regulate the temperature of the body organ within the housing.

Abstract: A graft tensioning device comprising a basin capable of containing a fluid, a heating element capable of heating the fluid to an appropriate temperature, a tray disposed within the basin, and a graft holding fixture for maintaining a tissue graft in tension, permanently or removably secured to the tray, wherein the graft holding fixture and tissue graft may be submersed within the fluid. The device may further comprise a base, a shelf and/or a cover. The device may be reusable, disposable or some combination thereof.

Abstract: Reactors that allow mixing and gasification by converting the entire floor of the reactor vessel to a sparge filter is described.

Abstract: The present invention discloses and claims methods and devices for the rapid mechanical isolation of monocot plant tissues suitable for transformation or tissue culture. The invention includes mechanical devices for substantially isolating target plant tissues for use as transformable explants, and propagation of transgenic plants and plant tissues.

Abstract: Hybrid synthetic grafts and embodiments of systems and methods for producing hybrid vascular grafts that can yield implantable grafts that combine synthetic grafts with living cells. Embodiments of systems can include a pressure/flow loop subsystem having an external flow loop system coupled to a specimen holder, where the pressure/flow loop subsystem is capable of adjusting at least two dynamic conditions in the specimen holder or a diameter of a specimen in the specimen holder. Embodiments of methods can promote endothelialization of a hybrid hemodialysis access graft or a hybrid femoral artery bypass graft by placing the hybrid hemodialysis access graft or the hybrid femoral artery bypass graft in a system embodiment according to the invention under conditions effective to promote endothelial cells to form a confluent monolayer on the surface of the hybrid graft.

Abstract: An automated machine for handling and embedding tissue samples contained on microtome sectionable supports. The machine includes an input member configured to hold a plurality of the microtome sectionable supports prior to a tissue embedding operation. An output member is configured to hold a plurality of the microtome sectionable supports after the tissue embedding operation. A cooling unit is configured to hold at least one of the microtome sectionable supports during the tissue embedding operation. A motorized carrier assembly is mounted for movement and configured to hold at least one of the microtome sectionable supports. The carrier assembly moves the support from the input member to the cooling unit and, finally, to the output member. A dispensing device dispenses an embedding material onto the microtome sectionable support and at least one tissue sample carried by the microtome sectionable support during the embedding operation.

Abstract: Hybrid synthetic grafts and embodiments of systems and methods for producing hybrid vascular grafts that can yield implantable grafts that combine synthetic grafts with living cells. Embodiments of systems can include a pressure/flow loop subsystem having an external flow loop system coupled to a specimen holder, where the pressure/flow loop subsystem is capable of adjusting at least two dynamic conditions in the specimen holder or a diameter of a specimen in the specimen holder. Embodiments of methods can promote endothelialization of a hybrid hemodialysis access graft or a hybrid femoral artery bypass graft by placing the hybrid hemodialysis access graft or the hybrid femoral artery bypass graft in a system embodiment according to the invention under conditions effective to promote stem cells to form a confluent monolayer on the hybrid graft.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a preservation apparatus is described that includes a storage compartment. The storage compartment is configured to hold an organ or tissue and a preservation fluid. A cover assembly is configured to engage the storage compartment. The cover assembly includes a support element, wherein the support element together with the storage compartment define a storage chamber. The cover assembly also includes a lid and a gas permeable membrane disposed between the lid and the support element. The gas permeable membrane and the support element together define a perfusion chamber configured to hold preservation fluid and an organ or tissue during use.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a preservation apparatus is described that includes a storage compartment. The storage compartment is configured to hold an organ or tissue and a preservation fluid. A cover assembly is configured to engage the storage compartment. The cover assembly includes a support element, wherein the support element together with the storage compartment define a storage chamber. The cover assembly also includes a lid and a gas permeable membrane disposed between the lid and the support element. The gas permeable membrane and the support element together define a perfusion chamber configured to hold preservation fluid and an organ or tissue during use.

Abstract: Fine gas bubbles traveling at fast speed are employed to scrub a hard-surface filter for harvesting liquids from suspensions including those consisting of nutrient media and cell culture, on a continuous basis without clogging the filters.

Abstract: An organ perfusion apparatus and method monitor, sustain and/or restore viability of organs and preserve organs for storage and/or transport. Other apparatus include an organ transporter, an organ cassette and an organ diagnostic device. The apparatus and methods further include a tube frame removably connected to the cassette and configured to hold a plurality of tubes in a position to be connected to tubes in the portable housing.

Abstract: An organ perfusion apparatus and method monitor, sustain and/or restore viability of organs and preserve organs for storage and/or transport. Other apparatus include an organ transporter, an organ cassette and an organ diagnostic device. The method includes perfusing the organ at hypothermic and/or normothermic temperatures, preferably after hypothermic organ flushing for organ transport and/or storage. The method can be practiced with prior or subsequent static or perfusion hypothermic exposure of the organ. Organ viability is restored by restoring high energy nucleotide (e.g., ATP) levels by perfusing the organ with a medical fluid, such as an oxygenated cross-linked hemoglobin-based bicarbonate medical fluid, at normothermic temperatures.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and apparatus that may be used in various applications, such as to extend the viability of a donor heart, promote the efficacy for transportation of a donor heart, and/or reduce costs associated with donor heart transport and preservation. In one embodiment, the subject matter discloses an effective method and apparatus for comprehensive cold perfusion of an explanted donor heart for improved preservation.

Abstract: The various embodiment methods and systems manage the transportation of high priority medical materials, such as harvested organs from the donor to the recipient, so as to ensure a secure, continuous and monitored transport of such materials. The management systems and methods of the various embodiments provide accountability and ensure the integrity of the organs during transportation by planning, managing and monitoring the organ transportation process. A transport device containing an organ in transit may provide status data to a centralized command center, which may in turn update the planned transplant process as necessary and communicate updates with participants.

Abstract: An infusion solution bag 11 filled with a physiological saline and an infusion pump 12 are connected to an electron irradiation apparatus 13. The electron irradiation apparatus 13 is connected to a DC-type high voltage generator 2 connected with a DC power supply 1. Using the electron irradiation apparatus 13, an electron-irradiated physiological saline is prepared and administered intravenously to a human body 14. The electron irradiation apparatus 13 has a flow path 16 for the physiological saline inside the cylindrical column. In a first side of the column, a dielectric material 19 is closely attached to a cathode electrode 20. In a second side of the column, a conductive material pad 21 is closely attached to an anode electrode 22. Third and fourth sides between the electrodes 20 and 22 are composed of an insulation material 23 insulating each of the electrodes.

Abstract: A method of yielding a functional human hybrid coronary bypass graft is provided. The method includes conditioning a hybrid synthetic tubular structure having stem cells and/or endothelial cells on at least one surface to yield the functional human hybrid coronary bypass graft. Specifically, the method includes placing the hybrid synthetic tubular structure in a system capable of producing three dimensional dynamic conditions for a sufficient time to yield said functional human hybrid coronary bypass graft.

Abstract: A method of yielding a functional human hybrid hemodialysis access graft is provided. The method includes conditioning a hybrid synthetic tubular structure having stem cells and/or endothelial cells on at least one surface to yield the functional human hybrid hemodialysis access graft. Specifically, the method includes placing the hybrid synthetic tubular structure in a system capable of producing three dimensional dynamic conditions for a sufficient time to yield said functional human hybrid hemodialysis access graft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a three-dimensional system, and compositions obtained therefrom, wherein individual layers of the system comprise channels divided longitudinally into two compartments by a centrally positioned membrane, and wherein each compartment can comprise a different cell type.