Abstract: The invention in some aspects provides implantable articles comprising in vitro-prepared tissues for joint repair. Devices and methods for introducing implantable articles into a subject are also provided. In some aspects of the invention devices and systems for minimally invasive surgery are provided. In some aspects, methods are provided for regenerating a bone-tendon interface in a subject by implanting an in vitro-prepared tissue between a detached tendon or detached ligament and a bone in a subject. In other aspects, methods are provided for maintaining exogenous, viable fibroblasts between a detached tendon and a bone in a subject. In other aspects, methods are provided for delivering exogenous cytokines and/or growth factors to a damaged bone-tendon interface.

Abstract: Methods and products relating the preservation of cultured mammalian epithelial or mesenchymal cells are provided. The methods involve the pre-treatment of epithelial cells with a solution containing a cryoprotectant amount of monosaccharides and/or disaccharides. The treated cells then are frozen, dried or freeze-dried in a minimum volume of solution and stored for later use. The invention avoids the use of materials that must be washed away from the preserved tissue prior to application of the tissue to a wound bed. The invention also permits the storage of epithelial tissue in a dry state.