Abstract: The invention relates to a container having astrocytes for use in removing toxins from a biological fluid. The container includes a first port for receiving the biological fluid and a second port through which the biological fluid exits the container. The invention also relates to a method of treating a biological fluid by contacting it with astrocytes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a block copolymer containing 1-50 first polymer segments and 1-50 second polymer segments. Each first polymer segment has an average mole fraction of monomers possessing a branch point of 0.0001 to 1, whereas each second polymer segment has an average mole fraction of monomers possessing a branch point of 0 to 0.5. The average molecular weights range from 5-2,000 kDa for the first polymer segments, which constitute 5-95% by weight of the block copolymer. The average molecular weights also range from 5-2,000 kDa for the second polymer segments, which constitute 5-95% by weight of the block copolymer. The ratio of the average mole fraction of monomers possessing a branch point of the second polymer segments to that of the first polymer segments is 0 to 0.5. An example of such a copolymer has ethylene oxide or ethylene oxide/propylene oxide as the first polymer segment and polysulfone as the second polymer segment. This block copolymer can further be blended with a bulk polymer.

Abstract: An artificial liver support system is described herein which comprises cryopreserved hepatocytes having an initial viability of 80-99%. Further disclosed are hepatocytes cryopreserved by dispensing hepatocytes into freezing containers, freezing the containers from between minus 50 to minus 90 degrees Celsius, storing the containers in liquid or vapor nitrogen, thawing the cryopreserved hepatocytes when ready for use and removing residual cryoprotectant media.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container having astrocytes for use in removing toxins from a biological fluid. The container includes a first port for receiving the biological fluid and a second port through which the biological fluid exits the container. The invention also relates to a method of treating a biological fluid by contacting it with astrocytes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of removing an agent from a suspension of cells using a semi-permeable membrane. In one aspect of the invention, the cells are used to bioprocess a biological fluid after removal of the agent.

Abstract: The invention features an empty device for receiving a bioactive agent. The device includes a biocompatible and semi-permeable membrane that defines an enclosed space; the membrane also has at least one end that defines an opening for introducing the bioactive agent into the enclosed space. The device is configured to be placed in an animal.In one embodiment of the invention, the membrane has an inner surface and an outer surface, where the inner surface defines the inner surface, and includes a biocompatible adhesive in the general region of the opening to allow sealing of the opening after the introduction of the bioactive agent into the enclosed space.Another embodiment of the invention includes a biocompatible frame mounted in supporting relationship to the membrane and defining an opening for introducing the bioactive agent into the enclosed space. The frame has greater porosity than the membrane.

Abstract: An artificial pancreas is described herein which comprises one or more viable and physiologically active pancreatic islet cells capable of producing insulin, encapsulated within a semipermeable spheroidal membrane comprising agar gel. Further disclosed are a method for producing agar microbeads, a tissue implantation method and a reseeding method for the artificial pancreas.

Abstract: The invention is based in part on the observation that significant portions of porcine livers appear to remain intact after perfusion by standard methods, suggesting that the perfusion procedures employed do not result in complete enzymatic digestion. Recovery of cells is therefore substantially lower than would be possible if the organs were thoroughly digested. It is found that increased perfusion flow rate, occlusion of at least one major blood vessel leading out of the organ, increased enzymatic digestion time, and vigorous tissue dissociation techniques can be combined to afford a uniquely high yield of viable cells.

Abstract: A poly(ethyleneoxy) block copolymer including a hydrophobic block segment useful in making a porous polymer article with improved surface hydrophilicity. Also disclosed is a method of making such a polymer article.

Abstract: An amphiphilic block copolymer including a hydrophilic internal segment and polymeric articles made therefrom.

Abstract: An artificial liver support system is described herein which comprises cryopreserved hepatocytes having an initial viability of 80-99% and a metabolic activity 50-80% of fresh hepatocytes. Further disclosed are hepatocytes cryopreserved by dispensing hepatocytes into freezing containers, freezing the containers from between minus 50 to minus 90 degrees Celsius, storing the containers in liquid or vapor nitrogen, thawing the cryopreserved hepatocytes when ready for use and removing residual cryoprotectant media.

Abstract: An artifical pancreatic perfusion device comprising a hollow fiber having a porosity ranging from about 25 Kd to about 200 Kd. The hollow fiber has one end connected to a blood vessel for receiving blood and a second end connected to a blood vessel for returning said blood. Islets of Langerhans surround the hollow fiber. The hollow fiber and islets are surrounded by a housing comprising a semipermeable membrane having a pore size small enough to offer protection to the islets and host from immune reactive substances. Further disclosed is a method for providing and regulating insulin to insulin deficient individuals.

Abstract: A poly(ethyleneoxy) block copolymer including a hydrophobic block segment useful in making a porous polymer article with improved surface hydrophilicity. Also disclosed is a method of making such a polymer article.

Abstract: A poly(ethyleneoxy) block copolymer including a hydrophobic block segment useful in making a porous polymer article with improved surface hydrophilicity. Also disclosed is a method of making such a polymer article.