Abstract: Stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) as a supplement of cell culture media and the cell culture medium supplements comprising stabilized ACC are provided. In particular the stabilized ACC is useful for enhancing the growth of cell and tissue cultures, gametes and embryos in vitro.

Abstract: The present invention discloses devices configured to perform a cryoprocedure on at least one biological sample and methods for using the devices. The disclosed devices comprise a straw and a pod. The straw comprises a straw space, configured to draw liquid from a distal end of the straw space towards a proximal end of the straw space. The pod is coupled to a distal end of the straw and comprises a perforated member comprises at least one orifice whose diameter is smaller than the diameter of the at least one biological sample, wherein the perforated element is configured to allow inflow of liquids into the preparation space and outflow of liquids from the preparation space. The holding space is configured to form, together with the straw space, a preparation space wherein the at least one biological sample can undergo the cryoprocedure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for thawing a frozen biological sample including subjecting the frozen biological sample to a temperature ranging from 30° C. to 80° C. and simultaneously applying a negative pressure to the frozen biological sample. Further provided is a biological sample thawed according to the method of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and a device for long-term cryopreservation of a biological sample, including a vascularized tissue, an innervated tissue, or both, such, but not limited to a limb.

Abstract: A device for retaining a biological sample for performing a cryoprocedure on a biological sample having a tubular member having a lumen extending therein, the lumen configured to receive the biological sample. A retainer is couplable to a distal end of the tubular member, the retainer having a perforated member having at least one orifice, the at least one orifice having a dimension smaller than a dimension of the at least one biological sample to prevent exit of the biological sample from the tubular member, wherein the perforated element is configured to allow inflow of liquids to communicate with the lumen containing the biological sample.

Abstract: Stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) for treatment of several neurological, muscular and infertility diseases and conditions is provided. In particular, the stabilized ACC may be used in the treatment of axonal defects and muscular dystrophy. In addition, provided are improved methods used in assistant reproductive technology. Examples of such methods are in vitro fertilization and improvement of sperm quality. The improved IVF method, for example, comprises addition of the stabilized ACC to the cell culture medium in which the stages of fertilization and embryo development occurs.

Abstract: Stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) for treatment of several neurological, muscular and infertility diseases and conditions is provided. In particular, the stabilized ACC may be used in the treatment of axonal defects and muscular dystrophy. In addition, provided are improved methods used in assistant reproductive technology. Examples of such methods are in vitro fertilization and improvement of sperm quality. The improved IVF method, for example, comprises addition of the stabilized ACC to the cell culture medium in which the stages of fertilization and embryo development occurs.

Abstract: A method for freeze-drying a biological sample of mammalian cells or tissue including placing a biological sample on or in a structure to increase a temperature of the biological sample and with the biological sample in a closed chamber applying a vacuum to the chamber to lower a pressure within the chamber, cooling the chamber to lower a temperature within the chamber and applying heat to the biological sample within the chamber. The biological sample can include one or more of stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, sperm, oocytes, embryos, ovarian tissue, uterine tissue or testicular tissue.

Abstract: Stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) for treatment of several neurological, muscular and infertility diseases and conditions is provided. In particular, the stabilized ACC may be used in the treatment of axonal defects and muscular dystrophy. In addition, provided are improved methods used in assistant reproductive technology. Examples of such methods are in vitro fertilization and improvement of sperm quality. The improved IVF method, for example, comprises addition of the stabilized ACC to the cell culture medium in which the stages of fertilization and embryo development occurs.

Abstract: Stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) for treatment of several neurological, muscular and infertility diseases and conditions is provided. In particular, the stabilized ACC may be used in the treatment of axonal defects and muscular dystrophy. In addition, provided are improved methods used in assistant reproductive technology. Examples of such methods are in vitro fertilization and improvement of sperm quality. The improved IVF method, for example, comprises addition of the stabilized ACC to the cell culture medium in which the stages of fertilization and embryo development occurs.

Abstract: Stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) as a supplement of cell culture media and the cell culture medium supplements comprising stabilized ACC are provided. In particular the stabilized ACC is useful for enhancing the growth of cell and tissue cultures, gametes and embryos in vitro.

Abstract: Stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) for treatment of several neurological, muscular and infertility diseases and conditions is provided. In particular, the stabilized ACC may be used in the treatment of axonal defects and muscular dystrophy. In addition, provided are improved methods used in assistant reproductive technology. Examples of such methods are in vitro fertilization and improvement of sperm quality. The improved IVF method, for example, comprises addition of the stabilized ACC to the cell culture medium in which the stages of fertilization and embryo development occurs.

Abstract: Automatic devices configured to perform a cryoprocedure on at least one biological sample carried by one or more carriers. The device includes a carrier holder, a container holder, a carrier driver and a container driver. The carrier holder holds the one or more carriers in an upright orientation while holding the at least one biological sample. The container holder holds two or more containers each in a predetermined location on the container holder. The carrier driver translates the carrier holder and the container driver translates the predetermined locations so as to position one of them in a position accessible to the carrier holder, so as to enable the carrier driver to submerge an active portion of each one or more carriers held by the carrier holder in a predetermined vertical depth in the position accessible to the carrier holder.

Abstract: The present invention discloses devices configured to perform a cryoprocedure on at least one biological sample and methods for using the devices. The disclosed devices comprise a straw and a pod. The straw comprises a straw space, configured to draw liquid from a distal end of the straw space towards a proximal end of the straw space. The pod is coupled to a distal end of the straw and comprises a perforated member comprises at least one orifice whose diameter is smaller than the diameter of the at least one biological sample, wherein the perforated element is configured to allow inflow of liquids into the preparation space and outflow of liquids from the preparation space. The holding space is configured to form, together with the straw space, a preparation space wherein the at least one biological sample can undergo the cryoprocedure.

Abstract: A device for retaining a biological sample for performing a cryoprocedure on a biological sample having a tubular member having a lumen extending therein, the lumen configured to receive the biological sample. A retainer is couplable to a distal end of the tubular member, the retainer having a perforated member having at least one orifice, the at least one orifice having a dimension smaller than a dimension of the at least one biological sample to prevent exit of the biological sample from the tubular member, wherein the perforated element is configured to allow inflow of liquids to communicate with the lumen containing the biological sample.

Abstract: Methods and devices for continuously producing liquid air. One embodiment includes bringing a first container confining an unpressurized first volume coupled to outer air in contact with a first cryogenic medium, and maintaining a temperature of the first cryogenic medium substantially higher than the boiling temperature of the first cryogenic medium for affecting continuous production of liquid air.

Abstract: Methods and devices for continuously producing liquid air. One embodiment includes bringing a first container confining an unpressurised first volume coupled to outer air in contact with a first cryogenic medium, and maintaining a temperature of the first cryogenic medium substantially higher than the boiling temperature of the first cryogenic medium for affecting continuous production of liquid air.

Abstract: A method for protecting at least one gonad from a blood borne cytotoxic drug, the method comprising reducing blood flow to at least one gonad of a patient undergoing cytotoxic treatment for an occlusion time interval, and allowing blood flow to the at least one gonad to resume after the occlusion time interval. Optionally the method is performed to protect an ovary during chemotherapy treatment.

Abstract: A method of preserving functionality of an organ is disclosed herein, including removing a whole organ including vasculature from a donor, cryo-preserving the whole organ including vasculature, thawing the whole organ including vasculature so that at least a portion of cells contained therein resume biological activity, and introducing the whole organ including vasculature into a recipient so that a blood vessel in the vasculature is supplied with blood. Further disclosed herein is a method of preserving fertility of a patient undergoing a treatment expected to cause sterility, including removing at least one whole gonadal organ including vasculature from the patient, preserving functionality of the gonadal organ as described herein, conducting the treatment and waiting for an effect thereof to subside, and introducing the gonadal organ into the patient.

Abstract: A method of preserving functionality of an organ. The method includes removing a whole organ and associated vasculature, cryo-preserving the whole organ, allowing a period of time to elapse, thawing the whole organ including vasculature and introducing the whole organ into a recipient so that the organ is supplied with blood by vasculature belonging to the recipient. Further disclosed is a method of preserving fertility of a patient undergoing a treatment expected to cause sterility. The method include removing a whole gonadal organ from the patient, cryo-preserving the whole gonadal organ, conducting the treatment and waiting for an effect thereof to subside, thawing the whole gonadal organ and introducing the whole gonadal organ where it is supplied with blood by the vasculature system of the patient.