Abstract: The methods described herein are for conserving highly expanded cells that have functional properties such as potential for use in neotissue constructs. For example, highly expanded chondrocytes that can be used to construct neocartilage exhibiting functional properties similar to native articular cartilage. The methods and systems feature processes that form functional, human cartilage using cells that have been expanded to at least 1.5×105 times or P3 or greater. This enables a large quantity of engineered cartilage implants to be produced from few cells.

Abstract: The present invention is a multi-stage treatment that heals tissue or organ damage (e.g., linear defects, fissures, and fibrillations, as well as focal and large defects) in collagen-rich tissues and organs such as articular cartilage. The present invention includes methods 1) to prime tissues in preparation for treatment, which comprises “melting” the tissue matrix, 2) to add or fill the damaged area with a “melding” agent, comprising of endogenous or exogenous tissue matrix, with or without cells, with or without exogenous biomaterials, and with or without endogenous or exogenous enzymes, such that the melding agent enhances anchoring into the defect for the purpose of integration and/or tissue healing. The Melt-and-Meld process can also be applied in conjunction with any existing treatments of tissue or organ defects.

Abstract: The methods described herein are for conserving highly expanded cells that have functional properties such as potential for use in neotissue constructs. For example, highly expanded chondrocytes that can be used to construct neocartilage exhibiting functional properties similar to native articular cartilage. The methods and systems feature processes that form functional, human cartilage using cells that have been expanded to at least 1.5×105 times or P3 or greater. This enables a large quantity of engineered cartilage implants to be produced from few cells.