Abstract: The invention provides devices and associated methods for transplanting cells within the body. In some embodiments, the invention relates to the transplantation of insulin-producing cells including, for example, islet cells. In other embodiments, the cells are encapsulated prior to implantation. The encapsulation system and device optionally may contain one or more biologically active substances including, for example, an immunorepellant, an angiogenic protein, and/or a particulate oxygen generating substance.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for the treatment of diabetes using artificial islets of Langerhans. In one example, the artificial islet of Langerhans include islets or stem cells (but can also include hepatocytes or even any biological cell type) encapsulated in alginate microcapsules. The microcapsules can then be shrunk to reduce dead space between the capsules and the cells by incubating at physiological human temperatures and/or alginate crosslinking in the presence of barium chloride.

Abstract: A method for bulk cryopreservation of biological material includes the steps of providing a flexible container, such as a freezer bag, containing biological material that is treated with a cryoprotectant and freezing the biological material to below -100.degree. C. and preferably below -196.degree. C. for deep freeze long-term storage. In the preferred embodiment, the bag is placed in a holder that maintains the cross-sectional area of the bag essentially constant and small enough (e.g., about 5 mm width to facilitate uniform heat transfer to and from all regions the bag. This facilitates uniform nucleation of the biological material after supercooling which enables controlled and uniform slow cooling through from about -7.5.degree. C. to a temperature in the range of about -40.degree. C. to -80.degree. C., thereby maintaining the viability of the cells.