Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions, devices, methods, processes, and systems for culturing of large quantities of mammalian cells in suspension culture. Also disclosed are unique and surprising cell populations derived from the disclosed methods, processes, and systems. In many embodiments, the cells are cultured in suspension in liquid culture media that is agitated to maintain the cells in suspension, and agitation increases to maintain cells in suspension while growing and dividing to create cell spheres. The disclosed devices, methods, processes, and systems are useful in tailoring characteristics of the resulting cells based on characteristics of donor subject/initial cells. The disclosed cell populations are useful in treating subjects with cell based therapies in need thereof for various diseases and conditions.

Abstract: The disclosed compositions, methods, and devices are useful in freezing, storing, and administering therapeutic eukaryotic cells to a patient in need thereof. In many embodiments, the disclosed therapeutic cells are mammalian cells derived from human intervertebral disc tissue. The disclosed compositions, methods, and devices are able to maintain high viability and sterility of the therapeutic cells, and allow the cells to be administered to a patient directly from the freezing container without manipulation of the cells or transferring to a second container.