Abstract: A storage apparatus includes a storage device having a first storage assembly with a plurality of first storage racks and a second storage assembly with a plurality of second storage racks surrounding the first storage racks. At least one of the first and second storage assemblies includes a removable carrier rack configured to align with a selected storage rack of the other first or second storage assembly. A protective cover device includes first and second protective cover assemblies respective disposed on top ends of the first and second storage assemblies. At least one of the first and second protective cover assemblies is openable at an area corresponding to the top of the carrier rack to permit removal of the same.

Abstract: A serum-free culture medium for hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) expansion is provided. The serum-free culture medium includes a serum-free base medium, cytokines, an umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell conditioned medium and supplemental components. The cytokines comprise stem cell factor, thrombopoietin and hematopoietic growth factor Flt3 ligand. The umbilical cord mesenchymal stern cell conditioned medium is derived from culturing human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells. The supplemental components comprise vitamin C, vitamin E or a combination of vitamin C and vitamin E.

Abstract: A method for cryopreserving an umbilical cord tissue strip includes the steps of: (a) applying tension to a segment of an umbilical cord to expand spaces between umbilical cord vessels; (b) cutting the segment of the umbilical cord, at the spaces between the umbilical cord vessels in a longitudinal direction that parallels a length of the umbilical cord vessels, to obtain the umbilical cord tissue strip, wherein the umbilical cord tissue strip contains Wharton's jelly from a perivascular region, a intervascular region, and a subamnion region; (c) incubating the umbilical cord tissue strip with a cryogenic composition; and (d) cryopreserving the umbilical cord tissue strip containing the Wharton's jelly and the cryogenic composition.

Abstract: A storage apparatus includes a storage device having a first storage assembly with a plurality of first storage racks and a second storage assembly with a plurality of second storage racks surrounding the first storage racks. At least one of the first and second storage assemblies includes a removable carrier rack configured to align with a selected storage rack of the other first or second storage assembly. A protective cover device includes first and second protective cover assemblies respective disposed on top ends of the first and second storage assemblies. At least one of the first and second protective cover assemblies is openable at an area corresponding to the top of the carrier rack to permit removal of the same.

Abstract: A method for cryopreserving an umbilical cord tissue strip includes the steps of: (a) applying tension to a segment of an umbilical cord to expand spaces between umbilical cord vessels; (b) cutting the segment of the umbilical cord, at the spaces between the umbilical cord vessels in a longitudinal direction that parallels a length of the umbilical cord vessels, to obtain the umbilical cord tissue strip, wherein the umbilical cord tissue strip contains Wharton's jelly from a perivascular region, a intervascular region, and a subamnion region; (c) incubating the umbilical cord tissue strip with a cryogenic composition; and (d) cryopreserving the umbilical cord tissue strip containing the Wharton's jelly and the cryogenic composition.