Abstract: A device for preparing plasma concentrate from plasma containing cells (plasma-cell mixture) comprising a centrifugal separation chamber having a plasma-cell mixture inlet port and an centrifugal separation chamber outlet port; a concentrating chamber having an inlet port and a concentrate outlet, the inlet port communicating with the centrifugal separation chamber outlet port, the concentrating chamber containing hydrogel beads and at least one inert agitator; and a concentrate chamber having an inlet communicating with the concentrate outlet through a filter, the concentrate chamber having a plasma concentrate outlet port.

Abstract: A plasma concentrator for producing plasma concentrate from a plasma from which erythrocytes have been substantially removed. The device comprises a concentrating chamber having an inlet port and an concentrate outlet, the concentrating chamber containing hydrogel beads and at least one inert agitator; and a concentrate chamber having an inlet communicating with the concentrator outlet through a filter, and having an plasma concentrate outlet port. A process for producing plasma concentrate from plasma from which erythrocytes have been substantially removed, comprising the steps of a) moving the plasma into a concentrating chamber containing hydrogel beads and an agitator to form a hydrogel bead-plasma mixture; b) causing the agitator to stir the hydrogel bead-plasma mixture, facilitating absorption of water by the beads from the plasma, until a hydrogel bead-plasma concentrate is formed; and c) separating the plasma concentrate from the hydrogel beads by passing the plasma concentrate through a filter.

Abstract: A platelet collection device comprising a centrifugal spin-separator container with a cavity having a longitudinal inner surface. A float in the cavity has a base, a platelet collection surface above the base, an outer surface. The float density is below the density of erythrocytes and above the density of plasma. The platelet collection surface has a position on the float which places it below the level of platelets when the float is suspended in separated blood. During centrifugation, a layer of platelets or buffy coat collects closely adjacent the platelet collection surface. Platelets are then removed from the platelet collection surface. Movement of a float having a density greater than whole blood through the sedimenting erythrocytes releases entrapped platelets, increasing the platelet yield.

Abstract: Bioartificial implants and methods for their manufacture and use are described, particularly bioartificial pancreases. In particular, the implants may be thin sheets which enclose cells, may be completely biocompatible over extended periods of time and may not induce fibrosis. The high-density-cell-containing thin sheets are preferably completely retrievable, and have dimensions allowing maintenance of optimal tissue viability through rapid diffusion of nutrients and oxygen and also allowing rapid changes in the secretion rate of insulin and/or other bioactive agents in response to changing physiology. Implantations of living cells, tissue, drugs, medicines and/or enzymes, contained in the bioartificial implants may be made to treat and/or prevent disease.

Abstract: A plasma concentrate comprising one of platelets and platelet releasate and from 5 to 400 mg/ml of fibrinogen. The concentrate further includes a physiologically acceptable carrier comprising water and physiologically acceptable inorganic and organic ions at a physiologically acceptable concentration. The fibrinogen in the concentrate is not significantly denatured. A method for processing blood is further provided.

Abstract: Bioartificial implants and methods for their manufacture and use are described, particularly bioartificial pancreases. In particular, the implants may be thin sheets which enclose cells, may be completely biocompatible over extended periods of time and may not induce fibrosis. The high-density-cell-containing thin sheets are preferably completely retrievable, and have dimensions allowing maintenance of optimal tissue viability through rapid diffusion of nutrients and oxygen and also allowing rapid changes in the secretion rate of insulin and/or other bioactive agents in response to changing physiology. Implantations of living cells, tissue, drugs, medicines and/or enzymes, contained in the bioartificial implants may be made to treat and/or prevent disease.

Abstract: A device and method for applying a fibrinogen-based tissue sealant to seamlessly connect human or animal tissues or organ parts, to seal wounds, stop bleeding and the like by mixing fibrin or fibrinogen with blood clot-promoting coagulation factors are disclosed. The device includes two cylindrical compartments for separately containing the separate fluid components of the sealant preparation, which are simultaneously displaced from the respective compartments by plungers commonly depressable with the same effective strokes. The plungers may be depressed directly or by a common mechanism (e.g., rack and pinion) for accurately controlling the rate of dispensing fluid. The cylindrical compartments are of the same or different cross-sectional area and are arranged either concentrically or side-by-side. The device further includes structure for merging the two fluid components within an outer sleeve housing an inner needle.

Abstract: An inexpensive device with a disposable cartridge for preparing tissue sealant is disclosed. The device is particularly applicable to stat preparation of autologous tissue sealant. A method of sealing tissue in which the tissue sealant is applied immediately after mixing platelet-rich plasma concentrate (from the device) with a solution of calcium and thrombin is also disclosed. Preparation in the operating room of 5 cc sealant from 50 cc patient blood requires less than 15 minutes and only one simple operator step. There is no risk of tracking error because processing can be done in the operating room. Chemicals added may be limited to anticoagulant (e.g., citrate) and calcium chloride. The disposable cartridge may fit in the palm of the hand and is hermetically sealed to eliminate possible exposure to patient blood and ensure sterility. Adhesive and tensile strengths are comparable or superior to pooled blood fibrin sealants made with precipitation methods.

Abstract: Bioartificial implants and methods for their manufacture and use are described, particularly bioartificial pancreases. In particular, the implants may be thin sheets which enclose cells, may be completely biocompatible over extended periods of time and may not induce fibrosis. The high-density-cell-containing thin sheets are preferably completely retrievable, and have dimensions allowing maintenance of optimal tissue viability through rapid diffusion of nutrients and oxygen and also allowing rapid changes in the secretion rate of insulin and/or other bioactive agents in response to changing physiology. Implantations of living cells, tissue, drugs, medicines and/or enzymes, contained in the bioartificial implants may be made to treat and/or prevent disease.

Abstract: A device and method for applying a fibrinogen-based tissue sealant to seamlessly connect human or animal tissues or organ parts, to seal wounds, stop bleeding and the like by mixing fibrin or fibrinogen with blood clot-promoting coagulation factors are disclosed. The device includes two cylindrical compartments for separately containing the separate fluid components of the sealant preparation, which are simultaneously displaced from the respective compartments by means of plungers commonly depressable with the same effective strokes. The plungers may be depressed directly or by means of a common mechanism (e.g., rack and pinion) for accurately controlling the rate of dispensing fluid. The cylindrical compartments are of the same or different cross-sectional area and are arranged either concentrically or side-by-side. The device further includes a means for merging the two fluid components within an outer sleeve housing an inner needle.

Abstract: An inexpensive device with a disposable cartridge for preparing tissue sealant is disclosed. The device is particularly applicable to stat preparation of autologous tissue sealant. A method of sealing tissue in which the tissue sealant is applied immediately after mixing platelet-rich plasma concentrate (from the device) with a solution of calcium and thrombin is also disclosed. Preparation in the operating room of 5 cc sealant from 50 cc patient blood requires less than 15 minutes and only one simple operator step. There is no risk of tracking error because processing can be done in the operating room. Chemicals added may be limited to anticoagulant (e.g., citrate) and calcium chloride. The disposable cartridge may fit in the palm of the hand and is hermetically sealed to eliminate possible exposure to patient blood and ensure sterility. Adhesive and tensile strengths are comparable or superior to pooled blood fibrin sealants made with precipitation methods.

Abstract: An inexpensive device with a disposable cartridge for preparing tissue sealant is disclosed. The device is particularly applicable to star preparation of autologous tissue sealant. A method of sealing tissue in which the tissue sealant is applied immediately after mixing platelet-rich plasma concentrate (from the device) with a solution of calcium and thrombin is also disclosed. Preparation in the operating room of 5 cc sealant from 50 cc patient blood requires less than 15 minutes and only one simple operator step. There is no risk of tracking error because processing can be done in the operating room. Chemicals added may be limited to anticoagulant (e.g., citrate) and calcium chloride. The disposable cartridge may fit in the palm of the hand and is hermetically sealed to eliminate possible exposure to patient blood and ensure sterility. Adhesive and tensile strengths are comparable or superior to pooled blood fibrin sealants made with precipitation methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices, methods and kits for assessing fertility potential of semen samples. Semen samples may be assayed by the present invention to identify those samples having more than 20.times.10.sup.6 motile sperm per milliliter, a concentration associated with fertile samples.