Abstract: The invention relates to cell culture supplements based on a platelet rich plasma fraction and a platelet poor plasma fraction. The supplements increase cell proliferation rate, improve selection of clonogenic cells, proliferation of cells from biopsies from elderly patients, maintenance of cell differentiation potential, and in vitro expansion of cell cultures also starting from an extremely low number of initially plated cells. The supplements may be freeze-dried and kept for long period of time as a quality controlled “off the shelf” product.

Abstract: A bio-membrane with angiogenic activity for implant in tissue regeneration and repair, including bone reconstruction and the repair of skin and soft tissue lesions is described, essentially constituted by a gel able to provide support and growth and/or differentiation and/or angiogenic factors for the full in vivo functionality of the cell, containing also mesenchymal stem/precursor cells, an implant device for reconstructive surgery of bone tissue, of skin and soft tissue lesions which comprises the bio-membrane, and a method for its obtainment. Use of the gel alone for tissue regeneration and of adhesive plasters that comprise it is also described.

Abstract: A bio-membrane with angiogenic activity for implant in tissue regeneration and repair, including bone reconstruction and the repair of skin and soft tissue lesions is described, essentially constituted by a gel able to provide support and growth and/or differentiation and/or angiogenic factors for the full in vivo functionality of the cell, containing also mesenchymal stem/precursor cells, an implant device for reconstructive surgery of bone tissue, of skin and soft tissue lesions which comprises the bio-membrane, and a method for its obtainment. Use of the gel alone for tissue regeneration and of adhesive plasters that comprise it is also described.

Abstract: Serum-free media for growth and proliferation of chondrocytes and mesenchymal stem cells in culture are provided. A serum-free medium for growth of chondrocytes includes a serum-free composition comprising FGF-2, linoleic acid, ascorbic acid, B-mercaptoethanol, transferrin and dexamethasone. Further, the composition comprises EGF, PDGFbb, insulin and albumin. A method for growing chondrocytes in a serum free medium comprising the compostion is also provided. Also provided for mesenchymal stem cell growth, is a serum-free medium which includes a composition comprising FGF-2, LIF, SCF, pantotenate, biotin and selenium and method, therefore.

Abstract: The present invention provides serum free media for growth and proliferation of chondrocytes and mesenchymal stem cells in cultures.

Abstract: Serum free media for growth and proliferation of chondrocytes and mesenchymal stem cells in culture are provided. A serum free medium for growth of chondrocytes includes a serum free composition comprising FGF-2, linoleic acid, ascorbic acid, B-mercaptoethanol, transferrin and dexamethasone. Further the composition comprises EGF, PDGFbb, insulin and albumin. A method for growing chondrocytes in a serum free medium comprising the composition is also provided. Also provided for mesenchymal stem cell growth, is a serum free medium which includes a composition comprising FGF-2, LIF, SCF, pantotenate, biotin and selenium and method, therefore.

Abstract: A method for the preservation of in vitro expanded epithelial sheets by incubation of the sheets in a cryopreserving solution characterized by lack of volume increase at the liquid-solid phase transition. The cryopreserving solutions comprise: a) polyethyleneglycols having molecular weight between 3 and 5 KD; and b) at least one cross-linking agent selected from polyols, polyamines, mono- or oligosaccharides, and polyethyleneglycols having molecular weight lower than 1 KD.

Abstract: A process for preserving cultured epidermal sheets by incubating the sheets at room temperature in media with a glycerol or dimethylsulfoxide cryopreservant for a predetermined period of time and then freezing the cultured sheets. The cooling gradient is characterized as having a lower initial rate of cooling followed by a higher rate of cooling.