Abstract: A novel class of agents has been identified to serve as cell-guard agents and/or target-specific supplements to increase cell quality and yield, as well as select for target cell populations. Several additive agents (both natural and synthetic) have been identified, including Vitamin D3, NAC, resveratrol, salubrinal, AKT, and tunicamycin (among others) that hold promise for application in cell models. In one embodiment, hypothermic stress regimes are utilized. In another embodiment, normothermic conditions are utilized while other stressors are tested in the processing. The methods of maintaining mass cell cultures and/or selecting out particular cell populations for further research and clinical use represents an important step in therapeutic discovery.

Abstract: Cryogenic medical devices and apparatus are disclosed which are capable of generating cryogen to a supercritical state, specifically supercritical nitrogen. The cryogenic medical devices and apparatus disclosed are useful in methods of treating damaged, diseased, cancerous or other unwanted tissues.

Abstract: A tissue engineered model (TEM) structure, an apparatus and method for making a TEM structure, and methods of using a TEM structure are disclosed. In an embodiment, the TEM structure includes at least one TEM segment. Each TEM segment includes a frame defining a bounded area, the frame having a height, a first edge, and a second edge opposite the first edge, each of the first edge and the second edge defining a perimeter of the bounded area, and the height defining a distance between the first edge and the second edge; a membrane affixed to the first edge about a perimeter of the frame; and a solidified gel and cell matrix disposed within the bounded area within the frame, wherein the solidified gel and cell matrix substantially fills a volume defined by the bounded area and the height of the frame.

Abstract: A tissue engineered model (TEM) structure, an apparatus and method for making a TEM structure, and methods of using a TEM structure are disclosed. In an embodiment, the TEM structure includes at least one TEM segment. Each TEM segment includes a frame defining a bounded area, the frame having a height, a first edge, and a second edge opposite the first edge, each of the first edge and the second edge defining a perimeter of the bounded area, and the height defining a distance between the first edge and the second edge; a membrane affixed to the first edge about a perimeter of the frame; and a solidified gel and cell matrix disposed within the bounded area within the frame, wherein the solidified gel and cell matrix substantially fills a volume defined by the bounded area and the height of the frame.

Abstract: A tissue engineered model (TEM) structure, an apparatus and method for making a TEM structure, and methods of using a TEM structure are disclosed. In an embodiment, the TEM structure includes at least one TEM segment. Each TEM segment includes a frame defining a bounded area, the frame having a height, a first edge, and a second edge opposite the first edge, each of the first edge and the second edge defining a perimeter of the bounded area, and the height defining a distance between the first edge and the second edge; a membrane affixed to the first edge about a perimeter of the frame; and a solidified gel and cell matrix disposed within the bounded area within the frame, wherein the solidified gel and cell matrix substantially fills a volume defined by the bounded area and the height of the frame.

Abstract: A novel class of agents has been identified to serve as cell-guard agents and/or target-specific supplements to increase cell quality and yield, as well as select for target cell populations. Laboratory experiments have demonstrated the use of cell-guard agents and/or target-specific supplements in the bioprocessing of cells as well as in selecting out a desired cell population. Several potential additive agents (both natural and synthetic) have been identified during these studies, including Vitamin D3, NAC, resveratrol, salubrinal, AKT, and tunicamycin (among others) that hold promise for application in cell models. In one embodiment, hypothermic stress regimes are utilized. In another embodiment, normothermic conditions are utilized while other stressors are tested in the processing. The methods of maintaining mass cell cultures and/or selecting out particular cell populations for further research and clinical use represents an important step in therapeutic discovery.

Abstract: A tissue engineered model (TEM) structure, an apparatus and method for making a TEM structure, and methods of using a TEM structure are disclosed. In an embodiment, the TEM structure includes at least one TEM segment. Each TEM segment includes a frame defining a bounded area, the frame having a height, a first edge, and a second edge opposite the first edge, each of the first edge and the second edge defining a perimeter of the bounded area, and the height defining a distance between the first edge and the second edge; a membrane affixed to the first edge about a perimeter of the frame; and a solidified gel and cell matrix disposed within the bounded area within the frame, wherein the solidified gel and cell matrix substantially fills a volume defined by the bounded area and the height of the frame.

Abstract: Cryogenic medical devices and apparatus are disclosed which are capable of generating cryogen to a supercritical state, specifically supercritical nitrogen. The cryogenic medical devices and apparatus disclosed are useful in methods of treating damaged, diseased, cancerous or other unwanted tissues.

Abstract: A tissue engineered model (TEM) structure, an apparatus and method for making a TEM structure, and methods of using a TEM structure are disclosed. In an embodiment, the TEM structure includes at least one TEM segment. Each TEM segment includes a frame defining a bounded area, the frame having a height, a first edge, and a second edge opposite the first edge, each of the first edge and the second edge defining a perimeter of the bounded area, and the height defining a distance between the first edge and the second edge; a membrane affixed to the first edge about a perimeter of the frame; and a solidified gel and cell matrix disposed within the bounded area within the frame, wherein the solidified gel and cell matrix substantially fills a volume defined by the bounded area and the height of the frame.

Abstract: A cryogenic medical device for delivery of subcooled liquid cryogen to various configurations of cryoprobes is designed for the treatment of damaged, diseased, cancerous or other unwanted tissues, particularly as utilized for the ablation of cardiac tissue in the treatment of atrial fibrillation. The device is a closed or semi-closed system in which the liquid cryogen is nitrogen contained in both the supply and return stages. The device is capable of generating cryogen to a supercritical state, specifically supercritical nitrogen, and may be utilized in any rapid cooling systems. As designed, the device also integrates endocardial catheters and epicardial probes.

Abstract: A tissue engineered model (TEM) structure, an apparatus and method for making a TEM structure, and methods of using a TEM structure are disclosed. In an embodiment, the TEM structure includes at least one TEM segment. Each TEM segment includes a frame defining a bounded area, the frame having a height, a first edge, and a second edge opposite the first edge, each of the first edge and the second edge defining a perimeter of the bounded area, and the height defining a distance between the first edge and the second edge; a membrane affixed to the first edge about a perimeter of the frame; and a solidified gel and cell matrix disposed within the bounded area within the frame, wherein the solidified gel and cell matrix substantially fills a volume defined by the bounded area and the height of the frame.

Abstract: The resorbable cryoprobe device and process is a novel approach for treating localized disease allowing for the precise combined application of freezing temperatures and cytotoxic or cryosensitizing agents within a self-contained matrix/package for optimized tissue destruction. The cryopellet is comprised of a list of components including a source of cryogen to produce the sub-zero temperatures, a porous matrix to contain the cytotoxic agent, cytotoxic agent, and a delivery packet. Data presented herein demonstrates the efficacy of this approach in destroying cancerous tissue. For example, the application of freezing temperatures to ?10° C. results in approximately 15% cell death, while exposure to cytotoxic agents such as TRAIL produces minimal cell death. The utilization of the cryopellet approach results in a synergistic effect yielding complete cell death at the same temperature.

Abstract: The resorbable cryoprobe device and process is a novel approach for treating localized disease allowing for the precise combined application of freezing temperatures and cytotoxic or cryosensitizing agents within a self-contained matrix/package for optimized tissue destruction. The cryopellet is comprised of a list of components including a source of cryogen to produce the sub-zero temperatures, a porous matrix to contain the cytotoxic agent, cytotoxic agent, and a delivery packet. Data presented herein demonstrates the efficacy of this approach in destroying cancerous tissue. For example, the application of freezing temperatures to ?10° C. results in approximately 15% cell death, while exposure to cytotoxic agents such as TRAIL produces minimal cell death. The utilization of the cryopellet approach results in a synergistic effect yielding complete cell death at the same temperature.

Abstract: A novel class of agents has been identified to serve as cell-guard agents and/or target-specific supplements to increase cell quality and yield, as well as select for target cell populations. Laboratory experiments have demonstrated the use of cell-guard agents and/or target-specific supplements in the bioprocessing of cells as well as in selecting out a desired cell population. Several potential additive agents (both natural and synthetic) have been identified during these studies, including Vitamin D3, NAC, resveratrol, salubrinal, AKT, and tunicamycin (among others) that hold promise for application in cell models. In one embodiment, hypothermic stress regimes are utilized. In another embodiment, normothermic conditions are utilized while other stressors are tested in the processing. The methods of maintaining mass cell cultures and/or selecting out particular cell populations for further research and clinical use represents an important step in therapeutic discovery.

Abstract: The resorbable cryoprobe device and process is a novel approach for treating localized disease allowing for the precise combined application of freezing temperatures and cytotoxic or cryosensitizing agents within a self-contained matrix/package for optimized tissue destruction. The cryopellet is comprised of a list of components including a source of cryogen to produce the sub-zero temperatures, a porous matrix to contain the cytotoxic agent, cytotoxic agent, and a delivery packet. Data presented herein demonstrates the efficacy of this approach in destroying cancerous tissue. For example, the application of freezing temperatures to ?10° C. results in approximately 15% cell death, while exposure to cytotoxic agents such as TRAIL produces minimal cell death. The utilization of the cryopellet approach results in a synergistic effect yielding complete cell death at the same temperature.

Abstract: Cell-free solution compositions for hypothermic cell storage supplemented with agents inhibiting apoptotic induced cell death are provided for chill preservation of cells at about 0.degree. C. to about 10.degree. C. Additionally, solutions for cell storage at hypothermic temperatures supplemented with cell death inhibitors for cryopreservation are disclosed. Methods for use of these solutions are described.