Abstract: A device allowing rapid and gentle concentration of cells at essentially unit gravity using solvent flow, under hydrostatic pressures equivalent to as little as ≦1 cm of water, through capillary-pore walls, more or less vertical, of a construct serving as both the separation device and receptacle for accumulating cells. The device can be used in a batch or continuous mode. The device contains a solid lower end fabricated with a shape to facilitate collection of the desired cells in an appropriate volume, and a more or less vertical active wall, extending upward from the solid lower end and providing an appropriate surface area with pores having a diameter appropriate for retention of the desired cells and outward passage of all smaller cells or solvent.

Abstract: An apparatus in which cryoprotectant in cryopreserved samples is removed with the use of turbulence and convective-dispersion around the cells within the primary cryopreservation container. Convective-dispersion is applied via the combined action of gravity and pulsatile transmembrane flow of buffer through the pores of containers fabricated from appropriate membrane material. By using mechanical forces to aid the process of cryoprotectant removal, the benefits of slow cryoprotectant removal are retained while the actual removal time is markedly decreased.

Abstract: A process and apparatus in which cryoprotectant in cryopreserved samples is removed with the use of turbulence and convective-dispersion around the cells within the primary cryopreservation container. Convective-dispersion is applied via the combined action of gravity and pulsatile transmembrane flow of buffer through the pores of containers fabricated from appropriate membrane material such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,026,342 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,261,870, as incorporated herein by reference above. By using mechanical forces to aid the process of cryoprotectant removal, the benefits of slow cryoprotectant removal are retained while the actual removal time is markedly decreased.

Abstract: A synthetic peptide with enhanced pro-fertility action was produced by inclusion of additional amino acids at the carboxyl end of a previously disclosed synthetic peptide. Improvement in bioactivity over the previously disclosed peptide was demonstrated. A direct comparison of an earlier known synthetic peptide and an extended peptide involved brief exposure of sperm in vitro to one or the other peptide at several concentrations. When sperm then were evaluated in vitro using an egg-membrane substrate, an increased percentage of sperm bound for cells exposed to the new extended peptide. Similarly, when fertility of sperm after artificial insemination was the criterion, a greater percentage of eggs was fertilized by sperm exposed to the new extended peptide.

Abstract: A long rectangular slotted-sheath construct generally referred to as a "cassette," functions both in the positioning of and the treating of the individual, cell-containing primary units held therein. The invention also embraces a cooling and thawing system within which primary containers of cells, with or without a surrounding cassette, may be cooled, stored and rewarmed.

Abstract: A noningestible separation barrier having one or more pores or micropores (of one or more diameters) therein, with the pores or micropores being initially plugged with one or more materials selected for its/their solubility and/or integrity characteristics relative to certain environmental conditions. Ordinarily, the pores or micropores of the noningestible separation barrier are initially filled with at least one material having greater erodibility, under a given environmental condition, than the material constituting the separation barrier itself.

Abstract: A noningestible separation barrier having one or more pores of micropores (of one or more diameters) therein, with the pores or micropores being initially plugged with one or more materials selected for its/their solubility and/or integrity characteristics relative to certain environmental conditions. Ordinarily, the pores or micropores of the noningestible separation barrier are initially filled with at least one material having greater erodibility, under a given environmental condition, than the material constituting the separation barrier itself. The combination of the release rate (if any) or other membrane characteristic of the separation barrier, combined with the release rate and/or erosion life of the plugged pores, enables complex separations including variable release of cells, colloids, solutes or solvents over time, such as when the plugged pores remain intact until erosion is triggered by an environmental change such as solvent addition or ionic conditions or pH or thermal change.