Abstract: The claimed subject matter is based on the finding that it is possible to cryopreserve cancellous bone tissue with viable cells (after reconstitution by either thawing or rehydration), the viability after reconstitution being comparable to that of a fresh sample (without freezing) and of beneficial value for use in, for example, transplantation. Thus, provided is a method for cryopreserving a cancellous bone sample. The cryopreserved cancellous bone sample can be in dry form, for example, lyophilized. Also provided is a cryopreserved, in dry form, bone sample and the use of a cryopreserved bone sample; a method for identifying such cryopreserved cancellous bone tissue and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for providing cartilage-containing tissue for grafting, comprising providing excised cartilage-containing tissue; and treating said excised cartilage-containing and cryogenically preserving the treated cartilage-containing tissue under appropriate cryogenic preservation conditions so as to yield cryogenically preserved cartilage-containing tissue having at least 10% viable chondrocytes throughout the cartilage portion of the cartilage-containing tissue after preservation, as tested in a live/dead ratio assay. Treatment may comprise providing one or a plurality of incisions in said cartilage portion to a predetermined depth therein and/or introducing a cryoprotectant agent at least into said cartilage portion.

Abstract: A method for changing the temperature of a sample from an initial temperature via an intermediate temperature to a final temperature, one of the initial and final temperatures being above the freezing point of the sample and the other being below the freezing point is provided. The method is for changing the temperature of a sample having minimal dimension in each of two mutually perpendicular cross-sections exceeding 0.5 centimeters, and at least one of the cross-sections having an outer zone and an inner zone.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for providing a patient having impaired cartilage in an organ at a target site, with corresponding viable cartilage, possibly osteochondral cartilage. The method comprises freezing the cartilage by cooling it at a cooling rate of 0.01° C./min to 3° C./min. Thawing of the cartilage may be by warming it to a temperature that is at least substantially equal to the melting temperature of the solution in which it was frozen, at a rate sufficiently high to minimize recrystalization. The thawed viable cartilage may then be grafted into the target site. Also disclosed are frozen viable cartilage and thawed viable cartilage.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for changing the temperature of a sample from an initial temperature via an intermediate temperature to a final temperature, one of the initial and final temperatures being above the freezing point of said sample and the other being below the freezing point. The method is for changing the temperature of a sample having minimal dimension in each of two mutually perpendicular cross-sections exceeding 0.5 centimeters, and at least one of the cross-sections having an outer zone and an inner zone.