Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions for fixing tissue for cytologic, histomorphologic, and/or molecular analysis (e.g., DNA, RNA, and/or protein analysis). In some embodiments, the fixatives are aldehyde-free fixatives, for example, formaldehyde- or formalin-free fixatives. Particular disclosed compositions include buffered ethanol. The buffer is a phosphate buffer or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) in some examples. In further embodiments, the fixative includes additional components, such as glycerol and/or acetic acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for polar body injection, which comprises removing a polar body from a first egg cell and injecting the polar body into a second egg cell that is in a fertilizable state.

Abstract: This invention relates to an aqueous solution for preserving and rinsing organs to be transplanted comprising: sodium (Na+) ions at a concentration between 30 and 150 mmol·L?1; potassium ions (K+) at a concentration between 10 and 40 mmol·L?1; polyethylene glycol with a molecular weight of 35,000 g·mol-1 (PEG 35000) at a concentration between 2 and 5 g·L?1.

Abstract: There is described a preservation solution for the preservation of cells, tissues and/or organs, said solution comprising: (i) water for injection; (ii) at least one saccharide; (iii) at least one component with pH buffer properties; (iv) optionally at least one component with calcium transport blocking properties or an anti-calcium action activity; (v) salicylic acid, in free form or in salt form, or aspirin; and (vi) glutamic acid, in free form or in salt form, or glutamine; provided that acetamide is absent and/or if aspirin is present glutamine is absent and if glutamine is present aspirin is absent.

Abstract: The present disclosures provides methods for decreasing injuries associated with intraoperative hypotension by intravenously administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of a fat emulsion, following a period of intraoperative hypotension and after the subject's mean arterial blood pressure has recovered. The disclosure also provides methods for preventing injuries associated with intraoperative hypotension, particularly for surgical candidates that have an increased risk for intraoperative hypotension. Non-limiting examples of injuries contemplated herein include myocardial injury, myocardial infarction, and acute kidney injury.

Abstract: A protocol for the cryopreservation of high viscosity biological samples, preferably of spermatic samples of crustaceans or insects, that enables maintaining intact the physical properties of the original sample preserving the viability of the sperm packet.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a copolymer which is a graft or block copolymer useful to change wettability and surface characteristics of biological surfaces. Methods for use of these formulations and coatings to change wettability and sterically stabilize, and lubricate biological surfaces in a subject, for example, in the treatment of dry eye syndrome, and to prevent adherence of unwanted proteins, for example in the treatment of contact lens intolerance, are provided.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein include methods and formulations for treating lung and brain injury. The methods and formulations include, but are not limited to, methods and formulations for delivering effective concentrations of levocetirizine and montelukast to a patient in need. The methods and formulations can comprise conventional and/or modified-release elements, providing for drug delivery to the patient.

Abstract: A biological composition has a mixture of mechanically selected allogeneic biologic material derived from placental tissue. The mixture has non-whole cellular components including vesicular components and active and inactive components of biological activity, cell fragments, cellular excretions, cellular derivatives, and extracellular components. The mixture including non-whole cell fractions including one or more of exosomes, transcriptosomes, proteasomes, membrane rafts, lipid rafts. The mixture is compatible with biologic function.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assembling a plurality of tissue grafts are provided. A method includes harvesting the plurality of micro tissue grafts from a donor site, arranging the plurality of micro tissue grafts in a desired orientation, forming a tissue construct containing the plurality of micro tissue grafts arranged in the desired orientation, and applying the tissue construct to a recipient site.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions, devices, and methods that provide cellular materials in ready to use formats for experimental, therapeutic, and tissue engineering protocols. For example, compositions containing frozen or non-frozen cell present as aggregates are disclosed. Also disclosed a compositions containing cellular materials that after storage are suitable for dispersion, e.g. by 3D printing. Also disclosed is a kit for producing bioink compositions. Also disclosed is a closed system device comprising a cell material composition described herein.

Abstract: Subpopulations of spore-like cells expressing specific cell surface and gene expression markers are provided. In one embodiment, the cells express at least one cell surface or gene expression marker selected from the group consisting of Oct4, nanog, Zfp296, cripto, Gdf3, UtF1, Ecat1, Esg1, Sox2, Pax6, nestin, SCA-1, CD29, CD34, CD90, B1 integrin, cKit, SP-C, CC10, SF1, DAX1, and SCG10. Also provided are methods for purifying a subpopulation of spore-like cells of interest from a population of spore-like cells, and methods for inducing differentiation of the isolated spore-like cells into cells of endodermal, mesodermal or ectodermal origin. The spore-like cells can be used to generate cells originating from all three germ layers and can be used to treat a patient who has a deficiency of functional cells in any of a wide variety of tissues, including the retina, intestine, bladder, kidney, liver, lung, nervous system, or endocrine system.

Abstract: The invention comprises several embodiments of a multi-step method for extracting mineral and protein components from a mineralized biocomposite material, including at least the steps of: extracting proteins and minerals from a material into a first solution by contacting or immersing it with the first solution, comprising one or more of a demineralization solution and a salt solution; obtaining a first solid portion from the first solution, by separating the solid and liquid portions; extracting proteins and minerals from the first solid portion into a second solution by contacting or immersing it with the second solution, comprising one or more of a demineralization solution and a salt solution; and obtaining a second solid portion from the second solution by separating the liquid and solid portions. Each of these embodiments may be operated in succession to any of the other embodiments to create custom optimized extraction processes.

Abstract: A bone bioactive composition and kits comprising the composition, means for applying it and/or a metal implant are provided. The bone bioactive composition comprises a water-based salt solution comprising sodium dihydrogen phosphate and sodium chloride, and may also comprise additional elements. The composition and the kits are useful for promoting osteogenesis, particularly when a metal implant is used but also in case of periodontal diseases.

Abstract: A method of ameliorating, inhibiting, preventing, or reducing male infertility in a subject undergoing or in need of chemotherapy by administering to the subject a granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in a protective amount, prior to, during or after administration of one or more chemotherapeutic agents to the subject.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of producing an acellular tissue product wherein the method can include the step of inducing apoptosis and washing the tissue after induction of apoptosis with a tonic solution. Also provided herein are acellular tissue products produced by the methods provided herein and methods of administering the acellular tissue products to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: Provided in some aspects are methods and compositions for preserving platelets or other cells. In some embodiments, a platelet storage media or cell storage media may comprise a low molecular weight polyethylene glycol (e.g. PEG-400) to allow for extended storage and/or refrigeration of the platelets or cells.

Abstract: An aqueous organ preservation solution includes taurine and L-alanine-L-glutamine and glutamic acid. The organ preservation composition can be stored in a solid state, for example in the form of small particles (e.g. a powder or micronized powder), and be dissolved in water, thereby instantly providing a ready-to-use organ preservation solution.

Abstract: Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present technique provide apparatus for controlling ice formation, such as during the processes of cryopreservation and freeze drying. In particular, the apparatus provides a mechanism to deliver an ice nucleating material into a biological sample that is to be preserved, without allowing the ice nucleating agent to contact or contaminate the biological matter within the sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates in a first aspect to a method for the purification of biological macromolecular complexes. Typically, no chromatography steps are applied. That is, the present invention relates to a method for the purification of biological macromolecular complexes Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for crystallization of biological macromolecular complexes comprising the step of purification as described followed by crystallization in a reservoir solution containing a water-soluble polymer. Furthermore, purified biological macromolecular complexes obtainable by the method according to the present invention are provided as well as crystallized biological macromolecular complexes. Finally, a method for determining the suitability of a candidate compound for inhibiting the 20S proteasome of an individual is provided.

Abstract: An automated life science laboratory or a storage facility for biological specimens may be located together with or in close proximity to a data center. The location of the data center, the automated life science laboratory, and the storage facility may be a location in which land and/or electricity are less expensive than locations where the biological specimens are collected. The automated life science laboratory may have a high-capacity data connection to the data center. The life science laboratory, storage facility, and the data center may share a connection to the electrical grid, an HVAC system, and/or a security perimeter. A biological specimen may be removed from storage at the storage facility, process by one or more biotechnology protocols at the automated life science laboratory, and data from the processing may be stored in the data center.

Abstract: Blood and platelet storage and rejuvenating compositions that include triciribine, triciribine metabolites, triciribine analogs, and mixtures of the same are disclosed. Such compositions can be useful in methods for treating (e.g., storing and rejuvenating) red blood cells and platelets.

Abstract: A bone graft composition comprising a viable, osteogenic cellular material combined with a viscous cryoprotectant that includes a penetrating cryoprotective agent and a non-penetrating cryoprotective agent. The viscosity of the cryoprotectant is such that the composition is malleable, cohesive and capable of being formed into desired shapes.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject provides a biomimetic eye model, and methods of its production and use. In one exemplary embodiment, the biomimetic eye model can include a scaffold having a convex curvature, a fluidic device coupled to the scaffold, a fabricated eyelid coupled to the fluidic device and a motor coupled to the fabricated eyelid. In certain embodiments, the scaffold can be impregnated with one or more keratocytes and a surface of the convex curvature of the scaffold can be covered with one or more layers of epithelial cells.

Abstract: Compositions for maintaining cellular integrity especially in cases of cryopreservation and multiple freeze/thawing cycles are provided. In addition, the compositions can be used in various media for a variety of applications.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are muscle implants and methods of making muscle implants comprising one or more decellularized muscle matrices. The muscle matrices can, optionally, be joined to one or more decellularized dermal matrices. The muscle implants can be used to enhance muscle volume or to treat muscle damage, defects, and/or disorders. The decellularized muscle matrices in the implants retain at least some of the myofibers found in a muscle tissue prior to processing.

Abstract: Provided is a tissue slicing device having a first motor, a filling assembly, a filter, a pipe, and a cutter. The filling assembly includes a tube and a piston rod movably inserted through the tube. One end of the piston rod abuts against the first motor. The filter is located at an end of the tube opposite the first motor. The pipe is located at a common side of the first motor and the filling assembly, and includes a nozzle located at an end of the pipe and proximal to an end of the filter opposite the filling assembly. The cutter is proximal to the filter. The guiding body is located at the end of the tube opposite the first motor. Provided is an apparatus having the tissue slicing device, such that manpower and time can be saved, and the tissue slicing degree can be unified.

Abstract: The invention provides, in various embodiments, systems, devices and methods relating to ex-vivo organ care. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to maintaining an organ ex-vivo at near-physiologic conditions. The present application describes a method for using lactate measurement in the arterial and the venous blood lines of the Organ Care System Heart perfusion device to evaluate the: 1) The overall perfusion status of an isolated heart and 2) The metabolic status of an isolated heart and 3) the overall vascular patency of an isolated donor heart. This aspect of the present invention uses the property of myocardial cell's unique ability to produce/generate lactate when they are starved for oxygen and metabolize/utilize lactate for energy production when they are well perfused with oxygen.

Abstract: Provided are a three-dimensional (3D) fibroblast cluster, a method of preparing the same, an in vitro 3D skin dermis model including a fibroblast cluster cultured from a fibroblast, and a method of screening a drug by using the in vitro 3D skin dermis model.

Abstract: A centrifuge device is provided for the sizing and separation of constituents of a biologic mixture, e.g., adipose tissue. The device provides for the mechanical breaking down of the fibrous structure in the tissue by centrifugation causing the tissue to pass through a mesh element, or a sizing helix, or an extrusion element, whereupon the material is reduced to a slurry. This processed material may then be separated by centrifugation into its constituents, in order to harvest the fraction containing the multipotent cells. These multipotent cells may be utilized for various medical procedures to stimulate healing and tissue regeneration.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method of simply and efficiently promoting expression of c-MPL on a surface of a mesenchymal cell. The present invention provides a method for producing a mesenchymal cell with promoted expression of a c-MPL receptor on the cell surface, comprising Step A of culturing the mesenchymal cell in a mesenchymal cell culturing basic medium comprising a c-MPL receptor active substance; and Step B of obtaining the mesenchymal cell with promoted expression of a c-MPL receptor on the cell surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective solution for preventing or reducing reperfusion injury of the brain which contains magnesium ions and which has an osmolality of 350 to 600 mOsm/L, a pH value of 6.8 to 7.8 and albumin in an amount of 1 to 20% by weight.

Abstract: A tissue graft packaging system having a retainer including first and second members with respective first and second pluralities of channel sidewalls that define first and second pluralities of channels, and first and second engagement means configured to removeably interconnect the first and second members. The first and second pluralities of channel sidewalls are configured to create a continuous interior space between the first and second members. A tissue graft, such as a cryopreserved viable tissue graft, is contained within the continuous interior space of the retainer. Processes for packaging, thawing and rinsing the tissue graft using the tissue graft packaging system and its retainer are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptoid polymers capable of reducing or inhibiting the formation of ice crystals at sub 0° C. temperatures. Also provided are peptoid-peptide hybrids comprising the peptoid polymers provided herein. The peptoid polymers and peptoid-peptide hybrids provided herein are useful for making cryoprotectant solutions. The peptoid polymers, peptoid-peptide hybrids, and cryoprotectant solutions provided herein are useful for making antifreeze solutions, frozen food products, and cosmetic care products. Also provided herein are methods for preserving a tissue, an organ, a cell, or a biological macromolecule using the compositions described herein.

Abstract: Provided is a method for efficiently culturing pluripotent stem cells with higher safety. The present invention relates to a method for culturing pluripotent stem cells, the method comprising culturing an isolated pluripotent stem cells in a pseudo-microgravity environment to proliferate the pluripotent stem cells while maintaining the pluripotent stem cells in an undifferentiated state, thereby forming and growing spheroids of the pluripotent stem cells; and a method for inducing differentiation of pluripotent stem cells by using the method.

Abstract: There is provided a method or improving the surface sterility of an invertebrate organism having an external cuticle, comprising contacting an outer surface of the organism, or a portion thereof, with an aqueous alcohol solution of less than about 70% v/v for a period of less than 60 seconds. The method is especially useful to provide research-grade organisms which can be utilised in research involving injection of compositions through the external cuticle, by reducing phenotype changes resulting from introduction of surface contaminants into the interior of the organism.

Abstract: The invention features compositions featuring (a) one or more of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and human C-terminal CTGF peptide; and (b) one or more of insulin and IGF-1; and methods of using such compositions to reduce cardiac tissue damage associated with an ischemic event or to enhance engraftment of a cell in a cardiac tissue.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides a microfluidic device that can simulate capillary blood flow on a fetal side of the device and pooled blood on a maternal side of the device (i.e., intervillous space). The microfluidic device can reconstitute the maternal-fetal interface, can expand the capabilities of cell culture models, and can provide an alternative to current maternal-fetal transfer models.

Abstract: The growth factor profile, connective tissue matrix constituents, and immunoprivileged status of urodele extracellular matrix (ECM) and accompanying cutaneous tissue, plus the presence of antimicrobial peptides there, render urodele-derived tissue an ideal source for biological scaffolds for xenotransplantation. In particular, a biological scaffold biomaterial can be obtained by a process that entails (A) obtaining a tissue sample from a urodele, where the tissue comprises ECM, inclusive of the basement membrane, and (B) subjecting the tissue sample to a decellularization process that maintains the structural and functional integrity of the extracellular matrix, by virtue of retaining its fibrous and non-fibrous proteins, glycoaminoglycans (GAGs) and proteoglycans, while removing sufficient cellular components of the sample to reduce or eliminate antigenicity and immunogenicity for xenograft purposes.

Abstract: A method for preventing bleeding, blood-brain barrier disruption, brain injury, or a combination thereof in a subject destined for cardiac surgery is disclosed. The method involves administering to the subject prior to cardiac surgery a therapeutically effective amount of alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT-1), or functional variant thereof. The result is that it prevents bleeding, blood-brain barrier disruption, or a combination thereof in a subject destined for cardiac surgery.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and compositions to determine viability of an organ for transplantation and other medical purposes. One aspect of the invention relates to a method for assessing the viability of an organ by measuring the energy parameters to determine the energy level of the organ by determining the stored cellular energy (e.g., ATP levels), and/or energy consumption over a particular time period of viability. The energy parameters can be compared to reference energy parameters as a highly accurate and reliable prediction of viable cell yield, and organ viability. Another aspect of the invention relates methods to preserve or extend the time period of viability of an organ any combination of (i) preservation perfusion of the organ to prevent ischemic damage, (ii) chemical metabolic suppression of the organ e.g., using metabolic suppressants, (iii) metabolic suppression by physical or environmental conditions, e.g., sub-zero non-freezing storage.

Abstract: Disclosed are products having animal tissue packed within the lumen of a device such as a needle cannula and being therein impregnated with a cryopreservation medium. The needle cannula or other device can be received in a capsule and/or other container, which in some forms can contain additional amounts of the cryopreservation medium occurring external of the lumen. Methods of use of the products are also described and can include ejecting the animal tissue from the lumen of device using pressurized liquid passed through the lumen, potentially to deliver the animal tissue directly into a patient. Methods of manufacture of the products are also described.

Abstract: A method for producing bone grafts using 3-D printing is employed using a 3-D image of a graft location to produce a 3-D model of the graft. This is printed using a 3-D printer and a printing medium that produces a porous, biocompatible, biodegradable material that is conducive to osteoinduction. For example, the printing medium may be PCL, PLLA, PGLA, or another approved biocompatible polymer. In addition such a method may be useful for cosmetic surgeries, reconstructive surgeries, and various techniques required by such procedures. Once the graft is placed, natural bone gradually replaces the graft.

Abstract: Methods for obtaining genetic material from plant embryos while preserving their viability are provided. In the methods, preservation of viability may be maintained by suspending the embryos in an aqueous solution surrounded by an oil matrix. Genetic material may be obtained from an aliquot of the aqueous solution and may be used directly for molecular analysis, or whole genome amplification may be performed prior to molecular analysis.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to rotating bioreactors and articles and methods that are useful for adapting a rotating bioreactor for use with tissues or scaffolds of different sizes. In some embodiments, bioreactors comprising a reservoir and an arbor assembly are provided herein, in which the arbor assembly comprises a rotatable support to which a tissue or tissue scaffold can be attached.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous solution for organ preservation, in particular for the myocardium, the solution comprising: 100 mM to 130 mM of Na+; 12 mM to 15 mM of K+; 0.25 mM to 1.3 mM of Ca++; 0.5 ?M to 1.5 ?M of cyclosporin A; and 0.5 ?M to 1.5 ?M of taxol, and it also relates to the joint use of cyclosporin A and taxol in a solution for in vitro preservation of an organ, in particular the myocardium.

Abstract: Blood and platelet storage and rejuvenating compositions that include triciribine, triciribine metabolites, triciribine analogs, and mixtures of the same are disclosed. Such compositions can be useful in methods for treating (e.g., storing and rejuvenating) red blood cells and platelets.

Abstract: A method for preparing placenta membrane tissue grafts for medical use, includes obtaining a placenta from a subject, cleaning the placenta, separating the chorion tissue from the amniotic membrane, mounting a selected layer of either the chorion tissue or the amniotic membrane onto a drying fixture, dehydrating the selected layer on the drying fixture, and cutting the selected layer into a plurality of tissue grafts. Preferably, the drying fixture includes grooves or raised edges that define the outer contours of each desired tissue graft, after they are cut, and further includes raised or indented logos that emboss the middle area of the tissue grafts during dehydration and that enables an end user to distinguish the top from the bottom side of the graft. The grafts are comprised of single layers of amnion or chorion, multiple layers of amnion or chorion, or multiple layers of a combination of amnion and chorion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing bioengineered heart muscle (BHM) from pluripotent stem cells, generally comprising the steps of inducing mesoderm differentiation, cardiac differentiation, and cardiac maturation by directed tissue formation. The method is a robust, serum-free and reproducible way to produce BHM for multiple applications, and is applicable to multiple pluripotent stem cell lines. The present invention is also directed to the BHM produced by the method disclosed herein, as well as to uses of said BHM in pharmacologic and toxicity screenings, and its use in medicine.

Abstract: An organ protectant solution which is intravenously administered includes at least one oncotic agent and optionally a high concentration of cell-impermeant molecules. Together, they promote transfer of water from cells to interstitium and into the capillaries, thereby preventing or reducing cell swelling, maintaining blood circulation and oxygenation of tissues, and extending the “Golden Hour” for traumatic and/or hemorrhagic shock patients. In addition, compositions comprising PEG-20k and methods of their use for preserving and/or reanimating harvested organs ex vivo for lengthy periods of time (e.g. at least about 8-24 hours) are also provided.