Abstract: Steinhardt defined medium preserves cornea tissue during cold storage. Tissue preservation kits comprise a premeasured amount of Steinhardt's medium and copackaged instructions describing use of the medium to preserve a tissue. Kits for making Steinhardt medium comprise premeasured amounts of medium ingredients; and copackaged instructions describing how to combine the ingredients to make the medium. The medium is made by combining the recited ingredients, and used by incubating a tissue in the medium.

Abstract: A method of making a tissue-derived implantable medical device that includes contacting the tissue with a composition comprising at least one oxidizing agent prior to implantation of the medical device.

Abstract: A method for constructing a stable bioactive mammalian embryonic kidney is described herein. A kidney so constructed requires no artificial support, nor porous man made membranes or tubing to effectuate its biological function of filtering body fluids. A single donor embryonic kidney, or fragment thereof, can produce a great number of functional kidneys suitable for treating subjects with various kidney disorders. It is anticipated that said in vitro produced kidney would be less, or not at all, antigenic when transplanted into a subject, because of its embryonic character and artificial propagation in culture. This method of producing a functional organ can be useful in cloning other organ structures containing inducible epithelial tissues.

Abstract: A system for hemodynamic simulation comprises a vessel having properties of a blood vessel, a reservoir containing a quantity of fluid, tubing connecting the vessel and reservoir, and at least one pump for circulating the fluid within the system. Fluid can be tissue culture medium or blood analog fluid, and the vessel may include mammalian cells attached to its inside. A drive system, comprising two reciprocating drive shafts that are coupled by a cam, enables the uncoupling of pulsatile flow and pulsatile pressure to provide independent control over wall shear stress and circumferential strain. The shaft drives two pumps that are 180 degrees out-of-phase and are connected upstream and downstream of the vessel, and effect this uncoupling.

Abstract: Highly undifferentiated spore-like cells can be isolated from many different tissues and bodily fluids after those tissues and fluids have been exposed to extreme conditions. The spore-like cells can be used to treat a wide variety of disorders.

Abstract: This application discloses methods and materials for preparing functional microvascular beds in the laboratory. These prevascularized constructs can be used to vascularize engineered tissue constructs or to revascularize damaged or diseased tissues or organs following implantation. The prevascularized constructs may also deliver genetically engineered gene products to the bloodstream.

Abstract: This invention provides caspase inhibitors having the formula: wherein Ring A is an optionally substituted piperidine, tetrahydroquinoline or tetrahydroisoquinoline ring; R1 is hydrogen, CHN2, R, or —CH2Y; R is an optionally substituted group selected from an aliphatic group, an aryl group, an aralkyl group, a heterocyclic group, or an heterocyclylalkyl group; Y is an electronegative leaving group; R2 is CO2H, CH2CO2H, or esters, amides or isosteres thereof; Ar is an optionally substituted aryl group; and R3 is hydrogen, an optionally substituted C1-6 alkyl, F2, CN, aryl or R3 is attached to Ar to form an unsaturated or partially saturated five or six membered fused ring having 0–2 heteroatoms. The compounds are useful for treating caspase-mediated diseases in mammals.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for dedifferentiating nuclei from somatic cells are provided. Such methods and compositions are useful for facilitating processes such as, for example, cloning and immortalization of cells.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions and methods for reconstructing artificial female reproductive organs. The constructs and methods of the invention can be used for ameliorating congenital malformations and disorders of female reproductive tract using tissue engineered female reproductive organs, such as the uterus, vagina, cervix, and fallopian tubes. These tissue engineered female reproductive organs can be generated by perfusing cultured cell populations derived from cells of the female reproductive tissues, such as uterine, vaginal, cervical, fallopian tube epithelial cells as well as smooth muscle cells.

Abstract: An isolated heart preparation in which essentially normal pumping activity of all four chambers of the heart is preserved, allowing for the use of the preparation in conjunction with investigations of electrode leads, catheters, cardiac implants and other medical devices intended to be used in or on a beating heart. The preparation may also be employed to investigate heart functions, in the presence or absence of such medical devices. In order to allow for visualization of heart structures and devices located within the chambers of the heart, a clear perfusate such as a modified Krebs buffer solution with oxygenation is circulated through all four chambers of the heart and the coronary vasculature. The preparation and recordings of the preparation may be used in conjunction with the design, development and evaluation of devices for use in or on the heart, as well as for use as an investigational and teaching aid to assist physicians and students in understanding the operation of the heart.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method comprising a step of transferring a cell proliferation factor gene into a mammalian liver cell to obtain an immortalized liver cell, a step of proliferating the immortalized liver cell, and a step of removing the cell proliferation factor gene from the immortalized liver cell; a large number of liver cells obtained thereby; and a treating agent and a artificial liver comprising obtained liver cell.

Abstract: A method of preserving, storing and transplanting mammalian donor organs. The method includes the cooling of refrigeration preservation, loading pre-freezer preservation, cryopreservation and washing solutions at least containing polyvinylpyrrolidone, a calcium channel blocker, a nucleoside, potassium chloride, polyethylene glycol, at least one amino acid, and a steroid to a temperature of 2° to 4° C. and/or of 0° to 2° C., harvesting a donor organ, perfusing it with one or more of the solution, immersing it in one or more of the solutions and storing it at a temperature above 0° C. or at a temperatures below 0° C. The cryopreservation solution also contains cryopreservative agents. Preserved organs may be transplanted directly from refrigeration storage or from freezer storage by cooling the washing refrigeration preservation solutions to 2° to 4° C., perfusing the organ with washing solution and then preservation solution, and transplanting it.

Abstract: This application discloses methods and materials for preparing functional microvascular beds in the laboratory. These prevascularized constructs can be used to vascularize engineered tissue constructs or to revascularize damaged or diseased tissues or organs following implantation. The prevascularized constructs may also deliver genetically engineered gene products to the bloodstream.

Abstract: A method for the in situ treatment of diseases and malignancies in a living host body. The method includes exposing a diseased or malignant gland of a host body to an effective amount of a therapeutic agent by infusing the therapeutic agent into blood flowing from the diseased or malignant gland that has been captured and contained in an isolated section associated with the gland. The contaminated blood from this isolated section is then evacuated from the host body, cleaned, detoxified and returned to the host body without exposing other glands, organs or tissue of the host body to the contaminated blood and without interrupting the normal flow of blood circulating through the host body.

Abstract: A method of staining an ocular structure, the structure being a human or other mammalian eye or portion thereof, the method comprising staining the ocular structure with either indigotindisulfonate, Patent Blue V, Sulphan Blue, tolonium chloride, or Evans Blue. Ocular structures of particular interest are the anterior lens capsule and the vitreo-retinal interface.

Abstract: A method of separating the epithelium and the stroma of a cornea includes providing a solution that includes a detaching agent diluted in a culture medium and applying the solution to the surface of the cornea.

Abstract: Machine perfusion solutions for the presentation of organs and biological tissues prior to implantation, including a prostaglandin having vasodilatory, membrane stabilizing, platelet aggregation prevention upon reperfusion, and complement activation inhibitory properties, a nitric oxide donor, a glutathione-forming agent, and an oxygen free radical scavenger.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preparing tissue for incorporation into xenografts and bioprosthetic devices. The methods of the invention make use of supercritical fluids to remove infectious materials and chemical agents from tissues, as well as to permeate a tissue with a chemical agent (e.g. tanning, cross-linking, and bioactive agents).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treatment of collagenous connective tissue removed from a donor for implant into a recipient which is re-habited or re-colonized by host cells without an immune rejection and inflammatory reaction. After removal from the donor, the tissue is trimmed and thereafter soaked in a cold stabilizing solution having a temperature range of 4 to 10 degrees centigrade. The tissue is then soaked at a predetermined temperature in a polyglycol, salt, hydrogen peroxide, and phosphate buffer first solution of predetermined quantities and concentrations and of sufficient ionic strength to permit ground substances to dissociate such that the collagen fibers remain stable. The tissue is then soaked in an alcohol and water solution at a predetermined temperature for a sufficient period of time to remove the residue of the first solution.

Abstract: Cold storage solutions for the preservation of organs and biological tissues prior to implantation, including a prostaglandin having vasodilatory, membrane stabilizing, platelet aggregation prevention upon reperfusion, and complement activation inhibitory properties, a nitric oxide donor, and a glutathione-forming agent.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for culturing primate embryonic stem cells. These cells are cultured on a prolonged and stable basis in the presence of exogenously supplied fibroblast growth factor and in the absence of animal serum. Preferably there is also a fibroblast feeder layer. Also disclosed is a culture media containing fibroblast feeder layer and the fibroblast growth factor.

Abstract: A unified solution system for organ and/or tissue preservation and/or hypothermic blood substitution can be used to prepare multiple solutions for use in various stages of organ procurement, preservation and transplantation and bloodless surgery procedures.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to compositions and methods for culturing nerve tissue in vitro and nerve grafts produced using such methods. The compositions and methods of the subject invention can be employed to restore the continuity of nerve interrupted by disease, traumatic events or surgical procedures. The invention also concerns methods for promoting repair of damaged nerve tissue using the present compositions and nerve tissue treated according to such methods.

Abstract: A method for degrading and/or bioremediating waste wood containing chromated copper arsenate (CCA) using a fungal inoculum is disclosed. The fungal inoculum comprises of at least one CCA-tolerant fungi, a lignocellulosic substrate and a nutrient supplement. The fungal inoculum is applied to the waste wood and maintained in an aerated and hydrated environment having temperature conditions sufficient to allow the inoculum to grow and metabolize the CCA. The inoculum and the waste wood are combined until an end product that is at least partially remediated or of a reduced volume.

Abstract: A chimeric skin comprising immortalized human keratinocyte cells cocultured with donor keratinocytes is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides prion protein standards for use as reference materials for prion detection. The standard may be species specific, i.e. the standard is comprised of a preparation for detection of a single strain prion or it may be prepared to allow detection of multiple prion strains simultaneously. The invention also provides methods of preparing the prion protein standards using a group of non-human host mammals which have their genome manipulated with respect to genetic material related to a PrP gene such that the mammals are susceptible to infection with a prion which generally only infects an animal which is genetically diverse from the host.

Abstract: Methods and products relating the preservation of cultured mammalian epithelial or mesenchymal cells are provided. The methods involve the pre-treatment of epithelial cells with a solution containing a cryoprotectant amount of monosaccharides and/or disaccharides. The treated cells then are frozen, dried or freeze-dried in a minimum volume of solution and stored for later use. The invention avoids the use of materials that must be washed away from the preserved tissue prior to application of the tissue to a wound bed. The invention also permits the storage of epithelial tissue in a dry state.

Abstract: A tissue of a multicellular organism is gradually dried during cultivation. After the tissue has been completely dehydrated, water is added to the tissue for its recovery. The tissue of the multicellular organism is submerged in an insect body fluid medium treated with heat, and dried for 48 hours or more.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining expression levels of one or a multiplicity of target proteins in a tissue or cell sample.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for producing a three-dimensional bioartificial tissue having viable cells in or on a matrix, and by which cells and matrix can be cultivated into a tissue or a precursor of a tissue, a vascularized tissue of biological materials, obtained by this process, and an experimental reactor for scientific purposes and for producing clinically usable tissues and organs.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, systems/devices and media are provided for maintaining a harvested organ in a functioning and viable state prior to implantation. The organ perfusion apparatus includes a preservation chamber for storing the organ during the preservation period. A perfusion circuit is provided having a first line for providing an oxygenated fluid to the organ, and a second line for carrying depleted fluid away from the organ. The perfusion apparatus also includes a device operably associated with the perfusion circuit for maintaining the organ at a substantially normothermic temperature.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to CryoArrays, which permit the analysis of samples (such as protein, nucleic acid, virus, or cell samples) in arrays that are prepared at low temperatures. Because CryoArrays are constructed as a block of substantially columnar samples, the block can be sliced to provide a plurality of identical or substantially identical individual arrays. The individual arrays can be used for parallel analysis of the same array feature set, for instance with different probes or under different conditions. Also provided are methods of making CryoArrays, devices for making CryoArrays, and kits.

Abstract: Polyglycerol, lactose, and a combination of polyglycerol and lactose are effective at preserving cells, tissues, and organs from damage due to hypothermic, ischemic, or other metabolic impairment, and a mixture of polyglycerol plus lactose is particularly useful for the hypothermic storage of cells, tissues, and organs. The mixture of polyglycerol and lactose can be further improved by the addition of chondroitin sulfate, chlorpromazine, calcium, citrate, glutathione, adenine, glucose, magnesium, and a pH buffer.

Abstract: A physiological liquid medium is provided having the basic, synergistic components to allow its universal application in preserving cellular and functional integrity in vitro of different cell, tissue and organ types isolated from different mammalian species. The medium comprises an aqueous solution in sterile purified water of: i) a salt component comprising: a) from 100 to 150 mmoles/L of sodium ions, b) from 2.5 to 6.2 mmoles/L of potassium ions, c) from 1.0 to 2.5 mmoles/L of calcium ions, d) from 0.

Abstract: The invention relates to a two-step method for dehydrating biological tissues for producing preserved transplants. In a first step, the tissue is partially dehydrated with an organic, water-miscible solvent. In a second step, the tissue is dehydrated further by freeze drying.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for pre-treatment of lung transplants to reduce susceptibility to post-operative B. cepacia infection are provided. The methods and compositions employ saccharides, particularly dextrans and xylitol, which are applied to the lung transplant before transplantation.

Abstract: A biocompatible graft material and a method for making the same are disclosed. The method of making the graft material involves freezing and subsequently thawing a donated tissue sample in a bleach solution. The tissue is then washed in a detergent solution, treated with antimicrobial agents, and soaked in a hypertonic solution. The tissue is thereafter treated with sodium hydroxide and later hydrogen peroxide to yield the desired biocompatible graft material.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method of protecting organs or tissue susceptible to reperfusion-induced dysfunction after ischemia. The method comprises parenterally administering to a patient a therapeutical composition containing natural alpha-1 acid glycoprotein, natural alpha-1 antitrypsin or a mixture thereof. Alternatively, organ or tissue transplants can be contacted with natural alpha-1 acid glycoprotein, natural alpha-antitrypsin or mixtures by perfusing or flushing them with a solution containing natural alpha-1 acid glycoprotein, natural alpha-1 antitrypsin or mixtures thereof in a concentration of 0.1 to 5 g/l.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for the treatment of type I insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and other conditions using newly identified stem cells that are capable of differentiation into a variety of pancreatic islet cells, including insulin-producing beta cells, as well as hepatocytes. Nestin has been identified as a molecular marker for pancreatic stem cells, while cytokeratin-19 serves as a marker for a distinct class of islet ductal cells. Methods are described whereby nestin-positive stem cells can be isolated from pancreatic islets and cultured to obtain further stem cells or pseudo-islet like structures. Methods for ex vivo differentiation of the pancreatic stem cells are disclosed. Methods are described whereby pancreatic stem cells can be isolated, expanded, and transplanted into a patient in need thereof, either allogeneically, isogeneically or xenogenically, to provide replacement for lost or damaged insulin-secreting cells or other cells.

Abstract: This invention provides a system for producing differentiated cells from a stem cell population for use wherever a relatively homogenous cell population is desirable. The cells contain an effector gene under control of a transcriptional control element (such as the TERT promoter) that causes the gene to be expressed in relatively undifferentiated cells in the population. Expression of the effector gene results in expression of a cell-surface antigen that can be used to deplete the undifferentiated cells. Model effector sequences encode glycosyl transferases that synthesize carbohydrate xenoantigen or alloantigen, which can be used for immunoseparation or as a target for complement-mediated lysis. The differentiated cell populations produced are suitable for use in tissue regeneration and non-therapeutic applications such as drug screening.

Abstract: The invention covers a method for establishing undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells by thawing cryopreserved human embryos, preferably blastocyst stage embryos, and culturing at least a portion of the embryos on a medium capable of sustaining undifferentiated embryonic stem cells, to establish undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells.

Abstract: A protectant mixture for use in preserving biological materials comprising (1) at least one polyhydroxy compound, where the total amount of polyhydroxy compound in the mixture is from about 5% to about 60% by weight of the mixture where the mixture is an aqueous solution and is from about 10% to about 95% where the mixture is in solid form, and (2) phosphate ions, where the total amount of phosphate ions in the mixture is such that the molar ratio of phosphate ions to hydroxy groups in the polyhydroxy compound is from about 0.025 to about 0.625; a preservation medium comprising (1) a biological material, (2) at least one polyhydroxy compound, where the total amount of polyhydroxy compound in the medium is from about 5% to about 60% by weight of the medium, and (3) phosphate ions, where the total amount of phosphate ions in the mixture is such that the molar ratio of phosphate ions to hydroxy groups in the polyhydroxy compound is from about 0.025 to about 0.

Abstract: A method of preserving functionality of an organ. The method includes removing a whole organ and associated vasculature, cryo-preserving the whole organ, allowing a period of time to elapse, thawing the whole organ including vasculature and introducing the whole organ into a recipient so that the organ is supplied with blood by vasculature belonging to the recipient. Further disclosed is a method of preserving fertility of a patient undergoing a treatment expected to cause sterility. The method include removing a whole gonadal organ from the patient, cryo-preserving the whole gonadal organ, conducting the treatment and waiting for an effect thereof to subside, thawing the whole gonadal organ and introducing the whole gonadal organ where it is supplied with blood by the vasculature system of the patient.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for sterilizing tissue to reduce the level of one or more active biological contaminants or pathogens therein, such as viruses, bacteria, (including inter- and intracellular bacteria, such as mycoplasmas, ureaplasmas, nanobacteria, chlamydia, rickettsias), yeasts, molds, fungi, spores, prions or similar agents responsible, alone or in combination, for TSEs and/or single or multicellular parasites. The methods involve sterilizing one or more tissues with irradiation.

Abstract: The present invention makes available methods and reagents for inhibiting cell growth or promoting cell differentiation comprising contacting the cell with a differeguline in a sufficient amount to inhibit cell proliferation or promote cell differentiation.

Abstract: A non-disruptive three-dimensional culture system allows cell growth and proliferation in three dimensions, permitting cell splitting without subjecting cells to disruptive conditions that affect cell structure and functions. An extracellular matrix provides a good environment for culturing or co-culturing anchorage-dependent cells. The cells cultured this manner can be readily used in such applications as cell transplantation, tissue engineering seeding of cells on scaffolds, and other applications that require immediate availability of functioning cells.

Abstract: This invention provides novel methods of and kits for labeling and isolating lumen-exposed molecules, particularly polypeptides which are expressed in a tissue-specific or organ-specific manner. The methods and kits can be used to isolate molecules exposed on the luminal side of cells lining vascular, ductal, sinus, respiratory, fascial, and other perfusible tissue spaces.

Abstract: The present invention makes available methods and reagents for inhibiting cell growth or promoting cell differentiation comprising contacting the cell with a differeguline in a sufficient amount to inhibit cell proliferation or promote cell differentiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to me methods for minimizing spasticity in blood vessels during transplantation and more particularly for minimizing spasticity in arterial transplants, for both ex-vivo and in-vivo procedures. The invention also relates to formulations, which can be used in these methods.

Abstract: The invention is directed to collagenous tissues which have been treated to remove non-collagenous components such as cells, cellular debris, and other extracellular matrix components, such as proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans, normally found in native tissues. Treatment of the tissue with alkali, chelating agents, acids and salts removes non-collagenous components from the collagenous tissue matrix while controlling the amount of swelling and dissolution so that the resultant collagen matrix retains its structural organization, integrity and bioremodelable properties. The process circumvents the need to use detergents and enzymes which detrimentally affect the cell compatibility, strength and bioremodelability of the collagen matrix. The collagenous tissue matrix is used for implantation, repair, or use in a mammalian host.