Abstract: Systems and methods of the invention generally relate to prolonging viability of bodily tissue, especially an organ such as a lung, by adjusting pressure as needed to maintain a constant pressure within the organ even during external pressure fluctuations due, for example, to transportation of the organ in an airplane. Gas passing into and out of the organ may be conditioned to prolong tissue viability.

Abstract: Zebrafish are a powerful model for investigating cardiac repair due to their unique regenerative abilities, scalability, and compatibility with many genetic tools. However, characterizing the regeneration process in live adult zebrafish hearts has proved challenging because adult fish are opaque and explanted hearts in conventional culture conditions experience rapid declines in morphology and physiology. To overcome these limitations, we fabricated a fluidic device for culturing explanted adult zebrafish hearts with constant media perfusion that is also compatible with live imaging. Unlike hearts cultured in dishes for one week, the morphology and calcium activity of hearts cultured in the device for one week were largely similar to freshly explanted hearts.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of recellularizing an organ or tissue matrix.

Abstract: Electrode systems have been developed for use in perfusion systems to measure the electrical activity of an explanted heart and to provide defibrillation energy as necessary. The perfusion systems maintain the heart in a beating state at, or near, normal physiological conditions; circulating oxygenated, nutrient enriched perfusion fluid to the heart at or near physiological temperature, pressure and flow rate. These systems include a pair of electrodes that are placed epicardially on the right atrium and left ventricle of the explanted heart, as well as an electrode placed in the aortic blood path.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a system for perfusing an ex-vivo liver including a pump configured to pump a perfusion fluid through a perfusion circuit, the pump in fluid communication with a hepatic artery interface and a portal vein interface; an oxygenator; a heater; an inferior vena cava interface in fluid communication with an inferior vena cava of the ex-vivo liver; and a reservoir configured to receive the perfusion fluid from the inferior vena cava of the ex-vivo liver and store a volume of fluid.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an improved process of organ perfusion with vitrifiable concentrations of cryoprotective agents. In one implementation, the method may include perfusing an organ with a first solution containing a vitrifiable concentration of cryoprotectant at a temperature at or above ?10° C. and perfusing the organ with a second solution containing a higher concentration of cryoprotectant than the first solution. The first solution may be adapted to vitrify at a cooling rate of less than 20° C./min, and the second solution may be adapted to vitrify at a cooling rate of less than 5° C./min. The perfusing with the second solution may begin at or above ?10° C. and cause the organ to decline in temperature to below ?10° C.

Abstract: The invention, in various embodiments, provides systems, methods and solutions for perfusing an organ.

Abstract: An embalming machine including a housing, at least one fluid tank supported by the housing, a plurality of hose segments disposed at least partially within the housing, a centrifugal fluid transfer pump, a pressure gauge, and a first solenoid is disclosed. The pump is engaged with at least one hose segment of the plurality of hose segments. The pressure gauge is configured to read a pressure of the fluid flowing therethrough. The first solenoid is configured to allow fluid to flow therethrough when current is applied to the first solenoid, and is configured to prevent fluid from flowing therethrough when no current is applied to the first solenoid, wherein the centrifugal fluid transfer is controlled to improve displacement output and pressure of embalming fluid entering a cadaver during an embalming process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic fluidic devices, methods and systems as microfluidic kidney on-chips, e.g. human Proximal Tubule-Chip.

Abstract: Electrochemical apparatus and method provide a source of electrons to a living organ in the process of transplantation. The organ, depleted of antioxidants, is placed into a vessel supplied with appropriate physiological solution and apparatus that create antioxidative environment.

Abstract: Disclosed are an in-vitro cardiopulmonary combined perfusion system and perfusion method. The in-vitro cardiopulmonary combined perfusion system includes an organ cabin, a circulation cabin, a control cabin, a simple breathing cabin, a display and control panel, and a base. The organ cabin is connected with the circulation cabin, the control cabin and the simple breathing cabin. The control cabin is connected with the display and control panel. The organ cabin, the circulation cabin, the control cabin, the simple breathing cabin, and the display and control panel are mounted on the base.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of recellularizing an organ or tissue matrix.

Abstract: A frame includes a ring-shaped body part locatable to surround the periphery of an organ, and at least one tube clamp part mounted on the body part. Each tube clamp part includes a tube holder that holds a tube. The tube clamp part is mounted so as to be movable in the circumferential direction of the body part. Thus, a tube connected to the organ can be fixed at an appropriate position to the tube clamp part. This stabilizes the relative positions of the organ and the tube. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the probability of the organ becoming damaged due to a strain on the organ.

Abstract: Organ and tissue preservation solutions having improved stability are disclosed. The solutions are comprised of two separate solutions. The first solution, Solution A, is comprised of a balanced salt solution that is stable in solution at a pH of 7.0 or above. A second solution, Solution B, is comprised of an aqueous solution containing L-glutathione and/or cysteinylglycine, a sugar such as D-glucose, L-Arginine, a reducing agent such as ascorbic acid and water at a pH of below 7.0, preferably from about 3.0 to 5.0. The two Solutions are then mixed together at the point of use and the pH adjusted to about 7.3 resulting in the organ and tissue preservation solution having improved stability. Preferably, solution A has a pH of about 7.6 and solution B has a pH of about 5.0. The present invention is also comprised of kits 20 that contain the two Solutions in two separate containers 22, 24. In an alternate embodiment, the sugar can be in Solution A.

Abstract: Large volume cellular material may be preserved by combining the cellular material with a cryoprotectant formulation/medium/solution containing at least one sugar and then subjecting the cellular material to a vitrification preservation protocol.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of cryopreserving a tissue derived from a pluripotent stem cell, including the steps of (1) bringing a tissue derived from a pluripotent stem cell into contact with a cell protection solution that contains sulfoxide and chain polyol, (2) maintaining, in a cryopreservation solution, the pluripotent stem cell-derived tissue that was brought into contact with the cell protection solution in the first step, and (3) cryopreserving, in the presence of a coolant, the pluripotent stem cell-derived tissue that was maintained in the cryopreservation solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated haemoglobin from worms belonging to the Nereididae family and its use in cell culture medium, in preservation solutions and as artificial oxygen carrier for transfusion.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a method for harvesting adult cells from an organ. The method includes perfusing the organ with a perfusate and isolating adult cells from the organ, thereby harvesting the adult cells from the organ. Another aspect of the invention provides a method for rehabilitating an organ. The method includes: dividing the organ into a first portion and a second portion, perfusing the first portion with a decellularization medium, isolating adult cells from the second portion, and recellularizing the first portion with a suspension of the adult cells, thereby rehabilitating the organ.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cartridge of a fluidic device. The fluidic device includes a fluidic chip, a body having a first surface and an opposite, second surface, one or more channels formed in the body in fluidic communications with input ports and output ports for transferring one or more fluids between the input ports and the output ports, and a fluidic chip registration means formed on the first surface for aligning the fluidic chip with a support structure; and an actuator configured to engage with the one or more channels at the second surface of the body for selectively and individually transferring the one or more fluids through the one or more channels from at least one of the input ports to at least one of the output ports at desired flowrates.

Abstract: An apparatus for perfusing an organ or tissue including a perfusion circuit for perfusing the organ or tissue with liquid perfusate; and an oxygenation system for oxygenating perfusate that recirculates through the perfusion circuit. The oxygenation system includes an oxygen circuit for delivering oxygen to the liquid perfusate and an air circuit for delivering ambient air to the liquid perfusate. The air may be pumped through the oxygenation system via an air pump. The air or oxygen may be bubble through the perfusate to increase oxygen levels in the perfusate. Such supplemental oxygen may beneficial during hypothermic preservation of organs.

Abstract: An apparatus useful for examining metastasis of cancer cells, includes (a) a primary chamber; (b) at least one secondary chamber; (c) at least one primary conduit connecting said primary and secondary chambers and providing fluid communication therebetween; (d) a primary organoid in said first chamber, said primary organoid comprising mammalian cancer cells; (e) at least one secondary organoid separately selected for and in said secondary chamber(s); and (f) optionally a growth media in said primary chamber, each of said secondary chamber(s), and said primary conduit. The apparatus may be used in methods of drug screening and development, and in personalized medicine.

Abstract: An apparatus for observing image of living tissue having a first cover slip and a second cover slip; and one or more chambers interposed between the first cover slip and the second cover slip and having a cavity therein; in order to observe a living tissue loaded in the cavity of the chamber above is provided. The apparatus for observing image of living tissue of the present invention can be easily prepared with a simple process and a low cost, and facilitates the observation of images of living tissues on both sides, so that an entire image of a huge living tissue at the level of several hundred micrometers can be obtained by using a tissue transparency technique, which is a distinguished advantage of the apparatus of the invention. In the apparatus of the invention, the outer wall part forming the chamber is strongly bound so that the leakage of the mounting solution and the bubble generation can be prevented, indicating the damage of the living tissue can also be prevented.

Abstract: A system includes an NMR system (10) including a coil (18) and a magnet (12) capable of obtaining NMR information from a tissue (17) and an MRI processor (19) for creating a pixel map of the tissue (17) from the NMR information. The system also includes an OCT system (20) with an OCT processor (21) capable of creating an optical coherence tomography of the tissue (17). A tissue sample holder (16) is coupled to a manipulator to move the tissue sample holder (16) to the NMR system (10) for creating the pixel map of the tissue (17) and to move the tissue sample holder (16) to the OCT system (20) for creating the optical coherence tomography of the tissue (17).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of processing allograft skin for transplantation and a cryopreserved allograft skin produced thereby. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method in which a cryoprotectant is prepared by adding sucrose to basic constituents comprising dimethyl sulfoxide, an animal cell culture medium and fetal bovine serum, and then the resulting solution is used to subject skin tissue for transplantation to a freezing process.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of identifying biomarkers (such as genes (e.g., RNA or mRNA), proteins, and/or small molecules) that can be used to predict organ or tissue function or dysfunction. In some embodiments, the methods include ex vivo perfusion of the organ or tissue, collection of samples from the organ or tissue (for example, perfusate, fluids produced by the organ (such as bile or urine), or tissue biopsies) and measuring the level of one or more biomarkers in the sample. It is also disclosed herein that an analysis of biomarkers (such as genes (e.g., RNA or mRNA), proteins, and/or small molecules) present in a biological sample from an organ, tissue, or subject can be used to identify whether the organ, tissue, or subject is at risk for (or has) organ dysfunction or organ failure.

Abstract: A method for assessing risk of losing a transplanted organ by a patient having an episode of acute rejection of the transplanted organ is described. The method includes obtaining from the patient a cell sample from the transplanted organ or peripheral blood, determining a level of FOXP3 in the cell sample, and correlating the level with the risk of loss of the transplanted organ, wherein, compared to a control level, a significantly greater level of FOXP3 in the cell sample from the transplanted organ or a significantly lower level of FOXP3 in the cell sample from the peripheral blood correlates with a decreased risk of loss of the transplanted organ.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are solutions for use with machine perfusion of one or more organs. In some embodiments, the solutions comprise acellular cross-linked hemoglobin in a physiologically acceptable medium. Also disclosed herein are methods for machine perfusion of one or more organs, for example utilizing the disclosed perfusion solutions. In some embodiments, the methods include perfusing an organ with an oxygenated solution (such as the disclosed solutions) which is at a temperature between about 12-37° C., for example at a temperature of about 21° C.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system, and methods for maintaining and monitoring an excized donor heart. The apparatus comprises a first component for receiving and submerging therein an excized heart in a constantly circulating perfusate solution and a second component comprising equipment for adjusting the temperature and oxygen content of the perfusate solution. The first component comprises an integral pair of defibrillating pads. A first conduit infrastructure interconnects the first module, the second module and an aorta of the excized donor heart pushing a perfusion solution from the first module through the second module into the aorta. The second conduit infrastructure connects the first module with the right atrium and the left atrium for pushing the perfusion solution from the first module into the atria. The third conduit infrastructure connects the first module with the pulmonary artery and provides an after pressure to the flow of the perfusion solution from the pulmonary artery.

Abstract: Formulations and methods are provided for improving the function, i.e. clinical outcome, of solid organ transplants. Lung transplantation is of particular interest. In the methods of the invention, a nanoparticle formulation comprising an effective dose of an iron chelator active agent in nanoparticle form, including without limitation, deferoxamine (DFO), deferasirox (DFX), and deferiprone (DFP), etc. suspended in a carrier compatible with the tissue of interest, is topically applied to the surface of tissues at the site of anastomosis. The nanoparticles are comprised of the active agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable stabilizer.

Abstract: The present invention establishes a new standard for investigative studies of patient-specific, genetic cardiac diseases at a functional, tissue level by creating a novel platform for the study of cardiac related diseases, including cardiac conduction dysfunction, arrhythmias and depressed contractility for example. Provided herein are novel compositions of human engineered heart slices (EHS) formed from thin slices of decellularized cardiac tissue. Also included are compositions comprising a hybrid of decellularized tissue and organotypic organ slice technology. Intact mammalian hearts are precision cut to obtain thin slices in a range of thicknesses, decellularized, and seeded with various mammalian cells which can be from a variety of sources. Methods of investigation of many diseases and methods of use of these compositions for screening compounds for therapeutic purposes are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for assaying properties in tissues or organs of drugs and other chemical compounds and substances include ex vivo normothermic perfusion with a fluid containing a test substance to obtain data regarding the tissue or organ, the substance and/or an interaction of the substance and the tissue or organ. The data can be used as, for example, part of a submission to a government regulatory organization.

Abstract: A method of perfusing an organ or tissue includes perfusing the organ or tissue with a perfusion apparatus; detecting a condition representing at least one of an attitude of the perfusion apparatus or at least one shock experienced by the perfusion apparatus; and altering perfusion based upon the detected condition and/or recording the detected condition.

Abstract: Provided is a composition of detection agents for living cells, especially epithelial tumor cells; the composition contains 0-5% folic acid, 0-10% folic acid complex, 0.01-5% methylene blue, 0.1-10% carbohydrate reducing agent, 2-6% acetic acid, and 3-95% water. Also provided is a preparation method for the composition of detection agents and kits containing the composition of detection agents.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a technology that enables long-term preservation while maintaining the function of an organ or tissue for transplantation. A further object is utilizing this technology to provide a technology for suppressing tissue disorder accompanying warm ischemia and reperfusion as well as restoring an organ from a cardiac arrest donor to a level compatible for transplantation. A method that employs perfusion by a perfusate etc. is provided, comprising each of the following steps of: (a) connecting a perfusate instream cannula for streaming said perfusate into said “organ or tissue,” (b) connecting a perfusate outstream cannula for streaming said perfusate out from said “organ or tissue,” and (c) perfusing a perfusate comprising an oxygen carrier and a blood coagulation inhibitor into said organ or tissue.

Abstract: Methods of isolating cellular products, such as pancreatic islets, may be used in diabetes research and therapeutic transplantation. The methods may involve providing a donor tissue having desired cells and undesired cells, perfusing the donor tissue with a perfusion solution, developing edema during perfusion of the donor tissue to form a swelled tissue, and separating the desired cells from undesired cellular material to obtain a cellular product. The methods may also include disrupting the tissue, and separating the desired cells from undesired cellular material to obtain the cellular product. The methods may result in an increased yield of cellular product that retains sufficient functional integrity to be useful as a transplantation resource.

Abstract: Microporous membranes formed in a microfluidic device, and methods of manufacture. A method comprises the steps of etching a plurality of pillars in a microfluidic chamber, applying a first polymer material layer, applying a photoresist layer, exposing the photoresist layer to radiation to cross-link it to the microfluidic chamber, masking the photoresist layer with a porous mask, exposing the top layer of the masked photoresist layer to radiation to form a porous membrane layer of cross-linked photoresist material, removing the non-exposed photoresist material from under the porous membrane layer, drying the porous membrane layer, and removing the first polymer material from under the porous membrane layer.

Abstract: Methods and systems of maintaining, evaluating, and providing therapy to a lung ex vivo. The methods and systems involve positioning the lung in an ex vivo perfusion circuit; circulating a perfusion fluid through the lung, the fluid entering the lung through a pulmonary artery interface and leaving the lung through a left atrial interface; and ventilating the lung by flowing a ventilation gas through a tracheal interface. Maintaining the lung for extended periods involves causing the lung to rebreath a captive volume of air, and reaching an equilibrium state between the perfusion fluid and the ventilation gas. Evaluating the gas exchange capability of the lung involves deoxygenating the perfusion fluid and measuring a time taken to reoxygenate the perfusion fluid by ventilating the lung with an oxygenation gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a secure system for the perfusion of a body liquid, enabling a final control of compatibility of a treatment with the patient and/or the medical situation previously diagnosed by a doctor, in a simple, efficient and energy-saving manner. To this end, the system includes a fluidic circuit of a perfusion having a perfusion catheter, a perfusion tubing and a container for the determined perfusion product to be perfused to a patient. The system is also configured to take a body liquid sample from a patient and to analyze and compare the body liquid sample to the determined perfusion product so as to control the flow of the perfusion product.

Abstract: A vascular model includes at least one microchannel perfusable by at least one fluid and in a form of a hollow structure having a wall thickness in a range from 0.1 ?m to 1000 ?m, a concave inner surface with a cross-section which is circular in part and at least one pore having a diameter in a range from 1 nm to 100 ?m. The at least one microchannel has a width in a range from 0.01 ?m to 10 mm and a depth in a range from 0.01 ?m to 10 mm. At least one chamber is perfusable by a same and/or different fluid and surrounds the at least one microchannel over an entire length and width or over parts thereof. The at least one chamber adjoins the at least one microchannel. At least one connector is configured to receive and/or discharge the at least one fluid.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of modulating membrane potential of a cell membrane using self-assembling compounds. Also provided herein are methods of regulating a natural voltage-dependent ion channel in a cell membrane using the self-assembling compounds disclosed herein. Further provided herein are methods of treating, preventing and/or managing a disease that is related to the abnormal membrane potential responses by using the self-assembling compounds disclosed herein.

Abstract: A film-shaped tissue storage transport container and storage transport method. The storage transport container includes: an external container; a coupling mechanism which couples a container main body and a lid member of the external container; an internal container which is positioned within the external container; an interposed unit having elasticity and which is sandwiched between the internal container and the lid member; and a storage fluid with which the internal container is filled. A film-shaped tissue is present in a floating state in the storage fluid with which the internal container is filled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solution for preservation, perfusion, and/or reperfusion of an organ, especially the heart, for transplantation. The solution contains peptide inhibitor(s) of protein kinase C ? (PKC ?). Methods for using the inventive solution are also disclosed, including methods for preserving an organ for transplantation, for protecting an ischemic organ from damage, for attenuating organ dysfunction after ischemia, for maintaining nitric oxide release and/or inhibiting superoxide release in an ischemic organ, and for protecting an organ from damage when isolated from the circulatory system.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to promote the proliferation of undifferentiated pluripotent stem cells in defined media. Specifically, the invention provides a defined cell culture formulation for the culture, maintenance, and expansion of pluripotent stem cells, wherein culturing stem cells in the defined cell culture formulation maintains the pluripotency and karyotypic stability of the cells for at least 10 passages. Further disclosed is a cell population grown under defined media conditions that express OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, and FOXA2.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of treating an advanced lung disease in a patient in need thereof by lung transplantation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of treating an organ or a tissue prior to transplantation thereof into a recipient, comprising ablating the cells composing the blood vessels of said organ or tissue, preferably the cells lining the lumen surface of the blood vessels, thereby obtaining a treated viable organ or tissue having reduced immunogenicity. The invention is also directed to treated viable organs or tissues having reduced immunogenicity and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of cancer. More specifically, the present invention provides methods and compositions useful for diagnosing or predicting cancer in a patient. In one embodiment, a method for identifying a patient as having cancer comprises the steps of (a) providing a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded or fresh frozen sample of patient tissue; (b) steaming the sample in antigen retrieval buffer; (c) incubating the sample in hydrochloric acid (HCl); (d) incubating the sample with an affinity reagent specific for 5hmC under conditions to form a complex between the affinity reagent and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) present in the sample; (e) detecting the complexes formed between 5hmC and the affinity reagent with secondary detection reagents; (f) quantifying 5hmC levels; and (g) identifying the patient as having cancer if the 5hmC levels in the sample are reduced as compared to a control.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an RGD-enriched solubilized extracellular matrix composition derived from endothelial cell culture that can be used to modify the immunogenicity or thrombogenicity of an organ intended for transplant. The RGD-enriched solubilized extracellular matrix composition is applied to the lumen of the vasculature of the organ, thereby placing a barrier between the antigens on the lumenal surfaces of the transplanted organ and the blood of the recipient.

Abstract: The objective of the invention is to provide a solution for tissue adhesion prevention and a method for tissue adhesion prevention that are applicable to general surgery and in which covering condition during surgery is stable and convenient. The invention is the solution for tissue adhesion prevention of which the active ingredient is trehalose. Also, it contains at least one or more among antioxidants, chelates, antiseptics, hemostatics, anti-inflammatory agents, and polysaccharides, mucopolysaccharides, salts of polysaccharides and salts of mucopolysaccharides having lubricating properties. This solution for tissue adhesion prevention is provided as any form of perfusion fluid, spray fluid, solution for spray or vaporization administration, foam-like aerosol preparation, injection solution for intravenous fluids, intravenous fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for perfusing an organ or tissue includes a perfusion circuit configured to perfuse the organ or tissue; at least one shock and/or tilt detector such as an accelerometer; and a controller. The controller may be configured to control perfusion based upon a signal received from the accelerometer, which may include stopping and/or starting the perfusion based upon the signal. The controller may also or alternatively sense and/or record shocks experienced by the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated protein sequences that correspond to cell binding peptides, fragments, neo-structures and/or neo-epitopes of a normally occurring serum protein present in human tissue, wherein the peptide, fragment, neo-structure and/or neo-epitope has an immunoregulatory activity and is the result of either an enhanced proteolytic activity and/or conformational changes in a tissue, or a malignant tumour. In the present patent application, a common structure of several of these peptides, fragments, neo-structures and/or neo-epitopes, having immunoregulatory activity by binding to receptors on immune cells, has been identified. The present invention further also relates to monoclonal and/or polyclonal antibodies directed to a cell binding fragment of a normally occurring serum protein present in human tissue, as described above.