Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for improving post-thaw survival of cryopreserved biological material comprising applying hydrostatic pressure to said biological material; keeping the said biological material at the hydrostatic pressure for a predetermined time period; releasing the hydrostatic pressure; and freezing the said biological material using any protocol applicable thereto.

Abstract: Provided is a preservation solution for preserving biological material at low temperature including one or more polyphenols and a method for preservation of biological material, the method includes adding the preservation solution to biological material, cooling the biological material and storing it under appropriate storing conditions. The present method may be used for hypothermic preservation or for cryopreservation, including freezing and lyophilization, and may be used with any biological material, including cells selected from RBC, WBC, MNC, UCB MNC and bacteria. In the case of RBC, also disclosed is a method for its freezing such that upon thawing, the material has less than 2% free hemoglobin.

Abstract: A method of producing a nanostructure composition from a solid powder is disclosed. The method comprises: (a) heating the solid powder, thereby providing a heated solid powder; (b) immersing the heated solid powder in a liquid in the presence of a gas medium, the liquid being colder than the heated powder, and (c) irradiating the cold liquid, the heated solid powder and the gas medium by electromagnetic radiation selected such that nanostructures are formed from particles of the solid powder and a stable gas phase is formed from the gas medium.

Abstract: A method for operating a cryostorage device (100), especially for biological samples, is described which comprises a sample carrier (10) to receive at least one sample (11) and a data storage (20), wherein data are inductively transmitted from the data storage device (20) into a wireless transmission channel (40) and/or conversely using a resonant circuit (30) connected to the data storage device (20).

Abstract: Embodiments provide improved systems and methods for preservation and storage of specimens for easy loading and releasing with rapid cooling and warming rates. Embodiments provide a system including an inner device that includes a specimen support located at or near the distal end of inner device and an outer sleeve that includes a longitudinal tube and a sample retaining region defined within the longitudinal tube adjacent the distal end. The outer sleeve can be adapted to allow the specimen support of the inner device to pass into the sample retaining region and to prevent the specimen support from contacting the distal end of the outer sleeve. A guide tube may optionally be included that facilitates loading and unloading the inner device within the outer sleeve. Optionally, a magnetic force can be applied to one or more ferromagnetic members of the inner device or the outer sleeve to maneuver the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a storage agent for preservation of an animal cell, animal tissue or organ and a method of preserving an animal cell, animal tissue, animal blood or an organ. The storage agent has polyphenol as an effective ingredient. The storage agent stabilizes protein or is added to blood, corpuscles or platelets. Also, the storage agent prevents or treats an organ injury caused by a transplant operation.

Abstract: Provided are methods for the vitrification of human oocytes, which comprises: (a) placing human oocytes on a transfer instrument; and (b) placing the transfer instrument and the human oocytes directly into a slushed nitrogen (N2 slush), wherein the human oocytes are directly exposed to the N2 slush thereby undergoing vitrification, and wherein the human oocytes are able to live for a period of time after the human oocytes are devitrified.

Abstract: A medium solution which will increase the growth, survival and ultimately the live birth rate of oocytes and embryos which have been or will be subjected to cryopreservation. The solution contains varied amounts of glucose, pyruvates, amino acids, vitamins K5 and C, antioxidants, fatty acids to supply the specimens with the chemical ingredients and uptake requirements required to recover and prosper during and after the cryopreservation process. The solution supplies nutrients to the specimens that will replenish depletion and damage to the specimens and their mitochondria, spindles and structural features, such as cell walls. One formulation addresses the additional requirements of frozen specimens as opposed to the current media solutions and methods which treat the un-frozen specimens the same as the frozen specimens when recovering them from cryopreservation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an artificial kidney precursor containing a non-human mammalian metanephros separated out from a living body, wherein the metanephros has been subjected to freezing and thawing treatments outside a living body, and contains mammalian mesenchymal stem cells transferred outside a living body, and a method of production thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sperm dilution medium that comprises a base medium to which are added yolk or yolk plasma, glycerol and native phosphocaseinate. The medium can particularly be used for the freeze-preservation of mammal sperm in order to enhance the fertilization capability of the frozen sperm.

Abstract: A preservation solution for preserving a biological material at a low temperature including one or more polyphenols, and a method for preserving a biological material are provided. The method includes adding the preservation solution to a biological material, cooling the biological material and storing it under appropriate storing conditions. The method can be used for hypothermic preservation or for cryopreservation, including freezing and lyophilization, of any biological material, including cells selected from RBC, WBC, MNC, UCB, HSC and bacteria. A method is also provided for freezing RBCs such that upon thawing, the RBCs include less than 2% free hemoglobin.

Abstract: Methods of sterilizing dermal fillers and injectable collagen material have been developed which reduce the level of active biological contaminants or pathogens without adversely affecting the material, i.e., wherein the dermal fillers and injectable collagen material retain their same properties before and after its terminal sterilization. In one embodiment the method for sterilizing the dermal filler or injectable collagen material that is sensitive to radiation contains the steps of protecting the filler or material from radiation, and irradiating the filler or material with a suitable dose of radiation for a time and at a rate effective to sterilize the filler or injectable material. In a preferred embodiment the method for sterilizing the dermal filler or injectable collagen material that is sensitive to radiation includes the steps of a) freezing the filler or material at a temperature below its freezing temperature, which is generally below 0° C.

Abstract: The invention provides a transgenic Mustelidae in which a gene associated with a human disease or condition comprises a targeted genetic modification, and uses thereof. Also provided is a method to cryopreserve Mustelidae embryos or cells, and to enhance the number of live offspring from cryopreserved Mustelidae embryos.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for improving post-thaw survival of cryopreserved biological material comprising applying hydrostatic pressure to said biological material; keeping the said biological material at the hydrostatic pressure for a predetermined time period; releasing the hydrostatic pressure; and freezing the said biological material using any protocol applicable thereto. The invention also relates to the use of a pressurizing device for the pretreatment of a biological material that is to be cryopreserved, as well as to a pressurizing device for the pretreatment of a biological material that is to be cryopreserved, said device comprising a pressure chamber for receiving biological material, means to produce said pressure, and means to maintain said pressure in said chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and composition for the cryopreservation of adipose tissue with the intention to use this tissue in the culturing of stem and/or progenitor cells. The method uses a specific cryoprotection medium to prevent damage of the original tissue during the cryopreservation while still maintaining a high viability of the stem and/or progenitor cells obtained from the cryopreserved adipose tissue. Furthermore the cryoprotection medium of the present invention does not contain any kind of xenogeneic sera, a critical factor since it is the intention of that the cryopreserved tissue is used for obtaining stem and/or progenitor cells that can be used in medicine. The cryoprotection medium is characterized in that it is a solution of physiological water comprising glycerol and sucrose and/or trehalose and optionally serum albumin.

Abstract: A tray assembly which may include a single well or a plurality of wells that will contain specimens for cryo-preservation, freezing, thawing, or warming. The assembly will include a structure whereby a sequence of different media solutions can be introduced into a well or wells in the assembly without the need to move the specimens and without disturbing an overlying oil layer which floats on top of the media solutions. The media solutions will be introduced into the specimen wells through adjunct passages which communicate with the interior of the wells. The adjunct passages will preferably be integral with the wells and will be formed at the same time the wells are formed. Thus manufacturing the assembly of this invention will be inexpensive and repetitive. The adjunct passages can be used to infuse different media solutions into the wells at different stages of the protocols in question. The wells can be inverted cones or pyramids in shape.

Abstract: During the investigation of the mechanism that cellular water in woody plants growing in cold districts keeps liquid state at low temperature, the inventors have studied to identify the causative substances. As the results, the present inventors identified supercooling promoting agents in woody plants. The supercooling ability of identified flavonoid glycoside and synthesized flavonoid glycoside with similar structure was tested. It was found that the supercooling promoting agent comprising these flavonoid glycosides enables to stably supercool bulk water at low temperature for long-term. The aqueous solution containing the supercooling promoting agent of the present invention is useful to store biological materials at low temperature.

Abstract: A method of treatment of connective tissue includes the steps of providing a biological tissue or organ, coating the tissue or organ with an enzymatic solution capable of phagocytizing at least partly fibroblasts, macrophages, mast cells and other cells responsible for immune and rejection reactions in homologous and heterologous transplantations. The biological tissue or organ, after the treatment with the enzymatic solution is irradiated with ionizing electromagnetic radiations in order to obtain an acellular tissue which maintains its own extracellular matrix unchanged. Preferably, such radiations are gamma radiations having a frequency between 1019 and 1022 Hz, beta radiations or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of cryopreserving stem and progenitor cells in a mammalian placenta; and methods of obtaining fetal stem and progenitor cells from a cryopreserved mammalian placenta. Cells obtained by carrying out the methods can be used in a variety of therapeutic applications.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of freezing bulky biological material, comprising transferring heat out of said material to cool the material and increasing the rate of heat transfer during a time period when the inner portion of said biological material freezes and releases latent heat. This method allows prolonged ex-vivo preservation of solid mammalian organs, including a liver or significant portion thereof and a heart. The invention also provides a bank of deposited body organs or tissues as well as methods for operating such a bank.

Abstract: Method for preserving tissue including immersing the tissue in a solution having a cryoprotectant concentration of at least 75% by weight, a cooling step where the tissue is cooled to a temperature between the glass transition temperature of the solution having a cryoprotectant concentration of at least 75% by weight and ?20° C., a storage step where the tissue is stored at a temperature between the glass transition temperature of the solution and ?20° C., a rewarming step, where the tissue is warmed, and a washing step.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are aqueous carrier solutions for cryoprotectants that are useful for a variety of cryoprotectant solutions for use with cells, tissues, and whole organs, said aqueous carrier solutions permitting antinucleators to be fully effective in vitrification solutions, thereby allowing vitrification solutions to attain extreme effectiveness, and compatible vitrification solution compositions for use with these carrier solutions. The carrier solutions comprise lactose, mannitol or trehalose, and glucose in combination with other beneficial ingredients.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a tissue matrix and its subsequent use in the replacement and/or repair of a damaged or defective meniscus. The invention also provides meniscal tissue that is substantially decellularised.

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 tissue having desired cells that are less prone to destructive freezing and undesired cells that are more prone to destructive freezing, or pre-treating a tissue to have such characteristics. The methods may involve freezing the tissue, disrupting the tissue, warming the tissue, and separating the desired cells from undesired cellular material to obtain the cellular product. The methods may thereby provide an enzyme-free or reduced-enzyme method of isolating a cellular product that is more consistent, reliable and less toxic than conventional methods. The methods may also yield an optimum quantity of cellular product that retain sufficient functional integrity to be useful as a transplantation resource.

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to compositions, methods, devices, systems, and products regarding frozen particles. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles include materials at low temperatures. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles provide vehicles for delivery of particular agents. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles are administered to at least one biological tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bioresorbable scaffolding for tissue regeneration or repair. The present invention describes an epithelial organoid comprising an aggregate of epithelial cells predominantly expressing markers associated with differentiated cell types, and an aggregate which assumes a structure or performs a function associated with an epithelial organ or a fragment thereof. The present invention also provides a method of treating a subject in need of repair or replacement of an organ or a portion thereof; and/or a method of treating a subject with a disease or disorder which impairs or abrogates a liver, kidney, pancreas, thyroid or pituitary function. The present invention also describes an epithelial graft or artificial organ comprising spheroids, organoids or a combination thereof, and a kit for implantable epithelial graft formation comprising organoids.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the use of culture media containing thyroid hormones or analogs thereof, and includes methods and uses thereof for embryo culture, embryo production, embryo maturation, improved survival of embryos and improved viability of embryos post cryopreservation.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to a process for preparing skin removed from a human donor, including a living human donor, and removing cellular components and forming a decellular matrix having as major components collagens and elastins while disinfecting the tissue. In other embodiments, the present invention relates to a process for treating a decellularized soft tissue by freezing the same at a plurality of decreasing temperatures at atmosphere or higher such that there is formation of ice crystals having a size greater than 2.0 and lyophilizing the soft tissue under vacuum to remove the water to less than 6% forming a porous matrix.

Abstract: A self-contained cell culture apparatus and method of use in which a cell culture may be stored frozen for an extended period, then thawed, incubated and grown in a closed system without additional processing or added constituents. The apparatus and method readily lend themselves to automated handling and analysis by MEMS devices, and find particular application in micro gravity and/or high radiation environments. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope of the claims.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel cell (e.g., hepatocyte, etc.) compositions and methods for their preparation and use. In particular, the invention concerns methods of processing preparations of such cells so as to permit their repeated cryopreservation and thawing while retaining substantial viability. The invention also concerns preparations of cells (e.g., hepatocytes) that have been repeatedly cryopreserved and thawed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel cell (e.g., hepatocyte, etc.) compositions and methods for their preparation and use. In particular, the invention concerns methods of processing preparations of such cells so as to permit their repeated cryopreservation and thawing while retaining substantial viability. The invention also concerns preparations of cells (e.g., hepatocytes) that have been repeatedly cryopreserved and thawed.

Abstract: An antifreeze glycoprotein comprising at least one C-linked saccharide according to the following general formula: wherein X is nitrogen, sulfur, carbon or (CR1R2)nS?O wherein n is 0, 1, 2 or 3, Y is carbon, nitrogen, sulfur or oxygen, R1 is hydrogen, methyl, fluorine, a carbohydrate, or a hydroxy chain, R2 is hydrogen, methyl, fluorine, a carbohydrate or a hydroxy chain, R3 to R6 independently represent an alkyl chain, a hydroxy group, a dimethyl sulfoxy group, a carbohydrate or an ether, R7 is ornithine, lysine, an alkyl chain, a pyridyl group or a heterocycle; and R8 is hydrogen, fluorine a carbohydrate or a hydroxy or methoxy group. Such antifreeze glycoprotein analogues are useful recrystallization inhibitors and may be used as a cryoprotectant for tissue preservation and transplantation, improving the texture of processed frozen food and frozen meats, frostbite protection, crop protection, and green alternatives for land vehicle antifreeze and aircraft de-icing.

Abstract: An organ perfusion apparatus and method monitor, sustain and/or restore viability of organs and preserve organs for storage and/or transport. Other apparatus include an organ transporter, an organ cassette and an organ diagnostic device. The apparatus and methods include the organ cassette with one or more openings configured to allow tubing to pass through the openings and be connected to the organ or tissue within the cassette, and including a pressure control device to allow pressure inside the portable housing to be varied.

Abstract: This invention provides an antigen-free and immunologically inert tissue graft material and methods of preparing and using these tissue graft materials.

Abstract: Fetal blood multi-lineage progenitor cells that are capable of a wide spectrum of transdifferentiation are described.

Abstract: The present invention concerns compositions and methods involving incubating biological materials under hypoxic or anoxic conditions to induce stasis or suspended animation. Methods of screening for compounds that induce stasis or compounds that increase the ability to undergo stasis are included. Such methods have ramifications for preserving biological materials as well as reducing or preventing trauma to biological materials. Also contemplated are methods for screening compounds that are active or more active under hypoxic conditions than normoxic conditions. Such methods can be used to identify antitumor compounds that would operate under hypoxic conditions in which tumor cells survive.

Abstract: An appliance for cryopreserving a collected tissue piece has a cutting position-specifying tool and a tissue piece cryopreserving plate for cryopreserving a tissue piece cut from an organ tissue by the collected tissue cutting position-specifying tool. The collected tissue cutting position-specifying tool has a tissue cutting portion-specifying member having a cutting portion-specifying open portion flat plate-shaped and having a predetermined width and a locking portion for locking an advance of a cutter provided on a lower surface of the tissue cutting portion-specifying member; and an open 1Q portion-pressing member which can be pressed against an upper surface of the tissue cutting portion-specifying member in such a way that the open portion-pressing member covers the cutting portion-specifying open portion.

Abstract: A medium solution which will increase the growth, survival and ultimately the live birth rate of oocytes and embryos which have been or will be subjected to cryopreservation. The solution contains varied amounts of glucose, pyruvates, amino acids, vitamins K5 and C, antioxidants, fatty acids to supply the specimens with the chemical ingredients and uptake requirements required to recover and prosper during and after the cryopreservation process. The solution supplies nutrients to the specimens that will replenish depletion and damage to the specimens and their mitochondria, spindles and structural features, such as cell walls. One formulation addresses the additional requirements of frozen specimens as opposed to the current media solutions and methods which treat the un-frozen specimens the same as the frozen specimens when recovering them from cryopreservation.

Abstract: Methods for cell lysis and purification of biological materials, involving subjecting a sample to high pressure. Also featured is an apparatus for practicing the methods.

Abstract: A method for hypothermic preservation of biological tissue for later recovery to a viable state includes flushing the biological tissue with a gas mixture of sulfur hexafluoride or xenon and oxygen. The sulfur hexafluoride or xenon is in a concentration in the mixture between about 75 mole percent to 95 mole percent. The method includes pressurizing the biological tissue, preferably isothermically, with the mixture to a pressure that will form clathrates inside the biological tissue at a desired storage temperature in a range of about +1° C. to about +5° C. The method includes a step of cooling the biological tissue, preferably isobarically, to the desired storage temperature. Optional steps for further cooling to no colder than about ?20° C. and for depressurization are provided as well as steps for recovering the hypothermically preserved biological tissue to a viable state, preferably using a recovery gas mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel cell (e.g., hepatocyte, etc.) compositions and methods for their preparation and use. In particular, the invention concerns methods of processing preparations of such cells so as to permit their repeated cryopreservation and thawing while retaining substantial viability. The invention also concerns preparations of cells (e.g., hepatocytes) that have been repeatedly cryopreserved and thawed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stem cells obtained from the amnion and their methods of obtaining and culturing. The present invention further relates to compositions comprising amnion-derived stems cells (ADSCs) and to methods of using ADSCs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of assessing the viability of a thawed cell wherein the cell is a gamete, an embryo, a karyoplast, a putative stem cell population, a stem cell precursor population or a stem cell population. The method includes incubating the thawed cell in a culture medium including a plurality of amino acids and determining the change in concentration in the medium of at least one amino acid.

Abstract: The invention provides a transgenic Mustelidae in which a gene associated with a human disease or condition comprises a targeted genetic modification, and uses thereof. Also provided is a method to cryopreserve Mustelidae embryos or cells, and to enhance the number of live offspring from cryopreserved Mustelidae embryos.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for freezing biological material, comprising: a cooling unit; a heat insulation unit, having an interface with said cooling unit and a common longitudinal axis passing through said interface transversely thereto; an elongated slot disposed at least in said heat insulation unit and extending along said axis, said slot comprising a first slot portion remote from said interface and a second slot portion adjacent said interface; wherein said first and second slot portions have respective first and second dimensions measured perpendicularly to said slot's axis, the former being greater than the latter.

Abstract: A method of freeze-drying rumen fluid while retaining the activity of the contained bacterial polysaccharides is described. The resulting product may be formulated into nutritional compositions including probiotics, nutricines, vitamins, minerals, an amino acid, and/or a monosaccharide. The use of this resulting nutritional composition the first few days of young animals' lives result in decreased diarrhea morbidity, severity and mortality. The product containing the freeze-dried bacterial polysaccharides helps stimulate the gut's natural immune response and function.

Abstract: Methods and kits are provided for preparation of umbilical cord fragments and cells using autologous blood or blood products, and for storage of these materials with autologous cells and blood or blood products in containers having a plurality of separable chambers.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for cryopreserving living animal cells in immunoisolation membranes, including: (1) cutting out a living organ from an animal, (2) digesting the cutout organ into the discrete living animal cells and separating the discrete cells, (3) suspending the separated cells in a solution of sodium chloride containing sodium alginate and collagen, (4) forming microcapsules of the living animal cells by using the resulting suspension, (5) forming immunoisolation membranes around outer surfaces of the microcapsules of the living animal cells by covering the outer surfaces with alginate-(poly-L-lysine) and thereby obtaining the living animal cells enclosed in the immunoisolation membranes, (6) suspending the resulting living animal cells enclosed in the immunocapsules in a cell damage-preventing solution, and (7) immediately freezing the thus obtained suspension with liquid nitrogen.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method of producing a natural, acellular matrix scaffold for subsequent use in tissue-engineered replacement of tissues such as the bladder. Decellularisation is carried out on an expanded or distended bladder and the product retains the strength and compliance of natural material. The invention also provides use of the matrix scaffolds as wound healing material and to investigate tissue structure and function in vitro.

Abstract: This invention provides a solution for preserving mammalian early embryos or ES cells by vitrification, which comprises, as a base material, a phosphate buffer that exclusively contains 10% to 15% (v/v) propylene glycol as polyhydric alcohol or a phosphate buffer that exclusively contains 10% to 15% (v/v) propylene glycol and 25% to 35% (v/v) ethylene glycol as polyhydric alcohols and further contains 15% to 25% (v/v) Percoll® and 0.2 M to 0.5 M sucrose. This invention also provides a method for preserving mammalian early embryos or ES cells by vitrification using such solution.