Abstract: Disclosed is a biopharmaceutical product cryopreservation system, for cryopreserving a biopharmaceutical product that includes a cryopreservation compartment; a cryopreservation fluid located within the cryopreservation compartment; and a biopharmaceutical product cryopreservation vial located within the cryopreservation compartment and surrounded by the cryopreservation fluid, and the biopharmaceutical product cryopreservation vial including a body that includes an oblong cross-section defining proximal and distal ends of the body, and at least one nucleating structure, coupled to a distal end of the body, and the body including a cryogenically stable material that is compatible with biopharmaceutical products. Also disclosed are cryopreservation vials and methods of cryopreserving biopharmaceutical products.

Abstract: An egg freezing and storing instrument has an egg freezing and storing tube made of a liquid nitrogen-resistant material; and a metal cylindrical protection member for protecting the tube. The tube has a body part; and an egg-storing small-diameter part having an inner diameter of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. The tube can be heat-sealed at a front side of the small-diameter part and at a rear side of the body part. The cylindrical protection member has a tubular part for accommodating a front side of the small-diameter part of the tube; and a semi-tubular part for accommodating a portion of the small-diameter part not accommodated in the tubular part and a front portion of the body part.

Abstract: The instant methods pertain to improved methods for storing neural cells, preferably dissociated neural cells, prior to their use in transplantation and to the cells obtained using such methods. One embodiment pertains to methods for storing the neural cells in medium lacking added buffer or added protein, other embodiments feature neural cells which are maintained at 4° C. prior to cryopreservation and have comparable viability and/or functionality to freshly harvest cells. In addition, methods for storing and/or transplantation of porcine neural cells are described.

Abstract: An improved preservation solution is described, which is intended for the preservation of organs and tissues, or parts thereof, from humans and animals. The improved preservation solution contains calcium, at least one colloidosmotically active substance, and nitroglycerin. Also described is a method for preserving organs and tissues, or parts thereof, from humans and animals in the improved preservation solution.

Abstract: Blood platelets stored in an isotonic, balanced salt solution under standard storage conditions retain function after ten days of storage when micormolar or nanomolar amounts of pentose are added to the solution. The preferred pentoses are D-Ribose, xylulose-5-phosphate and the pentose-related alcohol xylitol.

Abstract: A dispersal pattern of hydrogen bonding sites on an ice surface is used as a template in a process for the design, selection and manufacture of synthetic ice interface dopants. Ice interface dopants are generally molecules which bind to a surface of an ice crystal and inhibit subsequent gain or loss of water molecules. The ice interface dopants can thus inhibit ice crystal growth, recrystallization, and sublimation. Ice interface dopants can also inhibit heterogeneous nucleating agents, and thus postpone or prevent ice nucleation. On the other hand, very strong IIDs may be used as well to beneficially induce ice nucleation. Exemplary dopant structures are provided that achieve near-perfect ice-bonding efficiency while being thoroughly adaptable to a wide variety of specialized ice-bonding applications. Orbital steering provides for steering lone pair orbitals of ice bonding atoms in the interface dopant to result in an optimal angular alignment with the complementary binding sites on ice.

Abstract: A specimen holder for a hydrous specimen comprising: (a) an inner hollow cylinder of a heat conductive material, (b) an inner hollow cylinder of a material which can be cut, (c) a cylindrical interior space within the inner hollow cylinder for receiving the specimen, and (d) the space between the inner hollow cylinder and an inside wall of the outer hollow cylinder being filled by a layer which is liquid at room temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides solutions and methods for preserving living biological materials that enable organs, tissues and cells to be stored for extended periods of time with minimal loss of biological activity. The inventive solutions are substantially isotonic with the biological material to be preserved and are substantially free of dihydrogen phosphate, bicarbonate, nitrate, bisulfate and iodide. In one embodiment, preferred for the preservation of platelets, the solutions comprise betaine, sodium chloride and sodium citrate. For the preservation of many living biological materials, the inventive solutions preferably contain a calcium salt selected from the group consisting of calcium sulfate and calcium chloride.

Abstract: A method for vitrification of a tissue or organ includes immersing the tissue or organ in increasing concentrations of cryoprotectant solution at a temperature greater than −15° C. to a cryoprotectant concentration sufficient for vitrification; cooling the tissue or organ at an average rate of from 2.5-100° C. per minute to a temperature between −80° C. and the glass transition temperature; and further cooling the tissue or organ at an average rate less than 30° C. per minute to a temperature below the glass transition temperature to vitrify the tissue or organ. After the vitrified tissue or organ has been stored, the tissue or organ may be removed from vitrification by warming the tissue or organ at an average rate of from 20-40° C. per minute to a temperature between −80° C. and the glass transition temperature; further warming the tissue or organ at a rate of from 200-300° C. per minute to a temperature above −75° C.

Abstract: With a method for cryo-preservation, at least one specimen is arranged on a storage substrate and specimen data, which are characteristic for features of the specimen, are stored at specific positions. Also, a storage substrate for cryo-preservation with such a method is described.

Abstract: The instant methods pertain to an improved methods for storing neural cells, preferably dissociated neural cells, prior to their use in transplantation and to the cells obtained using such methods. One embodiment pertains to methods for storing the neural cells in medium lacking added buffer or added protein, other embodiments feature neural cells which are maintained at 4° C. prior to cryopreservation and have comparable viability and/or functionality to freshly harvested cells. In addition, methods for storing and/or transplantation of porcine neural cells are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to media containing purified antimicrobial polypeptides, such as defensins, and/or cell surface receptor binding proteins. The media may also contain buffers, macromolecular oncotic agents, energy sources, impermeant anions, ATP substrates. The media find use for the storage and preservation of internal organs prior to transplant.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for improving the growth and regeneration potential of embryogenic cell and tissue cultures of coniferous plants retrieved from cryopreservation. In particular, this invention relates to the use of abscisic acid in the post-cryopreservation recovery medium to improve both the growth and somatic embryo production of embryogenic cell and tissue cultures of conifers, thereby enabling more rapid proliferation of the embryogenic cultures and a subsequent increase in the yield of somatic embryos. This method is well-suited for employment with a number of biotechnological uses of embryogenic cultures of coniferous plants retrieved from cryopreservation, including use with embryogenic cultures of coniferous plants and with genetically transformed embryogenic cultures of coniferous plants for producing clonal planting stock useful for reforestation.

Abstract: A preservation method for biological material having cell membranes includes microinjecting the cells with sugar; preparing the cells for storage; storing the biological material; and recovering the stored biological material from storage. Carbohydrate sugars such as trehalose, sucrose, fructose, dextran, and raffinose, may be used as bio-protective agents.

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: For sample picking on a cryosubstrate, on which multiple cryopreserved samples are each positioned at preselected sample positions, individual samples are selectively separated mechanically or thermally from the cryosubstrate and transferred to a target substrate.

Abstract: An aqueous solution for preserving tissues and organs and methods of use for the same are disclosed.

Abstract: Processes are described for making a cryopreserved Composite Living Construct (CCLC) as well as a corresponding thawed and rinsed CCLC, comprised of separated layers of cultured fibroblasts and cultured keratinocytes, wherein the percent of cells that are viable, i.e., the cell viability, of such CCLC is at least about 70 %. The viable cell density in the CCLC is at least about 50% of that before cryopreservation. The storage stability of the CCLC is at least about 12 months. Additionally, the metabolic activity of thawed and rinsed CCLC is at least about 50% of the Composite Living Construct (CLC) before cryopreservation. The structural integrity of CCLC is substantially the same as the CLC before cryopreservation.

Abstract: A biopharmaceutical material cryopreservation system is provided that includes a flexible sterile container comprising a biocompatible polymeric material. The flexible sterile container contains biopharmaceuticals materials for freezing and cryopreservation. A freezing system is thermally coupled to the biopharmaceutical materials via the flexible sterile container. The freezing system comprises a temperature sensor that monitors a temperature of the biopharmaceutical materials. Also, the freezing system comprises a feedback loop constructed to control a dendritic freezing front velocity, within the biopharmaceutical materials, in a range from approximately 5 millimeters per hour to approximately 250 millimeters per hour based on feedback information from the temperature sensor.

Abstract: Preferred ice-controlling materials have been found to include 1,2-cyclohexanediol, 1,3-cyclohexanedione, 1,4-cyclohexanedione, 1,2-cyclohexandione, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, a mixture of 1,4-cyclohexanediol with one or more of 1,3,5-cyclohexanetriol, 1,3-cyclohexanediol, 1,2-cyclohexanediol, 1,3-cyclohexanedione, 1,4-cyclohexanedione, 1,2-cyclohexandione and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, charged derivatives of the ice-controlling materials that include one or more charged moieties therein, and polymers including one or more of the ice-controlling materials in the chain thereof. Use of these ice-controlling materials in methods of inhibiting growth of ice crystals, including both cryopreservation and industrial applications such as within gas pipelines, is advantageous.

Abstract: Linear polymers of glycerol can prevent or delay ice nucleation in a variety of contexts. Polyglycerol can also be employed in combination with other ice control agents, such as polyvinyl alcohol/polyvinyl acetate copolymers and antifreeze proteins, to provide antinucleation effects that are superior to those of either polyglycerol or the co-antinucleator alone. Polyglycerol has a number of advantageous physical and toxicological properties, such as extreme water solubility, non-toxicity to human beings, non-toxicity to animal tissues and organs in vitro even at extreme concentrations, minimal foaming tendency, minimal retention on hydrophobic surfaces, and stability in solution without the need for periodic heating to reactivate its antinucleation properties.

Abstract: A method of preparing small hepatocytes is provided. The method is suitable for cryopreservation wherein the hepatic function and proliferation ability of the small hepatocytes is retained. A method of cryopreserving thus prepared small hepatocytes and the cryopreserved small hepatocytes having hepatic functions and proliferation ability are also provided. According to the present invention, small hepatocytes are cultured using a medium supplemented with nicotinamide to form colonies of small hepatocytes in which the small hepatocytes are encompassed by nonparenchymal cells, and then the formed colonies are dissociated from culture dishes as small hepatocytes aggregate by non-enzymatic treatment, suspended in a cryopreservation solution and are cryopreserved.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for sterilizing heart valves 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, prions or similar agents responsible, alone or in combination, for TSEs and/or single or multicellular parasites. The methods involve sterilizing one or more heart valves with irradiation.

Abstract: A method for cryopreservation of a tissue equivalent whereby the viability of frozen cells and the biological activity of thawed cells are improved and the steps are simplified; and a cryopreserved tissue equivalent obtained by the method. Cells suspended in a cryopreserving solution are inoculated into a matrix and then frozen before the cells adhere to the matrix.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of vitrification of a biological specimen. According to the method of the present invention, a biological specimen is directly exposed to a freezing material. Upon exposure to the freezing material, the biological specimen undergoes vitrification. The biological specimen which has undergone vitrification may be stored for a period of time, and then thawed at a later date. The thawed biological specimen remains viable. Preferred biological specimens according to the present invention are developmental cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides for compositions and methods for the preservation of tissues and organs ex vivo and in situ. In addition, the present invention provides for kits that may be used in the preparation of the solutions of the present invention.

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: The present invention is directed to a cryoprotective system that comprises an aqueous solution containing polymeric nano- and micro-particles that exhibit a reversible temperature-dependent volume change. It is also directed to a method for providing cryoprotection to an organism or parts of an organism by pumping the cryoprotective system into the vasculature of the organism prior to exposing the organism to a lower, preferably below 0° C., temperature.

Abstract: A method for preparing an equine embryo for cryopreservation is provided. The method includes collecting an equine embryo with its embryonic capsule. Then after collection the embryo is treated to eliminate or increase the permeability of the capsule in which to enhance subsequent action of cryoprotectant(s). After the treatment the embryo is contacted with cryoprotectant(s) and then placed in a straw with the cryoprotectant(s). Furthermore, the capsule can be treated with enzymes such as collagenase and/or trypsin. Also the embryonic capsule may be removed by mechanical means before subjecting it to the action of cryoprotectant(s). The embryo may also be subjected to an enzymatic treatment to weaken the capsule.

Abstract: This relates to methods to minimize the growth of cells until such time as cells are needed for the nuclear transfer. This method can be used for processes in which cells need to be preserved by cryopreservation.

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: The method of the invention for preserving mammalian organs comprises two steps, one being the step of dehydration in which an organ having a physiologically normal water content is deprived of water in an amount of at least about 25% by weight of the total weight of the organ before dehydration such that water is left intact in an amount of at least from about 10 to about 20% by weight of the total content of water before dehydration, the step of dehydration being followed by the step of immersing the dehydrated organ in an inert medium and maintaining it at a chill temperature.

Abstract: An artificial plasma-like substance having at least one water soluble polysaccharide oncotic agent selected from the group consisting of high molecular weight hydroxyethyl starch, low molecular weight hydroxyethyl starch, dextran 40 and dextran 70, which is buffered by lactate and has a pre-administration pH of between 4 and 6.5 is disclosed. In one embodiment, the artificial plasma-like solution may have at least two water soluble polysaccharide oncotic agents one of which is eliminated from the circulation slowly and the other of which is eliminated from the circulation quickly. Supplementation of the plasma-like solution with certain ions is described. A system for administration of the plasma-like solution to a subject wherein the system comprises a first and second solution each having particular buffers is described. Methods for the administration of the plasma-like solution are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods for the long-term preservation of industrial scale biological solutions and suspensions containing biologically active molecules, cells and small multicellular specimens at ambient temperatures by dehydration in amorphous very viscous liquid or glass state. The scale up method comprises the primary drying step of boiling under vacuum to form a mechanically-stable foam and a secondary drying step to increase the stability. Vitrification can subsequently be achieved by cooling the dried material to the storage temperature which is lower than the glass transition temperature.

Abstract: Solutions are described which are useful as plasma expanders and blood substitutes in mammals, including primates, and methods for using the solutions.

Abstract: A method for the cryopreservation of zona pellucida-intact, early-stage swine embryos, morulae and blastocysts includes centrifuging the embryos prior to cryopreservation in order to remove intracytoplasmic lipids. The lipids are localized external to the embryo proper inside the zona pellucida, thus neutralizing harmful effects which prevent subsequent embryological development. The embryos may be cryopreserved by vitrification or conventional freezing. After recovery and rehydration, zona pellucidae are removed, and intact, viable embryos are transferred to recipient females.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of vitrification of a biological cells. According to the method of the present invention, biological cells are directly exposed to a vitrifying material. Upon exposure to the vitrifying material, the biological cells undergo vitrification. The biological cells which have undergone vitrification may be stored for a period of time, and then devitrified at a later date. The devitrified biological cells remain viable. Preferred biological cells according to the present invention are developmental cells.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rapid and efficient method for carrying out enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of minute quantities of biomolecules such as antigen, antibody etc. This invention particularly relates to microwave mediated immobilization of antigen or antibody on to the activated surface followed by performing subsequent steps of ELISA by controlled microwave irradiation. The invented procedure has dramatically reduced the total time required for ELISA to less than 10 minutes from hours to days. The invented ELISA procedure is rapid, economical, reproducible and simple and can be automated. The invented procedure is useful for carrying out ELISA in clinical diagnostics, molecular biology, agriculture, sericulture, food technology, environmental science, biomedical research and other related fields.

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: Disclosed is a biopharmaceutical material cryopreservation system that includes a flexible sterile container comprising a biocompatible polymeric material, and the flexible sterile container containing biopharmaceuticals materials, and a freezing system thermally coupled to the biopharmaceutical materials via the flexible sterile container, and the freezing system comprising a temperature sensor that monitors a temperature of the biopharmaceutical materials wherein the freezing system comprises a feedback loop constructed to control a dendritic freezing front velocity, within the biopharmaceutical materials, in a range from approximately 5 millimeters per hour to approximately 250 millimeters per hour based on feedback information from the temperature sensor.

Abstract: The method of the invention for preserving mammalian organs comprises two steps, one being the step of dehydration in which an organ having a physiologically normal water content is deprived of water in an amount of at least about 25% by weight of the total weight of the organ before dehydration such that water is left intact in an amount of at least from about 10 to about 20% by weight of the total content of water before dehydration, the step of dehydration being followed by the step of immersing the dehydrated organ in an inert medium and maintaining it at a chill temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the in situ growth, freezing and testing of cultured cells. In particular, the present invention provides methods and compositions for the long-term preservation of cells in ready-to-use formats for testing. In addition, the present invention provides rapid and easy to use means to diagnose viral and other infections. Furthermore, the present invention provides easy to use means to grow and store cells in situ for testing methods. Indeed, the present invention makes viral, chlamydial and other diagnostic methods accessible to small laboratories, including those without cell culture capabilities.

Abstract: Machine perfusion solutions for the presentation of organs and biological tissues prior to implantation, including a cellular energy production stimulator under anaerobic conditions and an oxygen free radical scavenger.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of vitrification of a biological specimen. According to the method of the present invention, a biological specimen is directly exposed to a freezing material. Upon exposure to the freezing material, the biological specimen undergoes vitrification. The biological specimen which has undergone vitrification may be stored for a period of time, and then thawed at a later date. The thawed biological specimen remains viable. Preferred biological specimens according to the present invention are developmental cells.

Abstract: Cold storage solutions for the preservation of organs and biological tissues prior to implantation, including a cellular energy production stimulator under anaerobic conditions, an anti-inflammatory agent, and an oxygen free radical scavenger.

Abstract: Disclosed is a biopharmaceutical product cryopreservation system, for cryopreserving a biopharmaceutical product that includes a cryopreservation compartment; a cryopreservation fluid located within the cryopreservation compartment; and a biopharmaceutical product cryopreservation vial located within the cryopreservation compartment and surrounded by the cryopreservation fluid, and the biopharmaceutical product cryopreservation vial including a body that includes an oblong cross-section defining proximal and distal ends of the body, and at least one nucleating structure, coupled to a distal end of the body, and the body including a cryogenically stable material that is compatible with biopharmaceutical products. Also disclosed are cryopreservation vials and methods of cryopreserving biopharmaceutical products.

Abstract: A device particularly suited for constructing frozen tissue microarrays. The device comprises: a cooling chamber for receiving at least one frozen material and for maintaining the frozen material in a frozen condition; the cooling chamber moveable in an x and y direction relative to a horizontal surface; at least one coring needle comprising a cutting surface and a lumen for receiving a core of frozen material cut by the cutting surface; and at least one coring needle positioning element, for positioning the at least one coring needle over said frozen material for cutting said frozen material. Frozen tissue microarray blocks and methods of generating these are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a carrier solution for cryoprotectants that is useful for use with cells, tissues, and whole organs and for a variety of cryoprotectant solutions and that permits antinucleators to be fully effective in vitrification solutions, thereby allowing vitrification solutions to attain extreme effectiveness, and compatible vitrification solution compositions for use with this carrier solution. The carrier solution comprises lactose and mannitol as well as other beneficial ingredients.

Abstract: The present invention provides cell arrays comprising a plurality of tubes containing populations of cells that are immobilized therein. The arrays are particularly useful for conducting comparative cell-based analyses. Specifically, the subject arrays allow protein-protein interactions to be studied in multiple types of cell simultaneously. The arrays also support simultaneous detection of the differential expression of a target polynucleotide in a multiplicity of cell types derived from multiple subjects. The subject arrays further permit high throughput screening for candidate modulators of a signal transduction pathway of interest. Further provided by the invention are kits, computer-implemented methods and systems for conducting the comparative cell-based analyses.

Abstract: A method for preserving biological material includes the steps of placing the biological material in thermal contact with a cryogenically coolable environment, cooling the surrounding environment to a temperature below the glass phase transition temperature of the biological material, applying radiant energy to the biological material to melt at least a portion of the biological material, and rapidly stopping the application of radiant energy to the biological material to rapidly cool and varify the melted portion of the biological material. The method produces cooling rates so rapid that the biological material is vitrified without an opportunity for ice crystals to form.