Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing ready to use, antigen loaded or unloaded, cryoconserved mature dendritic cells especially for the production of a vaccine containing said dendritic cells, wherein immature dendritic cells are cultivated in the presence of suitable maturation stimuli and the mature dendritic cells thus obtained are frozen. The dendritic cells can be loaded with antigen before freezing. The invention also relates to a vaccine which can be obtained according to the inventive method and to a composition containing frozen, mature dendritic cells which are loaded with antigen.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally related to methods of preventing oxidative stress injury induced by renal is-chemia-reperfusion by a Folate-TEMPOL conjugate.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for aseptically processing live mammalian cells in an aqueous medium to produce a cell suspension having a cell density of at least about 10 million cells/mL and cell viability of at least about 90%. These methods comprise a step of reducing the volume of the medium using a tangential flow filter (TFF) having a pore size of greater than 0.1 micron, during which step the trans-membrane pressure (TMP) is maintained at less than about 3 psi and the shear rate is maintained at less than about 4000 sec?1. The invention also provides a complete process for large scale manufacturing mammalian cells for use in a therapeutic composition, and scalable, fully disposable systems for carrying out the process, using readily available disposables and pumps.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for resuscitating, storing, and preserving functional integrity of organs and tissues. Metabolic function is maintained by sustaining ATP levels, mitochondrial function, cardiomyocyte contractility, prevention of acidosis, inhibition of induction of apoptosis, maintaining ionontrophy and lusiotrophy by regulating calcium, sodium, potassium and chloride ions.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter is based on the finding that it is possible to cryopreserve cancellous bone tissue with viable cells (after reconstitution by either thawing or rehydration), the viability after reconstitution being comparable to that of a fresh sample (without freezing) and of beneficial value for use in, for example, transplantation. Thus, provided is a method for cryopreserving a cancellous bone sample. The cryopreserved cancellous bone sample can be in dry form, for example, lyophilized. Also provided is a cryopreserved, in dry form, bone sample and the use of a cryopreserved bone sample; a method for identifying such cryopreserved cancellous bone tissue and uses thereof.

Abstract: This specification relates to the field of molecular biology and provides novel methods and reagents for preserving and protecting the ribonucleic acid (RNA) content of samples from degradation prior to RNA isolation. This preservation may be accomplished without ultra-low temperature storage or disruption of the tissue.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of generating neural stem cells from differentiated somatic cells. The present disclosure also provides induced neural stem cells generated using a subject method, as well as differentiated cells generated from a subject induced neural stem cell. A subject neural stem cell, as well as differentiated cells derived from a subject neural stem cell, is useful in various applications, which are also provided in the present disclosure.

Abstract: A tissue sample preservation process and device for improving and standardizing tissue preservation procedure, including placing tissue specimens in a cold fixative, performing fixative penetration at a refrigerated temperature, and accelerating fixative penetration by ultrasound. Also disclosed is the application of ultrasound and temperature control in the dehydration, clearing, and impregnation steps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for preserving cells, tissues and organs, comprising as an active ingredient indole and indazole compounds of formula (1), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or isomer thereof, which are effective for preventing injury of organs, isolated cell systems or tissues caused by cold storage, transplant operation or post-transplantation reperfusion; a preservation method; and a preparation method of the composition.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods and compositions for the cryopreservation and/or vitrification of tissue including articular cartilage and the preparation of said tissue for clinical or research use, including but not limited to joint replacement and the treatment and prevention of osteoarthritis.

Abstract: A composition includes an isolated cell; at least one particle within said cell; and at least one active agent associated with the particle, wherein the active agent is capable of being released from the cell. A method includes administration of such a cell to a subject.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for resuscitating, storing, and preserving functional integrity of organs and tissues. Metabolic function is maintained by sustaining ATP levels, mitochondrial function, cardiomyocyte contractility, prevention of acidosis, inhibition of induction of apoptosis, maintaining ionontrophy and lusiotrophy by regulating calcium, sodium, potassium and chloride ions.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for treating neoplastic disorders, such as pancreatic cancer, using tocotrienols; namely, gamma-tocotrienol and delta tocotrienol. The antitumorogenic effects of these compounds are shown both in vitro and in vivo using several human pancreatic cancer cell lines and MIA-PACA2 human pancreatic cancer cells xenografted in nude mice. Also disclosed are methods of testing the efficacy of potential chemotherapeutic agents by measuring their effect on surrogate endpoint biomarkers, such as Ki-67 and p27. Associated compounds are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for a substantially protein-free media (PFM) optimized for stem cell research.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions useful for biomolecule storage comprising a water soluble inorganic compound, a stabilizer, or a combination thereof. The present invention also provides methods of using the compositions of the invention to store biomolecules in the dry state and in solution, as well as sample carriers and kits comprising compositions of the invention.

Abstract: The embodiments of the invention described herein relate to systems and methods for the vitrification of biological samples. Vitrification is achieved by generating nanodroplets of a solution comprising the biological sample with a means that can be automated and adapted to high-throughput applications.

Abstract: The utilization of stored fat cells is provided. Fat cells removed from a patient may be subdivided into a number of fat cell subdivisions for utilization in a series of medical procedures. The fat cell subdivisions can be prepared for short term storage for use in medical procedures to be performed within a defined period time or long term storage for use in one or more medical procedures to be performed in the future. Medical practitioners can utilize stored fat cell subdivisions in a series of procedures on a patient.

Abstract: Viable progenitor cells are extracted from frozen umbilical cord tissue. In embodiments, the umbilical cord tissue is a blood vessel bearing perivascular Wharton's jelly, and the extracted progenitor cells are HUCPVCs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of processing analyte using a portable incubator apparatus. The incubator apparatus 10 has a plurality of cavities 20 each configured to receive analyte to be incubated. The method comprises: receiving analyte in each of the plurality of cavities; incubating the analyte in the plurality of cavities, the incubator apparatus being operable to control temperatures of analyte contained in the plurality of cavities independently of each other; and moving the incubator apparatus from a first location to a second location while the analyte is being incubated, the incubator apparatus being configured to maintain desired incubation conditions independently of a supply of electrical power and apparatus external to the incubator apparatus as the incubator apparatus is being moved.

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: The present invention has an object of providing a method for producing specific cells by amplifying cells in a desired differentiation stage. The present invention provides a method for producing specific cells by inducing differentiation of cells, wherein an oncogene is forcibly expressed in cells in a desired differentiation stage to amplify the cells in the desired differentiation stage. The present invention also provides a method for producing specific cells, wherein oncogene-induced senescence (OIS) which is induced by the oncogene expressed in the cells in the desired differentiation stage is suppressed.

Abstract: The present technology relates to engineered human Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 (FGF2) proteins and methods of using the same. In particular, the methods and compositions relate to FGF2 mutants with increased thermostability compared to the wild-type protein and method for using the proteins in the culturing of embryonic stem cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems, methods and storage media for preserving and prolonging viability of cultured matrix dependent cells including multipotent progenitor cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells. The system and method of the invention are effective in ambient room temperature and apply during storage and shipment of said cells. The storage medium of the invention comprises fibrin microbeads and culture medium, and is suitable for the maintenance and storage of matrix dependent cells. The methods of the invention comprise use of said system, for attaching matrix dependent cells to fibrin microbeads in culture so as to form cell-fibrin microbead complexes.

Abstract: Fully defined media that support pluripotent cell viability, proliferation, cloning, and derivation, as well as methods and compositions including these media are described. Methods for deriving iPS cells from adult individuals under defined, xeno-free conditions are also described.

Abstract: A body part is preserved using nitric oxide and/or a nitric oxide donor that does not directly release nitric oxide or a red blood cell nitrosylating agent, preferably ethyl nitrite to facilitate oxygen supply. A subject at risk for developing high altitude illness is administered a red blood nitrosylating agent in gaseous form that does not directly release nitric oxide, preferably ethyl nitrite.

Abstract: The assays, methods, tools and systems discussed herein represent an improved and unified system for monitoring the progression of an individual patient malignancy. The assays, methods, tools and systems discussed herein represent an improved and unified system for monitoring and for identifying cellular and secreted markers, for screening cells to detect phenotypic and genotypic drift and for predicting chemotherapeutic response of patient tumor cells to at least one therapeutic agent. The assays, methods, tools and systems discussed herein also represent an improved and unified system for monitoring and for screening multiple pharmaceutical agents for efficacy and long term effect as to a specific patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing ready to use, antigen loaded or unloaded, cryoconserved mature dendritic cells especially for the production of a vaccine containing said dendritic cells, wherein immature dendritic cells are cultivated in the presence of suitable maturation stimuli and the mature dendritic cells thus obtained are frozen. The dendritic cells can be loaded with antigen before freezing. The invention also relates to a vaccine which can be obtained according to the inventive method and to a composition containing frozen, mature dendritic cells which are loaded with antigen.

Abstract: Provides are improved methods for storing platelets and compositions that contain stored platelets for use in transfusions. The method entails obtaining a platelet concentrate from blood obtained from an individual and holding the platelet concentrate in at refrigerated temperatures under an atmosphere having a pressure of from 3.5 to 5 bars comprising more than 65% xenon and for at least one week. Also provided is a refrigerated composition that contains a platelet concentrate, wherein the platelet concentrate contains xenon, and wherein the platelet concentrate has been isolated from an individual for at least seven days.

Abstract: A container (1) for storing stem cell material of an animal for subsequent treatment of the animal contains discrete pouches (15) for the stem cell material. The container (1) comprises a pair of transparent flexible panels (3) which are secured together by a peripheral heat seal (4) to define a hollow interior region (8). The hollow interior region (8) is divided into discrete pouches (15) and a mixing region (16) by primary heat seals (18) extending substantially perpendicularly from the peripheral seal (4) adjacent an edge (5a) of the panels (3). An inlet port (9) to the mixing region (16) accommodates the stem cell material and a protective solution to be mixed in the mixing region (18). A manifold (25) extending transversely of the pouches (15) communicates the pouches (15) with the mixing region (16). On completion of mixing of the stem cell material with the protective solution, two additional pouches (22) are formed in the mixing area (16) by primary heat seals (34).

Abstract: The present invention comprises a specimen preserver. A bubble reservoir is used to hold a preserving liquid such as artificial cerebrospinal liquid (aCSF). Oxygen is introduced into the aCSF by a gas diffuser which is attached to the bubble reservoir. The tissue samples are contained in one or more chambers in a holding platform. The platform is suspended well above the bottom of the bubble reservoir. The lower portion of each of the chambers is open toward the bottom of the bubble reservoir, but is covered by a fine mesh. The gas introduced into the aCSF circulates within the bubble reservoir. However, the tissue samples are not directly exposed to the gas bubbles because the fine mesh excludes the bubbles from the chambers in which the tissue samples are housed.

Abstract: The subject matter of this invention is a novel method to augment the process of obtaining populations of placental hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells for use in medical practices. A method of augmentation of stem cells collection from placenta is claimed comprising the steps of (a) infusing placental vessels cell preservation compound and a with a composition containing blockers of cell adhesion receptors, (b) incubating said placenta for a sufficient period of time, (c) placing placenta in a containment with sufficient intensity of electromagnetic or ultrasound field for a sufficient period of time; (d) eluting cell suspension from placental vessels, (e) collecting cell suspension and harvesting cells. Invention further claims a method of treatment a disease by means of administering therapeutic composition containing said placental-derived hematopoietic stem cells.

Abstract: Fully defined media that support pluripotent cell viability, proliferation, cloning, and derivation, as well as methods and compositions including these media are described. Methods for deriving iPS cells from adult individuals under defined, xeno-free conditions are also described.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the ex vivo manipulation of cells, stem cells and other reproductive cells, by manipulating the cells in a container or device comprising an elastic substrate, wherein the substrate has an elasticity that mimics the elasticity of a native microenvironment of the cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for tissue, such as an allograft, storage and preservation for extended periods of time at room temperature in a sterile tissue culture chamber. The invention further provides a process for maintaining the sterility of tissue using the apparatus as described.

Abstract: A method for cryopreservation of cells characterized by the use of a solution containing, as essential components, a sodium salt, a potassium salt, a saccharide, a cryoprotectant, and a hydrogencarbonate salt and/or a carbonate salt, the solution further optionally containing a component selected from the group consisting of proteins, magnesium salts, and calcium salts. According to the present invention, a method for cryopreservation of cells capable of maintaining a high viability rate after thawing, and a cryopreservation solution used in the cryopreservation are provided. In addition, by using the method for cryopreservation, the cells can be preserved in a state of maintaining a high viability rate even after thawing, and also maintaining their physiological functions; further, a cell washing step after freezing and thawing is unnecessary, thereby making it very useful in the fundamental researches of cells and the application studies on the medical treatment.

Abstract: The present invention generally concerns cell therapy and products for use in such therapy. Particularly, the invention provides a preserved cell preparation essentially free of one or more members of a group of cryoprotecting agents consisting of polyalcohols, DMSO and cryoprotecting proteins, the preserved cell preparation comprising somatic cells and at least one polyphenol, wherein upon reconstitution of cells in the cell preparation, at least a portion of said stem cells are viable, said portion being sufficient for use of the cell preparation in stem cell therapy. The invention also provides cells reconstituted from preserved somatic cells, and the use of the reconstituted cells in cell therapy. A preferred cell preparation in accordance with the invention comprises stem cells, preferably human stem cells.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for simultaneously detecting the activation state of a plurality of proteins in single cells using flow cytometry. The invention further provides methods and compositions of screening for bioactive agents capable of coordinately modulating the activity of a plurality of proteins in single cells. The methods and compositions can be used to determine the protein activation profile of a cell for predicting or diagnosing a disease state, and for monitoring treatment of a disease state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for cell transport Said system allows the transport of cells, assuring their integrity and viability during the entire transport process. It consists of a system suitable for a wide variety of formats which allows a broad range of technical applications of the system The system of the invention allows providing ready-to-use cells, without the cells having to be manipulated before they are used by technical experts in cell biology The invention particularly relates to an agarose plus agarase mixture covering or enveloping, depending on the format of the selected transport system, the cell culture, protecting it during the transport process, as well as to the methodology of cell recovery of the cells transported in the system.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a pharmaceutical composition comprising cells committed to the generation of heart tissue and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient produced according to internationally recognized standards for pharmaceutical product manufacture, a process for the manufacture of such a pharmaceutical composition and a kit for the administration of said pharmaceutical composition which comprises a container containing said pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: A system for cryoencapsulating a natural or manmade biological specimen which is capable of enabling the nucleation of at least one of benign polycrystalline or vitreous ice in the specimen via the introduction of particulate nuclei and cryoprotectant into the specimen including: (a) one or more specimen cooling modules or stations; (b) one or more specimen particulate or particulate-former introduction modules or stations; (c) one or more specimen cryoprotectant-introduction modules or stations; and (d) a system control unit and necessary system utilities, wherein the system is to implement a combined process of specimen cooling, specimen particulate introduction or formation, and specimen cryoprotectant introduction, and wherein the introduced particulate is to favorably enable the nucleation of one or both of encapsulating polycrystalline or vitreous ice resulting in ice formation with at least one of reduced ice damage or cryoprotectant toxic damage to the specimen during cryoencapsulation or during event

Abstract: The present invention provides polymers and methods for increasing the viability of cryopreserved cells after thawing. Thawing cryopreserved cells in the presence of a polymer such as poloxymer P1 88 or other non-ionic polymers is thought to stabilize the membranes of the cells leading to increased post-thaw viability. Such methods may be used in the processing of cells and tissues for transplantation or for research purposes. Other agents such as antioxidants, vitamins, or osmotic protectants may also be added to cells to improve viability.

Abstract: Bioprosthetic tissues and methods for making same, comprising fixing bioprosthetic implant tissue by treatment with 0.1 to 10 wt. % glutaraldehyde at elevated temperature, capping said fixed tissue by treatment with a diamine crosslinking agent, and treating said capped tissue with about 0.6 wt. % glutaraldehyde.

Abstract: The present invention provides placental stem cells and placental stem cell populations, and methods of culturing, proliferating and expanding the same. The invention also provides methods of differentiating the placental stem cells. The invention further provides methods of using the placental stem cells in assays and for transplanting.

Abstract: A process for hydrolyzing products with enzymatic activity remaining in peptone solutions after mucosa hydrolysis is provided along with a process for preserving mucosa tissue. Broadly, the processes are carried out by hydrolyzing mucosa tissue according to conventional heparin manufacturing processes wherein an excess quantity of proteolytic enzymes is used. The resulting peptone solution is then contacted with proteins or protein-containing materials in order to hydrolyze the proteins. In another embodiment, mucosa tissue is preserved by mixing it with a preserving agent selected from the group consisting of hydrogen peroxide and phosphoric acid. The product preserved by hydrogen peroxide is low in ash, stable for at least a week, and has a reduced odor.

Abstract: The present invention concerns antibodies produced from hybridoma cell lines chosen from the group comprising W8B2, W1C3, W7C6, W5C4, 24D2, 28D4, HEK-3D6, W4A5, W3D5, W5C5, 9A3G9, 58B1, F9-3C2F1, 39D5, for isolating and/or identifying homogenous mesenchymal stem cells. Furthermore a method is presented with which mesenchymal stem cells from adult primary tissue, for example bone marrow, can be identified and isolated with a high level of purity.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of reducing damage to a tissue, organ or cell from surgical procedures comprising administering a composition comprising a potassium channel opener/agonist and/or an adenosine receptor agonist (eg. adenosine) together with a local anaesthetic (eg. lignocaine) when perfusing the organ.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for increasing the longevity of a cell culture and permitting the increased production of proteins, preferably recombinant proteins, such as antibodies, peptides, enzymes, growth factors, interleukins, interferons, hamiones, and vaccines. Cells transfected with an apoptosis-inhibiting gene or vector, such as a triple mutant Bcl-2 gene, can survive longer in culture, resulting in extension of the state and yield of protein biosynthesis. Such transfected cells exhibit maximal cell densities that equal or exceed the maximal density achieved by the parent cell lines. Transfected cells can also be pre-adapted for growth in serum-free medium, greatly decreasing the time required to obtain protein production in serum-free medium. In certain methods, the pre-adapted cells can be used for protein production following transformation under serum-free conditions. The method preferably involves eukaryotic cells, more preferably mammalian cells.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the production of dendritic cells from monocytes that have been incubated at a temperature of 1° C.-34° C. for a period of approximately 6 to 96 hours from the time they are isolated from a subject. After the incubation period, the monocytes can then be induced to differentiate into dendritic cells. Mature dendritic cells made by the methods of the invention have increased levels of one or more of CD80, CD83, CD86, MHC class I molecules, or MHC class II molecules as compared to mature dendritic cells prepared from monocytes that have not been held at 1° C.-34° C. for at least 6 hours from the time they were isolated from a subject. Dendritic cells made by the methods of the invention are useful for the preparation of vaccines and for the stimulation of T cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the preparation of efficient antigen-presenting human ?? T cells, to the ?? T cells prepared by such a method, and to their use in immunotherapy, vaccination, vaccine development and diagnostics. Similar to dendritic cells (DCs) in potency and efficacy, these human ?? T cells process antigens and present antigenic peptides to ?? T cells and induce antigen-specific responses (proliferation and differentiation) in naïve ?? T cells. ?? T cells are easily purified from peripheral blood, acquire “maturation” status (expression of essential adhesion, co-stimulatory and major histocompatibility complex molecules) within 1 day of in vitro culture under stimulation and induce strong primary and secondary T helper cell and cytotoxic T cell responses. The ?? T cells may be used in a method of treatment of tumors or chronic or recurrent infectious diseases, in identification of novel tumor or pathogen-derived antigens, and in the diagnosis of the immune competence of a patient.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for simultaneously detecting the activation state of a plurality of proteins in single cells using flow cytometry. The invention further provides methods and compositions of screening for bioactive agents capable of coordinately modulating the activity of a plurality of proteins in single cells. The methods and compositions can be used to determine the protein activation profile of a cell for predicting or diagnosing a disease state, and for monitoring treatment of a disease state.