A culture module is contemplated that allows the perfusion and optionally mechanical actuation of one or more microfluidic devices, such as organ-on-a-chip microfluidic devices comprising cells that mimic at least one function of an organ in the body. A method for pressure control is contemplated to allow the control of flow rate (while perfusing cells) despite limitations of common pressure regulators. The method for pressure control allows for perfusion of a microfluidic device, such as an organ on a chip microfluidic device comprising cells that mimic cells in an organ in the body, that is detachably linked with said assembly, so that fluid enters ports of the microfluidic device from a fluid reservoir, optionally without tubing, at a controllable flow rate.

The invention provides, in various embodiments, systems, devices and methods relating to ex-vivo organ care. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to maintaining an organ ex-vivo at near-physiologic conditions.

A system and method for perfusing an organ with a normothermic extracorporeal perfusion system is disclosed. The perfusion system is an active flow system using a centrifugal pump to aid in circulation. The system includes a dialyzer that removes excess fluid and impurities, while maintaining the pH, which allows the perfusion system to be used for an extended period that may exceed 24 hours. The system includes a parallel circuit, which includes at least one centrifugal pump, a membrane oxygenator comprising a heat exchanger; a dialyzer; a measurement cell for real-time monitoring of oxygen saturation and hematocrit in the liver; more than one flow probe; and an organ chamber.

An apparatus, a system, and methods for receiving, perfusing and maintaining and assessing excised donor heart physiological functionality. The system generally comprises an apparatus for receiving and holding an excised heart that is interconnected with: (i) a perfusate-processing system, (ii) a bi-directional perfusate pumping system, (iii) flow sensors for monitoring the flow of perfusate to and from an installed heart's aorta, pulmonary artery, pulmonary vein, and vena cava, (iv) an ECG apparatus interconnectable with the installed heart, and (v) probes interconnecting the installed heart with instruments for monitoring the heart's physiogical functionality using load independent indices and load dependent indices.

The invention generally relates to systems, methods, and devices for ex vivo organ care. More particularly, in various embodiments, the invention relates to caring for a liver ex vivo at physiologic or near-physiologic conditions.

The present disclosure provides methods to improve the viability of an organ, or organs, by continuously administering a composition comprising NO.sub.x gas directly to the organ(s).

A system for testing and transporting a biologically engineered organ can include a housing, a transportable enclosure, a perfusate circuit, and a pump. The housing can be configured to receive and support a biologically engineered organ therein in a perfusate flow. The housing can include a perfusate inlet and a perfusate outlet to receive the perfusate flow through the housing. The transportable enclosure can surround at least a portion of the housing. The perfusate circuit can be connected to the perfusate inlet and the perfusate outlet and can be configured to transmit perfusate through the system. The pump can be connected to the circuit and can be configured to circulate perfusate through the perfusate circuit.

A system and method for growing and maintaining biological material including producing a protein associated with the tissue, selecting cells associated with the tissue, expanding the cells, creating at least one tissue bio-ink including the expanded cells, printing the at least one tissue bio-ink in at least one tissue growth medium mixture, growing the tissue from the printed at least one tissue bio-ink, and maintaining viability of the tissue.

Apparatus for perfusion of multiple types of organs include base unit configured to removably couple with a perfusion module for perfusing an organ. The base unit has conduits for connecting a source of a perfusate to the organ to circulate the perfusate through the organ; first and second pumps coupled to the conduits for driving circulation of the perfusate in the conduits; and a controller configured and connected for controlling the first and second pumps to regulate the circulation of the perfusate through the organ. The controller is operable to control the first and second pumps to perfuse the organ in accordance with organ specific perfusion parameters. The organ specific perfusions parameters are selected based on the type of the organ, and may be selected by an operator for at least two organ types selected from the group of heart, liver, kidney and lung.

The invention provides, in various embodiments, devices and methods relating to ex-vivo organ care. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to aortic cannulas for use in perfusion systems to return perfusate to the heart or delivering perfusate from the heart while the organ is sustained ex vivo at physiologic or near-physiologic conditions.