The invention relates to an in vitro storing and/or transporting of cells, comprising: contacting the cells with an aqueous thermo-reversible gelling composition, in a liquid form and comprising: (A) a thermo-reversible gelling polysaccharide selected from carrageenan, gellan gum and konjac gum; and (B) carboxymethyl cellulose as a thickening agent-thermo-gelling the composition by decreasing the temperature; storing and/or transporting the in vitro cultivated cells embedded in the obtained hydrogel as obtained The invention also relates to the specific thermo-reversible gelling composition used in the process:

It has surprisingly been discovered that it is possible to stabilise biomolecules such as RNA, DNA and proteins in biological samples such as cells, tissues, biopsies and blood using deep eutectic solvents (DES). It has also been discovered that DES mixtures can be used to fix and preserve cell morphology in biological samples such as tissue blocks, cancer biopsies and whole blood. This invention describes methods to stabilise and preserve biomolecules, whole cells, tissues, blood and biological samples using DES mixtures.

A mixing apparatus (1) for mixing slaughter offal with a preservative agent, the apparatus comprising an offal collection tank (3) with a bottom (4) provided with a discharge opening (5) connectable to a closable discharge, an agitator (8) extending into the offal collection tank, and a pump unit (9) operatively connectable to the discharge, wherein the apparatus further comprises a preservative reservoir (7) mounted on top of the collection tank (3). A collection and preservation system is provided, wherein the addition of preservation agent can be strictly controlled, can easily and quickly be installed and connected when it is to be used. After use, the system is easily removed and cleaned.

It has surprisingly been discovered that it is possible to stabilize biomolecules such as RNA, DNA and proteins in biological samples such as cells, tissues, biopsies and blood using deep eutectic solvents (DES). It has also been discovered that DES mixtures can be used to fix and preserve cell morphology in biological samples such as tissue blocks, cancer biopsies and whole blood. This invention describes methods to stabilize and preserve biomolecules, whole cells, tissues, blood and biological samples using DES mixtures.

A system is provided, including a plurality of donor cells and a first alginate structure that encapsulates the plurality of donor cells. The first alginate structure has a guluronic acid concentration of between 64% and 74%. The system additionally includes a second alginate structure that surrounds the first alginate structure, the second alginate structure having a mannuronic acid concentration of between 52% and 60%. A selectively-permeable membrane is coupled at least in part to the second alginate structure. Other embodiments are also described.

Provided herein are compounds including a linear polyglycerol, a peptide tag, with either a linker-sugar-sialic acid moiety or a sulfate group, a preservation solutions including the compounds, methods for using the compounds or the preservation solutions to cell surface engineering (CSE) of a cell, a tissue, an organ for transplant, and methods for making the compounds. In particular, the CSE may recapitulate or rebuild glycocalyx on the luminal endothelial surface of an organ to limit immune rejection of the organ after transplant.

Modified animal tissues, organs, and organ systems for use in simulated surgical procedures are disclosed. The tissues, organs, and/or organ systems can be modified by enhancing their electrical conductivity, by including simulated contents mimicking what would normally be present in live animals, and by having fake blood perfusing through them. Portions of different tissues, organs, or organ systems, which can be from the same or different animals, can be adhered to provide hybrid/chimeric tissues, organs, or organ systems, and also used for simulated surgical procedures. These modifications can provide surgeons with a more realistic experience during a simulated surgical procedure.

This disclosure describes a lyoprotectant matrix, compositions including the lyoprotectant matrix and methods for storing a liquid biospecimen using the lyoprotectant matrix. Generally, the lyoprotectant matrix includes a non-woven web having fibers having, as components, at least one lyoprotective carbohydrate and at least one polymer. The matrix further possesses an apparent pore size of 0.1 m to 500 m.

The present invention provides compositions comprising desiccated biologics comprising a cell, protein, virus, nucleic acid, carbohydrate, or lipid, or any combination thereof, along with at least one membrane penetrable sugar, and at least one membrane impenetrable sugar, wherein the moisture content is from 5% to 95%, and to methods of preparing the same, and to methods of treating animals using the same.

The present invention relates to an improved method for preparing hydrogels, such as alginate hydrogels. The hydrogels of the present invention is in particular useful for immobilisation and preservation of biological material, such as cellular material, e.g. spermatozoa.