This disclosure is related to methods of preserving biological samples, organs. and organisms.

The disclosure provides for electrode systems and perfusion systems that may be configured to measure the electrical activity of an explanted heart and to provide defibrillation energy as necessary. The perfusion systems may maintain the heart in a beating state at, or near, normal physiological conditions; circulate oxygenated, nutrient enriched perfusion fluid to the heart at or near physiological temperature, pressure, and/or flow rate. These systems may include a pair of electrodes that may be placed epicardially on the right atrium and/or left ventricle of the explanted heart, and/or an electrode placed in the aortic blood path.

The disclosure provides for electrode systems and perfusion systems that may be configured to measure the electrical activity of an explanted heart and to provide defibrillation energy as necessary. The perfusion systems may maintain the heart in a beating state at, or near, normal physiological conditions; circulate oxygenated, nutrient enriched perfusion fluid to the heart at or near physiological temperature, pressure, and/or flow rate. These systems may include a pair of electrodes that may be placed epicardially on the right atrium and/or left ventricle of the explanted heart, and/or an electrode placed in the aortic blood path.

One aspect of the invention provides a method for preparing a vein graft. The method includes: applying a tissue passivation agent to a resected anatomical vessel; placing the resected anatomical vessel in a chamber; and allowing the tissue passivation agent to cross-link while the resected anatomical vessel is in the chamber.

Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for irradiating a perfusate. The apparatus includes a tank which defines a first chamber. A separator is located inside the first chamber. The separator defines a second chamber. The first chamber and the second chamber are concentric and have substantially annular cross sections, each having at least one diameter and a substantially common longitudinal axis. A perfusate is introduced into the first chamber by an inlet. A UV radiation-emitting device is disposed inside the second chamber for providing irradiation to the perfusate. Irradiated perfusate is removed from the tank by an outlet. Other apparatuses and systems are described and methods for inactivating micro organisms by performing EVP and irradiating the perfusate.

Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for irradiating a perfusate. The apparatus includes a tank which defines a first chamber. A separator is located inside the first chamber. The separator defines a second chamber. The first chamber and the second chamber are concentric and have substantially annular cross sections, each having at least one diameter and a substantially common longitudinal axis. A perfusate is introduced into the first chamber by an inlet. A UV radiation-emitting device is disposed inside the second chamber for providing irradiation to the perfusate. Irradiated perfusate is removed from the tank by an outlet. Other apparatuses and systems are described and methods for inactivating micro organisms by performing EVP and irradiating the perfusate.

Provided are systems and methods for treating a biological fluid, e.g., to inactivate pathogens.

A method for increasing the fertilizing capacity of sperm cells, which method includes irradiating sperm cells with non-coherent red light in a discontinuous manner according to a pattern that includes at least one sequence of two irradiation periods of specific durations, which are separated by an intermediate period of darkness of a specific duration. Each of the specific periods of irradiation and darkness lasts between 8 and 15 minutes.

Ice nucleation and supercooling are controlled by the presence of magnetite particles. Magnetite decreases supercooling and promotes ice nucleation. Therefore, freezing of liquid solutions occurs at higher temperature compared to supercooled solutions. Applying a magnetic field allows control of supercooling and ice nucleation.

A system for the hypothermic transport of biological samples, such as tissues, organs, or body fluids. The system includes an antimicrobial treatment mechanism to inactivate microbes flushed from the biological sample by preservation fluid flowed therethrough. The self-purging preservation apparatus is placed in an insulated transport container having a cooling medium. When assembled, the system allows for transport of biological samples for extended periods of time at a stable temperature while simultaneously treating microbial infections to prevent transmission between a donor and a recipient.