The University of Texas System

Lifecell Corporation

Board of Regents

Carmen Piunno

Stephen A Livesey

Anthony A Del Campo

John G Linner

Abhijit Nag

David P Ross

Ken B Nichols

Mark J Zaltzberg

Mark Zaltsberg

Frank Gibson

This invention relates to methods, apparatus and solutions for cryopreserving microscopic biological materials for biologically extended periods of time. The method comprises treating a suspension of biological material, in an appropriate buffer, with a cryoprotectant or combination of cryoprotectants which raises the glass transition temperature range of the sample. One or more dry protectants may be added to the cryosolution. The cryosolution is then nebulized and rapidly cooled with novel apparatus, dried by molecular distillation, stored and then rehydrated in a buffer prior to its use. The solutions comprise novel mixtures of cryoprotectants.

Cryoprotective solutions comprising DMSO, PG, 2,3-butanediol,raffinose and PVP

Apparatus for cryopreparation, dry stabilization and rehydration of

This invention relates to an apparatus and method for distillation drying of one or more biological samples. The drying apparatus includes a retaining assembly, a vacuum assembly, cooling means, monitoring means and control means for actively regulating the temperature and pressure conditions of biological tissue so that such tissue may be dried without substantial ultrastructural damage.

Method and apparatus for cryopreparing biological tissue

A method and apparatus for ultrarapid cooling of tissue samples against a chilled cryogenic surface. The cryogenic surface is enclosed in a high vacuum chamber during cooling of the cryogenic surface. Dry non-condensable room temperature gas is introduced from an external source to raise the chamber pressure just prior to slamming or plunging a sample against the cryogenic surface. The cryogenic surface is heated for regeneration or cleaning purposes between each successive sample.

Cryo-slammer

Growing community of inventors

The Woodlands, TX, United States of America

Carmen Piunno