University of Michigan

Other

Gary Daniel Smith

Shuichi Takayama

Brenda S Cho

Xiaoyue Zhu

Jun Ding

Joerg Lahann

Himabindu Nandivada

Timothy G Schuster

Yunseok Heo

Nobuyuki Futai

David Lai

Wei Gu

Dongeun Huh

Paul Krebsbach

Thomas Eyster

Joseph Chang

Luis Villa Diaz

Lourdes Marcella Cabrera

Yun Seok Heo

Provided herein is technology relating to cryopreservation and particularly, but not exclusively, to devices, systems, and methods for cryopreservation of biological materials such as oocytes, zygotes, and embryos. In particular, provided herein are methods of using microfluidic devices to exposing biological material to a vitrification solution having a time dependent concentration of a cryoprotectant agent.

Vitrification of biological material

Motile particles are sorted from non-motile particles in a microfluidic sorting device wherein a stream of sort fluid containing motile and non-motile particles is caused to flow adjacent a media stream in non-turbulent fashion through a sort channel, during which flow motile particles cross the interface between the adjacent flow streams, entering the media stream, and forming a motile particle-depleted sort stream. The sorting devices are easily and inexpensively fabricated and have numerous uses, in particular sorting of motile from non-motile sperm.

Process for sorting motile particles from lesser-motile particles and apparatus suitable therefor

Microfluidic cryopreservation technology is provided and particularly, but not exclusively, devices, systems, and methods for cryopreservation of biological materials such as oocytes, zygotes, and embryos. The present microfluidic devices and related systems and methods are configured to maintain biological material in a housing chamber when subjected to a constant volumetric flow of fluid of changing fluid density.

A bag securing device is described that fits over the corner of a corner of a produce shipping container once a shipping bag contained therein has been opened and splayed over the edges of the container. By fitting the devices to each of the four corners of the container, a shipping bag is securely held therein substantially eliminating the risk of the bag being pulled from the container when the contents, such as lettuce, are dumped there from for further processing.

Bracket for securing a bag in a shipping container and method of use

Process for sorting motile particles from lesser-motile particles and apparatus suitable therfor

The present invention provides methods and compositions for establishing and maintaining growth of cells and embryonic tissue on a synthetic polymer matrix. For example, the present invention provides synthetic growth matrices for stem cells, gametes, mature differentiated cells, and embryonic tissue (e.g., blastomeres, embryos, and embryoid bodies). In certain embodiments, the cells are capable of going through multiple passages while remaining in an undifferentiated state as a result of the synthetic polymer matrix.

Methods and compositions for growth of cells and embryonic tissue on a synthetic polymer matrix

The present invention provides methods and compositions for establishing and maintaining growth of undifferentiated stem cells. In particular, the present invention provides synthetic growth matrices for stem cells, wherein said cells are capable of going through multiple passages while remaining in an undifferentiated state.

Methods and compositions for growth of embryonic stem cells

Microfluidic devices for cell culturing and methods for using the same are disclosed. One device includes a substrate and membrane. The substrate includes a reservoir in fluid communication with a passage. A bio-compatible fluid may be added to the reservoir and passage. The reservoir is configured to receive and retain at least a portion of a cell mass. The membrane acts as a barrier to evaporation of the bio-compatible fluid from the passage. A cover fluid may be added to cover the bio-compatible fluid to prevent evaporation of the bio-compatible fluid.

Microfluidic cell culture device

Microfluidic devices having active features such as valves, peristaltic pumps, and mixing portions are fabricated to have a thin elastomeric membrane over the active features. The active features are activated by a tactile actuator external to the membrane, for example, a commercial Braille display. The display may be computer controlled, for example by simple text editor software, to activate individual Braille protrusions or a plurality of protrusions to actuate the active portions of the microfluidic device. Integral devices can incorporate the tactile actuators in a single device, but still external to the membrane.

Integrated microfluidic control employing programmable tactile actuators

A microfluidic system employs a microchannel and a gravity driven pump comprising horizontally oriented fluid supply reservoirs which supplies fluid to the microchannel at a substantially constant rate. The device is useful for numerous microfluidic applications, for example in the culture and/or treatment of biological systems under constant flow-induced stress, cell-size sorting, motile sperm sorting, or embryo culture.

Microfluidic gravity pump with constant flow rate

An absorption pad for a bed is disclosed including a bag like member having an upper and a lower compartment, a moisture impervious periphery and bottom and a moisture permeable top covering and internal divider wall. A non-absorbant, moisture permeable cushion is encased in the upper compartment and a removable filter member including a non-absorbant moisture permeable filter cushion member having an internal moisture absorbing element and support members is disposed in the lower compartment.

Growing community of inventors

Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America

Gary Daniel Smith