Biosurface Technology, Inc.

Richard Odessey

Ross A Tubo

Susan F Schaeffer

Alexander Schermer

Disclosed is a method of cryopreserving a sheet of living, cultured epithelial cells for use as a skin wound dressing. The method ensures that the integrity of the sheet will be maintained, and it preserves a significant number of cells in a mitotically competent, physiologically healthy form. It involves use of a non cell penetrating cryoprotectant and certain freezing and thawing conditions.

Cryopreservation of cultured epithelial sheets

The viability of cohesive sheets of cultured epithelial cells such as keratinocytes used as wound dressings is maintained or improved by storage at a temperature within the range of 8.degree.-25.degree. C., preferably 13.degree.-23.degree. C., for periods greater than 8 hours, preferably up to 26 hours. This method and the resulting product permits a significant increase in the shipping radius of cultured dressings manufactured in a central facility, and increases flexibility in scheduling of shipments and surgical procedures.

Cool storage of cultured epithelial sheets

Disclosed is a container for the storage and distribution of a cultured epithelial, generally planar, living, skin wound dressing that allows the dressing to be gently removed by lifting perpendicular to a support surface in the container. The design minimizes handling of the graft dressing thereby promoting cell viability.

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Newton Lower Falls, MA, United States of America

Richard Odessey