Our
technology for maintaining mammalian cell cultures in a quiescent state offers
an effective ambient temperature transportation solution for short term storage
and distribution problems.
Current
distribution solutions of cell cultures involve a combination of complex and
high cost logistics, often with limited time windows. The technology developed by researchers
at the University of Reading uses an alternative method to cell freezing for the
supply of live cells in therapeutics clinical treatment. It uses encapsulated cell preparations
which exhibit significantly higher levels of viability over short periods at
ambient temperatures.
Initial
research has been carried out in a range of mammalian cell types including
embryonic and mesenchymal stem cells.
Benefits of
technology
Cell cultures
can be delivered in an easy to use form, providing considerable cost and time
efficiencies.
The proposed
technology could become a standard operating procedure for the shipping of cell
materials.
Applications:
·
Adult stem cells
·
Mesenchymal stem cells
·
Macrophages
·
Epithelia
·
Embryonic stem cells
·
White fat stem cells
·
Myocytes
·
Fibroblasts
Technical
Background:
The
transportation of cell cultures represents a significant distribution problem
for both laboratory supply companies and for therapeutics companies working the
area of cell therapies and regenerative medicine. The conventional mode for storage and
shipment of cell cultures is to use frozen methods. Shipping in this state, sometimes
internationally, can be costly with associated logistical problems.
Additionally, a lack of skills and resources of the recipients in handling and
regeneration of frozen materials can add to the challenge.
The current
alternatives, using ambient temperature storage methods, are only suitable for
very short transportation times (minutes or hours) so as to avoid significant
deterioration of the cell cultures.
Our
technology offers an effective and simple alternative in this growing market.
Availability:
We are
seeking collaborative opportunities.
The technology is available for licensing and development opportunities.
IP
Status:
Priority
patent applications have been filed.