title: Vitrification of heart valve tissues.
abstract: Application of the original vitrification protocol used for pieces of heart valves to intact heart valves has evolved over time. Ice-free cryopreservation by Protocol 1 using VS55 is limited to small samples where relatively rapid cooling and warming rates are possible. VS55 cryopreservation typically provides extracellular matrix preservation with approximately 80 % cell viability and tissue function compared with fresh untreated tissues. In contrast, ice-free cryopreservation using VS83, Protocols 2 and 3, has several advantages over conventional cryopreservation methods and VS55 preservation, including long-term preservation capability at -80 °C; better matrix preservation than freezing with retention of material properties; very low cell viability, reducing the risks of an immune reaction in vivo; reduced risks of microbial contamination associated with use of liquid nitrogen; improved in vivo functions; no significant recipient allogeneic immune response; simplified manufacturing process; increased operator safety because liquid nitrogen is not used; and reduced manufacturing costs.
authors.affiliation: Cell & Tissue Systems, Inc., 2231 Technical Parkway, Suite A, North Charleston, SC, 29406, USA, kbrockbank@celltissuesystems.com.
authors.forename: Kelvin G M
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Brockbank
authors.forename: Zhenzhen
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Elizabeth D
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Greene
authors.forename: Lia H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Campbell
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002470:Cell Survival; D015925:Cryopreservation / Q000379:methods*; D003451:Cryoprotective Agents / Q000737:chemistry; D005615:Freezing; D006351:Heart Valves / Q000166:cytology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D014015:Tissue Banks; D058989:Vitrification
chemical_list: D003451:Cryoprotective Agents