Kermit M Borland

US Patent:

50026615, Mar 26, 1991

Filed:

Aug 25, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/398739

Inventors:

William L. Chick - Wellesley MA
Susan J. Sullivan - Newton MA
Kermit M. Borland - Worcester MA
John M. Harvey - Worcester MA
Thomas E. Muller - Concord MA
Karen E. Dunleavy - Billerica MA
Donald P. King - Haverhill MA
Edward J. Doherty - Waltham MA
Barry A. Solomon - Bedford MA
Amy L. Foley - Framingham MA

Assignee:

W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. - Lexington MA

International Classification:

B01D 6306

US Classification:

210192

Abstract:

A device which serves as an artificial pancreas comprises a hollow fiber having an inner diameter of about 5 mm which is surrounded by islets of Langerhans enclosed in a housing. The islets are suspended in a semi-solid matrix which ensures desired distribution of the cells about the hollow fiber. The hollow fiber and suspended islets are enclosed in a housing which further aids the desired distribution of islets about the hollow fiber. The hollow fiber has a porosity which selectively allows passage of substances having a molecular weight of less than about 100,000 Daltons. The semi-solid matrix in which the islets are embedded and suspended is formed of an appropriate supporting material such as alginate or agar.

US Patent:

59121637, Jun 15, 1999

Filed:

Oct 20, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/953541

Inventors:

Kermit M. Borland - Shrewsbury MA
Barbara A. Chandler - Lexington MA
Dianna Hunt Picton - Bedford MA
Shawn P. Cain - North Chelmsford MA
Deborah Deane - Orange MA
Claudy J.P. Mullon - Framingham MA

Assignee:

Circe Biomedical, Inc. - Lexington MA

International Classification:

C07G 1500
A01N 102

US Classification:

435268

Abstract:

The invention is based in part on the observation that significant portions of porcine livers appear to remain intact after perfusion by standard methods, suggesting that the perfusion procedures employed do not result in complete enzymatic digestion. Recovery of cells is therefore substantially lower than would be possible if the organs were thoroughly digested. It is found that increased perfusion flow rate, occlusion of at least one major blood vessel leading out of the organ, increased enzymatic digestion time, and vigorous tissue dissociation techniques can be combined to afford a uniquely high yield of viable cells.

US Patent:

58957456, Apr 20, 1999

Filed:

Sep 25, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/719769

Inventors:

Barbara A. Chandler - Lexington MA
Kermit M. Borland - Shrewsbury MA
Shawn P. Cain - North Chelmsford MA
Claudy J-P. Mullon - Framingham MA

Assignee:

W.R. Grace & Co.-Conn. - Lexington MA

International Classification:

A01N 102
C12N 500
G01N 3100

US Classification:

435 2

Abstract:

The invention features a method of processing cryopreserved cells by thawing and equilibrating the cells at warm temperatures (e. g. , between 30. degree. C. and 43. degree. C). Either the cell suspension in the cryoprotective medium is thawed to a temperature between 35. degree. C. and 43. degree. C. or the cryoprotective medium is equilibrated with a culture medium at a temperature between 35. degree. C. and 43. degree. C. , or both steps are carried out at the warm temperatures. By thawing and equilibrating the cryopreserved cells at warm temperatures, the viability, (especially after 3 hours of culture), and metabolic activity (i. e. , diazepam metabolism) of the cells can be improved over traditional cold cell processing (i. e. , at temperatures of between 2. degree. C. and 8. degree. C. ).