Cryopreservation of stem cells to be used for cartilage repair?

GUELPH - Cryopreservation is the next exciting stage of research in stem cell therapy.

Dr. Thomas Koch and his team are working to preserve cartilage chips for long-term storage, which would enable off-the-shelf use to treat localized cartilage defects. Defects that very often shorten or end horses athletic careers.

Cryopreservation (or vitrification) is the formation of a solid from an aqueous solution without the formation of ice crystals. Using cartilage chips created from equine umbilical cord blood, this next stage in research has the potential to change the way cartilage defects are treated.

If cryopreserved, stored cells can be used; treatment would be very efficient, with no need to harvest stem cells from the patient.

This means fewer visits, less waiting and faster treatment.