New Study Shows Cloning From Dried Cells Now Possible

Main Category: Stem Cell Research
Also Included In: Biology / Biochemistry;  Public Health;  Fertility
Article Date: 10 Sep 2008 - 5:00 PDT

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Core Dynamics Inc. announced that cloning with freeze-dried cells is possible for the first time, according to new study findings in the August issue of the research journal PLos One. The company's patented IMT freeze-drying technology was used in the study.

Cloning starts when an egg without genetic material is injected with cells with it. Until now, these cells had to be fresh or frozen and thawed just before injection.

In the investigation, the cells were freeze-dried and stored for three years at room temperature. They then were revived by adding water and successfully used to form sheep embryos.

The key benefit is that now clinicians can preserve cells with minimal storage costs for long periods of time. "We didn't see any reduction in the viability of the cells during the three years; therefore, theoretically they could be stored indefinitely under optimal conditions," explained lead investigator Professor Pasqualino Loi, DVM, PhD, department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Teramo University, Teramo, Italy.

"This milestone could signal the dawn of a new era in biomedicine by facilitating the use of cells that can regenerate damaged tissue in the cartilage and heart and other tissue or organs, as well as by significantly increasing access to red-blood, bone-marrow and other cells currently used in medical care," Dr. Loi added.

Scientists have long been trying to freeze dry cells to allow for easier handling, reduced storage costs and better availability. Storing frozen cells with liquid nitrogen is the current gold standard but is costly and complicated, with special transportation and storage requirements. It also can cause cell damage and contamination, and the needed equipment is not always available in developing countries.

Dr. Loi also noted that the new technology also could assist with conserving animals threatened with extinction by allowing for easy and inexpensive transportation and storage of cells of endangered species. "This could be invaluable, given we have no way of recovering these species once they're gone."

"These results validate the potential of our freeze-drying technology across a broad range of scientific, medical and commercial applications," said Dr. Amir Arav, DVM, PhD, Core Dynamics' founder and chief technology officer. "We look forward to working with the medical community to advance products for clinical use."

About Core Dynamics

Core Dynamics is a privately held biotechnology company that is stretching the horizons of the science of cryopreservation. The company is active in the research and development of unique freezing, thawing and freeze drying technologies that are being applied in work with cell preservation, blood transfusion, and tissue and organ transplantation. The company has developed unique protocols, equipment and solutions for cryopreservation of cells and of tissues such as osteo-articular cartilage and of whole organs. Core Dynamics' Research and Development center is located in Ness Ziona, Israel, with a staff of over 30 research scientists and support personnel. Company management has wide experience in the fields of medicine, cryopreservation and cell biology. The company's commercial offices are located in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey. Core Dynamics hopes to develop additional applications through research partnerships involving its advanced cryopreservation technologies.

Core Dynamics