Method for Processing Tissues
Methods for processing tissue are provided. In some embodiments, the methods comprise methods for decellularizing tissue samples by applying high hydrostatic pressure to the tissues samples. In some embodiments, the methods comprise methods for thawing tissue samples and/or reducing the bioburden in a sample by applying high hydrostatic pressure to the tissue samples.
1 - 58 . (canceled)
59 . A method for reducing the bioburden in a soft tissue sample, said method comprising:
providing a tissue comprising mammalian skin;
removing an epidermal layer from the skin;
applying a pressure to the tissue by placing the tissue in a liquid and applying pressure to the liquid for a time sufficient to cause at least a 5 log reduction in the bacterial concentration within the tissue, wherein the pressure is applied at a rate to control the temperature of the temperature of the tissue such that the temperature of the tissue does not exceed 30° C.
60 . The method of claim 59 , wherein the pressure applied to the liquid is at least 500 MPa.
61 . The method of claim 59 , wherein the pressure applied to the liquid is at least 300 MPa for at least 30 minutes.
62 . The method of claim 59 wherein the pressure applied to the liquid is at least 400 MPa for at least 10 minutes.
63 . The method of claim 59 , wherein the pressure applied to the liquid is at least 400 MPa for at least 40 minutes.
64 . The method of claim 59 , wherein the liquid comprises an aqueous salt solution.
65 . The method of claim 64 , wherein the liquid comprises phosphate buffered saline.
66 . The method of claim 59 , further comprising performing at least one additional sterilization process on the tissue.
67 . The method of claim 66 , wherein the sterilization process comprises a gamma irradiation process.
68 . The method of claim 66 , wherein the sterilization process comprises an e-beam irradiation process.
69 . The method of claim 66 , wherein the sterilization process comprises a supercritical carbon dioxide sterilization process.
70 . The method of claim 66 , wherein the sterilization process comprises a peracetic acid treatment process.
71 . (canceled)
72 . The method of claim 59 , wherein the mammalian soft tissue comprises porcine dermis.
73 . (canceled)
74 . The method of claim 59 , wherein the temperature of the tissue sample does not exceed 25° C.