The National Eye Institute (NEI) seeks research co-development partners and/or licensees for the development of a novel shipping container designed to protect live cell cultures during transport.

This technology includes a specialized container designed for the secure shipping of fragile cell cultures grown on the Snapwell insert system, preventing media splashing that can damage the cells. The problem this invention addresses is the lack of reliable shipping options for sensitive tissues that cannot be frozen, which are increasingly used in tissue transplantation applications. Current methods do not adequately protect these tissues during transport, leading to potential damage and loss of viability.

The technical solution involves a series of thermo-molded inserts placed within standard 50ml containers, which create smaller protective compartments around the living cells. This design minimizes the movement of surrounding media, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the cell layer. This innovation is particularly relevant for academic institutions, biotechnology companies, and military applications, all of which are exploring new tissue transplantation technologies and require dependable shipping solutions.

We are seeking licensing opportunities for this technology, which has the potential for significant impact in the transplantation field. The prototype is ready for testing in research settings, and we are open to collaboration with partners interested in commercializing this invention.