An Introduction to Allografts
Biovault Technical Ltd
Pioneering Stem Cell and Tissue Bioresource (processing, storage, release, allografts, cellular therapies & consultancy)
With so many types of allografts now available to doctors and patients, and with innovation rapidly enhancing allograft products, we get back to basics with a guide to the main types of allografts processed, stored and released by Biovault.
What is an allograft?
Allografts are human tissues and cells transplanted from one person to another. Allografts can be used to replace damaged or diseased tissues. They are often used in surgeries for joint replacement and skin grafting. Allografts are carefully screened to ensure that they are safe for transplantation, and they can greatly improve a patient's quality of life.
ALLOGRAFTS V AUTOGRAFTS
The word 'allo' in 'allograft' refers to 'other', while 'auto' in 'autografts' means 'self'. Autografts are tissue and cells transplanted within the same person's body.
What are the main types of allograft?
There are different kinds of tissue allografts, which include bone, ligament, meniscal, skin, and tendon. Stem cells also have therapeutic applications in allogeneic transplants. They can be used to treat various conditions such as MS and leukaemia. Moreover, they can be combined with tissue grafts to enhance the success rates of acceptance.
Where do allografts come from?
Allografts are collected from living and deceased donors within a highly regulated process. England has an opt-out organ donation system.
How are allografts stored?
Different allograft types require specific storage temperatures. Biovault offers cryogenic storage below -135oC, ultra-low storage between -40 to -86oC, -20oC storage, and ambient temperature storage.
As the human tissue bank for an NHS transplant service, Biovault regularly releases allografts. Our scientists are UK leaders in stem cell research and development, focusing on allogenic therapeutic products.