Polystyrene Boxes Research Articles

Prolonged emersion of Solea senegalensis , Kaup 1858, for its application in transport

This study aimed to determine the maximum time of emersion of Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) specimens to form the basis for a dry sole transport procedure. For this purpose, 56 specimens (922.33 ± 29.52 g body weight) were individually placed in polystyrene boxes on a wet cloth, maintaining constant temperature (15°C) during emersion trial. Specimens (n = 7 per group) were sampled for plasma, and mortality was monitored at different points (0, 2, 6, 12, 20, 28, 36 and 44 h of emersion), and several stress (cortisol, glucose and lactate) and metabolic (triglycerides, proteins and amino acids) parameters were assessed. After sampling, each experimental group was placed in recovery tanks for the assessment of delayed mortality and feeding performance after emersion trial. Transport periods longer than 28 h produced high stress level indicated by (i) significant increase in circulating cortisol and lactate and (ii) glucose reserves mobilization. These alterations originated physiological problems during the emersion trial that induced mortality as well as problems for recovering correct feeding performance of specimens. These results suggested that at 15°C for S. senegalensis specimens (around 900 g body weight), a waterless transport is possible without direct or delayed mortality up to 28 h.

Cambios anatómicos en raíces e hipocótilos de plántulas de Prosopis ruscifolia (Fabaceae) sometidas a estrés salino

Prosopis ruscifolia is a pioneer tree species in flooding or saline areas. The aim of this work was to assess anatomical changes in roots and hypocotyls of P. ruscifolia seedlings induced to saline stress under controlled conditions. Seeds, collected in natural forests of Western Chaco region in Argentina, were sown on paper towels moisturized with saline solutions of 100, 200 and 300 mM of NaCl, and a control group with distilled water. Four repetitions of 50 seeds per treatment were sown, located in hermetic polystyrene boxes, and included in a seeding chamber, at 27 ºC and 12 hours photoperiod. Were studied 35 seedlings from each saline concentration; these seedlings were processed 12 days after sown to obtain microscopic samples. The anatomical variables measured in roots and hypocotyls were the following: main root diameter (µm), bark thickness (µm), number of cell strata in bark, central cylinder diameter (µm), pith diameter (µm), number of cell strata in the pericycle and the tangential diameter of vessels (µm). ANOVA analysis were performed with hypocotyl and root diameters as the dependent variable, and bark thickness (µm), number of cell strata in the bark, the central cylinder diameter (µm), the pith diameter (µm), number of cell strata in the pericycle, the tangential diameter of vessels and the saline concentration as independent variables. Results showed that the root diameter decreased with increasing saline concentrations (P < 0.0001). The bark thickness decreased at 100 mM (P < 0.0001) and the number of cell strata of bark increased to 300 mM (P < 0.0002). The central cylinder diameter decreased at 100 mM saline concentration (P < 0.0001) and the number of cell strata of the pericycle and the pith diameter reduced progressively until 300 mM. The tangential diameter of vessels decreased at 300 mM. These anatomical changes suggested alterations in the expansion and cell division caused by the salinity, and could limit lateral roots formation and reserves storage. Hypocotyls did not show significant anatomical changes in response to increasing salinity, with exception of stomata position and an increase of the hypodermis thickness. These changes indicated that the water stress imposed by low osmotic potential is caused by increasing saline concentration. The seedlings of P. ruscifolia experienced anatomical changes in response to tested saline concentrations in traits related to reserve storage, the absorption and conduction of water, and lateral roots formation.

Strategies to increase the hygienic and economic value of fresh fish: Biopreservation using lactic acid bacteria of marine origin

In this work we describe the development of a biopreservation strategy for fresh fish based on the use of bacteriocinogenic LAB of marine origin. For this purpose, two multibacteriocinogenic LAB strains, Lactobacillus curvatus BCS35 and Enterococcus faecium BNM58, previously isolated from fish and fish products were selected owing to their capability to inhibit the growth of several fish-spoilage and food-borne pathogenic bacteria. Two commercially important fish species were chosen, young hake (Merluccius merluccius) and megrim (Lepidorhombus boscii), and the specimens were acquired at the Marín (Pontevedra, Spain) retail fish market, after one night in the chilled hold of a near-shore fishing vessel. The biopreservation potential and the application strategies of these two LAB strains were first tested at a laboratory scale, where several batches of fresh fish were inoculated with: (i) the multibacteriocinogenic LAB culture(s) as protective culture(s); and/or (ii) their cell-free culture supernatant(s) as food ingredient(s), and (iii) the lyophilized bacteriocin preparation(s) as lyophilized food ingredient(s). All batches were stored in polystyrene boxes, permanently filled with ice at 0–2°C, for 14days. Microbiological analyses, as well as sensorial analyses, were carried out during the biopreservation trials. Subsequently, Lb. curvatus BCS35 was selected to up-scale the trials, and combinations of the three application methods were assayed. For this purpose, this strain was grown in a semi-industrial scale fermentor (150l) in modified MRS broth, and three batches of fresh fish were inoculated with the protective culture and/or food ingredient, and stored on ice in a chilled chamber at 0–2°C at the Marín retail fish market for 14days. Microbiological analyses were carried out during the storage period, showing that when Lb. curvatus BCS35 culture or the corresponding cell-free culture supernatant was used as protective culture or food ingredient, respectively, bacterial counts were significantly lower than those of the untreated control batches, both for young hake and megrim. In addition, the presence of Listeria spp. in megrim was inhibited in both analyses. The effect of protective culture or food ingredient on the sensory characteristics of fish was evaluated by an official fish appraiser from the Marín retail fish market, who concluded that all the biopreserved batches were worth a higher price in the fish market than the respective control batches, demonstrating that the multibacteriocinogenic strain of marine origin Lb. curvatus BCS35 may be considered as a suitable candidate for its application as fresh fish biopreservative.

Effects of incubation technique on proxies for olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) neonate fitness

Sea turtles and their nests face multiple threats on nesting beaches. Techniques have been developed to mitigate threats, these include relocating nests to fenced-off hatcheries or polystyrene boxes. The alteration of the nest’s natural environment may have direct effects on hatchling phenotype and locomotor performance. To test the effects of these two incubation conditions on proxies for hatchling fitness, we analysed locomotor performance (time to crawl 3 m and righting response) and phenotypic measures (weight and carapace length and width) of olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) hatchlings. We found that mean temperature was higher in hatcheries (30.5°C) than in polystyrene boxes (29.9°C) and that hatchlings incubated in polystyrene boxes had smaller straight carapace length (39.2 mm ± 2.0) and were significantly slower in crawl speed (CS) (0.0107 m s−1 ± 0.005) than those from hatcheries (SCL = 40.7 mm ± 1.3; CS = 0.018 m s−1 ± 0.005).

Effect of packaging on quality of enriched fruit bars from aonla (EmblicaofficinalisG.) during storage

The main objective of the study was to evaluate the packaging materials to maintain quality of enriched fruit bars during storage. The experiment was laid out in CRD with 10 treatments. Blending of aonla pulp with pulp of provitaminA rich fruits viz. mango, papaya and jackfruit in different ratios was carried out and its effect on the quality of resultant fruit bars in different packaging materials was evaluated during storage for a period of 6 months. A declining trend in moisture, acidity, non-reducing sugars and ascorbic acid and total carotenoids was observed whereas Total Soluble Solids, total sugars, reducing sugars and non-enzymatic browning showed an upward trend. Enrichment of aonla pulp with fruit pulp of provitaminA rich fruits like mango, papaya and jackfruit showed a rise in total carotenoids and reduced astringency and acidity, thereby resulting in fruit bars with altered palatability and enhanced nutrition. Packaging materials did not reveal any significant variation in sugar retention of fruit bars during storage. High Impact Polystyrene boxes were found to be more effective in reduction of non-enzymatic browning as compared to LDPE and areca plate overwrapped with cling film. Enriched fruit bars contained three vital antioxidants viz. Vitamin C, carotenoids and polyphenols.

Design and evaluation of a bioreactor with application to forensic burial environments

Existing forensic taphonomic methods lack specificity in estimating the postmortem interval (PMI) in the period following active decomposition. New methods, such as the use of citrate concentration in bone, are currently being considered; however, determining the applicability of these methods in differing environmental contexts is challenging. This research aims to design a forensic bioreactor that can account for environmental factors known to impact decomposition, specifically temperature, moisture, physical damage from animals, burial depth, soil pH, and organic matter content. These forensically relevant environmental variables were characterized in a soil science context. The resulting metrics were soil temperature regime, soil moisture regime, slope, texture, soil horizon, cation exchange capacity, soil pH, and organic matter content. Bioreactor chambers were constructed using sterilized thin-walled polystyrene boxes housed in calibrated temperature units. Gravesoil was represented using mineral soil (Ultisols), and organic soil proxy for Histosols, horticulture mix. Gravesoil depth was determined using mineral soil horizons A and Bt2 to simulate surface scatter and shallow grave burial respectively. A total of fourteen different environmental conditions were created and controlled successfully over a 90-day experiment. These results demonstrate successful implementation and control of forensic bioreactor simulating precise environments in a single research location, rather than site-specific testing occurring in different geographic regions. Bone sections were grossly assessed for weathering characteristics, which revealed notable differences related to exposure to different temperature regimes and soil types. Over the short 90-day duration of this experiment, changes in weathering characteristics were more evident across the different temperature regimes rather than the soil types. Using this methodology, bioreactor systems can be created to replicate many different clandestine burial contexts, which will allow for the more rapid understanding of environmental effects on skeletal remains.

Endoscopic correction of vesicoureteral reflux simulator curriculum as an effective teaching tool: Pilot study

It has been well recognized that simulators are effective tools to teach and evaluate technical skills in laparoscopic surgery. Endoscopic injection for the correction of vesicourteral reflux has a definite learning curve. Surgeon experience has also been demonstrated to have an important role in the outcome of the procedure. Simulated training allows for practice in a realistic setting without the inherent risk of harm to the patient. This stress free environment allows the trainee to focus on the acquisition of surgical skills without worry about surgical outcome. The aim was to validate a porcine bladder simulator curriculum for training and assessment of the surgical skills for the endoscopic correction of vesicoureteral reflux. We developed a porcine bladder-based dextranomer/hyaluronic acid (Dx/HA) injection simulator consisting of a dissected ex vivo porcine bladder in a polystyrene box with the distal ureters and urethra secured (Figure). We performed content validation by five experienced pediatric urologists. We then organized a simulator curriculum, which included lecture, demonstration, and a 2-h hands-on training on the simulator. Content, discriminant, and concurrent validation of the simulator curriculum were carried out using 11 urology trainees at different levels of expertise. All the trainees were evaluated for each step of the procedure of both their first and last performances on the simulator. Overall, the model demonstrated good content validity by all experts (mean questionnaire score 92%). The simulator curriculum demonstrated a significant improvement in the performance of the trainees between their first and last evaluations (56-92%; p = 0.008). Specific parts of the procedure that showed significant improvement (p < 0.05) were identification of the ureteral orifice, ureteral orifice hydrodistention, first and second injection, and location, size, and depth of the mound after injection. The Dx/HA endoscopic injection simulator is an effective training tool to improve the performance of the surgeon carrying out the procedure. This teaching tool may be used to help improve the performance of the surgeon carrying out the procedure. This teaching curriculum may shorten the early learning curve historically associated with the procedure and provide a greater understanding of the technical components of successful endoscopic vesicoureteral reflux correction. Additionally, the implementation of this simulator within the developed curriculum can improve the performance of training urologists in all steps of the challenging technique of Dx/HA needle injection confirming concurrent validity. The next step in evaluation of this surgical skill-training curriculum would be to determine if the improvement in skill performance observed during training translates to improved performance in the clinical realm, or predictive validity. Some small differences exist between the porcine model and human ureteral orifices. In the porcine model the ureteral orifices are located medially and distally in the bladder neck, which make injection more challenging. Participants suggested that after practicing with the simulator endoscopic injection to a human ureteral orifice would be easier. The simulator curriculum was able to improve the performance of the surgeon carrying out the procedure during subsequent simulations.

MAINTAINING TABLE GRAPE QUALITY BY APPLYING QUARANTINE TREATMENTS DURING COOLING

‘Red Globe’, ‘Thompson Seedless’ and ‘Crimson Seedless’ grapes were picked directly into ventilated polystyrene boxes and chilled for 6-8 h to approximately 20°C before being fumigated with 52.6 g m-3 ethyl formate + 21.6% carbon dioxide to treat external pests and stages likely to be found in harvested produce: 1st-3rd instar light brown apple moth and red back spiders; long-tailed mealy bug crawlers; adult two spotted spider mites, plague thrips and western flower thrips. Fumigation was applied for 2.5 h at 21°C in a refrigerated shipping container (68 m3) while cooling to 15°C. Cooling was continued to 1 and 2°C for 16 and 18 days, respectively to simulate control of Mediterranean and Queensland fruit flies. The results show that pests in harvested grapes can be killed and optimum fruit quality maintained in the cool chain.

Application Of Phase Change Materials (PCM’s) To Preserve The Freshness Of Seafood Products

The application of Phase Change Materials (PCMs) as one of latent heat energy storage materials in smart cold system has been investigated for preserving a freshness of seafood products. In this investigation, PCMs was installed on Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) box system as insulated container. The freshness of the seafood product was shown by the time of keeping temperature during storage or distribution. Keeping temperature time of smart cold system using PCMs was compared to conventional cold system using ice cubes. The result shows that EPS box system using PCMs can prolonged the keeping temperature time and reached colder temperature than the conventional one. Microbiology test of products was monitored to prove that products occured no changes in quality.

In the beginning was the U1A protein: a personal reflection.

In the beginning was the U1A protein: a personal reflection.

Development of On-Package Indicator Sensor for Real-Time Monitoring of Buffalo Meat Quality During Refrigeration Storage

A new colorimetric indicator sensor based on bromophenol blue sensitive to total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN) released from buffalo meat during storage has been fabricated for real-time monitoring of meat quality. The indicator sensor was fabricated by coating bromophenol blue onto indicator carrier (filter paper) via centrifugation. Buffalo meat was packed in polystyrene boxes and covered tightly with cling film, and an indicator sensor was attached to its inner side facing towards the meat. The bromophenol blue-coated filter paper as an indicator sensor worked based on an increase in concentration of TVBN produced gradually in the package headspace, and subsequently, the colour of the sensor changed from yellow to blue indicating deterioration in meat quality, which was easily visible to the naked eye. The change in colour of the indicator sensor was compared with meat quality parameters for a period of 9 days under refrigeration storage at 4 ± 1 °C, which was well correlated with deterioration in meat quality as the storage period advanced. Based on the changes in colour of the indicator sensor during refrigeration storage, a colour scale was developed for comparing the colour of sensor kept along with meat to monitor its quality and freshness during storage. Results have indicated that sensor response correlated well with microbial load of buffalo meat, thus enabling the sensor for real-time monitoring of buffalo meat spoilage during refrigeration storage.

Survival and Immunity of Marron Cherax cainii (Austin, 2002) Fed Bacillus mycoides Supplemented Diet under Simulated Transport

The present study examined the effect of simulated transport on marron, Cherax cainii, (Austin, 2002) after a 10 week feeding trial using basal diet or customised probiotic, Bacillus mycoides supplemented diet by measuring intestinal bacterial population, total haemocyte count (THC), bacteraemia, morbidity, dehydration and mortality. Packing steps followed the established standard packing method for live transportation of marron. Each treatment group consisted of six polystyrene boxes (65 × 30 × 40 cm3), and each box contained 30 marron from each feeding group. The sealed boxes were placed on a trolley at room temperature to give the effect of transportation. Boxes were opened at 24th and 48th hour post simulated transport and marron from each treatment group were returned to the culture tank. After temperature acclimation, the marron were observed for mortality and samples were collected to assess marron health and immunity. The results demonstrated that no mortality was observed at 24 h of transport both in basal diet and probiotic diet fed marron, however at 48h of transport the survival of probiotic fed marron was significantly higher (100 ± 0.0%) compared to survival (93.3 ± 2.8%) of basal diet fed marron. The higher survival rate of probiotic fed marron was also sustained by superior health and immune status indicated by higher intestinal bacterial population, higher total haemocyte count and lower haemolymph bacteria (bacteraemia) level. In brief, supplementation with host origin customized probiotic B. mycoides significantly improved marron tolerance to a live transport stress test, which resulted in no mortality up to 48h of transport.

Seasonal Variability of the Price and Quality of Fresh Red Porgy Fish Sold in the Local Market of Igoumenitsa, NW Greece

Farmed Red porgy (Pagrus pagrus) is one of the “new candidate fish species” for the diversification of Mediterranean aquaculture which is predomintly based on the cultivation of the European sea bass, (Dicenfrarchus labrax), and the gilthead sea bream, (Sparus aurata). The quality of farmed red porgy (Pagrus pagrus) was investigated with samples obtained from the local fish market in the region of Igoumenitsa, NW Greece. Sample of the fish (ungutted and with scales) were purchased from three local fish mongers (the purchased fish were coded as Fish monger 1, 2 and 3) and transported to the laboratory within few minutes, using foamed polystyrene boxes covered with. The average weight of whole fish ranged between 271 and 289g. A sample of the fish flesh taken from the upper epaxial region was transferred aseptically to a stomacher bag containing sterile buffered peptone water solution (0.1%) and homogenized. After serial dilutions in 0.1% peptone water, the homogenates were spread on the surface of agar plates. Total viable counts (TVC) were determined using plate count agar after incubation at 30oC for 3 days. The quality attributes monitored during the present work included bacterial load (total mesophilic) and the pH of the flesh. The pH values varied between 6.54 and 6.69. The results indicate a possible influence of season on the bacterial load of fish sold in the market. Nevertheless, the parameters investigated in the present work indicate that the bacteria load was well below the legal limit and that fish were sold within few days after harvesting. The peak of bacterial load in the summer samples may be a result of a seasonal variability in ambient water temperature as well post harvesting contamination of the farmed fish and temperature fluctuations during handling and transportation.

Sperm quality of the Amazon catfish Leiarius marmoratus (Gill, 1870) after cold storage.

This study aimed at assessing the sperm quality of the Amazon catfish, Leiarius marmoratus ¸ after refrigeration without extenders. After capturing the animals and stripping of semen, the following parameters were analyzed: progressive motility, motility quality score, duration of motility and sperm morphology. An aliquot of fresh semen from each male was kept at room temperature (28 ± 2°C) as a control, for further comparison with cooled semen. The semen from each animal was stored in extenders-free individual syringes. The syringes were kept in ice within polystyrene boxes at 13 ± 2°C. For both fresh and cooled semen, seminal parameters were evaluated every one-hour interval, reaching seven hours of analysis. Fresh semen showed a significant decrease in motility, motility quality score and duration of motility remaining viable only for three hours. Progressive motility of the cooled semen displayed a negative linear pattern (P<0.05). The duration of motility increased (P<0.05), reaching its peak after three hours of storage. The motility quality score showed a quadratic pattern. No statistical differences were observed when sperm morphology was assessed (P>0.05), even though the mean values of total abnormalities have increased over the storage time. Further studies focusing on the application of this technique should be performed, including the addition of extenders and cryoprotectants for preservation of the sperm over longer periods.

The shelf life of farmed turbot (Scophthalmus maximus).

A total of 18 farmed turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) were slaughtered over 4 successive weeks in November 2012 and stored in polystyrene boxes with ice until analyzed. The fish were stored between 1 and 22 d and presented to a taste panel and further analyzed for quality index method (QIM), microbiological analysis by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR), taste, pH, color by computer imaging, protein denaturation with differential scanner calorimeter (DSC), texture hardness, and shear force. Results show small, but significant changes in physical and visual attributes such as texture and color. No gaping was observed. Only small changes in texture were observed explained by lack of myosin denaturation. The fillets became more white and yellow during storage, whereas the major changes occurred during the 1st week. A panel evaluating QIM and taste could not distinguish major differences in appearance and taste and over 15 d storage period, but were able to quantify the age by smell. Analysis of microorganisms on the epidermis displayed growth of Carnobacterium maltaromaticum, potentially inhibiting growth of other spoilage bacteria. Fish stored for 22 d were rejected by the taste panel caused by a stale smell and taste, but not bitter or rancid. It is concluded that turbot has a shelf life of at least 16 d.

Effect of Blood Removal Protocol and Superchilling on Quality Parameters of Prerigor Filleted Farmed Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua)

A total of 40 farmed Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) were in 2 groups either fillet directly after stunning and spray washed or produced into fillets according to traditional slaughter methods including exsanguination for 30 min, gutting and washing. Both groups were either stored superchilled or traditionally on ice. After 7 d postmortem color (CIE L*, a*, b*) and fillet shrinkage was measured by computer imaging along with drip loss and texture hardness. Results show that superchilled fillets had significant lower core temperature than fillets stored on ice during the entire 7 d storage period. This resulted in reduced fillet shrinkage from 14.7% to 6.9% and less drip loss dropping from 9.45% to 3.99% in average. Processing the fish directly into fillets resulted in satisfactory blood drainage, where all groups were in particularly well exsanguinated with a* values below zero. No color difference was observed between filleting groups or chilling methods. Spray washing of the fillets resulted in water uptake and higher drip loss in interaction with chilling method. We conclude that filleting farmed fish in one step is feasible. Traditionally farmed fish are slaughtered and processed over several steps, which often include live chilling, stunning, exsanguination, chilling, gutting, rinsing, decapitation, filleting before the fillets are packed into polystyrene boxes and shipped with ice. These processes are often time, laboring, space, and energy consuming. A novel processing line for filleting of farmed fish is gutting and filleting the fish directly after decapitation and replacing exsanguination with spray washing the fillets. In addition, all the cooling steps are replaced by superchilling the fillets. This novel process line gives fillets with comparable if not superior quality compared to the traditional process.

Keeping a cool mind: head–body temperature differences in the common wall lizard

AbstractEvidence of head–body temperature differences are known for many species of medium‐ to large‐sized reptiles, but are scanty for small lacertid lizards. In this study, we heated 48 individuals of Podarcis muralis (19 males and 29 females) in order to investigate their ability to achieve and maintain local temperature differences between body parts. Lizards were put into polystyrene boxes and heated with incandescent lamps. Temperatures were measured with both an infrared thermometer and an infrared camera at four different body points every 20 min for 2 h. We found a statistically significant thermal gradient from the tip of the nose, the coolest part of the body, to the trunk, the warmest area, whereas the head achieved an intermediate temperature. We therefore hypothesize that P. muralis is able to physiologically regulate the heat distribution across its body. Podarcis muralis is sexually dimorphic, but neither sex nor body size are associated with temperature differences between individuals. The two measurement devices used responded differently to insulating material and to living animals, possibly indicating that infrared camera is able to detect dermal heat, while infrared thermometer detects mainly epidermal heat. This study shows for the first time that P. muralis can achieve and maintain temperature differences between the head and the body.

Cell Separation

Cell Separation

Environmental Survival of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in Different Climatic Zones of Eastern Australia

The duration of survival of both the S and C strains of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in feces was quantified in contrasting climatic zones of New South Wales, Australia, and detailed environmental temperature data were collected. Known concentrations of S and C strains in feces placed on soil in polystyrene boxes were exposed to the environment with or without the provision of shade (70%) at Bathurst, Armidale, Condobolin, and Broken Hill, and subsamples taken every 2 weeks were cultured for the presence of M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis. The duration of survival ranged from a minimum of 1 week to a maximum of 16 weeks, and the provision of 70% shade was the most important factor in extending the survival time. The hazard of death for exposed compared to shaded samples was 20 and 9 times higher for the S and C strains, respectively. Site did not affect the survival of the C strain, but for the S strain, the hazard of death was 2.3 times higher at the two arid zone sites (Broken Hill and Condobolin) than at the two temperate zone sites (Bathurst and Armidale). Temperature measurements revealed maximum temperatures exceeding 60°C and large daily temperature ranges at the soil surface, particularly in exposed boxes.

An outcome analysis and long-term viability of cryopreserved cultured epidermal allografts: assessment of the conservation of transplantable human skin allografts

To assess the viability of cultured epithelium and preserved by freezing for periods varying from one month to one year. Samples of cultured epithelium were incubated in cryoprotectant medium (Group A), packed in aluminum envelopes and packed in polystyrene boxes. The boxes were subjected to a temperature of-70 ºC. After freezing for a period of time ranging from one to 12 months, cultured epithelial samples were assessed for their viability by vital staining (Trypan blue) and metabolic analysis based on glucose consumption and lactate production. Samples of not frozen cultured epithelium (Group B) were also tested for viability and the results obtained were used as comparison parameter for the variation of viability. Statistical analysis between the group A and B indicate that the mean age of the donors (p=0.51) and the culture time (p=1.18) showed no statistical difference. In 30 days we obtained 37% of the original viability of cultured epithelium, 25% at six months and one year, less than 15%. This trend was confirmed statistically with a reduction of approximately 1.8% of the original viability epithelium cultured every 30 days of storage. In the analysis by lactate production, similar results were observed. In the analysis by the glucose consumption results were not significant. The viability indices show statistically significant difference between the group A and B (p<0.0001). Although cryopreserved cultured epithelium showed significant reduction of viability, all samples remained viable. It was also found that the viability of cryopreserved cultured epithelial decreased as a function of storage time.