Cell Tissue and Organ Resource Core

About the Group

The Cell, Tissue and Organ Resource Core (CRC) at Massachusetts General Hospital is a nonprofit facility dedicated to supporting scientific discovery through the provision of high-quality biological resources and services. Our mission is to provide researchers with reliable, affordable, and innovative access to primary hepatocytes. Using a novel perfusion technique developed at Mass General to preserve liver cell viability prior to transplantation, we are able to significantly increase the yield and quality of viable hepatocytes from donor livers.

In addition to human, rat, and mouse liver cell isolations, the CRC has expanded its offerings to include small animal microsurgery, organ perfusion services, and hands-on cell culture and microsurgery training. Our highly skilled team—comprising physicians, researchers, and technicians—are available to assist with cell and organ perfusion questions and experimental design, ensuring you have the support needed for successful research outcomes.

To maximize efficiency and maintain hepatocyte cell viability, we offer same-day pickup or a cryogenic delivery service for labs located more than 30 minutes from our facility. At the CRC, we are proud to share our expertise and provide essential tools that drive innovation and progress in biomedical science.

Our Products

• Human Hepatocytes – Cryopreserved
• Platable cryopreserved human hepatocytes
• Animal Hepatocytes – Fresh (local pickup only)
• Animal hepatocytes are available from rats or mice
• Cell Culture Media (Provide support and nutrients to cells and organs to keep them viable during use)
• DMEM
• C+H Media (Complete Hepatocyte Media)
• Recovery Media (For Organ Perfusion's Only)

Services Offered

• Hepatocyte Cell Culture Training and organs
• Hands on instruction in isolation, thawing plating and maintenance of primary hepatocytes
• Offered in 3-hour training sessions
• Microsurgery Training
• Focused training in a variety of small animal surgical techniques
• Offered in 3-hour training sessions
• Customized Organ Perfusion
• Tailored perfusion protocols for human organs, large animal and small animal models
• Includes setup, technical support, protocol development, and data collection options
• Lab Access & Equipment Rental
• Access to perfusion systems, blood gas analyzers, and biochemical testing platforms
• Access to our experienced scientists and technicians for support and guidance
• Please inquire for more information, including availability and scheduling

Facilities & Equipment

We offer lab space rental with full access to our state-of-the-art organ perfusion systems. Our experienced scientists and technicians specialize in normothermic, subnormothermic, and hypothermic perfusions across multiple organ models, including liver, heart, kidney, limb, and uterus in small and large animal models, as well as in human organs.

The service includes use of bench space, blood gas analyzers, Abbott Piccolo reagent panels, CBC testing (as needed), all necessary perfusion supplies, and dedicated technician support for hands-on assistance and guidance.

Fee Schedule

For the most up to date pricing for our services, please visit our website.