Cardiovascular biorepository offering human heart tissue samples for research
The University of Kentucky's Cardiovascular Biorepository provides a comprehensive collection of human heart tissue samples for research into end-stage heart failure. Ideal for collaborations with industry, the biobank includes samples from organ donors and patients with ventricular assist devices.
Overview
The University of Kentucky Cardiovascular Biorepository offers a unique resource for researchers focused on cardiovascular diseases, specifically end-stage heart failure. The biobank includes approximately 10,800 samples from 550 individuals, incorporating both control samples from organ donors and samples from patients with end-stage heart failure who have received ventricular assist devices or cardiac transplants. This invaluable collection is ideal for collaborative research initiatives with industry partners looking to advance cardiovascular therapies and diagnostics.
Technical specifications
- Sample Variety: The biorepository includes samples from the left and right atria, right ventricular free wall, septum, and various regions of the left ventricular free wall.
- Sample Size: Most samples weigh approximately 1 gram and are stored in 2 ml cryogenic vials in the vapor phase of liquid nitrogen, ensuring optimal preservation.
- Subsets Available: Includes myocardial samples from around 50 patients who received heart transplants after ventricular assist device support, with paired samples available at the time of device placement.
- Historical Sharing: Over 2,000 samples have been shared with around 30 academic and several biotechnology groups, demonstrating a track record of successful collaborations.
Technology readiness level
This biorepository is at Technology Readiness Level 6, indicating that the samples and associated protocols have been validated in relevant environments and are ready for further industry collaboration and research applications.
About University of Kentucky
The University of Kentucky is a comprehensive public, land‑grant research university and the Commonwealth’s flagship, anchored in Lexington with a major academic medical center and statewide reach. Industry engages through an affiliated research and technology park with multi‑tenant labs and direct access to campus experts. Integration with a major hospital system enables clinical studies and data‑driven translation, while a Cooperative Extension network connects R&D to communities across Kentucky. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NIH, NSF, USDA, and DOE alongside corporate and state partnerships. A dedicated tech transfer office provides IP management, licensing, startup support, and industry contracting to accelerate commercialization.
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