| CPC A61L 27/3612 (2013.01) [A61K 35/32 (2013.01); A61K 38/014 (2013.01); A61L 27/24 (2013.01); A61L 27/3608 (2013.01); A61L 27/3654 (2013.01); A61L 27/3683 (2013.01); A61L 27/3687 (2013.01); A61L 27/3691 (2013.01); A61L 27/3817 (2013.01); A61L 27/3852 (2013.01); A61L 27/50 (2013.01); A61L 27/54 (2013.01); A61L 27/56 (2013.01); A61L 2300/414 (2013.01); A61L 2300/64 (2013.01); A61L 2430/06 (2013.01)] | 26 Claims |

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1. A flexible cryopreserved partially digested cartilage material comprising non-cultured cartilage isolated from a subject, wherein:
the material comprises an extracellular matrix, growth factors, and chondrocytes,
wherein the extracellular matrix, growth factors, and chondrocytes were embedded in the material when it was isolated from the subject, and
wherein at least 70% of the chondrocytes are viable; and
the material has a first circular-shaped surface, an opposing second circular-shaped surface, and a thickness of 0.2 millimeters (mm) to 2 mm,
wherein the first circular-shaped surface has an array of cavities capable of facilitating migration of the chondrocytes,
wherein, after cryopreserving, the material retains the structural and functional properties of natural cartilage,
wherein digestion of the material is limited to an amount that preserves the viability of the chondrocytes and/or the structural and functional properties of natural cartilage, and
wherein digestion is performed in a manner that retains interaction between the extracellular matrix and the chondrocytes.
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