Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide novel apparatus and methods for sampling microbial organisms present on surfaces. Preferred apparatus comprises: a reservoir suitable for providing microbial collection fluid; a sterilizable sample collection chamber; a sterilizable, integrated collection fluid delivery and collection fluid recovery member, suitable to deliver collection fluid to a target surface, and contemporaneously recover the delivered fluid from the surface; delivery means, in communication with both the reservoir and the integrated member, and operable to aseptically deliver collection fluid from the reservoir to the integrated member; and vacuum means, in communication with both the sample collection chamber and the integrated member, and operable to direct collection fluid, delivered and recovered by the integrated member, to the sample collection chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides, in various embodiments, systems, devices and methods relating to ex-vivo organ care. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to maintaining an organ ex-vivo at near-physiologic conditions. The present application describes a method for using lactate measurement in the arterial and the venous blood lines of the Organ Care System Heart perfusion device to evaluate the: 1) The overall perfusion status of an isolated heart and 2) The metabolic status of an isolated heart and 3) the overall vascular patency of an isolated donor heart. This aspect of the present invention uses the property of myocardial cell's unique ability to produce/generate lactate when they are starved for oxygen and metabolize/utilize lactate for energy production when they are well perfused with oxygen.

Abstract: A biomass hydrothermal decomposition apparatus that feeds a solid biomass material 11 from one side of an apparatus body 42, feeds pressurized hot water 15 from the other side, to hydrothermally decompose the biomass material 11 while bringing the biomass material 11 into counter contact with the pressurized hot water 15, dissolves hot-water soluble fractions in hot water, discharges the pressurized hot water to outside from the one side of the apparatus body 42 as a hot-water effluent 16, and discharges a biomass solid 17 to the outside from the other side.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the isomerization and fermentation of xylose and hexose sugars using an immobilized enzyme system capable of sustaining two different pH microenvironments in a single vessel are disclosed. Bilayer particles are dispersed in a mixture comprising an ionic borate source and xylose. The bilayer particles have a first region with a first enzymatic activity comprising xylose isomerase and a pH of 6 or above, and a second region having a second enzymatic activity at an acidic pH.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a test device that detects microorganism growth by detecting a gas metabolite (e.g., carbon dioxide) produced during the growth of bacteria or other microorganism in a tested sample. The test device can contain a culture growth media separated from a detection area by a gas-permeable membrane. The gas-permeable membrane permits carbon dioxide to permeate into the detection area. The detection area includes a solidified mixture of pH indicators and a gelling agent in the form of a semi-permeable matrix. The optical properties, including the absorbance of light at various wavelengths, of the detection solution change with alterations in carbon dioxide concentration. This test device can then be placed in an incubation and optical detection instrument to monitor changes in optical properties of the detection are induced during microorganism growth in the culture medium.

Abstract: A modular automated system (10) for sample processing and/or detection of microorganisms is provided. The modular system includes modules (40a, 14, 40b, 50, 55) that perform at least one function in the process of detecting microorganisms in a culture device, such as collection of multiple samples, sample loading, sample preparation, sample incubation, and detection of microorganisms in samples. An exemplary embodiment of a modular sample processing and/or detection system can include an automated loading module, a liquid processing module, modular incubator, a second automated loading module, a reader module, and a collector.

Abstract: A fermenter for biogas plants, including a submersible motor-driven stirrer that can be vertically adjusted by means of a motor. During operation of the biogas plant, the fermenter is filled, to a level, with substrate that is to be fermented, and the agitator blades of the submersible motor-driven stirrer are fully immersed in the substrate. According to the invention, a level gauge is provided, by means of which the level of the substrate is detected and a corresponding level measuring signal is generated as an actual level signal. Furthermore, a control device is provided, to which the level measuring signal is fed and which controls the vertically adjusting motor for the submersible motor-driven stirrer in such a way when a lower level is detected that the stirrer is lowered and the agitator blades continue to be fully immersed in the substrate.

Abstract: Methods and systems of maintaining, evaluating, and providing therapy to a lung ex vivo. The methods and systems involve positioning the lung in an ex vivo perfusion circuit; circulating a perfusion fluid through the lung, the fluid entering the lung through a pulmonary artery interface and leaving the lung through a left atrial interface; and ventilating the lung by flowing a ventilation gas through a tracheal interface. Maintaining the lung for extended periods involves causing the lung to rebreath a captive volume of air, and reaching an equilibrium state between the perfusion fluid and the ventilation gas. Evaluating the gas exchange capability of the lung involves deoxygenating the perfusion fluid and measuring a time taken to reoxygenate the perfusion fluid by ventilating the lung with an oxygenation gas.

Abstract: A simple and low cost method of producing sealed arrays of laterally ordered nanochannels interconnected to microchannels of tunable size, over large surface areas, is disclosed. The method incorporates DNA combing and subsequent imprinting. Associated micro and macroscale inlets and outlets can be formed in the same process or manufactured later in low cost, non-cleanroom techniques. The techniques embrace two procedures, generating DNA nanostrands and translating these strands into nanoscale constructs via imprinting. Devices incorporating the novel arrays have a first microchannel, a second microchannel and a nanochannel that is substantially linear and which defines an axis. The nanochannel is connected at its open ends to the microchannels, which are aligned along the axis. Methods for precise dose delivery of agents into cells employing the devices in nanoelectroporation methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing biogas from organic matter including a container (1) which is charged with fermentation substrate by a delivery system (13). At least one stirring mechanism (2) is arranged in the container. The feedback value of at least one measurable variable is detected and transmitted to a control unit (4). A reference variable is also provided to the control unit. The control unit calculates the deviation of the feedback value from the reference value, and actuating variables which modify the power input of the stirring mechanism and/or the composition of the container contents and/or the flow behavior of the container contents are adjusted as a function of the deviation.

Abstract: A device (1) for detecting the bacterial charge in a liquid or semi-liquid food product comprises a main containment body (2), an analysis chamber (3), located inside the containment body (2) and designed to contain a certain quantity of product to be examined, one or more heating means (4) designed to heat the product inside the analysis chamber (3), at least one temperature sensor (5) designed to monitor the temperature of the product inside the analysis chamber (3) and sensor means (6) designed to detect the impedance in the product inside the analysis chamber (3). The analysis chamber (3) has an elongate shape and extends along a principal axis (3a), while the one or more heating means (4) are symmetrical about a plane at right angles to the principal axis (3a).

Abstract: The invention relates to a single use cell culture assembly for use in carrying out bioreactions and growing microorganisms, and tissue and cell cultures. The cell culture assembly is designed to receive an insert having a microscope slide upper surface, and includes a well frame having a plurality of partitioned well compartments, adapted to be positioned on the upper surface of the insert, and includes a liquid-impermeable releasable seal positioned on or within the lower edge of the well frame for maintaining a liquid-impermeable barrier between well compartments.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for growing cells—referred to as a cassette. The cell culturing device includes a housing that contains a lid having an optically clear window; a fluid distribution channel; a sample injection port fluidically connected to the fluid distribution channel; a base housing a porous media pad; and a media injection port fluidically connected to the media pad. The lid mates to the base to form a sterile seal; the fluid distribution channel is disposed over the media pad, which is viewable through the optical window; and sample fluid introduced into the fluid distribution channel is distributed evenly to the media pad, e.g., via a plurality of channels. The invention also provides kits that include cassettes of the invention and a tube set.

Abstract: There is provided a cell culture evaluation system, a cell culture evaluation method, and a cell culture evaluation program which are capable of estimating and evaluating the lag time or the minimum doubling time and objectively and adequately determining whether or not a cell population is stimulated for proliferation by using an average projected area of a cultured cell population or the rate of increasing the ratio of the non-single-cells as an evaluation parameter when culturing the cells. Images of the cell population to be cultured statically are acquired in a culture vessel, the average projected areas of the cells are calculated from the images for the respective culture times, and the lag times at lag phase are calculated from the calculated average projected areas of the cells.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, devices and systems for mixing and dispensing multi-component materials. The mixing and dispensing may be performed using a mobile, enclosed dispenser that can be used to supply a mixed multi-component material at the point of use. In some embodiments, the components to be mixed into the multi-component material may be supplied in cartridges.

Abstract: A first system includes a feedstock load port and a feedstock discharge port. The first system also includes a tank configured to retain biomass feedstock for aerobic biodegradation. The first system further includes a mechanical ventilator in fluid communication with the tank. The mechanical ventilator is configured to supply air to facilitate the aerobic biodegradation of the biomass feedstock. The first system also includes an exhaust port configured to receive gas generated during the aerobic biodegradation. A second system includes a feedstock load port and a feedstock discharge port. The second system also includes a pressure vessel configured to retain biomass feedstock for anaerobic biodegradation. The second system further includes a gas release device to facilitate migration of gas within the pressure vessel. The second system also includes a water cycler configured to cycle water within the pressure vessel. The second system further includes an exhaust port.

Abstract: A measuring unit which is to be attached to a cell culture container configured to accommodate cells to be cultured and a culture solution, includes: a measurer which is configured to measure information related to the cells and the culture solution, in a non-contact manner; and a sensor which is configured to detect at least one of a position, a posture, an impact, an orientation, and vibration.

Abstract: A system includes a vessel configured to couple with a gas source for drawing gas into the vessel. The vessel is also configured to receive liquid. The system includes an overflow port in fluid communication with the environment external to the vessel. The overflow port is configured to separate gas within the vessel from the external environment. The system also includes an overflow conduit having an end within the overflow port so that when gas pressure within the vessel increases, liquid is received by the overflow conduit. Another system includes a tank defining an air space for receiving gas generated during the biodegradation of biomass feedstock. The second system also includes an exhaust port, a first evaporator, a first condenser, an expansion valve, and a compressor. The second system also includes a heat exchanger, a second evaporator, and a second condenser.

Abstract: A standard material that is used for judging an abnormal portion in a particle analyzer is described. The standard material comprises first standard particles to be fluorescence-stained by a fluorescence-staining treatment and second standard particles that have preliminarily contained a fluorescence dye. A method and an analyzer that can judge an abnormal portion in a particle analyzer by using such a standard material are also described.

Abstract: A monolithically integrated sensor assembly is for detecting molecules that are potentially contained in an analyte. The assembly includes: a substrate; at least one sensor electrode, which is located on or in the substrate and is coated with a sensor-active layer, on which electrochemically active particles are generated in the present of the molecules to be detected, the particles being detected via an electric sensor signal on the sensor electrode(s); at least one additional electrode that is located on or in the substrate; and an operating circuit that is integrated into the substrate for controlling the sensor electrode and the additional electrode(s).