Abstract: A method of disinfecting using a light diffusing fiber includes optically coupling a light source to a light diffusing optical fiber having a core, a cladding surrounding the core, an outer surface, and a plurality of scattering structures positioned within the core, the cladding, or both the core and the cladding. The method further includes positioning the light diffusing optical fiber in optical engagement with a pathogen sample and directing light output by the light source into the light diffusing optical fiber for a first time interval. The scattering structures scatter light propagating along the light diffusing optical fiber toward the outer surface and a portion of the light diffuses through the outer surface thereby irradiating the pathogen sample with light having an average power density of about 5 mW/cm2 to about 30 mW/cm2 at a wavelength from about 380 nm to about 495 nm for an exposure time from about 2 hours to about 24 hours.

Abstract: A bioreactor (1; 2; 3) includes a receiving container (10) for receiving a disposable bag (44). A bottom surface (11) of the receiving container (10) is designed to support the disposable bag (44) in the receiving container (10). An outlet opening (5) is formed in the bottom surface (11) and tapers down with respect to the ground for receiving a drain port (45) of the disposable bag (44). The drain port is complementary to the outlet opening (5).

Abstract: An ultraviolet light sterilization device for treatment of plant materials, having a rotational treatment chamber having an axis of rotation and at least one mechanical agitation element, an ultraviolet light device that is positioned inside the rotational treatment chamber and is further positioned generally parallel to and congruent with the axis of rotation and where the ultraviolet light device and the rotational treatment chamber are connected to one another via a rotational bearing such that the rotational treatment chamber may be rotated about the axis of rotation while the ultraviolet light device does not rotate, and where the ultraviolet light device is electrically coupled to a power source via an electrical cable that passes through an aperture in the rotational bearing.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for reducing cost and space requirements and increasing ease of cleaning/harvesting of algae scrubbers and seaweed cultivators by utilizing illumination domes, macroalgal settlement structures, reservoirs including overflowing and pole mount, repositionable water outlet structures, 3D printed macroalgal attachment materials, and submersible macroalgal illumination devices.

Abstract: A cartridge reader controlled by processing means for carrying out a diagnostic test on a sample contained in a fluidic cartridge comprises a mechanical valve for isolating the sample with the cartridge. A system for actuating the mechanical valve comprises an actuation member configured to move the mechanical valve from an open position to a closed position and an armature connected to the actuation member. The armature is configured to engage an electromagnet, wherein the electromagnet can be switched between an active state in which it electromagnetically holds the armature and an inactive state in which it does not electromagnetically hold the armature. First biasing means are disposed between the actuation member and a bearing surface, wherein the first biasing means is configured to bias the actuation member into a first position in which it actuates a mechanical valve in a fluidic cartridge inserted into the reader.

Abstract: An insect culture maintenance system includes a sequence of open-ended cylindrical tubes [500, 502, 504, 506] joined pairwise alternately at their tops and bottoms using multiple dual-cap connectors. Each dual-capped connector has a channel from an inside of a first cap to an inside of a second cap. In use, connectors that cap the bottoms of the tubes [508, 512] are filled with insect food media [518, 520], while connectors that cap the tops of the tubes [510] are open. As a result of this design, adults pass from one tube to the next through the top dual-cap connectors, while larvae pass from one tube to the next through the bottom dual-cap connectors, resulting in propagation of subsequent generations of insects through the sequence of tubes.

Abstract: A container (1) for in vitro diagnostic has a lower receptacle (2) designed to contain a non-toxic liquid (LS), an upper receptacle (3) designed to contain a toxic liquid (LF), and a connecting sleeve (4), in a threaded coupling with the lower receptacle (2) and the upper receptacle (3) for butt joining them. The connecting sleeve (4) has a transversal septum (40) being provided with a plurality of passage openings (48) and vent openings (49). When the container (1) is completely closed, both the lower receptacle (2) and the upper receptacle (3) abut the transversal septum (40). If the upper receptacle (3) is partially unscrewed with respect to the transversal septum (40), the toxic liquid (LF) flows by gravity into the lower receptacle (2). A method for storing a sample of human or animal tissue by using the container (1) is also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a composting device including a housing defining an interior with an access opening providing access to the interior, a composter bin located within the interior and in communication with the access opening, and a door mounted to the housing and electrically powered to automatically slide along a sliding path between opened and closed position.

Abstract: A sample preparation module accepts a sample including a target analyte. The sample preparation module processes the sample through several reaction chambers and a solid phase column. Different reagents are present in the reaction chambers. The eluted analyte is then transferred to the amplification module, where it is further processed and amplified for optical analysis.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are provided for the printing and maturation of living tissue in an Earth-referenced reduced gravity environment such as that found on a spacecraft or on other celestial bodies. The printing may be three-dimensional structures. The printed structures may be manufactured from low viscosity biomaterials.

Abstract: A fluid treatment device includes a photocatalytic filter for deodorizing and sterilizing a fluid; a frame for fixing the photocatalytic filter; and a light source unit coupled to the frame. The light source unit includes a light source support member and a light emitting diode, which is provided on the light source support member so as to emit light at the photocatalytic filter. The frame and the light source support member are coupled in a form that separates the photocatalytic filter from the light emitting diode.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an algal cultivation system comprising an algal pond. The algal pond comprises a growth chamber containing algal culture which is exposed to light to enable rapid growth of algae therein, and a regeneration chamber which is substantially devoid of light and configured to provide a residence time to algal culture for repair of damaged proteins of algal cells. The present disclosure also relates to a process for biomass production, comprising circulating algal culture using convection current or forced convection, between the growth chamber and the regeneration chamber. The system and process facilitate in increasing biomass and mitigating salinity and/or temperature variations in the algal culture (A).

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods can be used for the automated production of dendritic cells (DC) from dendritic cell progenitors, such as monocytes obtained from peripheral blood, and the automated generation of immunotherapeutic products from those dendritic cells, all within a closed system. The invention makes it possible to obtain sufficient quantities of a subject's own DC for use in preparing and characterizing vaccines, for activating and characterizing the activation state of the subject's immune response, and to aid in preventing and/or treating cancer or infectious disease.

Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring viability and function of islet cells or stem cell-derived beta cells in an implantable device featuring setting the temperature of the cells in the implantable device to a low temperature to reduce metabolic levels of the cells and reduce oxygen requirements of the cells, and measuring oxygen consumption rates. An oxygen sensor at the inlet of the implantable device and an oxygen sensor at the outlet of the implantable device are used to calculate oxygen consumption rates of the cells, which in turn are indicative of viability. The reduction in temperature can also be used for loading cells into the implantable devices to help reduce ischemic and/or physical injury. The present invention may be used with other cell types, e.g. hepatocytes, heart cells, muscle cells, etc.

Abstract: Methods of maintaining narrow residence time distributions in continuous flow systems, particularly applicable to virus inactivation such as during a protein purification process. Fluid sample is introduced into an axial flow channel and caused to flow therein in discrete packets or zones to minimize residence time distribution and axial dispersion. Embodiments described herein obviate or minimize the need for using large tanks or reservoirs for performing virus inactivation during a protein purification process; reduce the overall time required for virus inactivation, and/or reduce the overall physical space required to perform the virus inactivation operation during a protein purification process, which in turn reduces the overall footprint for the purification process.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for disinfection of spaces using a disinfecting liquid droplet spray atomization are described, in which an electric fan 107 is used to dispense the atomization from an atomization chamber 104 via venture outlets 106 into the space to be disinfected. The operation of the electric fan 107 is modulated in a cycle having a first phase in which the fan is operated at full speed and a second phase at which the fan is operated at a randomly selected speed to vary the rate of dispensing into the space in order to improve the dispersal of the atomized droplets in the space and hence the efficacy of disinfection.

Abstract: A hydrogen peroxide sterilization device for sterilizing a medical device, the hydrogen peroxide sterilization device including a hermetic outer container, a hydrogen peroxide pouch, and a hydrogen peroxide solution in the solution chamber. The hermetic outer container includes a sterilization enclosure configured to receive the medical device. The hydrogen peroxide pouch includes a permeable membrane enclosing a solution chamber and is configured to be positioned in the sterilization enclosure of the outer container. The permeable membrane is configured to allow hydrogen peroxide vapor to diffuse from the solution chamber through the permeable membrane into the sterilization enclosure.

Abstract: A cartridge reader is configured to carry out a diagnostic test on a fluid sample contained within a fluidic cartridge. The cartridge comprises first, second and third collapsible blisters containing at least one reagent for use in the diagnostic test. The cartridge reader comprises an upper clamp, occupying a fixed position relative to the reader and a lower clamp, movable relative to the upper clamp, and wherein the upper clamp and the lower clamp are configured to receive and hold a fluidic cartridge therebetween. First, second and third blister actuators are mounted on the upper clamp, for aligning with first, second and third collapsible blisters of a fluidic cartridge inserted into the reader.

Abstract: The invention concerns a disinfection device includes a disinfection chamber having an interior volume and a radiation source coupled to the interior volume. The radiation source is arranged to emit disinfecting radiation into the interior volume when in operation. A disinfection program in the disinfection chamber is arranged to control the radiation source to emit the disinfecting radiation according to parameters determined based on at least one of a three dimensional model of the disinfection chamber and a three dimensional model of a target article to be disinfected. The three dimensional model of the disinfection chamber is formed using data collected by operating at least one radiation source in a data collection disinfection chamber, or by providing a disinfection chamber model having a virtual interior volume. The three dimensional model of the target article to be disinfected is formed by providing a target article model having a virtual surface.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods for disinfection of airflow. An apparatus for disinfecting air-conditioned airflow in a confined space includes: a modular housing; and a disinfection chamber enclosed within the housing. The disinfection chamber includes a plurality of disinfection sheets. Each disinfection sheet comprises a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) light sources. The airflow is configured to be routed along a serpentine pathway within the housing to expose microorganisms in the airflow to far UV-C light emitted by the UV light sources for an extended and optimal duration.