Abstract: A sampling assembly configured to be coupled to a sample source is provided. The sampling assembly is configured to facilitate aseptic sampling at one or more instances in time. The sampling assembly includes a first conduit having a first port and a second port, where the first port is configured to be coupled to the sample source, and where the second port is configured to be hermetically sealed. The sampling assembly further includes a plurality of sub-conduits having corresponding sub-ports, where each of the plurality of sub-conduits is operatively coupled to the first conduit at respective connection points, and where each of the sub-ports is in fluidic communication with the first conduit. Moreover, the sampling assembly includes a plurality of sampling kits, where each sampling kit of the plurality of sampling kits is operatively connected to a respective sub-port of a corresponding sub-conduit.

Abstract: A semi-automated sampling assembly configured for aseptic sampling at one or more instances from a sample source having a biological inoculum is provided. The semi-automated sampling assembly includes a sampling conduit, a recovery conduit, one or more sampling kits, and a pumping device. The sampling conduit includes a first port and a second port, where the first port of the sampling conduit is configured to be operatively coupled to the sample source. Further, the recovery conduit includes a first port and a second port, where the first port of the recovery conduit is configured to be operatively coupled to the sample source. Also, the second port of the recovery conduit is operatively coupled to at least a portion of the sampling conduit. Moreover, the one or more sampling kits are operatively coupled to the sampling conduit, and the pumping device is operatively coupled to the sampling conduit.

Abstract: Provided herein are novel methods for expansion and passaging of cell aggregates comprising stem cells and/or differentiated cells and comprising the use of closed systems in stirred tank bioreactors. The methods of the invention permit closed system serial passage expansion of pluripotent stem cells and/or progeny thereof with associated pluripotency markers and differentiation potential.

Abstract: A carrier for expansion of pluripotent stem cells is provided, wherein the carrier comprises a substrate comprising one or more outer surfaces, wherein the one or more outer surfaces are modified with gas plasma treatment, and one or more structured indentations on one or more of the outer surfaces. The carrier has a length at least about 0.2 mm, a width at least about 0.2 mm, and a height in a range from about 0.05 mm to 1.2 mm and each of the structured indentations has a major axis in a range from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, a minor axis in a range from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm and a depth in a range from about 0.025 mm to about 0.5 mm. A method of making the carrier, and culturing stromal cells using the same carrier are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are novel methods for expansion and passaging of cell aggregates comprising stem cells and/or differentiated cells and comprising the use of closed systems on rocking platform bioreactors. The methods of the invention permit closed system serial passage expansion of pluripotent stem cells and/or progeny thereof with associated pluripotency markers and differentiation potential.

Abstract: System and methods are provided for initiating a cell culture. The systems and methods include a first enclosure containing a thermal mass positioned on a surface area of a platform. The systems and methods include a second enclosure, containing a culture fluid and a gas mixture, placed on the first enclosure such that the first enclosure is positioned between the second enclosure and the platform. The systems and methods further include a cover secured on the second enclosure, and generating first thermal energy on the surface area of the platform and second thermal energy from the cover.

Abstract: A sampling assembly configured to be coupled to a sample source and facilitate aseptic sampling at one or more instances in time is provided. Further, the sampling assembly includes a first conduit having first and second ports, where the first port is configured to be coupled to the sample source. The sampling assembly also includes a plurality of sub-conduits having corresponding sub-ports, where each of the plurality of sub-conduits is operatively coupled to the first conduit at respective connector junctions. Also, each of the sub-ports is in fluidic communication with the first conduit. The sampling assembly also includes a plurality of sampling kits and one or more pumping devices. Further, each sampling kit is operatively coupled to a respective sub-port of a corresponding sub-conduit. Moreover, the one or more pumping devices are operatively and aseptically coupled to the second port of the first conduit.

Abstract: A coupling device configured to form a sample access assembly is provided. The sample access assembly is configured to house a sample. The coupling device includes a heating component and a separating component. Further, the separating component is configured to separate portions of first and second containers that form first and second compartments of the sample access assembly. Moreover, the heating component is configured to heat at least a portion of the sample.

Abstract: System and methods are provided for initiating a cell culture. The systems and methods include a first enclosure containing a thermal mass positioned on a surface area of a platform. The systems and methods include a second enclosure, containing a culture fluid and a gas mixture, placed on the first enclosure such that the first enclosure is positioned between the second enclosure and the platform. The systems and methods further include a cover secured on the second enclosure, and generating first thermal energy on the surface area of the platform and second thermal energy from the cover.

Abstract: A carrier for expansion of pluripotent stem cells is provided, wherein the carrier comprises a substrate comprising one or more outer surfaces, wherein the one or more outer surfaces are modified with gas plasma treatment, and one or more structured indentations on one or more of the outer surfaces. The carrier has a length at least about 0.2 mm, a width at least about 0.2 mm, and a height in a range from about 0.05 mm to 1.2 mm and each of the structured indentations has a major axis in a range from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, a minor axis in a range from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm and a depth in a range from about 0.025 mm to about 0.5 mm. A method of making the carrier, and culturing stromal cells using the same carrier are also provided.

Abstract: A carrier for expansion of induced pluripotent stem cells is provided, wherein the carrier comprises a substrate comprising one or more outer surfaces, wherein the one or more outer surfaces are modified with gas plasma treatment, and one or more structured indentations on one or more of the outer surfaces. The carrier has a length at least about 0.2 mm, a width at least about 0.2 mm, and a height in a range from about 0.05 mm to 1.2 mm and each of the structured indentations has a major axis in a range from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, a minor axis in a range from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm and a depth in a range from about 0.025 mm to about 0.5 mm. A method of making the carrier, and culturing induced pluripotent stem cells using the same carrier are also provided.

Abstract: A carrier for expansion of pluripotent stem cells is provided, wherein the carrier comprises a substrate comprising one or more outer surfaces, wherein the one or more outer surfaces are modified with gas plasma treatment, and one or more structured indentations on one or more of the outer surfaces. The carrier has a length at least about 0.2 mm, a width at least about 0.2 mm, and a height in a range from about 0.05 mm to 1.2 mm and each of the structured indentations has a major axis in a range from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, a minor axis in a range from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm and a depth in a range from about 0.025 mm to about 0.5 mm. A method of making the carrier, and culturing stromal cells using the same carrier are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for treatment of sludge with microwave irradiation for improving its dewatering are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes exposing the sludge to microwave irradiation at an absorbed power density of between about 7 W/ml and about 13 W/ml. Turbidity, total solids content and overall dewaterability are improved when the microwave irradiation treatment is combined with another method for dewatering sludge, such as enzyme treatment, conditioning with a flocculating agent and mechanical dewatering.

Abstract: Provided herein are novel methods for expansion and passaging of cell aggregates comprising stem cells and/or differentiated cells and comprising the use of closed systems on rocking platform bioreactors. The methods of the invention permit closed system serial passage expansion of pluripotent stem cells and/or progeny thereof with associated pluripotency markers and differentiation potential.

Abstract: Provided herein are novel methods for expansion and passaging of cell aggregates comprising stem cells and/or differentiated cells and comprising the use of closed systems in stirred tank bioreactors. The methods of the invention permit closed system serial passage expansion of pluripotent stem cells and/or progeny thereof with associated pluripotency markers and differentiation potential.

Abstract: A sampling assembly configured to be coupled to a sample source and facilitate aseptic sampling at one or more instances in time is provided. Further, the sampling assembly includes a first conduit having first and second ports, where the first port is configured to be coupled to the sample source. The sampling assembly also includes a plurality of sub-conduits having corresponding sub-ports, where each of the plurality of sub-conduits is operatively coupled to the first conduit at respective connector junctions. Also, each of the sub-ports is in fluidic communication with the first conduit. The sampling assembly also includes a plurality of sampling kits and one or more pumping devices. Further, each sampling kit is operatively coupled to a respective sub-port of a corresponding sub-conduit. Moreover, the one or more pumping devices are operatively and aseptically coupled to the second port of the first conduit.

Abstract: A semi-automated sampling assembly configured for aseptic sampling at one or more instances from a sample source having a biological inoculum is provided. The semi-automated sampling assembly includes a sampling conduit, a recovery conduit, one or more sampling kits, and a pumping device. The sampling conduit includes a first port and a second port, where the first port of the sampling conduit is configured to be operatively coupled to the sample source. Further, the recovery conduit includes a first port and a second port, where the first port of the recovery conduit is configured to be operatively coupled to the sample source. Also, the second port of the recovery conduit is operatively coupled to at least a portion of the sampling conduit. Moreover, the one or more sampling kits are operatively coupled to the sampling conduit, and the pumping device is operatively coupled to the sampling conduit.

Abstract: A sampling assembly configured to be coupled to a sample source is provided. The sampling assembly is configured to facilitate aseptic sampling at one or more instances in time. The sampling assembly includes a first conduit having a first port and a second port, where the first port is configured to be coupled to the sample source, and where the second port is configured to be hermetically sealed. The sampling assembly further includes a plurality of sub-conduits having corresponding sub-ports, where each of the plurality of sub-conduits is operatively coupled to the first conduit at respective connection points, and where each of the sub-ports is in fluidic communication with the first conduit. Moreover, the sampling assembly includes a plurality of sampling kits, where each sampling kit of the plurality of sampling kits is operatively connected to a respective sub-port of a corresponding sub-conduit.

Abstract: A coupling device configured to form a sample access assembly is provided. The sample access assembly is configured to house a sample. The coupling device includes a heating component and a separating component. Further, the separating component is configured to separate portions of first and second containers that form first and second compartments of the sample access assembly. Moreover, the heating component is configured to heat at least a portion of the sample.

Abstract: A carrier for expansion of induced pluripotent stem cells is provided, wherein the carrier comprises a substrate comprising one or more outer surfaces, wherein the one or more outer surfaces are modified with gas plasma treatment, and one or more structured indentations on one or more of the outer surfaces. The carrier has a length at least about 0.2 mm, a width at least about 0.2 mm, and a height in a range from about 0.05 mm to 1.2 mm and each of the structured indentations has a major axis in a range from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, a minor axis in a range from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm and a depth in a range from about 0.025 mm to about 0.5 mm. A method of making the carrier, and culturing induced pluripotent stem cells using the same carrier are also provided.