Abstract: The present approach relates to the design and use of a functionally closed bioreactor designed to immobilize, culture, and mature tissue on a loading platform. The bioreactor may be equipped with sensors for tissue monitoring which in conjunction with stiffness data can provide closed-loop control of tissue maturation. Based on a relationship between cartilage stiffness and tissue maturity, measurements of stiffness can be acquired and used as a surrogate for cartilage maturity without the need for destructive tests.

Abstract: A bioreactor is provided. The bioreactor is a multi-scalable bioreactor, which comprises a culture vessel for seeding and culturing cells by adding a cell-culture media, wherein the culture vessel comprises at least a side wall and a bottom surface, a specific heat transfer area and a specific gas transfer area; wherein the culture vessel is configured to accommodate the cell-culture media volume up to 10 liters, and wherein the specific heat transfer area and the specific gas transfer area are independent of cell-culture media volume. A kit for culturing cells in a large scale is also provided which further comprises disposable tubings, culture bag or combinations thereof. A method for culturing cells is also provided.

Abstract: Provided are methods and kits for activating T cells, the method comprising providing a population of T cells, adding a plurality of first agents, where the first agent comprises a T-cell activator and a first binder moiety, and adding a second agent comprising a plurality of capture oligomers, where at least a segment of at least one of the plurality of capture oligomers is capable of associating with the first binder moiety. The method further comprises incubating the population of T cells, whereby at least a portion of the population of T cells is activated.

Abstract: The present approach relates to the design and use of a functionally closed bioreactor designed to immobilize, culture, and mature tissue on a loading platform. The bioreactor may be equipped with sensors for tissue monitoring which in conjunction with stiffness data can provide closed-loop control of tissue maturation. Based on a relationship between cartilage stiffness and tissue maturity, measurements of stiffness can be acquired and used as a surrogate for cartilage maturity without the need for destructive tests.

Abstract: A bioreactor is provided. The bioreactor is a multi-scalable bioreactor, which comprises a culture vessel for seeding and culturing cells by adding a cell-culture media, wherein the culture vessel comprises at least a side wall and a bottom surface, a specific heat transfer area and a specific gas transfer area; wherein the culture vessel is configured to accommodate the cell-culture media volume upto 10 liters, and wherein the specific heat transfer area and the specific gas transfer area are independent of cell-culture media volume. A kit for culturing cells in a large scale is also provided which further comprises disposable tubings, culture bag or combinations thereof. A method for culturing cells is also provided.

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 bioreactor is provided. The bioreactor is a multi-scalable bioreactor, which comprises a culture vessel for seeding and culturing cells by adding a cell-culture media, wherein the culture vessel comprises at least a side wall and a bottom surface, a specific heat transfer area and a specific gas transfer area; wherein the culture vessel is configured to accommodate the cell-culture media volume up to 10 liters, and wherein the specific heat transfer area and the specific gas transfer area are independent of cell-culture media volume. A kit for culturing cells in a large scale is also provided which further comprises disposable tubings, culture bag or combinations thereof. A method for culturing cells is also provided.

Abstract: A bioreactor is provided. The bioreactor is a multi-scalable bioreactor, which comprises a culture vessel for seeding and culturing cells by adding a cell-culture media, wherein the culture vessel comprises at least a side wall and a bottom surface, a specific heat transfer area and a specific gas transfer area; wherein the culture vessel is configured to accommodate the cell-culture media volume up to 10 liters, and wherein the specific heat transfer area and the specific gas transfer area are independent of cell-culture media volume. A kit for culturing cells in a large scale is also provided which further comprises disposable tubings, culture bag or combinations thereof. A method for culturing cells is also provided.

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.