Abstract: Methods and compositions for increasing the productivity of algae cultures by controlling grazers are described herein.

Abstract: An improved system for assaying expression of various markers, factors or antigens on the cultured cells for diagnostic purposes and for using such expression to monitor the applicability of certain candidate therapeutic or chemotherapeutic agents and the progress of treatment with those agents.

Abstract: Provided is a method of separating microorganisms from a sample including contacting the sample containing microorganisms with an inorganic ion exchange material such that the sample reacts with the inorganic ion exchange material, and contacting the reacted sample with a means for capturing microorganisms.

Abstract: A method and device for separating particles from a liquid having particles therein, using a filter sized to permit the liquid to flow through pores, while retaining a substantial portion of the particles on the filter, with an absorbent layer contacting the back of the filter to facilitate liquid movement away from the particles.

Abstract: An improved system for screening a multiple of candidate therapeutic or chemotherapeutic agents for efficacy as to a specific patient, in which a tissue sample from the patient is harvested, cultured and separately exposed to a plurality of treatments and/or therapeutic agents for the purpose of objectively identifying the best treatment or agent for the particular patient. Specific method innovations such as tissue sample preparation techniques render this method practically as well as theoretically useful. By subjecting uniform samples of cells to a wide variety of active agents (and concentrations thereof), the most promising agent and concentration for treatment of a particular patient can be determined.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for purifying bacterial minicells that involves subjecting a sample containing minicells to density gradient centrifugation in a biologically compatible medium. The method optionally includes a preliminary differential centrifugation step and one or more filtration steps. The invention also provides a method for purifying bacterial minicells in which a sample containing minicells is subjected to a condition that induces parent bacterial cells to adopt a filamentous form, followed by filtration of the sample to separate minicells from parent bacterial cells. The inventive methods optionally include one or more steps to remove endotoxin from purified minicell preparations, and/or treatment of purified minicell preparations with an antibiotic. Additionally, the invention provides purified minicell preparations, prepared according to the foregoing methods, and containing fewer than about 1 contaminating parent bacterial cell per 107, 108, 109, 1010, or 1011 minicells.

Abstract: Ligand functionalized substrates, methods of making ligand functionalized substrates, and methods of using functionalized substrates are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for clarification of, and removal of host cell proteins from, a cell broth consisting essentially of viable cells, a culture medium and a secreted desired biological substance having an overall positive charge in the cell broth by contacting the cell broth with a particulate anion exchanger, allowing an adequate incubation time to result in formation of a cell pellet and a supernatant layer, separating the resulting cell pellet from the supernatant layer. The present invention further relates to a method for the recovery of a secreted desired biological substance from the cell broth by extracting the secreted desired biological substance from the supernatant layer.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for isolating a desired cell, which comprises selectively applying culture conditions including a culture medium to a sample potentially containing various cells, with addition of a cell enlarger simultaneously with, before or after the application. Thereby, it is possible to conveniently and efficiently obtain unknown but useful microorganisms occurring in a natural environment that are less competitive.

Abstract: Methods and filter systems for detecting microorganisms in a sample, such as a food sample, are disclosed. The filter is configured to attract the microorganism, for example by electrostatic charge. The filter containing the microorganism is incubated to grow the microorganism so that it may be detected. The filter may be degradable and the detection may involve extracting the microorganism or the molecular marker of the microorganism from the filter for detection. The filter system may also include a porous microbead component selected to trap dirt and other contaminants from the sample while allowing the microorganisms to pass among the microbeads. Methods are disclosed for detecting microorganisms in samples using the filter systems described. The methods may also include adding a polymer and/or a microorganism detection reagent to the filter to localize microorganism growth and prevent evaporation of reagents.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a fungal serine protease enzyme, which comprises an amino acid sequence the mature Fa_RF7182 enzyme having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18. The serine protease is obtainable from Fusarium acuminatum, more preferably from the deposited strain CBS 124084. Also disclosed are nucleic acid sequences encoding said protease, such as plasmid pALK2530 comprising the nucleotide sequence SEQ ID NO:12 deposited in Escherichia coli RF7803 under accession number DSM 22208 and plasmid pALK2531 comprising the full-length gene SEQ ID NO: 13 deposited in E. coli RF7879 under accession number DSM 22209, as well as fungal hosts, such as Trichoderm. Said protease is useful as an enzyme preparation applicable in detergent compositions and for treating fibers, for treating wool, for treating hair, for treating leather, for treating food or feed, or for any applications involving modification, degradation or removal of proteinaceous material.

Abstract: The invention is the discovery of an actinomycete genus, given the name Salinospora gen. nov., that displays an obligate requirement of seawater (Na+) for growth and unique 16S rRNA signature nucleotides. The invention is also the use of the genus for the production and discovery of active biomolecules such as pharmaceutical agents, agrichemicals, immunomodifiers, enzymes and enzyme inhibitors.

Abstract: A process is described for purifying vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) from cell culture fluid of a mammalian cell culture infected with VSV, the process comprising: clarifying the cell culture fluid by low-speed centrifugation and recovering the VSV in the supernatant; filtering the supernatant through a 0.2 to 0.45 ?m filter and recovering the VSV in the filtered solution; loading the VSV filtered solution onto a anion exchange membrane adsorber equilibrated with a first pH buffered salt solution, eluting the VSV from the anion exchange membrane adsorber with a second pH buffered salt solution and recovering the eluted VSV fractions; purifying the recovered VSV by tangential flow filtration (TFF) using a TFF membrane having a molecular weight cutoff between 300 kDa and 1,000 kDa and recovering the VSV in the retentate, and filtering the VSV retentate through a 0.2 to 0.22 ?m filter and recovering the VSV in the filtered solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of purifying encapsidated virus, e.g., viral particles comprising viral nucleic acid, from compositions comprising encapsidated viral nucleic acid and viral particles that lack viral nucleic acid; methods for reducing the particle:genome ratio in a preparation of encapsidated viral nucleic acid; and methods for selectively inactivating viral particles that lack viral nucleic acid in a liquid composition comprising encapsidated viral nucleic acid and the viral particles that lack viral nucleic acid. The methods generally involve subjecting the composition to hydrostatic pressure such that the viral particles lacking viral nucleic acid are selectively inactivated.

Abstract: The present invention provides an advance in phage display technology by permitting the uncoupling of the propagation of phages containing inserted sequences encoding heterologous polypeptides from the expression of said polypeptides. The invention provides phage constructs and methods for their use to permit phage coat protein expression, and thus phage propagation, in the absence of display of heterologous polypeptides, which may be expressed as a fusion with said coat protein in a regulated manner.

Abstract: A method for separating eucaryotic or procaryotic cells or other particularly biological material which is sensitive against high shearing forces from a suspension is provided using at least one hydrocyclone with an inlet and an outlet. The outlet of the hydrocyclone is essentially opposite to the inlet and the interior space of the hydrocyclone converges towards the outlet. The suspension is delivered to the inlet of the hydrocyclone, and the suspension enriched with the cells is drained off from the outlet. The enriched suspension is then guided from or through the outlet by a flow means in such a way, that a minimum of shearing stresses occurs and the kinetic energy of the enriched suspension at the outlet of the hydrocyclone is reduced that the viability of the cell material is influenced at a minimum.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disk based system for separating at least two types of particulates contained in a sample fluid. The system includes a disk-like carrier board and a magnetic attraction unit. The disk-like carrier board forms at least one flow channel structure, which includes an inner reservoir, at least one separation chamber, and at least one outer reservoir arranged in sequence from a geometric center of the disk-like carrier board to an outer circumferential rim of the disk-like carrier board. A method of separation carried out with the system includes introducing the sample fluid into the inner reservoir and then rotating the disk-like carrier board to induce a centrifugal force. The sample fluid contains particulates that are labeled with immunomagnetic beads and the labeled particulates are attracted by the magnetic force generated by the magnetic attraction unit to retain in the inner reservoir or the separation chamber.

Abstract: A process for concentrating microorganism-containing suspensions comprising (a) centrifuging a microorganism-containing suspension to provide a first microorganism-containing concentrate and a supernatant liquid; (b) filtering said first microorganism-containing concentrate, to provide a permeate and a second microorganism-containing concentrate.

Abstract: A method for the simultaneous concentration of multiple toxins from large volumes of water. The method includes the steps of providing a disposable separation centrifuge bowl, the centrifuge bowl including a positively charged material at it's inner core. A large water sample contaminated with toxins from a group consisting of protozoa, bacteria, bacterial spores, and toxins is delivered to the centrifuge bowl. A centrifugal force is applied to the separation bowl. The water sample is concentrated to remove large particles of the toxins in the bowl due to the centrifugal forces. The concentrated water sample is passes through the positively charged inner core to capture any remaining concentrated targets by electrostatic forces and the concentrated targets are eluted.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the field of cell seperation. In particular, the invention provides processes for isolating a target cell, cellular organelle or virus from a sample, using inter alia, nonspecific binding between a target cell, cellular organelle or virus with a magnetic microbead modified to comprise hydroxyl, carboxyl or epoxy groups.

Abstract: An improved system for screening a multiple of candidate therapeutic or chemotherapeutic agents for efficacy as to a specific patient, in which a tissue sample from the patient is harvested, cultured and separately exposed to a plurality of treatments and/or therapeutic agents for the purpose of objectively identifying the best treatment or agent for the particular patient. Specific method innovations such as tissue sample preparation techniques render this method practically as well as theoretically useful. By subjecting uniform samples of cells to a wide variety of active agents (and concentrations thereof), the most promising agent and concentration for treatment of a particular patient can be determined.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a method for separating a fat component of a fluid-fat mixture extracted from a patient. More particularly, the method of invention places a sponge formed of a fluid-absorbing material, such as polyvinyl acetal, in contact with the mixture so as to absorb the fluid component, thereby separating the fat component of the mixture. The separated fat component can then be injected into a selected body portion of the patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for harvesting biological materials, such as, for example, microalgal cells, using membrane filters, such as ceramic-based membrane filters.

Abstract: A device and method simultaneously detects and enumerates two groups of microorganisms in a test sample, utilizing a single test container. In the container liquid growth media, a chromogenic substrate and a fluorogenic substrate are mixed with the test sample. The test container is incubated to allow bacterial growth and metabolism. Spectral changes of the substrates are dynamically detected using two external light sources aimed at a transparent section of the test container, and a single external photo detector. One light source operates in the visible band and the second in the long ultraviolet band. The two dynamic time patterns generated by the two substrates are analyzed in real time to determine the presence or absence of each microorganisms group and to enumerate their original concentrations in the test sample.

Abstract: Methods for concentrating microorganisms in a liquid sample or depleting microorganisms therefrom, utilizing polymeric compounds having affinity to microbial cells that are composed of a plurality of positively charged amino acid residues and two or more hydrophobic moieties are disclosed. Also disclosed are devices for concentrating and methods for detection and identification microorganisms in a liquid sample.

Abstract: A method for the capture from a sample of micro-organisms having a hydrophobic surface, which method includes contacting the micro-organisms with a capture reagent, which capture reagent has both a hydrophobic character whereby the capture reagent binds the micro-organisms by hydrophobic interaction therewith and a polar character, the capture reagent either being present on a surface and capturing the micro-organisms thereto, or being present in solution, the method then further including capturing the micro-organisms to a surface by binding the capture reagent to the surface by polar interaction between the surface and the capture reagent.

Abstract: An affinity matrix comprising a base matrix containing biotin; and a fusion protein attached to the base matrix, wherein the fusion protein contains a matrix binding element capable of binding to the base matrix via biotin and a target binding element capable of binding, or being bound by, at least one target component.

Abstract: The invention relates to method for the stepwise removal of bacteria from a fermentation broth. According to said method, the bacteria in the fermentation broth are mixed with a retention promoter mixture in a first process step and the pretreated bacteria are removed by precoat filtration in a second process step. The inventive method uses a retention promoter mixture from bentonite and polycations such as PEI or polyDADMAC and is suitable for treating large quantities of bacteria. The filter cake obtained with bentonite/PEI has a substantially improved quality.

Abstract: At least one isolated microorganism, which converts at least 10% by weight, and preferably 50% by weight, of cellulosic biomass to a lower alkyl alcohol by direct digestion, and which produces at least 4% by volume of the lower alkyl alcohol in an aqueous-based digestion medium.

Abstract: A porous matrix, preparation thereof, and methods of using the same. The porous matrix of calcium alginate is prepared using a plurality of particles containing a multivalent cation, admixing the particles with ionic cross-linked polysaccharides and water to form a mixture, introducing a cross linker to solidify the mixture, dissolving the particles of the mixture in an acid to form a porous structure, and neutralizing and cross-linking the porous structure.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for separating a first entity and a second entity by flowing them downwardly in an inclined settling chamber. Each entity has its own outlet located at approximately the lowest end of the inclined settling chamber. The device may be used in industrial fields such as pharmaceutics, biologics, and biofuels, for the purposes of large-scale growth and separation of algae biomass, bacteria and yeast cultures; algae metabolite production; and cell separation, among others. The invention exhibits technical merits such as effective particle separation or concentration capacity, robust structure, easy operation, cost-effective manufacturability, disposability, and high productivity in e.g. perfusion photobioreactor systems.

Abstract: An improved system for screening a multiple of candidate therapeutic or chemotherapeutic agents for efficacy as to a specific patient, in which a tissue sample from the patient is harvested, cultured and separately exposed to a plurality of treatments and/or therapeutic agents for the purpose of objectively identifying. One particularly important tissue sample preparation technique is the initial preparation of cohesive multicellular particulates of the tissue sample. For assays concerning cancer treatment, a two-stage evaluation is contemplated in which both acute cytotoxic and longer term inhibitory effect of a given anti-cancer agent are investigated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of collecting microorganisms and a method of collecting nucleic acids, which both can be carried out easily and can achieve a high collection rate. A method of collecting microorganisms according to the present invention includes a microorganism adsorption step of bringing a sample into contact with fine particles so as to cause microorganisms contained in the sample to be adsorbed onto the fine particles. In this method, the fine particles have a particle diameter of 6 ?m or less and a specific surface area of 50 m2/g or less. Furthermore, a method of collecting nucleic acids according to the present invention includes: a microorganism adsorption step of causing microorganisms to be adsorbed onto fine particles; and a nucleic acid elution step of eluting nucleic acids from the microorganisms that have been adsorbed onto the fine particles. The microorganism adsorption step in this method is the microorganism collection method of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for purifying bacterial minicells that involves subjecting a sample containing minicells to density gradient centrifugation in a biologically compatible medium. The method optionally includes a preliminary differential centrifugation step and one or more filtration steps. The invention also provides a method for purifying bacterial minicells in which a sample containing minicells is subjected to a condition that induces parent bacterial cells to adopt a filamentous form, followed by filtration of the sample to separate minicells from parent bacterial cells. The inventive methods optionally include one or more steps to remove endotoxin from purified minicell preparations, and/or treatment of purified minicell preparations with an antibiotic. Additionally, the invention provides purified minicell preparations, prepared according to the foregoing methods, and containing fewer than about 1 contaminating parent bacterial cell per 107, 108, 109, 1010, or 1011 minicells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microorganism, obtained by treating Corynebacterium ammoniagenes KCCM 10488 producing 5?-Xanthylic acid as parent strain with UV radiation and mutation Derivatives such as N-methyl-N?nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (NTG), Having a resistance to 5-fluorotryptophan which enhances Biosynthesis of N5-N10-tetrahydrofolate used for transferring Two formyl group during the process of puring biosynthesis, making It possible to accumulate 5?xanthylic acid in culture medium at a high Yield and high concentration rate same period of fermentation.

Abstract: A centrifugal device and method are provided for the separation of buoyant material such as parasitic ova from fecal matter. A rotor assembly, rotatable about its central axis in a centrifuge, includes a housing with a centrally located top opening leading to a centrally located mixing chamber. An annular sediment chamber is provided, also coaxial about the central axis, connected by a passage with the mixing chamber. A coring assembly is used to retrieve and insert a fecal sample into the mixing chamber for mixing with a flotation fluid. During centrifugation, heavier fecal components pass radially outwardly to the sediment chamber while the ova collect on the inward surface of the flotation fluid. After centrifugation, more flotation fluid is added, if needed, until a meniscus forms at the top opening. A coverslip is placed over the top opening and the ova float to the surface of the fluid and adhere to the coverslip. The coverslip is removed and the ova detected using standard microscopy procedures.

Abstract: Methods are provided for accurately predicting efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents. Methods of the invention increase the positive predictive value of chemosensitivity assays by assessing both the ability of a chemotherapeutic to destroy cells and the genetic propensity of those cells for resistance. Results obtained using methods of the invention provide insight into the in vivo effectiveness of a therapeutic, and lead to more effective chemotherapeutic treatment.

Abstract: The device and method invented provides a unique means to extract and multiply, by the millions, beneficial aerobic microbes found in compost and vermicompost to be applied to soil and plants in liquid form. This liquid has been named compost tea colloquially. Compared to many compost tea making devices being sold, the invented device is truly simple and can be dismantled and cleaned in under twenty minutes. Most of the parts are not glued and can be pulled apart. The device and method uses air pumps alone to actually circulate the water and can be used with or without a mesh extractor. This is achieved by the insertion of an air diffuser into the piping used, which infuses the water with oxygen while circulating the water, into either, an extractor containing compost or a body of water containing compost. Concurrently additional diffusers infuse the body of water with oxygen.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved system for determining factors secreted from patient cells, in which a tissue sample from the patient is harvested and cultured. One particularly important tissue sample preparation technique is the initial preparation of cohesive multicellular particulates of the tissue sample. The tissue sample technique of the present invention is also-useful in assaying expression and/or secretion of various markers, factors or antigens present on or produced by the cultured cells for diagnostic purposes and for using such expression to monitor the applicability of certain candidate therapeutic or chemotherapeutic agents and the progress of treatment with those agents.

Abstract: Process for the growing of micro-organism in an open and continuous system further being characterized by means for creating within said system a habitat in which natural, diverse and heterogeneous emicrobial communities can autonomously react and adapt to a changing environment

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid support for performing steps of isolation of cell or extraction and purification of nucleic acid, safely, easily, efficiently, and with high yield in the genetic test for investigating the presence of pathogenic bacterial infection. A solid support for binding with cell as an embodiment of the above-described solid support, comprises a polypeptide having capability of binding with mycolic acid-containing glycolipid which is immobilized on the surface of a carrier. In addition, a solid support for binding with nucleic acid as another embodiment of the above-described solid support, comprises a polypeptide having capability of binding with nucleic acid which is immobilized on the surface of a carrier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the specific or non-specific separation of cells and/or viruses from liquid media which is based on adsorption of the species on a correspondingly functionalised carrier material. The method according to the invention is used for separation and also isolation of any species of cells and viruses.

Abstract: New strains of Lactobacillus that have been selected for their capability of improved reduction the number of Streptococcus mutans in the mouth of mammals through inhibiting activity in combination with better binding to the oral mucins and dental plaque, thereby preventing, reducing or treating dental caries, and products derived from said strains, including agents for treatment or prophylaxis of caries for administration to humans.

Abstract: The invention provides novel lactic acid bacteria having immunoregulating activities and usable in food and drinks, medicaments, and other applications. Specifically, the invention provides novel lactic acid bacteria separated from “Shibazuke,” one kind of traditional Kyoto pickles, and having immunoregulating activities. The lactic acid bacteria of the present invention belong to Lactobacillus pentosus.

Abstract: An improved system for screening a multiple of candidate therapeutic or chemotherapeutic agents for efficacy as to a specific patient, in which a tissue sample from the patient is harvested, cultured and separately exposed to a plurality of treatments and/or therapeutic agents for the purpose of objectively identifying the best treatment or agent for the particular patient. Specific method innovations such as tissue sample preparation techniques render this method practically as well as theoretically useful. One particularly important tissue sample preparation technique is the initial preparation of cohesive multicellular particulates of the tissue sample, rather than enzymatically dissociated cell suspensions or preparations, for initial tissue culture monolayer preparation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the separation of microorganisms of a microbiological community present in a solid sample. And once the microorganisms are isolated, they are used in microbiological techniques, or their nucleic acids, both DNA and RNA, are extracted from them for carrying out molecular biology techniques. In accordance with the present invention, the method for the separation of microorganisms adhered to a solid sample comprises the following stages: Providing a solid sample with microorganisms adhered to it; adding to the solid sample a high molarity phosphate-based buffer containing a phosphate solution of a concentration greater than 0.5 M, ethanol, and a non-ionic surfactant; sonicating, and recovering the supernatant, comprising microorganisms separated from the solid sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for the selection of new probiotic strains which comprises the following steps: a) selecting for non-pathogenic strains which are capable of surviving in breast milk and/or amniotic fluid, and b) selecting for non-pathogenic strains which are able to be transferred to breast milk and/or amniotic fluid after oral intake in healthy individuals without colonizing other internal organs except mucousas. The invention also provides new Lactobacillus strains, which are: CECT5711 (Lactobacillus coryniformis), CECT5713 (Lactobacillus salivarius subsp. salivarius), CECT5714: (Lactobacillus gasseri, formerly L. acidophilus), CETC5715: (Lactobacillus gasseri), and CECT5716: (Lactobacillus fermentum); and refers to their use for the prophylaxis or treatment against digestive, infective, neuro-degenerative and immune related diseases such as allergies or inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to an immunogenic composition, characterized in that it comprises an adenyl cyclase-hemolysin (AC-Hly) protein, or an immunogenic portion of this AC-Hly, of a strain of Bordetella chosen from B. pertussis, B. parapertussis or B. bronchiseptica, and in that it comprises, in addition, a bacterial extract containing the expression products of the vrg genes of a strain of Bordetella chosen from B. pertussis, B. parapertussis or B. bronchiseptica, or a portion of these expression products which is sufficient to induce an immune response in a host to which the extract might be administered.

Abstract: A method for stimulating methane production from a carbonaceous material is described. The methods may include the step of contacting the material with cells of a methanogenic consortium under anaerobic conditions to form a reaction mixture. The method may also include maintaining anaerobic conditions for a time sufficient to permit methanogenesis, and collecting methane from anaerobic water or head space of the reaction mixture.

Abstract: Methods for the diagnosis of visceral, cutaneous and canine leishmaniasis in a subject suspected of being infected with the parasitic protozoa Leishmania is disclosed. Disclosed are antibody-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for the detection of antibodies to Leishmania parasite soluble antigens and antigen-capture ELISAs for the detection of Leishmania parasite soluble antigens in host samples. Also disclosed are immunodiagnostic kits for the detection of Leishmania parasite circulating antigens or IgM and IgG antibodies in a sample from subject having visceral, cutaneous or canine leishmaniasis. In these methods and kits, detection may be done photometrically or visually. The methods and kits also allow the visualization of Leishmania amastigotes or promastigotes in a sample.