Abstract: A system for preparing a serum includes a containment device, a cage positioned inside the containment device, a cap attachable to the containment device and configured to cover the cage, an inlet port configured to introduce an autologous fluid into the containment device, and an outlet port configured to remove a serum from the containment device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a simple animal cell culture device and a method for culturing animal cells using the same, and provides a simple animal cell culture device comprising: a culture vessel for holding a culture medium; an animal cell reservoir coupled to the upper portion of the culture vessel; a cell support housed on the inside of the animal cell reservoir and having animal cells adhered thereto; and a cover for covering the top of the culture vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for cell expansion. More closely, it relates to a method for expansion of cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells, on microcarriers in a plastic bag bioreactor. The invention enables expansion to therapeutic amounts of stem cells. The method comprises the following steps: a) addition of cells in cell culture medium and microcarriers to a plastic bag container; b) allowing the cells to adhere to the microcarriers while the container is kept substantially still; c) addition of further cell culture medium once the cells have adhered; d) culturing the cells under gentle and constant agitation; e) increase the surface area for continued culturing; and f) final harvesting of cells by an active detachment and separation step.

Abstract: Basing on study of a previous discovered effective bioreactor system, a method to increase culture medium dissolved oxygen is disclosed. This method together with addition of an optimal mixing forms a theoretical foundation for effective bioreactor design and prototype construction.

Abstract: A bioreactor with an upward flowing impeller system for controlling a mammalian cell culture process is provided. The disclosed system enables control of the cell culture process by controlling the level of dissolved carbon dioxide in the cell culture media and prevent increases in the osmolality level is achieved by enhanced stripping of carbon dioxide via surface gas exchange with little or no damage to the mammalian cells. The use of an upward flow impeller combined with vertical baffles converts the swirling motions of the cell culture media into a largely vertical flow and promotes the removal of dissolved carbon dioxide via surface gas exchange with a sweep gas flowing over the top surface of the cell culture media within the bioreactor vessel.

Abstract: An airlift circulation micro-algae photoautotrophic-heterotrophic coupling photobioreactor for wastewater treatment carbon emission mitigation includes feeding pipe, micro-algae heterotrophic zone, gas-liquid separation chamber, micro-algae phototrophic zone, bottom backflow zone, discharge pipe, and the liquid drained zone.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device and a method for concentrating pathogenic germs potentially present in blood products or derivatives and for detecting said germs comprising the following steps: (a) subjecting a sample of said blood product to a blood cell aggregating treatment, (b) eliminating the aggregates formed at step (a) by passing the treated sample over a first filter allowing through the contaminating germs but not the cell aggregates, (c) selectively lyzing the residual cells of the filtrate obtained at step (b), (d) recuperating the contaminating germs by passing the lysate of step (c) over a second filter to detect the contaminating germs possibly trapped.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for increasing fermentation rates of microbes via biostimulation are provided. Electrodes are preferably positioned along an interior or exterior of a tube-shaped component to administer electromagnetic/electric pulses to a solution comprising a microbe. Systems can advantageously be used in new biofuels production plants, or in existing biofuels production plants without the need for significant retrofits.

Abstract: The invention concerns an analyzer, typically for analyzing body fluids, which has one or several exchangeable cassettes (consumables) that contain operating liquids, operating materials and/or consumables and can be inserted into corresponding holders of the analyzer, wherein the analyzer has a system for exchanging ambient air which has a filter unit on the inlet side of the analyzer to filter the ambient air that needs to be exchanged. The filter unit is integrated into at least one of the exchangeable cassettes in order to minimize the amount of maintenance for the analyzer.

Abstract: The invention generally provides a cell culture vessel having at least one first zone and at least one second zone, wherein the first zone is a transfer zone for a culture medium which essentially contains no cells and the second zone is a cell culture zone. The invention further includes methods utilizing the cell culture vessel.

Abstract: A bioreactor with an upward flowing impeller system for controlling a mammalian cell culture process is provided. The disclosed system enables control of the cell culture process by controlling the level of dissolved carbon dioxide in the cell culture media and prevent increases in the osmolality level is achieved by enhanced stripping of carbon dioxide via surface gas exchange with little or no damage to the mammalian cells. The use of an upward flow impeller combined with vertical baffles converts the swirling motions of the cell culture media into a largely vertical flow and promotes the removal of dissolved carbon dioxide via surface gas exchange with a sweep gas flowing over the top surface of the cell culture media within the bioreactor vessel.

Abstract: A system for mixing a liquid solution or suspension includes a support housing bounding a compartment and a collapsible bag disposed within the compartment. A mixer is disposed within the collapsible bag while a sparger delivers a gas to the lower end of the collapsible bag. A gas outlet line extends from an upper end of the collapsible bag to a condenser assembly. A gas exhaust line and a fluid collection line both extend from the condenser assembly.

Abstract: A bioreactor is provided that includes a main reactor having a configuration selected from the group consisting of stirred and unstirred tank reactor, trickle bed reactor (TBR), cocurrent contactor (CCC), moving bed bioreactor (MBBR), and a bubble column reactor. The bioreactor also includes a growth reactor continuous with the main reactor and having a configuration selected from the group consisting of stirred and unstirred tank reactor, trickle bed reactor (TBR), cocurrent contactor (CCC), moving bed bioreactor (MBBR), and a bubble column reactor. A method is also provided where acetogenic bacteria are contacted with syngas in a growth fermentor section of a reactor vessel that is continuous with a main fermentor section of a reactor vessel.

Abstract: A composite sensor assembly for monitoring bio-processes which is suitable for use with a polymeric bioprocess vessel or with downstream equipment, and comprises: i) a port comprising a high surface tension thermoplastic having a hollow tubular portion and a base plate portion, the base plate portion being fusibly sealable to the bioreactor vessel at a hole in the wall thereof; ii) a generally opaque polymeric monitoring sensor assembly including electrical, and/or optical measurement components. The sensor assembly fits inside the bore of the hollow tubular portion of the port, and is adhesively retained therein.

Abstract: The invention generally provides a cell culture vessel having at least one first zone and at least one second zone, wherein the first zone is a transfer zone for a culture medium which essentially contains no cells and the second zone is a cell culture zone. The invention further includes methods utilizing the cell culture vessel.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a cell culture vessel which is simple in structure and easy to handle, and is capable of preventing damage to the cells when separated, promoting transport of nutrients and excretion of effete matter, and elevating the culturing efficiency improving effect by the structural features. In order to attain the above object, there is provided a cell culture vessel including a culture section provided with a plurality of projections having an equivalent diameter smaller than the cells to be cultured and the culture section side walls enclosing the culture section, wherein the distance between an arbitrary position on the culture section/side wall boundary line and the nearest projection is smaller than the diameter of the cells to be cultured. The effect of the projections in the vessel given to the cultured cells is enhanced.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a cell culture vessel which is simple in structure and easy to handle, and is capable of preventing damage to the cells when separated, promoting transport of nutrients and excretion of effete matter, and elevating the culturing efficiency improving effect by the structural features. In order to attain the above object, there is provided a cell culture vessel including a culture section provided with a plurality of projections having an equivalent diameter smaller than the cells to be cultured and the culture section side walls enclosing the culture section, wherein the distance between an arbitrary position on the culture section/side wall boundary line and the nearest projection is smaller than the diameter of the cells to be cultured. The effect of the projections in the vessel given to the cultured cells is enhanced.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a mammalian cell culture process are provided. Such control of the cell culture process involves control of the level of dissolved carbon dioxide in the cell culture media and the resulting ability to prevent increases in the osmolality level is achieved by enhanced stripping of carbon dioxide with little or no damage to the mammalian cells. The disclosed methods and systems of dissolved carbon dioxide stripping include enhanced surface gas exchange mechanisms within the bioreactor vessel through the use of an upward flow impeller combined with vertical baffles to convert swirling motions of the liquid into a largely vertical flow.

Abstract: A flexible vessel for mixing a bioprocessing fluid has contact points or adhesions between its front and back walls to promote and guide flow patters for mixing the contents.

Abstract: An object is to provide a reaction vessel, a reaction measuring device, and a liquid rotating treatment device wherein temperature control of a liquid stored within the vessel can be performed with a high accuracy and faithful responsiveness. The construction is such that a vessel has: a storage chamber in which a liquid is storable, that has an opening part, and a reaction chamber that is communicated with the storage chamber and is formed thinner or narrower than the storage chamber, and the vessel is installable on a rotatable rotating body provided externally, and is formed such that when the vessel is installed on the rotating body, a rotation axis of the rotating body passes through the vessel, and the reaction chamber is positioned farther away from the rotation axis than the storage chamber.

Abstract: A vibrational mixer (1), in particular a single-path mixer for use in single-path bioreactors (4) with flexible walls, consisting of a mixer shaft (2) that can be set into longitudinal motions by a drive (8), with at least one mixing element (3), wherein at least one channel (13) is arranged in the mixer shaft with an opening to an interior reactor space (6).

Abstract: A biogas system includes a fermenter having a first fermenting chamber and a second fermenting chamber for the fermentation of a fermenting medium. Biogas formed in the first fermenting chamber can be introduced into a riser pipe disposed in the second fermenting chamber.

Abstract: A bioreactor and related methods are for use in bioprocessing in which a fluid is received and agitated using an internal fluid-agitating element driven by an external motive device. In one embodiment, the bioreactor includes a mixer and a movable sparger. The mixer may take the form of a rotational wand mixer, and may further comprise a magnetic impeller. In another embodiment, the bioreactor includes a rotational wand mixer and an integral sparger. In still another embodiment, the bioreactor comprises a bag including a rotational wand mixer having rigid blades attached thereto.

Abstract: A system and method for biological regeneration of ion exchange and absorptive media including a vessel configured to contain a bed of contaminated media particles. The vessel includes a first region configured to receive biological regenerating fluid for contacting media particles in the first region at a first volumetric flowrate sufficient to produce a shear force high enough to reduce bio-film thickness on the media particles; a second region configured to receive a portion of biological regenerating fluid from the first region, wherein the portion of biological regenerating fluid in said second region has a second volumetric flowrate lower than the first volumetric flowrate; and a third region configured to receive another portion of biological regenerating fluid from the first region, wherein the another portion of biological regenerating fluid in the third region has a third volumetric flowrate lower than the second volumetric flowrate.

Abstract: A mixing device for mixing a first and second material together to create an output mixture. The device includes a first chamber containing the first material coupled to a mixing chamber defined between a rotor and a stator. The rotor is disposed inside the stator and rotates therein about an axis of rotation. The first chamber houses an internal pump configured to pump the first material from the first chamber into the mixing chamber. The pump may be configured to impart a circumferential velocity into the first material before it enters the mixing chamber. At least one of the rotor and stator have a plurality of through-holes through which the second material is provided to the mixing chamber. Optionally, a second chamber is coupled to the mixing chamber. The second chamber may house an internal pump configured to pump the output material from the mixing chamber into the second chamber.

Abstract: A process of mechanical separation of embryos from seeds for genetic transplantation employs counter-rotating cylinders together with one or more culling, hydration, separation, and viability testing steps to provide high-throughput of viable, transplantable tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bioreactor for sewage and wastewater treatment, which is capable of agitating and supplying oxygen simultaneously. A bioreactor of the present invention, comprises a culture drum in which microorganisms are cultured; a supplier for supplying a culture solution, and organic and inorganic media to the culture drum, the supplier including a supply tube connected to an upper side of the culture drum, and a pump connected to the supply tube for supplying the culture solution to the culture drum; an agitator for agitating the culture solution by spraying air into the culture solution in the culture drum, the air being supplied from an air blower; and a thermostatic controller for controlling a temperature of the culture solution and disinfecting the interior of the culture drum.

Abstract: An improved process, such as a microbiological or enzymatic process, and apparatus, such as an apparatus for producing a cellular product, comprising introducing a gaseous feed stream of at least one gas of low solubility into an aqueous medium containing a microorganism capable of converting said gaseous feed stream to a cellular product, entraining the gas in the aqueous medium, stirring the gas-entrained aqueous medium so that the gas is retained within the reactor for a time sufficient for the microorganism to convert the majority of the gas to product.

Abstract: A method is provided which comprises: performing a plurality of fermentations, each fermentation in a different sample vessel; and performing a further processing step on the plurality of fermented samples where the sample is retained in the same sample vessel as the fermentation during the processing step.

Abstract: A method for floating at least one substance for growing a tissue part in a bioreactor. The method includes providing at least one substance consisting of one of a tissue part, a scaffold having cells deposited thereon, and a scaffold including a tissue part thereon. The method further includes further acting upon the substance with fluid, wherein the fluid holds the substance in free floatation. The fluid flows in a direction counter to gravity when a density of the substance is greater than a density of the fluid, and in a direction counter to buoyancy when a density of the substance is less than a density of the fluid. The bioreactor for floating at least one substance for growing a tissue part includes a container including a first flow chamber and at least one substance consisting of one of a tissue part, a scaffold having cells deposited thereon, and a scaffold including a tissue part thereon. The substance is acted upon with fluid. The bioreactor further includes an apparatus for conveying the fluid.

Abstract: A fermentation apparatus is constructed to produce a known and repeatable amount of untainted fermentation product using multiple fermentation vessels. To facilitate further processing compatible with other product processing steps, the fermentation apparatus has an array of sample vessels arranged in a container frame. The container frame is configured to hold the sample vessels during fermentation and to transport the vessel array to or from another processing station. Corresponding to the number of sample vessels in the sample vessel array, a cannula array is configured such that each cannula may be placed inside a sample vessel. The cannula array is attached to a gas distributor that delivers oxygen and/or one or more other gases from a gas source through the cannula into the sample vessel. Because the fermentation volume for each individual sample vessel is smaller than a bulk fermentation apparatus, the fermentation product yields are predictable and cell growth rates can be effectively optimized.

Abstract: A cell-detaching reactor is provided to prepare single cell suspension for inoculation of anchorage-dependent cells between the scaled-up bioreactors, which is especially useful in a commercial-scale process. The cell-detaching reactor of the invention comprises a trypsinizing zone and a separating zone, which are separated by a screen with mesh size between the diameters of the cells and the carriers.

Abstract: The method for the holding in flotation of a substance such as a tissue part in a bioreactor (61) is characterized in that the substance (73) is acted upon with a fluid; and in that the flow of the fluid acts counter to gravity in such a manner that the substance (73) is held in flotation. The bioreactor (61) with a container (62) for a substance (73) which is to be acted upon with fluid comprises a first flow chamber (66a) to which a flowing fluid can be supplied, with the first flow chamber (66a) being designed in such a manner that the fluid which flows upwardly therein has a lower speed with increasing height.

Abstract: An apparatus for cultivating tissue cells or microorganisms in suspension, in a manner which ensures formation of an axially symmetric vortex motion of liquid with an axial countercurrent flow in the cell suspension without stagnant zones at various locations. The apparatus has guide elements that stabilize the position of an annular partition with respect to the surface of the suspension, including first blades and second blades. The first blades are attached to the upper surface of the partition with the help of the first struts. The second blades are attached to the lower surface of the partition with the help of the second struts. Each of the first blades and the second blades is provided with a clamping device of “screw-nut” or collet type for varying the angle of attack with respect to the incoming flow of gas and liquid and for securing to the respective strut on the upper surface of the annular partition and at the lower surface of it.

Abstract: A system for providing improved bulk liquid mixing and effective gas-liquid contacting for mass transfer of the gas to the liquid, especially a non-Newtonian liquid, the viscosity of which decreases when under shearing conditions (shear thinning), in an upright tank. An upright draft tube is mounted within the tank and has a lower end spaced from the tank bottom and an upper end spaced below the surface of the liquid in the tank. A plurality of mixing impellers in the draft tube are sufficiently close to each other to establish a field or pattern of agitation to cause shear thinning and upflow throughout the draft tube and which produces significant turbulence at the liquid surface. A plurality of radially inwardly projecting, circumferentially spaced baffles extend from the draft tube and are proximate the mixing impellers to prevent swirling of the liquid within the draft tube.

Abstract: A fermentation apparatus is constructed to produce a known and repeatable amount of untainted fermentation product using multiple fermentation vessels. To facilitate further processing compatible with other product processing steps, the fermentation apparatus has an array of sample vessels arranged in a container frame. The container frame is configured to hold the sample vessels during fermentation and to transport the vessel array to or from another processing station. Corresponding to the number of sample vessels in the sample vessel array, a cannula array is configured such that each cannula may be placed inside a sample vessel. The cannula array is attached to a gas distributor that delivers oxygen and/or one or more other gases from a gas source through the cannula into the sample vessel. Because the fermentation volume for each individual sample vessel is smaller than a bulk fermentation apparatus, the fermentation product yields are predictable and cell growth rates can be effectively optimized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cell culture apparatus and a cell culture vessel/roller bottle cap. The apparatus comprises a rotor releasably housing a plurality of cell culture vessels/roller bottles. The apparatus has means to allow rotation of the rotor at a controlled speed about a substantially horizontal axis and further means to allow the rotational axis of said rotor and said bottles housed therein to be tilted to a substantially vertical position in order to allow fluid to be supplied or drain therefrom. Each vessel is provided with a cap equipped with a fluid supply/drain connection arranged at the lowest point of the cap when said vessel is vertically inverted (as shown in FIG. 1). The suppy/drain connection of each bottle cap is connected to a manifold that allows the supply or extraction of fluid via a sealable external connection.

Abstract: A digester with an agitator and a method of operating an agitator in a digester can be used, for instance, in agricultural biogas plants and communal clarification plants. The digester with an agitator and the method feature improved mixing of the waste products in the digester and enhanced digester efficiency. The digester includes a preferably round bottom surface, a filler rod and an agitator with a drive axle, preferably arranged on the periphery of the digester. The agitator is mounted in a stirring shaft or stirring pipe arranged underneath the filler standard. The method for operating the agitator in a digester involves stirring the content while material is fed into the digester through the filler standard.

Abstract: The method for the holding of a substance such as a tissue part in suspension in a bioreactor (61) is characterized in that the substance (73) is acted upon with a fluid; and in that the flow of the fluid acts counter to gravity in such a manner that the substance (73) is held in suspension. The bioreactor (61) with a container (62) for a substance (73) which is to be acted upon with fluid comprises a first flow chamber (66a) to which a flowing fluid can be supplied, with the first flow chamber (66a) being designed in such a manner that the fluid which flows upwardly therein has a lower speed with increasing height.

Abstract: A system for providing improved bulk liquid mixing and effective gas-liquid contacting for mass transfer of the gas to the liquid, especially a non-Newtonian liquid, the viscosity of which decreases when under shearing conditions (shear thinning), in an upright tank. A process, such as fermentation which produces commercial quantities of polysaccharides such as xanthan gum. may be carried out in the tank. An upright draft tube is mounted within the tank and has a lower end spaced from the tank bottom and an upper end spaced below the surface of the liquid in the tank. A plurality of mixing impellers in the draft tube are sufficiently close to each other to establish a field or pattern of agitation to cause shear thinning and upflow throughout the draft tube and which may produce turbulence at the liquid surface. A plurality of radially inwardly projecting. circumferentially spaced baffles extend from the draft tube and are proximate the mixing impellers to prevent swirling of the liquid within the draft tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the aerobic multiplication of micro-organisms. A tank with a conical bottom shape holds the fermentation broth and a circulating pump outside the tank circulates the fermentation broth from the bottom of the tank to the top. A heat exchanger maintains the desired process temperature. In accordance with the invention, the apparatus includes at least one atomizing nozzle contained within a vortex chamber for the fine atomization of the fermentation broth and for the mixing with process gas in the top of the tank above the fermentation broth. The fermentation broth in the lower portion of the tank is at a quiescent state without mechanical agitation.