Abstract: A customizable facility for manufacturing at least one product has at least one modular unit in communication with at least one central unit configured to provide utilities to the at least one modular unit. In some embodiments, the central unit(s) and modular unit(s) are positioned at least partially within a shell. Each modular unit can be a fermentation unit, a pre-viral unit, a post-viral unit, a utility space, a warehouse, a media buffer facility, an office, a personnel unit, or another unit. The modular units can be arranged to maximize a number of modular units within the shell while minimizing a footprint of the shell. A method of assembling a facility for manufacturing at least one product includes providing at least one central unit and providing at least one modular unit in communication with the central unit(s) such that utilities are provided by the central unit(s) to the modular unit(s).

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for modulating the growth, development and repair of bone, cartilage or other connective tissue. Devices and stimulus waveforms are provided to differentially modulate the behavior of osteoblasts, chondrocytes and other connective tissue cells to promote proliferation, differentiation, matrix formation or mineralization for in vitro or in vivo applications. Continuous-mode and pulse-burst-mode stimulation of cells with charge-balanced signals may be used. Bone, cartilage and other connective tissue growth is stimulated in part by nitric oxide release through electrical stimulation and may be modulated through co-administration of NO donors and NO synthase inhibitors. Bone, cartilage and other connective tissue growth is stimulated in part by release of BMP-2 and BMP-7 in response to electrical stimulation to promote differentiation of cells.

Abstract: A biotrickling filter for treating waste gas including a waste gas inlet, packing layers, a spray pipe, a spray liquid storage tank, and a waste gas outlet. The waste gas passes through a first packing layer after passing through the waste gas inlet and then passes through a second packing layer after changing the flow direction at the bottom of the first packing layer; the flow directions of the waste gas in the first packing layer and the second packing layer are opposite to form a cross-flow structure; the two different flow directions of the waste gas form a cross-flow unit, and two or more cross-flow units form the biotrickling filter.

Abstract: An apparatus for high-throughput cell culture with mechanical compression stimulation includes a cell culture vessel and a fluid pressure supply unit. The cell culture vessel includes at least one culture chamber, at least one pressure chamber disposed above the culture chamber, a membrane disposed between the culture chamber and the pressure chamber, and at least one pressurizing member that projects downwardly from the membrane into the culture chamber. The fluid pressure supply unit is connected fluidly to the pressure chamber, and has a fluid pressure supply device to supply a pressurized fluid to the pressure chamber so as to deform the membrane and move the pressurizing member, and a control device that is adapted to vary a pressure of the pressurized fluid in the pressure chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a multi-layer system for containing cells in culture, and a system for visualizing cells cultured in the multi-layered system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a multi-layer cell culture device having a specialized bottom plate and a microscope adaptor which can accommodate a microscope to allow microscopic visualization of cells cultured in the device.

Abstract: Cell expansion systems are provided. The cell expansion systems generally include a hollow fiber cell growth chamber, and first and second fluid flow paths associated with the interior of the hollow fibers and exterior of the hollow fibers, respectively. The hollow fibers have a hydrophilic interior surface and a hydrophobic exterior surface. Detachable flow circuits are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and devices that improve cell culture efficiency. They include the use of gas permeable culture compartments that reduce the use of space while maintaining uniform culture conditions, and are more suitable for automated liquid handling. They include the integration of gas permeable materials into the traditional multiple shelf format to resolve the problem of non-uniform culture conditions. They include culture devices that use surfaces comprised of gas permeable, plasma charged silicone and can integrate traditional attachment surfaces, such as those comprised of traditional tissue culture treated polystyrene. They include culture devices that integrate gas permeable, liquid permeable membranes. A variety of benefits accrue, including more optimal culture conditions during scale up and more efficient use of inventory space, incubator space, and disposal space. Furthermore, labor and contamination risk are reduced.

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 provides a device for preparing a fluid sample, including but not limited to a sample comprising genomic DNA.

Abstract: A method for improving productivity in microbial fermentations and mammalian cell culture bioreactors.

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 process for the preparation of aqueous solutions of glucans having a ?-1,3-glycosidically-linked main chain and side groups having a ?-1,6-glycosidic bond by fermentation of fungal strains. The fungal strains secrete the glucans into the fermentation broth, in an aqueous culture medium, and the separation of the glucans from the fermentation broth is effected using asymmetrical filter membranes.

Abstract: A disposable apparatus for cell expansion, having at least one bioreactor. The bioreactor has a cellular growth area and a supply area, the cellular growth area being separated from said supply area by a membrane. A fluid recirculation path in fluid communication with the cellular growth area allows for hermetically removing a sample containing cellular matter. This may comprise an elongated tube, or a plurality of parallel tube segments. The parallel tube segments have inflow ends and outflow ends, and the inflow ends are joined at a first common juncture and the outflow ends are joined at a second common juncture. The common junctures may comprise valves.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method for accurately measuring the concentration of a substance within a filter housing. A concentration sensor and a communications device are coupled so as to be able to measure and transmit the concentration of a particular substance within the filter housing while in use. This system can comprise a single component, integrating both the communication device and the concentration sensor. Alternatively, the system can comprise separate sensor and transmitter components, in communication with one another. In yet another embodiment, a storage element can be added to the system, thereby allowing the device to store a set of concentration values. The use of this device is beneficial to many applications. For example, the ability to read concentration values in situ allows integrity tests to be performed without additional equipment.

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 system for collecting a biological sample includes a collection device comprising a cylindrical body having a bore extending there through and a filter membrane disposed at one end thereof; a filter plug having an insert configured for insertion into the bore; a collar concentrically mounted about the exterior surface of the insert and configured for insertion into the bore; and a gasket disposed about the exterior surface of the insert, wherein an outer dimension of the gasket is variable in response to relative movement between the collar and the insert, and wherein the gasket has a cross section with two end portions and a mid portion that is located radially further away from the insert than the two end portions.

Abstract: A process for separating vapors, for example for separating water from ethanol, uses a gas separation membrane unit. Permeate from the membrane unit is compressed and may be used for example as heating steam for distillation. The membrane unit may have two or more stages. Permeate from a stage may be condensed and used for example as fermentation make up water, compressed and fed to the permeate from an upstream stage or heating steam, or fed to another membrane stage for further dewatering. The gas separation membrane unit may be used to remove water from a fermentation broth that has been partially dewatered, for example by one or more of a distillation column or molecular sieve.

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 disposable apparatus for cell expansion, having at least one bioreactor. The bioreactor has a cellular growth area and a supply area, the cellular growth area being separated from said supply area by a membrane. A fluid recirculation path in fluid communication with the cellular growth area allows for hermetically removing a sample containing cellular matter. This may comprise an elongated tube, or a plurality of parallel tube segments. The parallel tube segments have inflow ends and outflow ends, and the inflow ends are joined at a first common juncture and the outflow ends are joined at a second common juncture. The common junctures may comprise valves.

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: The invention relates to a device that is intended, in particular, for the culture of cells. The inventive device consists of a chamber (100) which is intended to receive the cells (10) and which comprises at least one liquid injection conduit (121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126), the surface of the liquid contained in said chamber (100) being in free contact with the air. The invention is characterised in that it comprises a collector element (40) which can form at least one liquid bridge with the free surface of the liquid, said collector element (40) comprising a mouth piece (43) which is positioned essentially at the level of the free surface of the liquid contained in the chamber (100). The aforementioned mouth piece (43) is maintained at a vacuum such that it absorbs a flow of air which moves the surface film (30) of the liquid via the liquid bridge.

Abstract: A filtration based biological specimen collection and transfer device is provided. The filtration and transfer device comprises a tubular body with two axial ends, an annular flange disposed at one of the axial ends, and a biological specimen filter affixed to the outer surface of the annular flange. Preferably, the annular flange has disposed on its outer surface an annular ridge having a uniform height and forming a planar rim upon which the filter sits. Optionally, the annular flange comprises two mounting portions and the filter is bonded to each of those mounting portions. A method of collecting microscopic biological particles carried in a fluid is provided using the filtration and transfer device and a method of manufacturing the filtration and transfer device are also provided. A filtration based biological specimen collection and transfer system using the filtration and transfer device and a kit for use with filtration based biological specimen collection and transfer systems are also provided.

Abstract: The culture chamber of the present invention has a fluid-filled culture compartment in which cells, tissues and other biologicals are cultured. The culture compartment is transversed by one or more molecular weight cut-off membranes attached to a membrane carrier assembly. Incoming nutrients are transported through the membrane into the culture compartment and metabolic waste products are transported away from the fluid-filled culture compartment through the membrane and out the chamber outlet. Both reusable and disposable culture chambers are described for culturing cells, cell aggregates, particles, tissues and organoids.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to construct a culture device optimized for culturing animal cells. The present invention provides a device for culturing cells which comprises at least one water-containing polymer gel film for adhering animal cells onto at least one surface of the film, and has a structure capable of supplying different liquids to both sides of the film.

Abstract: A device and a method for the cultivation of cells is disclosed that utilizes external pneumatic pressure responsive to liquid level sensors to gently recirculate and cause turbulence in cell growth medium to promote cell growth without any shearing action and without a stir motor or mechanical manipulation means.

Abstract: In a bioreactor, a culture solution derived from a cultivation tank is separated into bacteria cells and filtrate by a bacteria cell filter. The filtrate is introduced from the bacteria cell filter into a micro-nano bubble generation tank where micro-nano-bubbles are mixed with the filtrate. The filtrate containing micro-nano-bubbles is returned to the cultivation tank to activate the microorganisms therein, so that a biological reaction time is reduced by the activated microorganisms.

Abstract: A bio-reactor for cultivating cells, preferably mammalian cells, within a porous support matrix material, the bio-reactor having an inner vessel disposed within an outer vessel, and a matrix carrier containing a support matrix disposed within the inner vessel. The support matrix is provided with a supply of cultivation medium through an inlet and an outlet boring of the matrix carrier.

Abstract: A biologically implantable containment device having a wet seal, the device being adaptable for drug formulations or cell suspensions. A porous membrane, in a tubular configuration, is formed and can be configured as part of a closed cell-tight system for loading. During loading, the containment device membrane is wet, while the loading system remains cell-tight. The containment device is wet-sealed through a combination of heat and pressure, while the system remains cell-tight. Sealing the containment device substantially or completely eliminates metabolic functioning of any organisms in the vicinity of the closure. The wet-seal is formed by melting a thermoplastic material that is in contact with the membrane. The containment device is separated from the cell-tight loading system, which remains closed after separation.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for cultivation of filamentous fungi using a suspended nutritionally solid substrate, the method including the steps of: (a) preparing a medium comprising a nutritionally solid substrate; and (b) inoculating an inoculum into the medium comprising the nutritionally solid substrate in a bioreactor to carry out fermentation. The present invention combines the properties of solid-state culture and submerged culture. In addition, the present invention may employ an air-lift bioreactor with a net draft tube and the fed-batch process to elevate the yields of filamentous fungi and metabolites thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biological filter for the purification of waste gases comprising a bed of biologically active carrier material consisting of pith extracted from coconut husks, the bed being contained such that the waste gases are brought in contact with the said bed and removed from the bed at points spatially separated from the inlet points.

Abstract: The bioartificial reactor has a reactor vessel. A cell culture chamber in the reactor, in particular for liver cells, is divided off from a flow chamber for a nutritive medium and from a flow chamber for plasma and blood by semipermeable walls. At least one flow chamber is formed as a tube that is helically wound in the shape of a screw and that is made of semipermeable material.

Abstract: A cartridge for holding compost in a biofilter is substantially uniform in cross section perpendicular to the axis of the cartridge and has a sidewall formed with openings that are small enough to substantially retain the compost in the cartridge yet large enough to allow filaments of bacteria present in the compost to project through the openings. The cartridge is of cross-sectional form such that multiple cartridges can be placed side-by-side in an array with passages between each cartridge and adjacent cartridges.

Abstract: The present invention involves a simple, disposable, manual filtration and extraction device and method of use that provides a sample directly to an analytical method. The device is capable of providing a clarified liquid ready for analysis or disposal as appropriate for the specific analyte of interest, and is capable of capturing particulate materials and allowing for further extraction of those particles directly with the device. Once extracted, the device will deliver a liquid containing the analyte of interest to an analytical method. The filtration and extraction device includes a pliant body having an open top end and an internal wall defining an inner chamber. A sealing mechanism is adapted to seal the open top end of the body. A gradient filter assembly including at least one filter is supported by a support assembly carried by the body.