Abstract: A gas exhaust filter device for a bioreactor with reduced blockage by condensed liquid is disclosed, which comprises a housing with a filter medium, a gas inlet and a gas outlet and also further comprises a plurality of ribs extending from at least one inner wall of the housing in a region between the gas inlet and the filter medium.

Abstract: A bioreactor container comprising has an at least locally flexible wall and at least one container opening. The wall of the bioreactor container has a fluid-tight inner sheet, and an at least locally fluid-permeable or structured outer sheet. A method for testing the integrity of the bioreactor container also is provided.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a bioreactor for producing a bioproduct comprising a housing; and one or more catalytically active zones located in the housing and adapted to keep two incompatible gaseous reactants separated when in a gas phase, wherein each of said catalytically active zone comprises a catalytic component retainer and a catalytic component retained within and/or on the catalytic component retainer. Each of said catalytically active zones may additionally or alternatively comprise a liquid medium located on either side of the catalytic component retainer and the catalytic component may additionally or alternatively be a suspended catalytic component suspended in a liquid medium located on either side of the catalytic component retainer. Methods of using various embodiments of the bioreactor to produce a bioproduct, such as isobutanol, are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides systems, modules, bioreactor and methods for the automated culture, proliferation, differentiation, production and maintenance of tissue engineered products. In one aspect is an automated tissue engineering system comprising a housing, at least one bioreactor supported by the housing, the bioreactor facilitating physiological cellular functions and/or the generation of one or more tissue constructs from cell and/or tissue sources. A fluid containment system is supported by the housing and is in fluid communication with the bioreactor. One or more sensors are associated with one or more of the housing, bioreactor or fluid containment system for monitoring parameters related to the physiological cellular functions and/or generation of tissue constructs; and a microprocessor linked to one or more of the sensors. The systems, methods and products of the invention find use in various clinical and laboratory settings.

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: A membrane separation culture device includes an upper structure including a vessel in which at least a portion of the bottom thereof is formed with a separation membrane having pores that allow stem cells to permeate therethrough, and a lower structure including a vessel that retains a fluid in which the membrane of the upper structure is immersed.

Abstract: To provide a cell culture apparatus, an apparatus for long-term observation of cell culture, a method for long-term cell culture, and a method for long-term observation of cell culture, which are capable of continuously culturing and observing cells under a uniform environmental condition without variation in physiological state associated with aging of the cultured cells, and also tracing the history (genealogy) of a certain cell.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a bioreactor chamber assembly comprising: a bioreactor chamber comprising first and second portions arranged to be coupled to one another thereby to provide a liquid-tight seal therebetween; a pair of clamp members; and a pair of resilient loop elements, wherein the clamp members are arranged to sandwich the chamber between the clamp members and the loop elements are arranged to apply a force between the clamp members to urge the first and second portions together.

Abstract: The present invention has its object to provide a material for separating stem cell and a filter for separating stem cell, each is capable of selectively separating and recovering, in a simple and easy manner, stem cells from body fluids or biological tissue-derived treated fluids, a method for separating and recovering stem cells, and stem cells obtained by such method. The present invention is a material for separating stem cell which has a density K of 1.0×104?K?1.0×106 and a fiber diameter of 3 to 40 ?m; a filter for separating stem cell which comprises the material for separating stem cell as packed in a container having a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port; a method of separating and recovering stem cells which comprises using the material for separating stem cell or the filter for separating stem cell; and a method of producing a multipotent cell fraction.

Abstract: This invention relates to a lignin sorbent, a lignin removal unit, a biorefinery, a process for removing lignin, a process for binding lignin, and a renewable material. The lignin sorbent includes a substrate, and a lignin binding material dispersed with respect to the substrate. The lignin binding process includes the step of adding a lignin binding material to an input stream, and the step of converting the input stream into a renewable material.

Abstract: Strategies to control the level of dissolved carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations and/or pH in small volume reactor chambers, and associated articles, systems, and methods, are generally provided. In certain embodiments, the reactor chambers can be configured to contain at least one biological cell.

Abstract: Control of humidity in chemical reactors, and associated systems and methods, are generally described. In certain embodiments, the humidity within gas transport conduits and chambers can be controlled to inhibit unwanted condensation within gas transport pathways. By inhibiting condensation within gas transport pathways, clogging of such pathways can be limited (or eliminated) such that transport of gas can be more easily and controllably achieved. In addition, strategies for purging condensed liquid from chemical reactor systems are also described.

Abstract: Combining controlled open-ocean iron enrichment with a system for collecting the ensuing biological growth can lead to a fundamental shift towards using marine biomass feedstock for large-scale global biodiesel production. The literature review reveals that open-ocean enrichment effectively reduces both the atmospheric carbon dioxide partial pressure and ocean acidity. A semi-closed ocean system is provided that allows for the efficient cultivation and harvesting of a high tonnage biomass feedstock generated by iron fertilization. The concept methodically capitalizes on the ocean's free nutrients, kinetic/potential energy, and expansive surface area to ensure that the mass, energy, and cost balance equations favor our system while taking care to preserve the ocean's ecosystem. The system is modular, portable, easily scalable system, and minimizes waste.

Abstract: There is provided a cell culture device including: a cell chip receiving part receiving a cell chip; a drug storing part storing a drug; and a circulation part connecting the cell chip receiving part and the drug storing part to one another and circulating the drug therebetween. The cell culture device may allow for the observation or examination of a reaction between a cell and a drug in an environment similar to that of the inside of a body.

Abstract: A method is provided for co-culturing viable cells and microorganisms for at least 48 hours in which an adhesion module is provided including a basal compartment and a luminal compartment separated by a semi-permeable membrane, and a continuous or semi-continuous flow of fresh medium is applied to the basal compartment.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for producing ethanol wherein the amount of CO2 by-product is reduced during the fermentation process. The invention includes the use of oxidized lignin during the fermentation process.

Abstract: A series of reactor tubes can be employed to remove a biofilm from a growth medium. Each reactor tube can contain a cathode comprised of a blend of transition metal oxides. As the growth medium is passed through the series of reactor tubes, a specific voltage and amperage can be applied to the reactor tubes to cause the biofilm to aggregate without damaging the algae. The aggregated biofilm can then be easily removed from the growth medium.

Abstract: A self-contained breathing closure for flasks and other containers that require gas exchange. An illustrative embodiment of the closure is comprised of a splashguard, an adaptor for attaching the closure to the container, a bellows element and a gas-permeable barrier element. The splashguard is intended to keep liquid contents under vigorous agitation in the container without wetting the gas-permeable barrier. The adaptor couples the closure to the container in a secure fashion. The bellows element allows for repeated changes in the internal volume of the container-closure system. The gas-permeable barrier allows desired gases to enter and leave the container while excluding small particles and/or microorganisms. The technology may be used with existing glass flask technology, or coupled to a plastic flask that may be configured for either single-use, or multiple-use.

Abstract: A bioreactor includes a support structure and a translucent liner. A containing system of bioreactors includes a plurality of bioreactors. A contained bioreactor system includes a plurality of containing systems of interconnected bioreactors, an industrial blower, an air filter, a microbial filter, a gas delivery system, and a harvesting station. A method of reducing carbon dioxide emissions includes delivering carbon dioxide to a bioreactor where the bioreactor includes a support structure and a liner where the bioreactor includes media containing microbes. A method of harvesting microorganisms includes emptying the solution and removing a sieve from the harvesting unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the coloring of cells, preferably E1-immortalized HER cells, more preferably PER.C6 cells in a reactor in suspension in a cell culture medium, wherein the cells produce a biological substance, preferably an antibody, wherein at least one cell culture medium component is fed to the cell culture and wherein the cell culture comprising the cells, the biological substance and cell culture medium is circulated over a separation system and wherein the separation system separates the biological substance from substances having a lower molecular weight than the biological substance and wherein the biological substance is retained in or fed back into the reactor. Preferably part of the substances of lower molecular weight is continuously removed from the cell culture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic system for controlling a concentration profile of molecules capable of stimulating a target, for example formed by an assembly of living cells, this system comprising: -a microfluidic device (1) comprising at least one microfluidic channel (4) equipped with at least one inlet orifice (21) and with at least one outlet orifice (22) for at least one fluid; -at least one means for supplying the microfluidic channel (4) with at least one fluid comprising molecules capable of stimulating the target; -at least one chamber (8) or another microfluidic channel comprising a base (6) intended to receive the target; and -at least one microporous membrane (5) separating the chamber (8) or the other microfluidic channel from the microfluidic channel (4), said microporous membrane (5) being positioned away from the base (6) so that when the supply means provides the microfludic channel (4) with said at least one fluid flowing in laminar flow in contact with the microporous membrane (5)

Abstract: A cell culture system for fermentation or cultivation of at least one of cells, tissues or tissue-like cell cultures, organs or organ-like cell cultures and multicellular organisms comprises: a system vessel (1) in which at least one cavity (6) is formed, the cavity (6) having at least three ports (2, 3, 4); at least one porous substrate (9) installed within the cavity (6) so as to allow fluid flowing from any one to any other of said three ports (2, 3, 4) to pass through said porous substrate (9); and, at least one channel extending from a first one of said ports (3) within the porous substrate (9) towards a central region of said porous substrate (9).

Abstract: The invention relates to a reactor driven in an oscillatory-rotary manner about its fixed, preferably vertical, axis, for preferably biotechnological and pharmaceutical applications. By means of its process-intensifying properties for mixing, suspension, gaseous material transport, heat transfer, irradiation and particle retention, the applicability on the industrial scale is ensured. The reactor which succeeds without a shaft seal permits particularly robust production with respect to sterile technique with avoidance of cleaning and cleaning validation required when the reactor is constructed as a single-use reactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of fermentation products such as alcohols including ethanol and butanol, and processes employing in situ product removal methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the fermentative production of alcohols including ethanol and butanol, and processes for improving alcohol fermentation employing in situ product removal methods.

Abstract: A system and method for interfacing non-sterile sensors to a sterile flow stream is disclosed. Typically, sensors cannot be sterilized in the same manner as other components of the flow stream. This results in complex processes to incorporate a sterilized sensor into a sterilized flow stream. By introducing a separation membrane, the desired sensor can be interfaced to the sterile flow stream. By doing so, the sensor need not be sterile, only sufficiently clean. The membrane separates the sterile environment within the flow stream from the sensor, while still permitting the sensor to function.

Abstract: A system and process for producing ethanol and biogas. An incoming feedstock and water is directed to a preparation unit that frees sugar from the feedstock. The feedstock is directed to a fermenter that ferments the sugar to produce a beer that includes ethanol and feedstock. The beer is directed to a distillation unit which separates the ethanol from the feedstock and produces ethanol and whole stillage. The stillage derived is direct to an anaerobic membrane bioreactor unit. The stillage is subjected to anaerobic digestion in the anaerobic digester and this produces mixed liquor that includes suspended solids. Mixed liquor including the suspended solids is directed to the membrane separation unit which filters the suspended solids and produces a concentrated reject (retentate) stream and a backset permeate stream. The backset permeate stream is then mixed with the incoming feedstock.

Abstract: A multilayered cell culture apparatus for the culturing of cells is disclosed. The cell culture apparatus is defined as an integral structure having a plurality of cell culture chambers in combination with tracheal space(s). The body of the apparatus has imparted therein gas permeable membranes in combination with tracheal spaces that will allow the free flow of gases between the cell culture chambers and the external environment. The flask body also includes an aperture that will allow access to the cell growth chambers by means of a needle or cannula. The size of the apparatus, and location of an optional neck and cap section, allows for its manipulation by standard automated assay equipment, further making the apparatus ideal for high throughput applications.

Abstract: System and method includes a body having a central microchannel separated by one or more porous membranes. The membranes are configured to divide the central microchannel into a two or more parallel central microchannels, wherein one or more first fluids are applied through the first central microchannel and one or more second fluids are applied through the second or more central microchannels. The surfaces of each porous membrane can be coated with cell adhesive molecules to support the attachment of cells and promote their organization into tissues on the upper and lower surface of the membrane. The pores may be large enough to only permit exchange of gases and small chemicals, or to permit migration and transchannel passage of large proteins and whole living cells. Fluid pressure, flow and channel geometry also may be varied to apply a desired mechanical force to one or both tissue layers.

Abstract: We provide a miniature, disposable reactor vessel for bioprocessing. Embodiments include a sealed vessel surrounding a filter through which spent media may be preferentially removed relative to culture cells. Preferred embodiments include an impeller shaft that is contained within the vessel and passes through the filter assembly. The impeller shaft may be engaged magnetically with a drive shaft. Combinations of these reactor vessels and methods of their use are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bioreactor for creating and/or conditioning biological tissues, in particular cardiovascular patches. This bioreactor supports additionally cellular differentiation under controlled conditions. The bioreactor comprises a housing having a first section (20) for holding a nutrition solution and/or a cell suspension (24), means (28) for holding a scaffold (34), said means being disposed or disposable inside said bioreactor housing such that said scaffold (34) held therein is exposed to said nutrition solution and/or cell suspension (24) when contained in said first section (20), mechanical stimulation means (54, 68, 86) for applying mechanical stress and/or strain to said scaffold (34) and/or tissue formed thereon when held by said scaffold holding means (28) in said bioreactor housing, and electrical stimulation means (38, 92) for applying an electrical stimulation to said scaffold (34) and/or tissue formed thereon when held by said scaffold holding means (28) in said bioreactor housing.

Abstract: Methods, systems, devices and materials for producing biofuels under nanoscale control (“nanobiofuels”) are provided. In one aspect, the invention provides method for producing a biofuel, including providing a hydrocarbon producing organism; exposing the biological hydrocarbon producing organism to conditions effective to cause substantial release of the hydrocarbon from the biological hydrocarbon producing organism; and isolating at least a portion of the hydrocarbon. At least one of the actions of providing, exposing, and isolating is performed using a corresponding nanoscale control.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for fermenting, separating, and refining a product, which is produced by cultivating a microorganism. The apparatus and the method for fermenting, separating, and refining, of the present invention, can separate and refine the product that is produced by microbial fermentation in a simple, continuous manner and with high efficiency.

Abstract: Cell aggregate forming chambers are described, suitable for automated loading and unloading, where the airtight chamber contains a mold with a plurality of cavities, where there is an inlet and an outlet for cells, and where air is filtered before it comes into the chamber. Method of using the chamber include injecting cells into the chamber, providing conditions where the cells may grow to form cell aggregates, and extracting the cell aggregates through a cell outlet.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed for use in the production of useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use biomass materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, to enhance the production of a product, e.g., the production of ethanol and/or butanol by fermentation.

Abstract: A system for culturing a cell mass comprising: handling means for handling the cell mass; a first container for reserving the cell mass supplied from the handling means, the first container having micropores that allow communication of a culture fluid with the external area; a second container for accommodating the first container, where a culture fluid fills around the first container in an excessive amount as compared to the amount of the culture fluid in the first container; and liquid removal means for removing a droplet or foam remaining in the handling means after supplying the cell mass into the first container.

Abstract: An extracorporeal filtration and detoxification system and method generally comprise separating ultrafiltrate from cellular components of blood, treating the ultrafiltrate independently of the cellular components in a recirculation circuit, recombining treated ultrafiltrate and the cellular components, and returning whole blood to the patient. A recirculation circuit generally comprises an active cartridge including active cells operative to effectuate a selected treatment; in some embodiments, the active cells are the C3A cell line.

Abstract: Provided are filtration systems that can be referred to as Pneumatic Alternating Cell Separator (PACS), useful components thereof in the form of assemblies or kits of parts that can be used to build the system, and use of the system for filtering fluids, for instance, in cell culture perfusion systems comprising a filter-containing chamber, an expansion chamber and a gas flow controller.

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: The present invention relates to a bioreactor and a method for operating a bioreactor which comprises a chamber (100) capable of receiving a liquid media, and a filter assembly (200) comprising a perfusion filter (210; 212; 214). The filter assembly (200) is disposed in the chamber (100) and the filter assembly (200) is free to move within the chamber (100). The filter assembly (200) comprises means for coupling a harvesting flow through said filter (210; 212; 214) and means for coupling a feed flow through said filter in an opposite direction compared to the harvesting flow. Through this arrangement, the clogging prevention of the perfusion filter can be improved.

Abstract: Devices and methods for delivering a therapeutic agent produced via a genetically-altered chondrocyte are provided. More specifically, the device includes a housing which defines a cell chamber configured to retain a large volume of chondrocytes while selectively releasing therapeutic agents produced via these entrapped cells. In an exemplary embodiment, the cell chamber can be configured such that a portion of cells can be positioned at least about 1.5 mm from an external wall of the device (i.e., about 1.5 mm away from an external nutrient supply). For example, the cell chamber can have a tubular configuration having a length and a diameter wherein each of these dimensions is at least about 3 mm (thereby the central core to the chamber is at least about 1.5 mm from the outer wall of the device).

Abstract: A portable warmer for use with a cell culture plate in order to maintain culture samples borne by the culture plate at a desired temperature includes a body having formed therein a shelf that is sized and shaped to generally conform to the outside dimensions of the base of a cell culture plate. The shelf includes a substantially horizontal surface atop of which the base of the cell culture plate may be freely rested. The shelf also includes a preferably electric heating element, which may be formed unitary with the horizontal surface of the shelf or may be contained within the body of the portable warmer in an area and in a manner adapted to cause heating of the horizontal surface of the shelf. The portable warmer is provided with one or more clamping devices for securing a received cell culture plate in place atop the shelf.

Abstract: A cap has recess containing a porous frit and a graded porosity filter located so fluid from a container to which the cap is connected passes through the filter and out a spout on the cap. The filter porosity is selected to pass product expressed from cellular organisms grown in growth media inside the container while filtering out debris. A cap vent allows positive pressure in the container ullage to expedite filtering and reduce agitation of the container contents. This is not just a cap with a filter but an enabling tool. This tool enables total design change in many processes from previous thinking, allowing for the maximization of purified material, and reduction of multiple steps.

Abstract: A bioreactor or culture vessel for incubation of one or more cell cultures, tissue biopsies, cell clusters, tissue-like structures, “prototissues” or similar samples. The bioreactor comprises an incubation chamber, a liquid reservoir and conduction means separated from each other by semipermeable membranes. Specifically, the invention provides a humidity chamber design which simplifies the construction of the bioreactor.

Abstract: A method and system for efficiently producing a fermentative product alcohol such as butanol utilizing in situ product extraction are provided. The efficiency is obtained through separating undissolved solids after liquefying a given feedstock to create a feedstock and prior to fermentation, for example, through centrifugation. Removal of the undissolved solids avoids problems associated with having the undissolved solids present during in situ production extraction, and thereby increases the efficiency of the alcohol production.

Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane module includes a housing, a hollow fiber membrane sealed in the housing and a sealing agent in a space between the hollow fiber membrane and the housing, wherein 1) the hollow fiber membrane is made of a polysulfone based resin; 2) a membrane surface average pore diameter is 5 nm or more and 500 nm or less; 3) a pure water permeability coefficient under 50 kPa at 25° C. is 0.05 m3/m2/hour or more and 5 m3/m2/hour or less; 4) the sealing agent is at least one selected from the group consisting of a polyurethane resin and an epoxy resin; and 5) a decrease in tensile strength after bringing the sealing agent into contact with saturated steam at 121° C. for 24 hours is 25% or less.

Abstract: A process for converting a feed gas containing at least one of CO, CO2, and/or H2 to a liquid product using biomass that grow on the surface of carriers suspended in a fermentation broth within the vessel of a moving bed bioreactor (MMBR). An injector is used to at least partially dissolved the feed gas in the fermentation broth, at least partially entrain the gas in the broth as microbubbles and to introduce the mixture of the entrained gas and broth into the vessel in a substantially horizontal direction. The injection of the mixture creates eddy current in the surrounding liquid for thoroughly mixing the fermentation broth in the vessel and for keeping the biomass carrier moving to provide sufficient shear so as to maintain a biofilm thickness on the carrier in a desirable range.

Abstract: The cart comprises a lateral face by which it is adapted to be juxtaposed against another cart. It further comprises a first pump, a second pump disposed below said first pump and laterally offset relative thereto, and a tank adapted to receive a feed container provided to contain said biological liquid, said tank being disposed above said first pump and offset laterally relative thereto. The installation comprises one said cart, a filter and a second cart, juxtaposed against said first cart and of which the upper face supports said filter such that an outlet point of said first pump is situated substantially facing an inlet/outlet aperture of said filter.

Abstract: A cell culture device allows co-cultivation on both sides of a membrane and has an outer tubular body with upper end having an opening and lower end closed by the membrane, an inner surface and an outer surface, which can be colonized with biological material, a complementary tubular body whose inner diameter fits onto the outer diameter of the lower end and a hanger component with upper end and a lower end. A flange extends from the upper end and the outer diameter component fits the inner diameter of the outer tubular body. The outer tubular body in a first step is connected to the complementary tubular body to form a standing insert for a first cell cultivation, and in a second step wherein the outer tubular body is disengaged from the complementary tubular body and is attached to the hanger component for a second cell cultivation.

Abstract: A membrane reactor for the manufacture of plant protein hydrolysates, the membrane reactor comprising a substrate vessel adapted to provide a plant protein substrate to an enzyme source, a continuously stirred reactor comprising the enzyme source, and an ultrafiltration module comprising a membrane with a molecular cut-off wherein the membrane is adapted to allow passage of the plant protein hydrolysate while retaining the enzyme.