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: An extra-capillary fluid cycling unit for maintaining and cycling fluid volumes in a cell culture chamber includes a housing and a first flexible reservoir extra-capillary fluid reservoir disposed in the housing. The extra-capillary fluid reservoir is in fluid communication with a cell culture chamber. A second flexible reservoir is also located in the housing, the second flexible reservoir being in fluid communication with a pressure source. A sensor plate is movably disposed in the housing between the extra-capillary reservoir and the second reservoir, wherein the second reservoir is pressurized to move the sensor plate in relation to the extra-capillary reservoir to cause fluid cycling and maintain fluid volumes in the cell growth chamber.

Abstract: A stable system for producing liquid products such as ethanol, butanol and other chemicals from syngas components contacts CO or a mixture of CO2 and H2 with a hydrophilic membrane under anaerobic conditions and transfers these components into contact with microorganisms contained as a biofilm on the membrane. Maintaining the microorganisms as a biolayer on the surface of the membrane facilitates cleaning of the membrane surface that retains the biofilm. In addition the shell gas space that surrounds the membranes may be flooded to reduce or remove the biofilm. Agitation of the liquid, by for example the bubbling of gas in the surrounding shell space, can fully or partially remove the biofilm from the membrane.

Abstract: The invention provides an automated apparatus of cell culture having tanks of culture medium, of growth factors and of cells to be cultured, an incubator having a thermostated enclosure which houses a cell culture vessel, and control computer system. A supporting and agitation device of the culture vessel is provided in the enclosure, and the culture vessel is formed by a bag having at least one inlet port connected to the tanks and one outlet port connected devices for harvesting and storage of the cells after culture, these harvesting and storage devices and tanks being located outside the enclosure and being connected to the cell expansion bag ports by conduits which together with the cell expansion bag form a preassembled module passing through a wall of the enclosure.

Abstract: An apparatus and process is taught for the formation of ethanol from a fermentation medium in the absence of an ethanol concentration distillation step.

Abstract: A novel induction method that effectively produces platelets from platelet precursor cells (e.g., hemopoietic stem/precursor cells) is disclosed. The method includes culturing platelet precursor cells in a culture solution in which a composite membrane is immersed so that the platelet precursor cells differentiate into platelets, the composite membrane including a porous support membrane and a porous thin membrane, the porous thin membrane being stacked on at least one side of the porous support membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for manufacturing and using a cell culture support device. The device includes a plurality of polymer layers, each with at least one flow chamber defined therethrough. The device also includes a cross channel interface between the channels of different polymer layers. The cross channel interface includes a plurality of pores and a topographical pattern that is selected independent of the plurality of pores. Furthermore, the formation of the topographical pattern preservers the pores.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for converting cellulosic biomass pulp into a sugar solution is provided. The process includes combining a quantity of cellulosic biomass pulp with a quantity of acid and a quantity of enzyme. The combined quantity of cellulosic biomass pulp, enzyme, and acid are placed in an enzymatic hydrolysis reactor having a predetermined temperature range and predetermined pH level, thereby producing a quantity of monomeric sugar solution.

Abstract: Gas permeable devices and methods are disclosed that provide highly efficient cell culture. Gas compartments, made up at least in part of gas permeable material, are dispersed within the culture device in locations that allow cells to remain within a fixed distance from a gas transmission location as the device scales in the horizontal direction. Gas permeable walls of the gas compartment(s) allow gas exchange with the ambient gas. Such an arrangement provides many advantages including the ability to eliminate the need for a gas-liquid interface, allow cell culture to proceed in the static mode (i.e. absent the need for media or gas to be pumped through the device), allow the scale of the device to increase in both the horizontal direction and vertical direction, reduce the rate of media evaporation, allow uncomplicated and low cost device fabrication, and provide the capacity for reduced feeding frequency.

Abstract: A device for continuously, periodically monitoring water for microbial germs, comprising a reactor and at least one reagent feed line into the reactor and at least one metering device for reagents as well as at least one measuring device for detecting the presence of microorganisms, wherein the reactor comprises a reactor chamber and a filtrate chamber, which is separated from said reactor chamber by means of a filter, a water feed line as well as a reagent feed line empty into the reactor chamber and at least one water discharge line leads out of the filtrate chamber, and a controller is set up to use pump/valve means to lead a predefinable quantity of water into the reactor chamber and through the filter as well as to introduce a predefinable quantity of reagent into the reactor chamber.

Abstract: The bioreactor is for use in performing biological and/or biochemical reactions and includes a vessel, an agitator, a reaction assembly, and a harvesting outlet. The vessel of the bioreactor includes several ports including a mixing port, a reaction port, and a harvesting port. The agitator extends through the mixing port into the vessel while the harvesting outlet extends through the harvesting port and permits the withdrawal of reaction medium to another vessel. The reaction assembly extends through the reaction port into the vessel and has multiple components including a gas conduit adapted to introduce gas into a reaction medium in the vessel, a sampling device adapted to remove a portion of the reaction medium from the vessel without contamination of the remaining reaction medium, and an introduction conduit permitting the introduction of at least the reaction medium into the vessel.

Abstract: Installation for treating a biological liquid, including a circulation pump (5), a filter element (9), a container for collecting treated liquid, a first circuit section connecting a source of said biological liquid to an inlet orifice of said filter element (9), including a circuit element adapted to cooperate with said circulation pump (5); a second circuit section, connecting an outlet orifice of said filter element (9) to said treated liquid collecting container; characterized in that said treated liquid collecting container, said first circuit section and said second circuit section are disposable and said installation further includes a first cart (1) carrying said pump (5) and a second cart (2) including a housing (14) for said collecting container, separable from the first cart (1) and adapted to be at least partly nested in said first cart (1).

Abstract: A method produces a sugar liquid by repeating a sugar liquid production process including (1) to (3): (1) adding a filamentous fungus-derived cellulase to cellulose to perform primary hydrolysis; (2) adding a fresh filamentous fungus-derived cellulase to the hydrolysate in Step (1) to perform secondary hydrolysis; and (3) subjecting the hydrolysate in Step (2) to solid-liquid separation to obtain a sugar liquid, from which a recovered enzyme is obtained; wherein the recovered enzyme obtained in Step (3) is used for Step (1) of the next and later sugar liquid production processes.

Abstract: A bio factory apparatus capable of Up-Stream production of biologic material products or biologics products in a liquid volume and processing of biologic or biologic material products Down-Stream, comprising at least one first Up-Stream producing capsule and at least one second Down-Stream processing capsule, said capsules capable of being stacked in any order and any number within a column.

Abstract: A device is disclosed which contains one or more pores 10. The pores 10 in turn contain one or more translocase proteins which from a translocation system 20. At the pores 10, two zones, the cis zone 50 and the trans zone 60, are separated from one another on a support body 90 by means of translocation systems 20 in such a way that only those proteins that are recognized by the translocation systems 20 due to specific molecular signals can exclusively pass over from the cis zone 50 into the trans zone 60.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and methods for modeling tumor metastasis in vitro where primary tumor tissue is cultivated in an orientation and an environment such that the natural composition, three-dimensional organization, and environmental conditions of the tumor can be adjusted. The invention further provides mechanism for inducing tumors to undergo metastatic processes resulting in production of tumor progenitor or stem cells that can be collected, characterized, or used to induce tumors in normal tissue constructs in vitro.

Abstract: The present invention is based in part on the discovery of significant improvements to cell culture systems and methods in terms of utility and range of application. The system allows for culture of cells in one or more defined spaces within a culture chamber defined by one or more spaced opposing surfaces to provide significant advantages over previously described culture methods. The system includes a chamber for receiving a fluid culture medium; a first surface and one or more second surfaces defining one or more spaces in the chamber; and one or more cells constrained within the one or more spaces. The second surface includes at least one opening for passage of a substance into the culture space.

Abstract: A multiwell-plate reactor is provided herein for small scale cell culturing and fermenting. Advantageously, with the multiwell-plate reactor of the subject invention, a small scale cell culturing and fermenting process can be conducted with the fluid, such as a liquid nutrient or one or more gases, being introduced in a controlled manner.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is described for seeding and culturing cells on a sample. The apparatus includes a chamber in which the volume of the chamber may be adjusted without compromising the seal or sterility of the chamber. The apparatus enables the seeding of cells in a reduced volume and culturing of cells in an increased volume. Further, the apparatus enables application of forces, strains and torques to a sample during seeding, culturing or transportation of the sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for recovering an essentially cell-associated expression product from a host cell comprising (a) culturing said host cell under conditions that allow expression of said expression product; (b) collecting said host cell in/on a filter unit; (c) disrupting said host cell in/on the filter unit; and (d) separating said expression product from said disrupted host cell. Said host cell is preferably a vertebrate cell, more preferably an avian cell, which is preferably cultured in suspension. Furthermore, the present invention provides for the use of a filter unit characterized in that said filter unit is (i) suitable to retain a host cell which expresses an expression product; and (ii) suitable for elution of said expression product from the filter unit after cell disruption in/on said filter unit for recovering said expression product from said host cell as well as for a system for recovering an expression product from a host cell comprising said filter unit.

Abstract: An automated template bead preparation system is provided and includes a membrane-based emulsion generation subsystems, a thermal plate and subsystem, and a continuous centrifugation emulsion breaking and templated bead collection subsystem. The emulsion generation subsystem provides uniformity in the preparation of an inverse emulsion and may be used to create large or small volume inverse emulsions rapidly and reproducibly. An emulsion-generating device is provided that can supply a continuous stream of an inverse emulsion to a thermal subsystem, in automated fashion. The thermal subsystem can treat an inverse emulsion passed therethrough. The continuous centrifugation subsystem can continuously break a thermally cycled inverse emulsion and collect template beads formed in the aqueous microreactor droplets of the inverse emulsion.

Abstract: A cell-culture-bag for use in the expansion of stem cells from a crude biopsy, comprising: outer walls; a chamber located within the walls; a first inlet, and first and second outlets, providing fluid communication with the chamber, for connection to a perfusion apparatus; and a filter arrangement constructed to allow passage of red blood cells and block passage of stem cells from the first outlet, and block passage of microcarriers from the second outlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bioartificial devices and systems that mimic kidney or nephron function and methods of making them.

Abstract: An insert device and co-culture device assembly incorporating the insert device, which includes an insert chamber with two fluid impermeable side walls that extend from a microporous bottom to an open top to form an inner cavity. The first side wall is shaped to form a convex arc that follows between about half of a circumference of the well and less than an entire circumference of the well. The second side wall joins ends of the first side wall and protrudes inward towards a center of the convex arc. A flange extends outward from or beneath the top and is notched to form a gap adjacent to the second side wall, which forms an access port allowing access to the lower chamber with a micropipette tip when the insert device is inserted into a well of a single or multi-well plate.

Abstract: There are provided an incubating container capable of preventing bubble generation within a cell incubating container when a sample is injected into the container, and a sample injection method therefor. The incubating container includes: a plurality of wells to be filled with a sample through an injection of the sample; and at least one bubble discharge hole formed as a hole penetrating through a bottom of each of the plurality of wells, and discharging, to the outside, bubbles generated when the sample is injected into the plurality of wells.

Abstract: A process for making a gel comprising combining a silanol species comprising at least two silanol groups per molecule and a hydrophilic hydroxyl species comprising at least two hydroxyl groups per molecule. The gel is capable of being converted to a liquid by application of a mechanical shear force and the liquid is capable of being converted to the gel in the absence of the mechanical shear force.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cell culture vessel that can prevent liquid leakage from the cell culture space and entry of particles containing microorganisms from outside the cell culture space, and that can prepare regenerated tissue in a manner that is safe and results in peace of mind. The cell culture vessel is mounted to a cell culture device, holds/cultures cells, and is characterized by being provided with: a culture solution holding section that holds a culture solution, a protruding structure section that is for supplying and discharging the aforementioned culture solution; and a culture solution duct that passes from the aforementioned protruding structure section to the aforementioned culture solution holding section.

Abstract: It is an object to achieve a closed system that has a simple structure without resorting to large scale equipment and that sequentially carries out all of the step of separating useful cells, the step of culturing the useful cells separated in the separation step, and the step of washing and concentrating the cells cultured in the culturing step and to enable the preparation of useful cells having high safety and quality, while improving operability.

Abstract: An improved method of culturing cells for cell therapy applications that includes growing desired cells in the presence of antigen-presenting cells and/or feeder cells and with medium volume to surface area ratio of up to 1 ml/cm2 if the growth surface is not comprised of gas permeable material and up to 2 ml/cm2 if the growth surface is comprised of gas permeable material. The desired cells are at a surface density of less than 0.5×106 cells/cm2 at the onset of a production cycle, and the surface density of the desired cells plus the surface density of the antigen presenting cells and/or feeder cells are at least about 1.25×105 cells/cm2.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention includes a first nitrogen fixation tank open to the ambient air and nitrogen-fixing bacteria and a growth medium within the first nitrogen fixation tank downstream from the first nitrogen fixation tank for producing ammonium hydroxide from a combination of ambient air, water, and selected nutrients. The apparatus also includes a second evaporation tank to vaporize the ammonium hydroxide to form anhydrous ammonia. The present invention relates to a method for producing ammonia and nitrogen fertilizer using nitrogen-fixing bacteria, including providing a first nitrogen fixation tank open to the ambient air, and nitrogen-fixing bactieria and a growth medium within the first nitrogen fixation tank for producing ammonium hydroxide from a combination of ambient air, water, and selected nutrients. The method also includes providing a second evaporation tank downstream from the first nitrogen fixation tank to vaporize the ammonium hydroxide to form anhydrous ammonia.

Abstract: Methods for producing hydrocarbons, including oil, by processing algae and/or other micro-organisms in an aquatic environment. Flexible bags (e.g., plastic) with CO2/O2 exchange membranes, suspended at a controllable depth in a first liquid (e.g., seawater), receive a second liquid (e.g., liquid effluent from a “dead zone”) containing seeds for algae growth. The algae are cultivated and harvested in the bags, after most of the second liquid is removed by forward osmosis through liquid exchange membranes. The algae are removed and processed, and the bags are cleaned and reused.

Abstract: A bioreactor (1) for the culture of cells (C) comprising a stack of carriers (7) for cell (C) adherence and liquid medium (M) distribution. The carriers (7) are stacked so as to define levels (6) between adjacent carriers (7) for the flow of the liquid medium (M). Adjacent levels (6) are fluidly interconnected via open spaces (2) so that the liquid medium (M) can flow from one level (6) to an adjacent level (6). The open spaces (2) between a first and an adjacent second level (6?) do not overlap with the one or more open spaces (2) between the second level (6?) and an adjacent third level (6?). One or more of the carriers may also include an area adapted to prevent cell adhesion or growth, thereby allowing for the viewing of cell growth on adjacent carriers from a vantage point external to the bioreactor. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and kits for separating, accumulating, characterizing and/or identifying microorganisms known to be present or that may be present in a test sample. The method of the invention comprises optional lysing non-microorganism cells and/or particulates that may be present in a test sample, followed by a subsequent filtration step for isolation and/or accumulation of microorganisms. The kit of the present invention may comprise at least one filter membrane or an integrated filtration and sample transfer device for isolation and/or accumulation of microorganisms.

Abstract: A dense but oxygen permeable membrane separates the oxygen supply compartment from the fermentation compartment, which contains all microorganisms, a nutrient medium and the pretreated lignocellulose. The oxygen, necessary for the growth and the activity of the aerobic cellulolytic enzymes producing microorganisms is solely transported from the oxygen supply compartment through the membrane, which leads to an oxygen gradient within the biofilm growing on the membrane. The oxygen rich zone of the biofilm lies on the membrane whereas the biofilm further away from the membrane as well as the surrounding nutrient medium are oxygen depleted. In the aerobic biofilm the extra-cellular enzymes are produced in situ and are released into the nutrient medium where they hydrolyse the cellulose and hemicellulose into soluble monosugars, which are then converted to the desired fermentation product by suitable microorganisms in the anaerobic zones of the reactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a three-dimensional system, and compositions obtained therefrom, wherein individual layers of the system comprise channels divided longitudinally into two compartments by a centrally positioned membrane, and wherein each compartment can comprise a different cell type.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filtration device (100), characterized in that it includes: a first block (101) having a cavity forming a first chamber (110) comprising a bottom wall (111) having a set of microstructures including micro-walls and micro-contacts, the set of microstructures defining micro-chambers and micro-channels on the bottom wall (111) of the culture chamber; a second block (102) having a cavity forming a second chamber (120); and a filtration membrane (130), the first block (101), the membrane (130), and the second block (102) being arranged such that the membrane (130) is located between the first chamber (110) and the second chamber (120), adjacent to each of the first and second chambers (110, 120); as well as a first opening and a second opening for enabling a first fluid to pass into the second chamber (120) which is separated from the first chamber (110) by the membrane (130).

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: A triphasic bioreactor for physico-chemically treating a gas is disclosed. The triphasic bioreactor comprises a reaction chamber with a liquid and biocatalysts in suspension in the liquid, for catalyzing a reaction between the gas and the liquid to obtain a treated gas and a solution containing a reaction product. A gas bubbling means is provided in the reaction chamber for bubbling the gas to be treated into the liquid thereby dissolving the gas into the liquid and increasing a pressure inside the reaction chamber. The bioreactor further comprises a liquid inlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber for receiving the liquid and filling the reaction chamber, a liquid outlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber for releasing the solution and a gas outlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber to release the treated gas. The bioreactor further comprises a retention device to retain the biocatalysts in the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A triphasic bioreactor for physico-chemically treating a gas is disclosed. The triphasic bioreactor comprises a reaction chamber with a liquid and biocatalysts in suspension in the liquid, for catalyzing a reaction between the gas and the liquid to obtain a treated gas and a solution containing a reaction product. A gas bubbling means is provided in the reaction chamber for bubbling the gas to be treated into the liquid thereby dissolving the gas into the liquid and increasing a pressure inside the reaction chamber. The bioreactor further comprises a liquid inlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber for receiving the liquid and filling the reaction chamber, a liquid outlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber for releasing the solution and a gas outlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber to release the treated gas. The bioreactor further comprises a retention device to retain the biocatalysts in the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A stable system for producing liquid products such as ethanol, butanol and other chemicals from syngas components contacts CO or a mixture of CO2 and H2 with a highly porous side of an asymmetric membrane under anaerobic conditions and transferring these components into contact with microorganisms contained within bio-pores of the membrane. The membrane side of the membrane utilizes a dense layer to control hydration of the bio-pores with a liquid phase. The gas feed directly contacts the microorganisms in the bio-pores and maximizes their utilization of the syngas. Metabolic products produced by the microorganisms leave the membrane through the side opposite the entering syngas. This system and method establishes a unitary direction across the membrane for the supply of the primary feed source to the microorganisms and the withdrawal of metabolically produced products. The feed and product flow improves productivity and performance of the microorganism and the membrane.

Abstract: A triphasic bioreactor for physico-chemically treating a gas is disclosed. The triphasic bioreactor comprises a reaction chamber with a liquid and biocatalysts in suspension in the liquid, for catalyzing a reaction between the gas and the liquid to obtain a treated gas and a solution containing a reaction product. A gas bubbling means is provided in the reaction chamber for bubbling the gas to be treated into the liquid thereby dissolving the gas into the liquid and increasing a pressure inside the reaction chamber. The bioreactor further comprises a liquid inlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber for receiving the liquid and filling the reaction chamber, a liquid outlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber for releasing the solution and a gas outlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber to release the treated gas. The bioreactor further comprises a retention device to retain the biocatalysts in the reaction chamber.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a bioartificial liver system comprising a fixed-bed bioreactor packed with gel beads containing hepatocytes of an animal, a plasma reservoir, a plasma separator, and an efflux chamber, wherein the plasma reservoir is located at a position higher than the bioreactor, a ventilation filter in contact with atmosphere is provided at the top of the plasma reservoir, and the top of the plasma reservoir is directly connected to the efflux chamber via a connecting line. The inventive system satisfactorily performs the essential liver functions without the problems of gel bead damage or channeling.

Abstract: A compressible bioreactor for cultivating photosynthetic microorganisms, the bioreactor comprising a feeder trough, a collection trough, a growth fabric, and a barrier layer, where the bioreactor has a compressed mode and an extended mode, the growth fabric is coupled to the feeder trough and the collection trough, the growth fabric is substantially extended in the extended mode of the bioreactor, the growth fabric is substantially compressed in the compressed mode of the bioreactor and the barrier layer is coupled to the feeder base and the collection base that encases the growth fabric in a substantially airtight environment

Abstract: A system includes a first chamber configured to receive a hydrogel and a scaffold comprising a cell, wherein the hydrogel is in fluid communication with the scaffold, and wherein the hydrogel includes a plurality of unidirectional pores. The system also includes a second chamber configured to receive a first fluid and a second fluid, wherein the second chamber includes a wall that separates the first fluid from the second fluid. The system further includes a porous membrane configured to separate the first chamber from the second chamber. The wall is configured to move along the porous membrane as cellular extensions are projected into at least a portion of the plurality of unidirectional pores of the hydrogel.

Abstract: A stable method for producing liquid products such as ethanol, propanol, butanol and other chemicals from syngas components that contacts CO or a mixture of CO2 and H2 with a highly porous side of an asymmetric membrane under anaerobic conditions and transfers these components into contact with microorganisms contained within bio-pores of the membrane. A liquid contacting side of the membrane utilizes a dense layer to control hydration of the bio-pores with a liquid phase. The gas feed directly contacts the microorganisms in the bio-pores and maximizes their utilization of the syngas. Metabolic products produced by the microorganisms leave the membrane through the side opposite the entering syngas. This method establishes a unitary direction across the membrane for the supply of the primary feed source to the microorganisms and the withdrawal of metabolically produced products. The feed and product flow improves productivity and performance of the microorganism and the membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fermenter (10) for producing biogas from organic material, having a fermentation chamber (11) with a substantially round basal surface to receive fermentation material; arranged, in the peripheral region of the fermentation chamber, filling means (12) for substrate to be fermented; arranged, above the fermentation chamber, an unpressurized gas store (13) with gas discharging means (14); stirring means (15); a settling chamber (16) with overflow rim; and also pumping means (17) for the continuous or batchwise removal of fermentation material from the fermentation chamber and introduction into the settling chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for encapsulating pancreatic progenitors in a biocompatible semi-permeable encapsulating device. The present invention also relates to production of human insulin in a mammal in response to glucose stimulation.

Abstract: A stem cell niche for expanding stem cells in culture is described. The stem cell niche includes a scaffold, a plurality of stromal mesenchymal stem cells, and a plurality of umbilical cord blood stem cells grown in a rotating culture chamber. One embodiment of the rotating culture chamber has a fluid-filled compartment in which the umbilical cord blood stem cells are grown in the presence of the mesenchymal stem cells seeded on the scaffold. The culture chamber has a dual flow valving member at each end, wherein a first flow path passes under a molecular cut-off membrane covering a central core that transverses the culture chamber and a second flow path flows through the culture chamber and allows cells to be harvested while in suspension.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a single use continuous recovery, flow-through harvest vessel and corresponding method for harvesting culture medium and simultaneously either leaving the microcarrier beads behind in the vessel or flowing microcarrier beads and medium back into a bioreactor.

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).