Abstract: A silo of conventional construction is provided with a collection pan at its bottom to collect effluent. The effluent can be stored and/or processed. Processing can include separation of water to concentrate the effluent. The effluent can contain fermentation product, such as alcohol, generated within the silo prior to collection, and it can also be fermented after collection. Processed effluent can be handled safely without risk of contamination to ground water at the silo site.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for culturing cells. The device includes a well and a membrane. The well has an internal space and a membrane actuating control channel. The internal space has an inlet and an outlet. The membrane is provided between the membrane actuating control channel and the internal space such that the membrane actuating control channel is isolated from the internal space. The membrane is elastically varied in shape to form a three-dimensional cell culture space in the internal space.

Abstract: The inventive self-contained apparatus for isolating nucleic acid, cell lysates and cell suspensions from unprocessed samples apparatus, to be used with an instrument, comprises at least one input, and: (i) a macrofluidic component, comprising a chamber for receiving said unprocessed sample from a collection device and at least one filled liquid purification reagent storage reservoir; and (ii) a microfluidic component in communication with said macrofluidic component via at least one microfluidic element, said microfluidic component further comprising at least one nucleic acid purification matrix; and (iii) a drive mechanism on said instrument for driving said liquid purification reagent, through said microfluidic element and said nucleic acid purification matrix, wherein the only inputs to said apparatus are via said chamber and said drive mechanism.

Abstract: This invention relates to an enzyme recovery sorbent, an enzyme recovery unit, a lignocellulosic biorefinery, a process for recycling enzymes, and a renewable material. The invention includes a lytic enzyme recovery sorbent suitable for use in production of renewable materials. The sorbent includes a substrate, and an enzyme binding material dispersed with respect to the substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for the concentration of cells from a cell suspension into unprocessed tissue, such as adipose tissue. Also disclosed herein are systems for optimizing hydration of tissue and cell enriched grafts.

Abstract: The invention is a process for producing ethanol from sugarcane bagasse, the principal steps of which are mild sulphuric acid hydrolysis of the hemicellulose fraction of the sugarcane bagasse, followed by extraction of the hydrolysate and then fermentation thereof with the yeast Pichia stipitis. The process can be carried out with different solid : liquid ratios, and provides a step of acclimatizing the Pichia stipitis yeast, which results in a greater rate of ethanol production. The process takes place in a press reactor specially designed for this purpose, which allows more efficient extraction of the hydrolysate and, as a consequence, better process performance.

Abstract: The present invention refers to the conception process of new dynamic systems for cell culture in 3D supports appropriate to its growing. These are constituted by:—cylindrical container (1) exhibiting a terminal area with a truncated inverted cone shape (2) in the lower internal zone;—cylindrical screw lid (4) the upper external zone of which has a cylindrical tube (7) that penetrates the whole extension of the lid, also containing a coupling central hole (6);—screw cap (10) containing a filter (11) that fits in the cylindrical tube (7) of the lid (4); hexagonal shaft (12) with an insertion for the derivations in the lower terminal part (part ‘E’);—Derivation in the form of tweezers forming a gripping tool that sustains the 3D supports. These new systems allow a yield increase in biological material costs, laboratory consumable and time spent by technical specialized staff.

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: Methods and materials for making complex, living, vascularized tissues for organ and tissue replacement, especially complex and/or thick structures, such as liver tissue is provided. Tissue lamina is made in a system comprising an apparatus having (a) a first mold or polymer scaffold, a semi-permeable membrane, and a second mold or polymer scaffold, wherein the semi-permeable membrane is disposed between the first and second molds or polymer scaffolds, wherein the first and second molds or polymer scaffolds have means defining microchannels positioned toward the semi-permeable membrane, wherein the first and second molds or polymer scaffolds are fastened together; and (b) animal cells. Methods for producing complex, three-dimensional tissues or organs from tissue lamina are also provided.

Abstract: A system for the production of ethanol is disclosed. The system comprises a system for recycling water in an ethanol production process. The system may comprise: a water supply that supplies water to the ethanol production process, a cooling tower system that supplies water to the ethanol production process, and a treatment system that supplies water to the ethanol production process. The treatment system may be a reverse osmosis system that supplies a retentate stream to the ethanol production process.

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: A versatile compartmentalized cell culture device, with a selectively permeable membrane separating the compartments, provides many attributes relative to traditional devices. It can be configured for high-density cell culture, co-culture, and sample dialysis while rolling or standing still. It can also be configured for continuous movement of liquid between compartments. The wide combination of attributes not found in other membrane based cell culture and bioprocessing devices includes more cell capacity, more cell secreted product capacity, higher cell and product density, increased medium capacity, minimized use of exogenous growth factors, compatibility with standard cell culture equipment and protocols, increased scale up efficiency, capacity to function when rolling or standing still, capacity for perfusion without the need for pumps, and more efficient sample dialysis.

Abstract: A system for the production of methane and other useful products and method of use for generating green natural gas as a fuel or component for use in the manufacturing of specialty chemicals. The system for the production of methane and other useful products and method of use includes a culture of methanogenic archea for converting an input material into an output material, a reactor vessel for housing at least a portion of the culture of methanogenic archea, an input material stream directed into the reactor vessel to facilitate contact between the input material stream and the methanogenic archea, and an output material stream created at least in part by the culture of methanogenic archea.

Abstract: A device for concentrating ethanol from an ethanol water solution yielded from lignocellulose is equipped with a water separation membrane, an ethanol water solution storing unit and a depressurizing container provided so as to sandwich the water separation membrane, a dry gas cylinder for supplying dry gas to an ethanol vapor residing unit above the ethanol water solution storing unit, a pump for sucking in the interior of the ethanol vapor residing unit, and a cold trap for collecting the concentrated ethanol by condensing the ethanol vapor sucked in by the pump.

Abstract: A spin column device, which contains a rigid porous filter that retains its shape during centrifugation, chromatography methods using the device to isolate a desired substance, e.g., a biological molecule, from other substances in a mixture, and kits containing the device with one or more reagents for use in the method.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for growing algae by ionizing radiation. The apparatus includes a container for containing medium for the growth of algae, a filter disposed in the container, a 3-dimensional rack disposed in the container, an adherent element wound on the 3-dimension rack so that spores of the algae can be planted in the adherent element, a radiation element disposed in the container for irradiating the spores and a timepiece connected to the radiation element.

Abstract: An isolated polypeptide comprising a hydrogen generating enzyme attached to a heterologous ferredoxin is disclosed, as well as polynucleotides encoding same, nucleic acid constructs capable of expressing same and cells expressing same. A method for generating hydrogen using the isolated polypeptide is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods for removal and disposal of ammonia from spent dialysate in a dialysis system. Ammonium ions present in spent dialysate are converted into gaseous ammonia by raising the pH of the spent dialysate solution in a first reactor. Gaseous ammonia diffuses through a semi-permeable hydrophobic membrane at the outlet of the first reactor and into a second reactor via a gas channel. The second reactor converts gaseous ammonia into an ammonium compound for easy disposal.

Abstract: Methods and materials for making complex, living, vascularized tissues for organ and tissue replacement, especially complex and/or thick structures, such as liver tissue is provided. Tissue lamina is made in a system comprising an apparatus having (a) a first mold or polymer scaffold, a semi-permeable membrane, and a second mold or polymer scaffold, wherein the semi-permeable membrane is disposed between the first and second molds or polymer scaffolds, wherein the first and second molds or polymer scaffolds have means defining microchannels positioned toward the semi-permeable membrane, wherein the first and second molds or polymer scaffolds are fastened together; and (b) animal cells. Methods for producing complex, three-dimensional tissues or organs from tissue lamina are also provided.

Abstract: A tissue culture device includes a container having one or more upstanding walls extending upwardly from a floor. The floor of the container has a media having nutrients or growth substances therein. A plurality of plant tissues are within the container compartment and are placed upon a screen between the plant tissues and the media. The screen is tamped downwardly onto the media so that the plant tissues can get nutrients from the media, and so that waste products are transferred into the media. The screen is also removable through the open end of the container so as to remove all of the plurality of the plant tissues from the container at once. The plant tissue device can then be placed in another container having any cultured media as needed for the correct maintenance, propagation and development of plant tissue in culture.

Abstract: A method of producing bioproducts from a feedstock in a system configured to produce ethanol and distillers grains from a fermentation product is disclosed. A system configured to process feedstock into a fermentation product and bioproducts including ethanol and meal is disclosed. A bioproduct produced from a fermentation product produced from a feedstock in a biorefining system is disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are a cell culture compartment unit and an array including the same. The cell culture compartment unit includes: a cell culture region and a bio material emission region including a cell culture fluid, which are separated with a porous membrane therebetween; a piezoelectric device on the porous membrane of the cell culture region; a thin layer for cell attachment being on the piezoelectric device and having at least one surface on which cells are attachable; and a first power supply applying a first electric field to the piezoelectric device.

Abstract: A method for preparing a fermented beverage with low alcohol content, in particular a wine with low alcohol content, involves only biological methods for fermenting natural fruit juice. The method includes essentially the following steps: a) feeding an aerobic culture reactor containing yeasts in multiplication phase with a first fraction of fruit juice; b) feeding an anaerobic fermentation reactor with a medium loaded with yeast obtained at step a) and with a second fraction of fruit juice, to obtain a must; c) filtering the must to separate the yeast and the resulting fermented beverage. In accordance with one important feature, the relative volumes of the first and second fractions of fruit juice are proportional to the desired final degree of alcohol and final proportion of sugar of the fermented beverage. Also described is a device for preparing such a beverage.

Abstract: Adsorbent filter media particularly suited for removal of biological contaminants in process liquids. A porous fixed bed of adsorbent material is formed, using only a granular adsorbent and a water-insoluble thermoplastic binder. The resulting composite filter allows for a higher amount of adsorbent with smaller adsorbent particles than conventional depth filters. Elimination of cellulose fiber, as well as the elimination of the thermoset binder, results in reduced contamination of the process liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (22) for changing the pH of a solvent in which a substance is dissolved. The device includes a housing (24) in contact with the solvent through a housing wall (26) that is permissive to the solvent and the substance. The housing contains enzymes adapted for converting the substance in order to provide hydrogen or hydroxyle ions; the housing wall being non-permissive to the enzymes.

Abstract: The invention provides a culture device comprising a plurality of culture units, wherein each unit comprises a culture chamber, an inlet port for liquid supply of the culture and an outlet port for discharging liquid from the unit, wherein the inlet port is in fluid communication with the culture chamber and the culture chamber is in fluid communication with the outlet port for allowing a liquid flow through the culture chamber. The culture device is particularly suitable for testing immune cells and immunofunction in vitro. Aspects of the invention include a culture device and associated methods for cultivating immune cells and an in vitro method of analysing the effect of a test compound on immune cells.

Abstract: An apparatus for growing biological mass has a container for accommodating and growing a biological mass, a unit for supplying liquid in the container, a unit for supplying CO2 in the container, a unit for supplying a feedstock in the container, and a cavitating device arranged so that a liquid is supplied from the unit for supplying liquids directly into the cavitating device and CO2 is supplied to the cavitating device directly from the unit for supplying CO2, so that in the cavitating device a mixture of liquid and CO2 is produced with a cavitation process, the cavitating device being connected with the container for supplying the mixed CO2 and liquid subjected to cavitation into the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electromagnetic bioaccelerator for obtaining biomass by simulating environmental marine conditions, comprising at least the following elements: octagonal biomass converters (1), seawater reserve tanks (3), particle filters (4), UV light filters (5), feedback and mixture tanks (6), pressurization feed tanks (8), manometers (9), pressure controllers (10), buffer tanks (11), expansion tanks with a safety valve (12), heat exchangers (13), temperature control thermostats (14), recycled water feedback tanks (15), reinjection pumps (16), centrifuges for separating the biomass from the water (17), desuperheaters (18); control panels (25), recirculation pumps (26), densimeters (27), biomass mechanical extraction systems by means of centrifugation (32) and biomass accumulation tanks (33).

Abstract: The present invention provides a bioreacto 1r for incubation of cell cultures, tissue biopsies, cell clusters, tissue-like structures, ‘prototissues’ or similar samples. The bioreactor is generally adapted for rotation for use in microgravity conditions and equipped with an incubation cavity having a small internal fluid volume, generally less than 1 ml. To avoid problems associated with small volume incubation, the bioreactor may include a humidity chamber or other means of avoiding dehydration as well as substantially fluid-tight closures for access ports that avoid introduction of air bubbles to the incubation cavity. The small-volume bioreactor permits long term maintenance of tissue differentiation states in cultures. Also provided are methods of incubating cells or tissues using the bioreactor including methods of creating molecular profiles of biological effects of chemical compositions on differentiated cell or tissue samples maintained in long term culture.

Abstract: A disposable device is provided for culturing and/or packaging and transporting ready-to-use viable cells cultured on membranes, gels or micro porous substrata. The device includes a housing base defining an interior for culturing cells. The membrane to be used for culturing the cells is placed inside the housing base and fixed with a ring. The base is closed by a lid, which is designed to protect the underlying cells during transport as well as minimize the volume of media used during culture, as well as transport. Media leakage is prevented by the silicon gasket as well as the snaps provided in the device.

Abstract: Systems and processes for producing hydrogen using bacteria are described. One detailed process for producing hydrogen uses a system for producing hydrogen as described herein, the system including a reactor. Anodophilic bacteria are disposed within the interior of the reactor and an organic material oxidizable by an oxidizing activity of the anodophilic bacteria is introduced and incubated under oxidizing reactions conditions such that electrons are produced and transferred to the anode. A power source is activated to increase a potential between the anode and the cathode, such that electrons and protons combine to produce hydrogen gas. In one system for producing hydrogen is provided which includes a reaction chamber having a wall defining an interior of the reactor and an exterior of the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting CO2 from air comprising an anion exchange material formed in a matrix exposed to a flow of the air, and for delivering that extracted CO2 to controlled environments. The present invention contemplates the extraction of CO2 from air using conventional extraction methods or by using one of the extraction methods disclosed; e.g., humidity swing or electro dialysis. The present invention also provides delivery of the CO2 to greenhouses where increased levels of CO2 will improve conditions for growth. Alternatively, the CO2 is fed to an algae culture.

Abstract: Provided are apparatuses and processes for the removal and purification of fermentation prepared one or more volatile organic compounds. The apparatuses comprise a fermentor unit, a vacuum side stripper unit (10), and, optionally, one or more of a pressure-swing adsorption unit, a dual-function column, a dividing wall distillation column unit, and a means for inducing phase separation of a mixture of a volatile organic compound and water.

Abstract: To provide a cell-filled device that is suitable for use in, for example, an implantable or circulation type hybrid artificial organ. In a cell-filled device including hollow fiber membranes whose hollow portions are filled with cells, the hollow fiber membranes have modified cross sections, and a cell aggregate provided in each of the hollow portions has cells formed into two or more layers in arbitrary directions, provided that the distance from an arbitrary point of the cell aggregate to the nearest inner wall of hollow fiber membrane is less than 75 ?m. This cell-filled device enables effective use of cells without the necrosis thereof. Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing the cell-filled device.

Abstract: The present invention provides tangential flow filtration devices and methods for enriching a heterogeneous mixture of blood constituents for leukocytes by removal of non-leukocyte blood constituents. In one particular embodiment the device can provide a composition enriched in monocytes. One embodiment includes a remover unit (1) having a crossflow chamber (3) separated by a microporous filter (5) from a filtrate chamber (4), the remover unit (1) also having a tangential flow inlet (6), a fluid outlet (7) for a fluid enriched in leukocytes and a filtrate outlet (8).

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: Methods, devices and kits are provided for isolating or enriching multicellular embryonic stem (ES) cell colonies from a mixture of multicellular ES cell colonies and single ES cells present in a cellular suspension, by utilizing a filtration matrix that selectively excludes passage of multicellular ES cell colonies. Isolated or enriched multicellular ES cell colonies can be used for propagating pluripotent ES cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of generating an ex vivo tissue-like system in a bioreactor system capable of supporting continuous production of, and output of cells and tissues and an ex vivo tissue system made therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bioreactor including a housing having a lower housing half and an upper housing half that are respectively connected to one another on one side by a film joint. At least one of the upper or lower housing halves includes a device to exchange fluids. The bioreactor further includes at least one support element to support at least one cell culture substrate. The invention furthermore relates to an arrangement of such bioreactors, processes for production thereof and use thereof for culturing cells or as an implant.

Abstract: A cell culture apparatus consists of a vessel or array of vessels, each comprising a substantially flat bottom and substantially vertical sides, and composed of a substantially gas permeable material. The inner bottom surface of the vessel is commonly textured to provide the cells with adequate features for attachment and spreading. The vessel may include an integral annular flange which can be used to suspend the vessel from a suspensory element of a rack structure. To promote cell attachment and growth, the inner surfaces of the vessel bottom and sides may be coated with commonly available bio-active materials. Cells cultured in the system commonly grow in three dimensions for extended periods of time, and often produce significantly higher quantities of cellular products than cells grown in conventional labware.

Abstract: Cell culture apparatuses and methods for culturing cells include bags for culturing cells. The bags are folded and unfolded to control cell culture conditions. As the bags are folded, segmented sealed chambers for culturing cells are formed. As the bags are unfolded, the segments are unsealed allowing for exchange of fluid between the regions of the subchambers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cell culture device for applying shear stress and strain on single cells. The device includes at least one channel, at least one cell culture chamber having at least one single-cell attachment surface, a flexible membrane, at least one vacuum channel, and an inlet and an outlet. The inventive single-cell culture assembly fluid flow for applying fluid induced stress and/or substrate induced stress to cultured cells.

Abstract: A bioreactor includes a housing and a support mechanism for suspending the housing above the bottom surface of a culture vessel. The housing includes a member having oppositely disposed first and second surfaces and an inner surface defining an opening. The opening extends between the first and second surfaces of the member. The bioreactor includes a gas and liquid permeable membrane having first and second surfaces attached to the second surface of the member. The first surface of the gas and liquid permeable membrane and the member define a culture space for growing or culturing cells.

Abstract: A pneumatic bioreactor includes a vessel containing a fluid to be mixed and at least one mixing device driven by gas pressure. A first embodiment includes a floating impeller that rises and falls in the fluid as gas bubbles carry it upward to the surface where the gas is then vented, permitting the impeller to sink in the fluid. The floating impeller may be tethered to a second impeller with a flexible member and pulley. The mixing speed is controlled with electromagnets in the vessel acting upon magnetic material in the impeller or its guides. In another embodiment, floating pistons mix the fluid, pushing it through a mixing plate with one or more apertures. In a third embodiment, the mixing device is a rotating drum with bubble-catching blades and rotating mixing plates with apertures. The top of the vessel for these mixers may include a closed top and sterile filters.

Abstract: A method of making a test device comprised of a container divided into two chambers, each holding a volume of a clear test liquid, the chambers separated by a porous barrier. The liquid is introduced into the lower chamber by adding a liquid to the upper chamber through the open top of the container and then applying a vacuum to completely evacuate air from the lower chamber by drawing the air through the barrier and liquid in the upper chamber. Restoring air pressure forces liquid in the upper chamber into the lower chamber, to completely fill the same while leaving a volume of liquid in the upper chamber. The application of a vacuum is preferably carried out by placing the container with liquid in a receptacle containing a liquid to be boiled, heating the liquid to boil the same and thereafter condensing the vapor with the receptacle sealed to develop a very high vacuum which draws the air out from the lower chamber of the container.

Abstract: A fermentation system for production of biogas from solid organic material, the system including at least one fermentation reactor. The fermentation reactor includes a vessel (37) for housing a feed mixture having liquid and solid particles and an outlet port (44), a strainer assembly (33) at the outlet port for filtering processed feed mixture from the vessel, and a biogasification reactor (37) in fluid communication with another fermentation reactor, the other fermentation reactor configured to produce a biomethane. The strainer assembly further includes a mixture driving member (53) positioned in the strainer body (47) adjacent the drain opening (51), the mixture driving member having a driving surface configured to receive the liquid passing through the filter member (60). The driving surface engages the filter member such that solid particles are driven from a surface of the filter member when the driving member is activated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for selecting stem cells with a serum free medium for amplification of stem cells. The invention also relates to a method of treating or preventing diseases caused by cancer-related stem cells. The invention further provides a method of enhancing radiosensitivity of cancer-related stem cells comprising radiotherapy with resveratrol, and the cancer-related stem cell has stronger drug resistance.

Abstract: A micro refinery system includes a fermentation tank, a distillation tube and a membrane ethanol separation mechanism. A batch that includes sugar, yeast and water is mixed in the fermentation tank. Sensors detect the physical characteristics of the batch and the operating status of the system. The sensors are coupled to a control system that compares the detected processing information to a look up table to determine if the system is operating under optimum ethanol productivity conditions. If the sensors detect a problem with the batch, the control system can add chemical components to the batch to correct the chemical imbalance. The system can also facilitate remote operations by transmitting sensed information to an operator computer and receiving control commands from the operator computer.

Abstract: A process for removing selenium from air or water can use proteins naturally found in bacteria able to live in selenium rich environments to capture and/or reduce the selenium to an insoluble form that can be captured.

Abstract: A multilayered cell culture apparatus for the culturing of cells is disclosed. The cell culture apparatus includes a unitary flask body including a rigid upper and lower surface, connected by side walls. The cell growth apparatus comprises multiple cell growth chambers stacked in vertical alignment and orientation within the unitary flask body. The stacked chambers are held in position by unitary connecting columns that run through each cell growth chamber and terminate at the rigid upper and lower surfaces of the apparatus. The cell growth chambers are separated by tracheal spaces that allow air from the external environment to contact the cell growth surface of each individual cell growth chamber.