Abstract: A bioreactor includes a reservoir container for holding a liquid medium, a duct providing a flowpath in a generally vertical direction upward from the reservoir container, a plurality of fiber assemblies located within the duct, a top of which is higher than a top of the plurality of fiber assemblies, and a circulation system. The upper end of the duct comprises an overflow wall surrounded by a moat, a bottom of which is lower than a top of the overflow wall. The upper end of the duct and moat contact a pocket region that is bounded by a structure that is connected to the duct and that is isolated from fluid communication with an exterior of the pocket region. The liquid medium flows over the overflow wall within the pocket region, contacts gas in the pocket region, overflows into the moat and is removed therefrom by the circulation system.

Abstract: A method for delivering a processing solution includes providing a concentrated processing solution in a bioprocess container, the concentrated processing solution being produced at a first site. The method also includes combining the concentrated processing solution with a biopolymer containing solution produced in a bioreactor at a second site different from the first site. In some embodiments, the processing solution is a buffer for processing products of cells cultured in a bioreactor. A system and a pharmaceutical production facility for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: A cell culture equipment comprising a culture component permeable member 10 that is permeable to culture components, a culture vessel 30 that covers one side of the culture component permeable member 10 and holds a cell-containing medium, and a medium holding vessel 40 that covers the other side of the culture component permeable member 10 and holds a medium.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for producing a tissue specimen and performing subsequent biomechanical testing thereof to quantify various biological/physiological properties and characteristics. The system may include a bioreactor device for producing the tissue specimen which includes a packaged/sealed seeding cup containing a scaffold in a sterile environment amenable to seeding with cells. After seeding, the cup may be stored in a standard laboratory culture tray for incubation. The produced tissue specimen may next be transferred to a testing instrument under control of a microcontroller which automatically performs a series of tests on the tissue and generates testing data communicated to an external electronic device which can operably interact with and control operation in part of the testing instrument via software. Tissue integrity in the instrument may be maintained by sterile fluid circulation and heating systems.

Abstract: Described are embodiments for expanding cells in a bioreactor. In one embodiment, methods are provided that distribute cells throughout the bioreactor and attach cells to specific portions of a bioreactor to improve the expansion of the cells in the bioreactor. Embodiments may be implemented on a cell expansion system configured to load, distribute, attach and expand cells.

Abstract: A fluid filtration system includes a fluid storage vessel such as a bioreactor, a filter housing including a filter element disposed therein, a pump coupled between the fluid storage vessel and the filter housing, and a flow diverter disposed between the pump and the filter housing. The pump is configured to move fluid from the fluid storage vessel through the filter element, and the flow diverter is configured for selectively directing fluid received from the pump to the first or second end of the filter housing. In a first mode of operation, the flow diverter directs flow through the filter housing in a first direction, while in a second mode of operation, the flow diverter directs flow through the filter housing in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible bag, a perfusion filter and a fluid port. The fluid port comprises: —a first fluid connection (3; 3?); —a second fluid connection (5; 5?) being in fluid communication with the first fluid connection (3; 3?); —an intermediate fluid path (7: 7?) connecting the first fluid connection (3; 3?) with the second fluid connection (5; 5?); wherein said intermediate fluid path (7; 7?) at least a portion of which comprises a substantially right-angled bend (9; 9?); —a protection cap (11; 11?) protecting at least the bend (9; 9?) of the intermediate fluid part (7; 7?) from contact with other objects; and —a connection surface (13; 13?) configured for sealing to a film of an object to be supplied by said port, said connection surface will, when sealed to the film of the object, together with the film provide a fluid tight seal surrounding the first fluid connection (3; 3?).

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of assessing the ability of a candidate therapeutic agent to reverse, reduce or prevent intestinal injury by a potential toxic agent using a three-dimensional, engineered, bioprinted, biological intestinal tissue model. Also disclosed are methods of assessing the effect of an agent on intestinal function, the method comprising contacting the agent with a three-dimensional, engineered, bioprinted, biological intestinal tissue model.

Abstract: An assembly includes a housing with opposite first and second layers. The first and second layers are spaced apart to define a confined interior space. A semi-permeable membrane is attached to the first layer, the semi-permeable membrane covering a porous area portion of the first layer. An outlet port and an inlet port are in fluid communication with the interior space. The assembly includes a first circulator for circulating a first fluid between the outlet port and the inlet port, and a second circulator for circulating a second fluid along an exterior surface of the semi-permeable membrane. The second circulator includes a fluid duct attached to or integrated within the housing. The fluid duct is isolated from the interior space and is porous to provide fluid access to an exterior surface of the semi-permeable membrane. The semi-permeable membrane forms a barrier allowing exchange of compounds across the membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sterilizable adapter for a cell culture vessel comprising a body, an upper connection and/or a lid, at least one port, a ventilation passage, a lower internal connection suitable for connection to a cell culture vessel and a cell retention device and/or a cell separation device as well as a device comprising said sterilizable adapter and a method for cell cultivation using said sterilizable adapter.

Abstract: A control unit includes a first connector configured to connect a proportional pressure regulator to a positive pressure supply and a second connector configured to connect the proportional pressure regulator to a negative pressure supply. The control unit further includes at least one sensor configured to detect an amount of air flow (volume per unit of time), positive or negative, within an air flow line connected to an output of the proportional pressure regulator, and a third connector configured to connect the air flow line to an air side of a diaphragm. Additionally, the control unit includes a controller programmed to control at least an opening and closing function of the proportional pressure regulator to attain a desired amount of air flow (volume per unit of time), positive or negative, within the air flow line.

Abstract: A membrane filter apparatus for splitting a feed into filtrate and retentate is provided. The apparatus comprises a body chamber, a feed inlet disposed on the body chamber, a retentate outlet located in the body chamber, a feed distribution tube connected to the feed inlet, and a filter assembly having a filter. The feed distribution tube has a length sufficient to cause the feed to enter the body chamber at a feed distance from the filter assembly of no greater than 50% of a total length of the body chamber. The feed flows across the filter in a direction parallel to a surface of the filter assembly. The filtrate passes through the filter assembly and the retentate flows through the body chamber in a direction antiparallel to the feed flow through the feed distribution tube and out through the retentate outlet.

Abstract: A bioreactor for culturing of cells is described. Screens suitable as a cell growth scaffold may comprise crossed fibers. Screens may be contained loosely in a screen holder, which in turn may be contained inside a manifold assembly. A lower manifold, screen holder and upper manifold may have identical or similar interior open cross-sections. Flow of liquid medium can occur upwardly through the array of screens, then flowing over a weir in the presence of an air pocket, and into a moat and a pump. The screen holder may have slots whose exterior-facing ligaments are rounded, and may have grooves whose interior-facing edges are rounded. These components may be located inside an incubator suitable to maintain desired environmental conditions and cleanliness.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods can be used for the automated production of dendritic cells (DC) from dendritic cell progenitors, such as monocytes obtained from peripheral blood. The invention makes it possible to obtain sufficient quantities of a subject's own DC for use in preparing and characterizing vaccines, for activating and characterizing the activation state of the subject's immune response, and to aid in preventing and/or treating cancer or infectious disease.

Abstract: A device for in-vitro modelling in-vivo tissues of organs that includes a first body portion with at least one access chamber, a second body portion with at least one culturing chamber, and a culturing membrane dividing the at least one access chamber from the culturing chamber. The device further includes a third body portion with at least one actuation chamber having at least one limitation cavity, and an actuation membrane dividing the at least one culturing chamber from the at least one actuation chamber. With the device, a robust actuation system can be provided that does not depend on the mechanical properties of the actuation membrane material, nor on the pressure, and that allows to mimic three-dimensional deformations of the tissue, in particular of lung alveoli.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a Disposable Bioprocess System including a Single-Use-Bioreactor, a Single-Use-Pump and a single-use micro-organism retention filter. Combined most suitable for cultivation of suspended micro-organisms in a liquid media at high micro-organism concentration in a perfusion mode continuous process for expression of biological material. The inlet port of the liquid Single-Use-Pump connects via a valve to the broth reservoir of the Single-Use-Bioreactor through a liquid conveying port. The outlet port of the liquid pumping Single-Use-Pump connects via a valve to a micro-organism retention filter. And a method for operating said sterile Disposable Bioprocess System in perfusion mode for continuously processing.

Abstract: A cell culture device includes a main body and a plug element. The main body includes a slot, an open groove and a fluid chamber. The open groove is connected with one side of the slot. The fluid chamber is disposed inside the main body and connected with another side of the slot. The plug element includes a first cell culture chamber and a first porous membrane. The first porous membrane is disposed at one side of the first cell culture chamber. The plug element is detachably plugged into the slot. When the plug element is plugged into the slot, the first cell culture chamber is communicated with the open groove to form an open space, and the open space and the fluid chamber are separated by the first porous membrane.

Abstract: A membrane filter apparatus for splitting a feed into filtrate and retentate is provided. The apparatus comprises a body chamber, a feed inlet disposed on the body chamber, a retentate outlet located in the body chamber, a feed distribution tube connected to the feed inlet, and a filter assembly having a filter. The feed distribution tube has a length sufficient to cause the feed to enter the body chamber at a feed distance from the filter assembly of no greater than 50% of a total length of the body chamber. The feed flows across the filter in a direction parallel to a surface of the filter assembly. The filtrate passes through the filter assembly and the retentate flows through the body chamber in a direction antiparallel to the feed flow through the feed distribution tube and out through the retentate outlet.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices for modeling three-dimensional tissue structures and methods for making and using the same are described herein.

Abstract: A bioreactor (1; 2; 3) includes a receiving container (10) for receiving a disposable bag (44). A bottom surface (11) of the receiving container (10) is designed to support the disposable bag (44) in the receiving container (10). An outlet opening (5) is formed in the bottom surface (11) and tapers down with respect to the ground for receiving a drain port (45) of the disposable bag (44). The drain port is complementary to the outlet opening (5).

Abstract: A laboratory container, in particular a cell culture container, includes a container volume which is surrounded by a container body and which can be accessed from the outside through a container opening of the container body. The container has a fluid line which communicates with the container volume and which comprises a valve arrangement. The fluid line is designed to conduct fluid in order to discharge and/or introduce fluid out of and/or into the container volume. The fluid line can be selectively released in order to conduct a fluid or blocked by the valve arrangement, and the container additionally has a gas balancing opening, through which gas can be introduced into or discharged out of the container volume in counterflow to a possible fluid flow in the fluid line. The gas compensating opening is surrounded by a channel wall, said line channel running from the gas balancing opening into the container volume and opening into said container volume.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for the in vitro production of arrangements of cell layers in which a first well (2.1) which is closed off from its environment except for a first inlet opening (4.1) and a first outlet opening (5.1) and which has as a first cell substrate (6.1) a first wall (2.1.1) and as a second cell substrate (6.2) an opposite, second wall (2.1.2) which is separated from the first wall (2.1.1) by a first gap, a free surface of a cell substrate (6.1, 6.2) to be colonized with cells is oriented orthogonal to the Earth's gravitational force, and cells (9) are adhered to the cell substrate (6.1, 6.2) to be colonized. The invention is further directed to a method of maintaining the biological functionalities of the cell layers and semi-finished products of a device for the in vitro production and culturing of cell layers and a method for the production of the device.

Abstract: A cell culture system having a cell culture vessel, a composition controlling fluid storage vessel, a culture fluid composition controlling means having an inlet and an outlet for a cell culture fluid, an inlet-connected fluid feeding circuit from the cell culture vessel to the inlet of the culture fluid composition controlling means, an outlet-connected fluid feeding circuit from the cell culture vessel to the outlet of the culture fluid composition controlling means, a means which perfuses the cell culture fluid from the inlet-connected fluid feeding circuit to the outlet-connected fluid feeding circuit through the culture fluid composition controlling means, and a means which controls the amount of fluid in the cell culture vessel, in which compositions of the cell culture fluid in the cell culture vessel and compositions of the composition controlling fluid in the composition controlling fluid storage vessel can be controlled in a continuous manner.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilization of objects or materials comprises an enclosure for containing a gaseous atmosphere; an acoustically transparent platform located within the enclosure for supporting the objects or materials to be sterilized; one or more non-contact ultrasound transducers positioned within the enclosure and spaced from the platform; and an electric power amplifier for exciting the one or more transducers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a production module for large-scale production of cells and/or cell-derived products such as antibodies or virus; a production suite comprising a plurality of functionally connected production modules of the invention; and a method for large-scale production of cells and/or cell-derived products using the production modules and/or production suites of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of continuously culturing cells, including culturing the cells by injecting a culture medium into an internal compartment of a sealed culture vessel and then inoculating the culture medium with the cells, detaching the adhered cells when the density of the cells cultured in the compartment of the culture vessel is a reference value or more, and obtaining the cells detached from the culture vessel, which is maintained in a sealed state.

Abstract: A beverage-making apparatus includes a container including a container body that includes heat-insulating material and has an opening that provides access to an interior of the container body. The container further includes: a container cover configured to open and close the opening of the container body, and at least three channels connected to the container and that are communicative with the interior of the container body. The at least three channels include at least one first channel and a second channel that are communicative with a beverage ingredient pack mounted in the interior of the container body, the beverage ingredient pack configured to hold first beverage-making ingredients. The container further includes a third channel that is communicative with a space formed in the interior of the container body between a wall of the container body and the beverage ingredient pack mounted in the interior the container body.

Abstract: A perfusion bioreactor chamber for engineering a broad spectrum of tissues. The bioreactor allows controlled distribution of fluid through or around scaffolding materials of various shapes, structures and topologies during prolonged periods of cultivation.

Abstract: A recipient for cell cultivation having an inner compartment adapted for cell growth, in one embodiment, an outer tubular wall extends in a longitudinal direction and delimits an outer boundary of the inner compartment in a radial direction. First and second ends delimit the inner compartment at the first respectively the second outer end of the outer tubular wall. A fixed packing in the inner compartment comprises a packing, such as a fiber matrix. Additional embodiments and related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of bio-artificial liver technology. Particularly, the invention provides an integrated hybrid bio-artificial liver support system that provides the features of artificial liver assist devices with that of bio-artificial liver support systems.

Abstract: A bioreactor system for stem cell expansion has a fluid-filled reactor chamber in which stem cells are cultured. The culture compartment of the reactor chamber is transversed by a perfusion core with multiple niche-like scaffolds positioned along the length of the perfusion core. The bioreactor system also uses a media gas exchange module that is free standing and does not require its inclusion in a CO2 incubator.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a biochemical reactor with an unclogging pipe. The biochemical reactor may include a tank configured to house immobilized carriers and fluid. The biochemical reactor may include a circulation conduit at least partially disposed within the tank. The circulation conduit may include a circulation inlet opening and a circulation outlet opening. The biochemical reactor may include one or more vanes disposed proximate to the circulation outlet opening. The one or more vanes may be configured to cause the immobilized carrier and the fluid exiting the circulation outlet opening to enter into a helical pattern. The biochemical reactor may include an unclogging pipe configured to clear clogging of the circulation conduit. The unclogging pipe may be disposed proximate to the circulation outlet opening. Clearing clogging of the circulation conduit may include directing a pressurized flow of air to the circulation conduit via the unclogging pipe.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a biochemical reactor with an unclogging pipe. The biochemical reactor may include a tank configured to house immobilized carriers and fluid. The biochemical reactor may include a circulation conduit at least partially disposed within the tank. The circulation conduit may include a circulation inlet opening and a circulation outlet opening. The biochemical reactor may include one or more vanes disposed proximate to the circulation outlet opening. The one or more vanes may be configured to cause the immobilized carrier and the fluid exiting the circulation outlet opening to enter into a helical pattern. The biochemical reactor may include an unclogging pipe configured to clear clogging of the circulation conduit. The unclogging pipe may be disposed proximate to the circulation outlet opening. Clearing clogging of the circulation conduit may include directing a pressurized flow of air to the circulation conduit via the unclogging pipe.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide bio-reactor circuits for in vitro research applications. One embodiment provides a bio-reactor circuit comprising at least one bio-reactor and a pump fluidically coupled to the at-least-one bio-reactor. The bio-reactor comprises a housing having inlet and outlet ports and first and second chambers. The chambers are separated by a porous membrane with the first chamber providing a flow path for a fluid. The membrane includes a coating having a cell binding affinity for the attachment and proliferation of cells to cover the surface of the membrane. The second chamber provides a volume for maintaining the viability of cells disposed in the chamber. The cells can be selected to produce a biochemical compound. The membrane is configured to allow for diffusion of the compound from the second chamber into the flow path as well as allow for diffusion of gases, nutrients and other biochemical compounds.

Abstract: A compact, high-yield, bio-reactor for use as small, medium and large-scale production unit for hosting and culturing of stem cells or living cells or micro organism and producing by multiplication or expression one or more biologic compounds for medical and biological applications.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a biological sample holder and for holding biological samples. Conventionally, processing of biological samples, which may be stored on a biological sample storage medium, is done manually with samples being tested individually. However, handling of the samples is difficult and time consuming; greater demand for storage and extraction of genetic material has led to a requirement for greater throughput. In embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a biological sample holder comprising a chamber holding a biological sample storage medium, the chamber comprising one or more openings for receiving a liquid when inserted therein. This provides a means of holding a biological sample which is easy to handle and suitable for automation, for example in an array of such holders, allowing processing of multiple biological samples in parallel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are bioreactor systems and methods of utilizing said systems.

Abstract: An example includes an apparatus, method, and system for producing and extracting a gas from a wastewater fluid. The apparatus can include a membrane including at least one hollow fiber, the at least one hollow fiber configured to convey a gas extracted from a wastewater fluid. Bacteria can be immobilized within the membrane, and the bacteria configured to produce the gas during treatment of the wastewater fluid.

Abstract: A system and method for recognition of images may include the use of alignment markers. The image recognized may be a pattern from an array, a character, a number, a shape, and/or irregular shapes. The pattern may be formed by elements in an array such as an identification marking and/or a sensor array. More particularly, the system and method relate to discriminating between images by accounting for the orientation of the image. The size and/or location of alignment markers may provide information about the orientation of an image. Information about the orientation of an image may reduce false recognitions. The system and method of image recognition may be used with identification markings, biosensors, micro-fluidic arrays, and/or optical character recognition systems.

Abstract: A compact, high-yield, bio-reactor for use as small, medium and large-scale production unit for therapeutic proteins, proteins in general and enzymes based on controlled activity of the cells or micro organisms and the production of such as high value antibodies for pharmaceutical and/or bio-diagnostic applications.

Abstract: A modular bioreactor is provided that includes an upper biochamber; a lower biochamber; and an intermediate biochamber that is positioned between the upper biochamber and the lower biochamber. Each biochamber of the bioreactor is in fluid communication with each other biochamber of the bioreactor and includes an interior wall, which defines a centrally-disposed cavity for each biochamber, and an inflow port and an outflow port that are in fluid communication with each centrally disposed cavity. Systems and methods for vascularizing a tissue construct are also provided.

Abstract: A micro-incubator manifold for improved microfluidic configurations and systems and methods of manufacture and operation for a manifold and automated microfluidic systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bioreactor comprising a first fluid distribution chamber and a first fluid collection chamber, the reactor adapted to receive at least one conduit in fluid communication between the first fluid distribution chamber and the first fluid collection chamber; wherein the reactor includes a second fluid distribution means including a plurality of distributors arranged to distribute the second fluid between the first fluid distribution chamber and the first fluid collection chamber. The invention extends to a removable insert for a bioreactor comprising a first fluid distribution plate; a first fluid collection plate; and a second fluid distribution means including a plurality of distributors arranged to distribute the second fluid between the first fluid distribution plate and the first fluid collection plate.

Abstract: A method and system for producing lactic acid from biomass materials uses a mixed bacteria culture of at least one homofermentative lactic acid bacteria and at least one heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria in an integrated production system to increase the productivity and yield of lactic acid.

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 bioreactor and method that permits continuous and simultaneous short, moderate, or long term cell culturing of one or more cell types or tissue in a laminar flow configuration is disclosed, where the bioreactor supports at least two laminar flow zones, which are isolated by laminar flow without the need for physical barriers between the zones. The bioreactors of this invention are ideally suited for studying short, moderate and long term studies of cell cultures and the response of cell cultures to one or more stressors such as pharmaceuticals, hypoxia, pathogens, or any other stressor. The bioreactors of this invention are also ideally suited for short, moderate or long term cell culturing with periodic cell harvesting and/or medium processing for secreted cellular components.

Abstract: There is provided a cell culture device including: a drug storing chamber; a cell culture chamber connected to the drug storing chamber and disposed in a position higher than that of the drug storing chamber; a pump unit circulating a drug from the drug storing chamber to the cell culture chamber; and an opening and closing unit closing an opened part of the drug storing chamber so that the drug storing chamber is isolated from ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: A cell culture system having a cell culture vessel, a composition controlling fluid storage vessel, a culture fluid composition controlling means having an inlet and an outlet for a cell culture fluid, an inlet-connected fluid feeding circuit from the cell culture vessel to the inlet of the culture fluid composition controlling means, an outlet-connected fluid feeding circuit from the cell culture vessel to the outlet of the culture fluid composition controlling means, a means which perfuses the cell culture fluid from the inlet-connected fluid feeding circuit to the outlet-connected fluid feeding circuit through the culture fluid composition controlling means, and a means which controls the amount of fluid in the cell culture vessel, in which compositions of the cell culture fluid in the cell culture vessel and compositions of the composition controlling fluid in the composition controlling fluid storage vessel can be controlled in a continuous manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for embedding cells that utilizes a flow-through embedding technique maximizes the efficiency of extractions and decreases time for embedding the cell fragments, minimizes cell loss, and automatically positions cell samples at the position in which a microtome blade will section them. The apparatus includes a cell flow pathway defined by an inflow tube for delivering cell fragments from a cell sample to a sample port. The sample port is in fluid communication with a tissue cassette having attached thereto a filter. The cell flow pathway is in communication with a reagent flow pathway for delivering the reagents through the sample port to the cassette. The apparatus is configured such that the application of pressure directs the cell fragments from the cell sample through the cell flow pathway, and effects delivery of the reagents through the reagent flow pathway.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for bioprocessing using a liquid comprises an at least partially flexible vessel for receiving the liquid, and a filter adapted for moving within the liquid. An agitator may also be provided for agitating the liquid, and may be connected to the mixer. The mixer may spin or may not spin about an axis of rotation.