Including Hollow Fiber Or Capillary Patents (Class 435/297.4)
  • Patent number: 11407969
    Abstract: The present invention relates in part to devices, systems, and methods for the production and characterization of engineered tissue constructs. The devices and methods generate decellularized tissue constructs that can be recellularized using donor cells for high-throughput studies of organ physiology, and/or organ pathology. The devices and methods can be used with the systems to mechanically and electrically stimulate the engineered tissue constructs under culture or physiological conditions to detect and assess the presence and degree of any organ pathologies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Yale University
    Inventors: Stuart Campbell, Jonas Schwan, Andrea Kwaczala, Thomas Ryan, Daniel Jacoby, Yibing Qyang, Lorenzo Sewanan, Ronald Ng, Jeffery Alexander Clark
  • Patent number: 10150942
    Abstract: A method and device to adjust the concentration of at least two gasses in a fluid, wherein the method involves adjusting the concentration of a first gas in the fluid by adjusting the concentration of a second gas in the fluid wherein the first and second gases are kept separate until dissolved in the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: XPAND BIOTECHNOLOGY B.V.
    Inventors: Emerentius Gerardus Roosloot, Pieter Theo Elias Van Santen
  • Patent number: 10072239
    Abstract: A life support system for providing a growth medium for at least one photosynthetic micro-organism and for converting CO2 to O2, with reduced water use that is as low as about 4 percent of the corresponding amount of water normally required for conventional micro-organism growth. The system includes a liquid transport capillary channel, a mixed culture photosynthetic biofilm and a liquid transport substrate that is positioned between and contiguous to the capillary channel and the biofilm, where the liquid transport rate is adjustable by adjustment of the local humidity. Approximately uniform radiation is received by the biofilm and contributes to microorganism growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the NASA
    Inventors: Halil Berberoglu, Thomas E. Murphy, Leslie E. Bebout, Erich D. Fleming
  • Patent number: 9718029
    Abstract: The invention resides in an apparatus for treatment of a substance. The apparatus has a substance tube for enabling a substance to be treated to pass in to the substance tube via the substance-inlet and out of the substance tube through the substance-outlet. The apparatus also has a cleaning chamber, wherein the substance tube is configured in fluid communication with the cleaning chamber to enable a substance to diffuse the permeable membrane between the substance tube and the cleaning chamber such that a substance can be substantially cleaned by a cleaner, the substance comprising blood or plasma and the cleaner comprising a cell culture. The substance tube is removably connectable with the cleaning chamber for inter-changeability or serviceability. The apparatus can further comprise a support compartment configured to connect to, or enclosing, the cleaning chamber, which functions to carry a fluid to substantially maintain the functionality of the cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: UNITED ARAB EMIRATES UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Ali Abdullah Hilal-Alnaqbi, Abdel-Hamid Ismail Mourad
  • Patent number: 9683207
    Abstract: A system and method for culturing cells is provided that includes an extra-capillary space between at least one permeable hollow fiber and an enclosed chamber. Cells are placed in the extra-capillary space to grow. One or more reservoirs containing cell-culture media and/or an oxygen-containing gas are provided in communication with the at least one fiber. The system is configured to generate alternating flows of both the cell-culture media and the gas through a lumen of the hollow fiber(s), thereby passing both nutrients and gas through the walls of the fiber(s) to the cells in the extra-capillary space to provide a suitable environment for growth and/or proliferation of the cells. Flows of liquid and gas through the hollow fiber(s) can be produced by gravity and/or various pumping configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: FIBERCELL PRODUCTION SOLUTIONS LLC
    Inventors: John J. S. Cadwell, Kevin Barnes
  • Patent number: 9587216
    Abstract: The invention is comprised within automated devices for cell culture. The invention relates to a cell culture method and system which allows modifying in a controlled manner the density and the number of cells in a culture. Specifically, the present invention relates to an iterative method the number of iteration steps of which is modified depending on the demand for the density and the number of cells necessary for the culture duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Aglaris Cell S.L.
    Inventors: David Horna Tomas, Miguel Costa Ferrando
  • Patent number: 9057044
    Abstract: The present invention describes a laminar flow bioreactor with improved laminar flow lines of fluids. The bioreactor housing defines a chamber adapted to receive a scaffold. An inlet aperture at one end of the chamber is in fluid communication with an outlet aperture at the opposite end of the chamber. A bypass mechanism selectively operable from an open position to a closed position consisting of an iris assembly directs a portion of fluid flowing through the chamber around the scaffold-receiving area. This bioreactor is inserted in a bioreactor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Inventors: Meir Israelowitz, Herbert Peter von Schroeder, Syed Rizvi, Chris Holm, Christoph Gille
  • Publication number: 20150118745
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicants: ASAHI KASEI KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOKYO WOMEN'S MEDICAL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Ushio Iwamoto, Michi Sato, Kanako Konishi, Katsuhisa Matsuura, Tatsuya Shimizu, Teruo Okano
  • Publication number: 20150072413
    Abstract: Cell culture apparatus comprising at least two adjacent cell cultivation channels separated by a permeable or semipermeable membrane, wherein at least one channel, for the majority of its length, has a cross sectional area of no more than 1 mm2, said channel being provided with entrance and exit means to permit the passage of media therethrough, allows co-culture of separate cell types, e.g. human and microbial cells, without mingling, allowing monitoring of cell cultures and chemical exchanges between the respective cell cultures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Frederic Zenhausern, Matthew Estes, Paul Wilmes, Pranjul Shah
  • Patent number: 8969073
    Abstract: The invention describes an appliance and a method, with the help of which specific bio-particles, but also dissolved bio-molecules can be recognized in and separated from fluids making use of suitable carriers and known immobilization methods. The appliance can be used both discontinuously and also for direct and continuous treatment of fluids. Fields of application of the invention are animals, bio-technology (including biological research) and medicinal diagnostics. Areas of application of the invention comprise, among others, therapy of humans, in particular direct treatment of blood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: pluriSelect GmbH
    Inventor: Hans Werner Heinrich
  • Patent number: 8927282
    Abstract: The present invention relates to cell and tissue culture. In particular, the present invention provides a method for preparing an organotypic culture using dissociated cells or microexplants obtained from an animal organ. The method for preparing an organotypic culture comprises culturing cells from an organ on a surface characterized in that the cells are compacted. The invention further relates to a high-throughput method for the preparation of a collection of organotypic cultures. The invention further relates to a device for carrying out a method of organotypic culture according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Capsant Neurotechnologies S.A.
    Inventor: Luc Stoppini
  • Patent number: 8846383
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a device for the biotechnological production of valuable products, in which a medium is fed to a bioreactor and is subjected to a fermentation process, the valuable product is gathered as a filtered permeate and/or concentrated retentate via a cross-flow filtration system that is mounted downstream thereof, and residues are once again fed to the bioreactor until being gathered as a retentate. Other materials can be fed to the bioreactor in a controlled manner in addition to the medium while the concentrated retentate and permeate can be gathered in a controlled manner. The fermentation process and the filtration process are regulated in a synchronized manner in an integrated system via a digital control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Sartorius AG
    Inventors: Reiner Luttmann, Wilfried Kappel, Toralf Gliem, Mohammad Saeed Ajam, Lars Boettcher, Bernd-Ulrich Wilhelm, Wolfgang Rietschel
  • Publication number: 20140256007
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Paige J. Novak, William Arnold, Erin M. Surdo
  • Publication number: 20140199679
    Abstract: A bioreactor for the formation of mature blood cells from haematopoietic stem cells is disclosed. The bioreactor comprises a first zone and a second zone. The first zone and the second zone are separated by a first membrane. The first membrane allows the preferential passage of red blood cells relative to the haematopoietic stem cells and their 5 other progeny excluding red blood cells. The first membrane is formed by at least a separating layer and a porous layer, where the porous layer is in contact with the first zone, such that the haematopoietic stem cells can be grown in the porous layer. The bioreactor comprises a third zone. The first zone and the third zone are separated by a second membrane, and the second membrane allows the passage of nutrients from the 10 third zone to the first zone and the passage of metabolites of the cells from the first zone to the third zone, while substantially preventing the passage of growth factors from the first zone to the third zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Inventors: Nicki Panoskaltsis, Hugo Miguel Magalhäes Macedo, Maria Teresa Mortera Blanco, Athanasios Mantalaris, Andrew Guy Livingston
  • Publication number: 20140093952
    Abstract: A bioreactor hollow fiber perfusion system increases the capacity of standard fed batch bioreactors. The bioreactor hollow fiber perfusion system cycles bioreactor mass through a hollow fiber tangential flow filter which separates the metabolic wastes (as well as proteins) from the biomass material allowing the reactions in the bioreactor to continue when compared to a fed batch bioreactor. The bioreactor hollow fiber perfusion system preferably includes a low shear gamma stable disposable pumphead responsible for biomass re-cycling and can be easy installed or replaced without the risk of contamination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventor: David Serway
  • Publication number: 20130295662
    Abstract: A system and method for culturing cells is provided that includes an extra-capillary space between at least one permeable hollow fiber and an enclosed chamber. Cells are placed in the extra-capillary space to grow. One or more reservoirs containing cell-culture media and/or an oxygen-containing gas are provided in communication with the at least one fiber. The system is configured to generate alternating flows of both the cell-culture media and the gas through a lumen of the hollow fiber(s), thereby passing both nutrients and gas through the walls of the fiber(s) to the cells in the extra-capillary space to provide a suitable environment for growth and/or proliferation of the cells. Flows of liquid and gas through the hollow fiber(s) can be produced by gravity and/or various pumping configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: FiberCell Production Solutions LLC
    Inventors: John J. S. Cadwell, Kevin Barnes
  • Patent number: 8557571
    Abstract: A reactor has a reactor unit with a first chamber and a second chamber, with the first chamber being formed by the interior of a housing and the second chamber being formed by the interior of a plurality of hollow fibers arranged in the housing. The hollow fibers are arranged in the housing such that their density in at least one region of the first chamber does not exceed 10 fibers/mm2, based on the cross-sectional area of the first chamber. The reactor unit can include two casting compounds, in which a portion of the hollow fibers are embedded and between which another portion of the hollow fibers extends. The length of at least some or all of the hollow fibers is at least 0.5% greater than the distance of the casting compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Kugelmann, Paul Hengster, Raimund Margreiter, Bernd Nederlof, Massimo Fini, Ciro Tetta, Thomas Wild, Micaela Yakubovich, Michael Paul, Marco Caronna
  • Patent number: 8540499
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Biovest International, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell Paul Page, Robert J. Wojciechowski, Martin Peder Crep
  • Patent number: 8541214
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Coskata, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Hickey, Rahul Basu, Rathin Datta, Shih-Perng Tsai
  • Patent number: 8518691
    Abstract: A membrane supported bioreactor arrangement and method for anaerobic conversion of gas into liquid products including membrane modules having hollow fibers, each of the hollow fibers formed from an asymmetric membrane wall having a porous outer layer defining biopores for retaining a porous biolayer about the outer surface of the membrane wall and a less permeable hydration layer around the hollow fiber lumen; a membrane vessel for retaining the membrane modules in a process gas for formation of the biolayer on the outer surface of the hollow fiber wall by interaction of microorganisms with a process gas and for the production of a liquid product, wherein the membrane vessel retains the membrane modules in a common horizontal plane; provides a seal between contents of the membrane tank and ambient atmosphere; and includes a liquid supply conduit for communicating the process liquid with the hollow fiber lumens of the hollow fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Coskata, Inc.
    Inventors: Shih-Perng Tsai, Rathin Datta, Rahul Basu, Seong-Hoon Yoon
  • Patent number: 8507263
    Abstract: Articles and methods for growing tissues and organs using bioreactors, including rotating bioreactors, are provided. In some embodiments, a bioreactor is configured to provide a first and second chamber, such as an inner and an outer chamber, respectively. The chambers may be co-axially arranged with respect to each other. A wall of the bioreactor defining the two chambers may be formed at least in part from a scaffold derived from a length of a hollow or tubular tissue or organ. Such a bioreactor can be used to form biocompatible structures for tissue engineering and organ replacement, such as cellular tissues, organ-like structures, and/or complete organs, within the bioreactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventors: Maria Adelaide Asnaghi, Sara Mantero
  • Publication number: 20130059371
    Abstract: A product concentration device that utilizes a reservoir connected to a hollow-fiber filter element where the reservoir can serve as a container for filtrate emanating from another filtering device, such that product in the reservoir can be stored, concentrated and/or further processed as desired. Enclosed reactor systems, each of at least three chambers, fluid flow between the chambers controlled by selectively permeable barriers, flow controlled by an alternating flow diaphragm pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Jerry Shevitz
  • Patent number: 8361782
    Abstract: Assays in which samples of biological fluids are dispensed into the inlet port of a microfluidic device are improved in the accuracy and repeatability by dispensing the biological sample and/or associated liquids in small droplets and at timed intervals to control the operation of the microfluidic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Pugia, James A. Profitt
  • Patent number: 8357519
    Abstract: Methods are provided for producing esters. The methods comprise converting a fermentable carbon source to organic acids by fermentation with organic acid producing microorganisms, followed by catalytic esterification. The methods comprise integrated fermentation, extraction, and esterification reactions wherein the organic acids produced during fermentation are extracted into an extraction solvent and then directly reacted with an alcohol in the presence of a catalyst to form organic esters. Methods of producing esters are also provided wherein the organic acids produced during fermentation and extracted into the extraction solvent are stripped from the extraction solvent prior to being reacted with an alcohol in the presence of a catalyst to form organic esters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: The Ohio State University
    Inventor: Shang-Tian Yang
  • Patent number: 8328167
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the aeration of liquid media by tube aeration, special tube modules contained therein and the use of a device for the aeration of liquid media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Bayer Technology Services GmbH
    Inventors: Jörg Kauling, Hans-Jürgen Henzler, Sebastian Schmidt, Helmut Brod, Klaus Kaiser, Stephan Kirchner, Dirk Havekost
  • Publication number: 20120301923
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods of using a semipermeable membrane in a dialysis fermenter as a separation layer between a cell-containing liquid culture medium and a non-cell-containing dialysis medium. In some embodiments, the semipermeable membrane may have a molecular cut-off of 15 kDa to 50 kDa. The instant disclosure also provides a dialysis fermenter with compartments for cell-containing culture medium, non-cell-containing nutrient solution as well as an exchange unit having a semipermeable membrane, wherein mass transfer takes place between the culture medium and the dialysis medium by means of diffusion and/or ultrafiltration. Methods for culturing cells are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Artur Hoffmann, Max Lechner, Christoph Reese
  • Patent number: 8212093
    Abstract: The production of feed for an olefin hydration zone is improved by integrating treatment of an alcohol containing stream from a fermentation zone into an alcohol separation section. The process passes a stream comprising alcohol, water and an organic acid to a separation column. The separation column concetrates the alcohol and organic acids into an upper column fraction. An additive for neutralization the organic acid into contact with said upper column fraction and reacts with the organic acid to produce a neutralization product that passes to a lower portion of the separation column. The column provides an overhead stream for an olefin dehydration zone having an increased concentration of alcohol and a reduced concentration of organic acid. A column bottoms stream containing the neutralization product returns as an input stream to supply the neutralization product to a fermentation zone that produces the alcohol containing stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Coskata, Inc.
    Inventors: Rathin Datta, Richard E. Tobey, Rahul Basu
  • Patent number: 8198055
    Abstract: Ethanol and other liquid products are produced by contacting syngas components such as CO or a mixture of CO2 and H2 with a surface of a membrane under anaerobic conditions and transferring these components in contact with a biofilm on the opposite side of the membrane. These steps provide a stable system for producing liquid products such as ethanol, butanol and other chemicals. The gas fed on the membrane's gas contact side transports through the membrane to form a biofilm of anaerobic microoganisms that converted the syngas to desired liquid products. A liquid impermeable layer of the membrane assists in establishing direct gas phase contact syngas components with the microorganisms. The system can sustain production with a variety of microorganisms and membrane configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Coskata, Inc.
    Inventors: Rathin Datta, Shih-Perng Tsai, Rahul Basu, Seong-Hoon Yoon
  • Patent number: 8133721
    Abstract: A new design for a static diffusion cell for use in a diffusion sampling apparatus to be used in conjunction with automated or manual sampling is disclosed. The diffusion cell of present invention provides to an improved and efficient diffusion assay system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Alza Corporation
    Inventors: Hua Yang, Delphine Caroline Imbert
  • Patent number: 8062873
    Abstract: A membrane supported bioreactor arrangement and method for anerobic conversion of gas into liquid products including membrane modules having hollow fibers, each of the hollow fibers formed from an asymmetric membrane wall having a porous outer layer defining biopores for retaining a porous biolayer about the outer surface of the membrane wall and a less permeable hydration layer around the hollow fiber lumen; a membrane vessel for retaining the membrane modules in a process gas for formation of the biolayer on the outer surface of the hollow fiber wall by interaction of microorganisms with a process gas and for the production of a liquid product, wherein the membrane vessel retains the membrane modules in a common horizontal plane; provides a seal between contents of the membrane tank and ambient atmosphere; and includes a liquid supply conduit for communicating the process liquid with the hollow fiber lumens of the hollow fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Coskata Energy
    Inventors: Shih-Perng Tsai, Rathin Datta, Rahul Basu, Seong-Hoon Yoon
  • Patent number: 8058058
    Abstract: A submerged membrane supported bioreactor for anaerobic conversion of gas into liquid products including a plurality of membrane modules having a plurality of hollow fibers, each of the plurality of hollow fibers having a gas permeable hollow fiber wall defining a hollow fiber lumen and an outer surface; a membrane tank for retaining the membrane modules at least partially submerged in a process liquid for formation of a biofilm on the outer surface of the hollow fiber wall by interaction of microorganisms with a process gas and for the production of a liquid product that mixes with the process liquid, wherein the membrane tank retains the membrane modules in a common horizontal plane; a seal between contents of the membrane tank and ambient atmosphere; and a gas supply conduit for communicating the process gas with the hollow fiber lumens of the hollow fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Coskata, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Hickey, Shih-Perng Tsai, Seong-Hoon Yoon, Rahul Basu, Richard E. Tobey
  • Patent number: 8017384
    Abstract: A modular membrane supported bioreactor for anaerobic conversion of gas into liquid products including membrane module(s) having a plurality of hollow fibers packed across a cross sectional area of the membrane module in a direction transverse to the axis of the membrane module; a membrane vessel for retaining the membrane module(s) at least partially submerged in a process liquid and isolated from ambient atmosphere; and a gas supply conduit operably connected to the hollow fibers for supplying a process gas to the hollow fiber lumens. The gas supply conduit enables the formation of a biofilm on the outer surface of the hollow fiber wall by interaction of microorganisms with the process gas and the production of a liquid product that mixes with the process liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Shih-Perng Tsai, Rathin Datta, Rahul Basu, Seong-Hoon Yoon, Richard E. Tobey
  • Patent number: 7943371
    Abstract: The present invention relates to joining two or more cartridges containing cell or tissue cultures from different organs found in the human body in fluid connection. It includes a vitro method and system for testing chemicals and agents as they pass through organs other than the brain or combinations of body systems including the brain. It greatly enhances the ability for researchers to test a proposed chemical or agent on human cells and tissue prior to testing it in vivo. Often, it is found that chemicals or agents have different reactions when tested on a single organ in vitro or in animals, than it does in the human body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Cleveland Medical Devices Inc.
    Inventor: Edward J. Rapp
  • Patent number: 7927836
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and an apparatus for the fermentational production of biologically active materials, wherein a fermenter is located in an insulator which, in turn, is located within a working chamber or is adjacent to it. A pressure gradient in relation to ambient pressure prevails in both the insulator and in the working chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Merz Pharma GmbH & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Bernd Doelle, Michael Pfeil
  • Patent number: 7923227
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Coskata, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Hickey, Rahul Basu, Rathin Datta, Shih-Perng Tsai
  • Patent number: 7919307
    Abstract: A device for supplying cell culture modules with nutrients has an arrangement of channels, pumps and valves in or on a plate. The valves may be pinch valves operated by deforming an elastic section of a conduit and the pump may be a pinch valve pump. The channels may be defined, at least in part, by the plate. The pumps, channels and valves may be located within the thickness of the plate. The device may be used to supply nutrients to cell culture modules according to a perfusion operation, a re-circulation operation and/or a combination of both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: ALPHA PLAN GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Klaus, Rudolph Luning, Laurence J. Purcell, Stefan Doring
  • Patent number: 7790039
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for enriching a heterogenous mixture of bone marrow or blood constituents for stem cells by removal of non-stem cell constituents comprising separation of the non-stem cell constituents using a tangential flow filtration device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Northwest Biotherapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Marnix L. Bosch, Patricia A. Lodge, Julie Anna McEarchern, Alton L. Boynton, Paul G. Hugenholtz
  • Patent number: 7754472
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for detecting one or several analytes in a sample, characterized in that it comprises one or more reaction chambers and/or one or more reagent application channels, and one or more capillary systems and one or more negative vessels. The invention also relates to a method for detecting one or more analytes in a sample fluid by visualization of agglutination, characterized in that a) the sample fluid is brought into contact with a reagent, b) the reaction mixture is exposed to the effects of gravitation or magnetism, wherein the reaction mixture is strained through the capillary system of the inventive device with a negative vessel connected to the inventive device, and c) the reaction between the analyte and the reagent is determined. The invention also relates to one such method wherein the reaction mixture is brought into contact with another reagent during step b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Medion Diagnostics AG
    Inventors: Peter Schwind, Philippe Monod
  • Patent number: 7695958
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Asahi Kasei Kuraray Medical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazumori Funatsu, Kohji Nakazawa, Hiroshi Mizumoto, Junji Fukuda, Mikitomo Yasutake
  • Publication number: 20100015660
    Abstract: The invention provides for a method of producing at least one recombinant product under aerated conditions. The method includes providing a porous substrate having a first side and a second side and which has a biofilm of microorganisms attached to the first side thereof, the substrate being configured to allow passage of a nutrient solution therethrough and to prevent the passage of microorganism cells therethrough. The method further includes causing a nutrient solution to flow through the substrate and the biofilm in a direction from the second side thereof to the first side thereof under aerated conditions, at a rate which is sufficiently low for a nutrient gradient having a concentration differential to be established across the biofilm, and the microorganisms being induced to produce recombinant product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: Synexa Life Sciences (Proprietary ) Limited
    Inventors: Winston Daniel Leukes, Sheena Janet Fraser
  • Publication number: 20090286296
    Abstract: A submerged membrane supported bioreactor for anaerobic conversion of gas into liquid products including a plurality of membrane modules having a plurality of hollow fibers, each of the plurality of hollow fibers having a gas permeable hollow fiber wall defining a hollow fiber lumen and an outer surface; a membrane tank for retaining the membrane modules at least partially submerged in a process liquid for formation of a biofilm on the outer surface of the hollow fiber wall by interaction of microorganisms with a process gas and for the production of a liquid product that mixes with the process liquid, wherein the membrane tank retains the membrane modules in a common horizontal plane; a seal between contents of the membrane tank and ambient atmosphere; and a gas supply conduit for communicating the process gas with the hollow fiber lumens of the hollow fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: ROBERT F. HICKEY, SHIH-PERNG TSAI, SEONG-HOON YOON, RAHUL BASU, RICHARD E. TOBEY
  • Publication number: 20090215153
    Abstract: A membrane supported bioreactor arrangement and method for anaerobic conversion of gas into liquid products including membrane modules having hollow fibers packed across a cross sectional area of the membrane module, each of the hollow fibers formed from an asymmetric membrane wall having a porous outer layer defining biopores for retaining a porous biolayer about the outer surface of the membrane wall and a less permeable hydration layer around the hollow fiber lumen; a membrane vessel for surrounding the outside of the hollow fibers with a process gas from a gas supply conduit; and a liquid supply conduit operably connected to the hollow fibers for supplying a process liquid to the hollow fiber lumens. The gas supply conduit enables the formation of a biolayer on the outer surface of the hollow fiber wall by interaction of microorganisms with the process gas and the production of a liquid product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Shih-Perng Tsai, Rathin Datta, Rahul Basu, Seong-Hoon Yoon
  • Publication number: 20090215142
    Abstract: A membrane supported bioreactor arrangement and method for anerobic conversion of gas into liquid products including membrane modules having hollow fibers, each of the hollow fibers formed from an asymmetric membrane wall having a porous outer layer defining biopores for retaining a porous biolayer about the outer surface of the membrane wall and a less permeable hydration layer around the hollow fiber lumen; a membrane vessel for retaining the membrane modules in a process gas for formation of the biolayer on the outer surface of the hollow fiber wall by interaction of microorganisms with a process gas and for the production of a liquid product, wherein the membrane vessel retains the membrane modules in a common horizontal plane; provides a seal between contents of the membrane tank and ambient atmosphere; and includes a liquid supply conduit for communicating the process liquid with the hollow fiber lumens of the hollow fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Shih-Perng Tsai, Rathin Datta, Rahul Basu, Seong-Hoon Yoon
  • Publication number: 20090191631
    Abstract: A three-dimensional (3-D) culture “Petri-dish” for research in regenerative medicine, biotechnology and clinical translation is described. This 3-D perfusion culture dish is to advance in vitro culture tools from static 2-D to dynamic 3-D perfusion culture. Interwoven hollow fiber capillary membranes divide the “Petri-dish” culture space into a controllable 3-D pattern of different compartments, serving the functions of the organ's larger vasculature. These physically active scaffolds, which can be suitable for cell adhesion or cell aggregate immobilization, offer a supply of cells with high-performance mass exchange including gas supply and under perfusion conditions. In contrast to static and discontinuous medium supply, a dynamic culture can be achieved with continuous or alternating medium supply and integral oxygenation. They provide a more physiologic supply in the cell macro environment, including homeostasis of oxygen, pH, nutrition, soluble factors, and gradients of metabolites for the cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventor: Reimhard Bornemann
  • Publication number: 20090155895
    Abstract: Initiation of growth and cultivation of cells can be performed by introducing the cells into culture compartments of a liquid-gas-phase exposure bioreactor containing a supply chamber in which there are disposed hollow-filament membranes having an inside diameter of no larger than 5 mm, wherein an inner volume of said hollow-filament membranes forms the culture compartments. Approximately one half of the supply chamber is filled with a nutrient medium and a remainder is filled with a gas mixture. Perfusion of medium and gas is turned on simultaneously or separately. The hollow-filament membranes and the cells contained therein are cyclically exposed to the gas or liquid phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: ProBioGen AG
    Inventors: Uwe Marx, Marco Riedel, Hikmat Bushnaq-Josting
  • Patent number: 7531351
    Abstract: Initiation of growth and cultivation of cells can be performed by introducing the cells into culture compartments of a liquid-gas-phase exposure bioreactor containing a supply chamber in which there are disposed hollow-filament membranes having an inside diameter of no larger than 5 mm, wherein an inner volume of said hollow-filament membranes forms the culture compartments. Approximately one half of the supply chamber is filled with a nutrient medium and a remainder is filled with a gas mixture. Perfusion of medium and gas is turned on simultaneously or separately. The hollow-filament membranes and the cells contained therein are cyclically exposed to the gas or liquid phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: ProBioGen AG
    Inventors: Uwe Marx, Marco Riedel, Hikmat Bushnaq-Josting
  • Publication number: 20090042288
    Abstract: The present invention relates to cell and tissue culture. In particular, the present invention provides a method for preparing an organotypic culture using dissociated cells or microexplants obtained from an animal organ. The method for preparing an organotypic culture comprises culturing cells from an organ on a surface characterised in that the cells are compacted. The invention further relates to a high-throughput method for the preparation of a collection of organotypic cultures. The invention further relates to a device for carrying out a method of organotypic culture according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Luc Stoppini
  • Patent number: 7470535
    Abstract: A new design for a static diffusion cell for use in a diffusion sampling apparatus to be used in conjunction with automated or manual sampling is disclosed. The diffusion cell of present invention provides to an improved and efficient diffusion assay system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: ALZA Corporation
    Inventors: Hua Yang, Delphine Caroline Imbert
  • Publication number: 20080220523
    Abstract: Cell expansion systems and methods of use are provided. The cell expansion systems generally include a hollow fiber cell growth chamber, and first and second circulation loops (intracapillary loops and extracapillary loops) associated with the interior of the hollow fibers and exterior of the hollow fibers, respectively. Detachable flow circuits and methods of expanding cells are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: Gambro BCT, Inc.
    Inventor: Glen Delbert Antwiler
  • Publication number: 20080145442
    Abstract: Described are compositions and methods for treating liver disease, e.g., acute liver disease, using bone marrow-derived stem cells and bone marrow-derived stem cell conditioned media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Martin L. Yarmush, Biju Parekkadan