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

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a biological organic material in a liquid droplet comprising a culture medium composed of specified ingredient. The method comprises the steps of: providing a substantially spherical liquid droplet on a substrate in an unadhered state, the substrate preferably having such a water-repellent surface that the water contact angle becomes 150° or greater; and culturing a biological organic material in the liquid droplet.

Abstract: An air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner includes a main body formed by a plurality of members assembled with each other and an air passage along which air introduced into the main body flows. At least one of the member includes a Kimchi lactic bacterium zymogenic material formed on a portion of the member, which contacts the air flowing along the air passage.

Abstract: A process and system are disclosed for the biofiltration of volatile organic compounds. The process involved recirculating contaminated effluent gas through a biofilter (1), the biofilter (1) having an inlet (20), outlet (15) and micro-organism laden filter media bed (3). The filter media bed additionally having moisture retaining properties. This process has been effective in removing high levels of VOCs from effluent gas streams and also in removing VOCs from an effluent gas stream where the VOC levels and/or volumes of effluent gas vary over time.

Abstract: A system and method are provided which utilize microbes to convert biomass feedstock into a fuel. In one aspect, a method of producing aromatic compounds and lipids includes: receiving a feedstock including biological matter; separating the feedstock into a liquid phase feedstock and a solid phase feedstock; adding water and nutrients to the solid phase feedstock, thereby producing a liquid culture; inoculating the liquid culture with microbes capable of converting the solid phase feedstock into aromatic compounds and lipids, the inoculated liquid culture yielding microbial biomass; providing suitable conditions for the microbes to convert the solid phase feedstock to aromatic compounds and lipids; and extracting produced aromatic compounds and lipids.

Abstract: A culture chamber which cultivates a culture object by using a culture liquid has a culture space part which houses the culture object together with the culture liquid, an introducing part (an introducing port) which introduces the culture liquid into the culture space part, a discharging part (a discharging port) which discharges the culture liquid from the culture space part, and a flow arrangement part (a vertical wall, a small space part). The flow arrangement part is formed in a side of the introducing part of the culture space part, and causes a liquid flow, which reaches to the discharging part, to the culture liquid introduced into the culture space part from the introducing part by diffusing from inner wall surfaces of the culture space part toward a direction which intersects a virtual line connecting the introducing part and the discharging part.

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: A biomass carrier including a multiplicity of generally elongate plastic biomass attachment strips joined to each other at least one location therealong, the multiplicity of generally elongate plastic biomass attachment strips being mutually arranged to define a generally deformable biomass carrier including generally outer disposed biomass attachment strips and generally inner disposed biomass attachment strips. Apparatus and methods for manufacture of the biomass carrier as well as fluid treatment systems and methods using the biomass carrier are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bioscrubber for purifying dirty gas has a circulated scrubbing liquid which contains water and microorganisms for degradation of the substances to be separated off from the dirty gas. The gas enters at an inlet, moves through a mass-transfer zone, where it undergoes a phase change from the gas phase to the liquid phase, and the clean gas exits through an outlet. The system has a device for irrigating the mass-transfer zone with the scrubbing liquid, and a tank for collecting the scrubbing liquid and for activating the microorganisms. The bioscrubber has particularly high separation rates and particularly low risk of blockage because, in at least one mass-transfer zone of the bioscrubber, there may be provided a package of adjacent vertical tubes and a cleaning device for cleaning the tubes. A mass-transfer zone can be formed by a spray tower.

Abstract: A bioreactor and a method for growing engineered tissue provide facing surfaces in a vessel for containing cell-culture media. The facing surfaces are equidistant and define a gap therebetween while providing substrates for cell tissue growth. By maintaining conditions within the vessel conducive to cell tissue growth and moving the surfaces relative to one another within such cell culture media, tissue growing thereupon is subjected to physiological flow and shear stress, preferably through the use of oscillating motion, and engineered tissue is produced.

Abstract: A drug testing system using any number of bio-artificial organs, for example liver-slices based in a culture apparatus. The apparatus has a chamber with plasma and gas valves, animal organ slices being positioned securely in the chamber so as to maximize the surface area of organ slices exposed to the culture medium. Plasma is supplied to the chamber so that it rises to contact the organ slices, and is alternately removed from contacting the organ slices. Gas is supplied to the top of the chamber. The system also includes a reservoir for containing media entering and exiting the chamber. Methods are provided for assessing the toxicity of a drug or drug candidate.

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: Disclosed herein are methods, devices, and other components for synthesizing polymers. In some embodiments, numerous sites can be multiplexed together to allow for effective nucleic acid synthesis.

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

Abstract: A porous chamber for tissue culture in vitro. The porous chamber includes a main body made of porous biologically absorbable polymer material, comprising an inner surface surrounding a hollow cavity, the hollow cavity having an aperture opened at an upper surface of the main body, wherein the aperture is communicated with outside of the main body for seeding tissue blocks in the hollow cavity, and an upper cover passing through the upper surface of the main body to seal the aperture to prevent the tissue blocks from outflowing.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices and methods for analyzing glycan profiles of glycoproteins are provided. Some embodiments of the devices comprise a deglycosylation column for cleaving glycans, an optional cleaning column for removing proteins, a trapping column for enriching glycans, and a separation column for resolving glycans. The devices and methods significantly improve the speed and sensitivity of glycan analysis.

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 gas cracking apparatus adapted to simultaneously efficiently discharge gas heavier than air and gas lighter than air resulting from assimilations of malodorous gas and greenhouse gas. The main frame of the gas cracking apparatus includes a closed metallic circular tube or angular tube. This tube is provided at its superior portion with a superior vent and provided at its inferior portion with an inferior vent, and the tube is further provided with a gas inlet disposed between the superior vent and the inferior vent.

Abstract: A cell culture assembly and a method for culturing cells that provide mechanical stimulation to cells. The cell culture assembly can include a flow chamber positioned in a fluid path and a support comprising cells positioned within the flow chamber to expose the cells to the fluid path. The cell culture assembly can further include a means for producing a steady flow of fluid in the fluid path, and a means for producing an oscillatory flow of fluid in the fluid path simultaneously with producing the steady flow of fluid in the fluid path to mechanically stimulate the cells. The method can include transporting fluid in the fluid path at a substantially steady flow rate, and transporting fluid in the fluid path at a substantially oscillatory flow rate simultaneously with transporting fluid in the fluid path at a substantially steady flow rate.

Abstract: A modular support system for organic filter material, compost material or other material is formed of a multiplicity of polygonal bed platform modules with planar top surfaces, the modules arranged side by side contiguously to form a bed platform which is elevated above a base surface. Perforations are included in at least some of the bed platform modules to allow passage of air, gas or liquid through the elevated support bed platform. The bottom sides of the modules have sockets to receive legs, and special legs are provided at corners where a plurality of adjacent modules meet, to engage with sockets in the undersurface in all of the adjacent nodules. At corners the modules are preferably bolted down to the corner pedestals or legs. The modular support system can support very heavy loads, such as earth-moving equipment used to move and spread filter bed or compost material.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the removal of carbon dioxide from a gas stream, particularly a flue gas, hydrogen gas from a reformer, natural gas, or gas from a cement kiln. Immobilized enzymes for use in carbon capture and other systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are two-component enzymatic peracid generation systems and methods of using such systems wherein the first component comprises a formulation of at least one enzyme catalyst having perhydrolysis activity, a carboxylic acid ester substrate, and a cosolvent and wherein the second component comprises a source of peroxygen in water. The two components are combined to produce an aqueous peracid formulation useful as, e.g., a disinfecting or bleaching agent. Specifically, organic cosolvents are used to control the viscosity of a substrate-containing component and to enhance the solubility of the substrate in an aqueous reaction formulation without causing substantial loss of perhydrolytic activity of the enzyme catalyst.

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: An improved biopsy kit for the collection, storage, transportation, and processing of biopsy tissue samples is disclosed. The disclosed biopsy kit consists of a typical specimen container and an improved tissue cassette with adhesively attached polyvinyl alcohol foam pads on both the base and lid portions. An excised tissue sample is sandwiched between the pads upon cassette closure, simultaneously isolating and securing the sample in its original orientation. Superior wicking, absorbency, and moisture retention rate of these polyvinyl alcohol pads allows maximum tissue fixation as well as maintains sample integrity. Once the tissue is placed by the physician at the patient's side, it remains there until the tissue is ready to be processed. This eliminates transfer errors as well as tissue loss.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a first reactor and a return mechanism. The first reactor has an inlet to receive a mixture comprising a first reactant, a second reactant, a reaction product, and an inert solvent that dissolves at least a portion of the first and second reactants, an enzyme to facilitate a reaction between the first and second reactants to generate more reaction product, and an outlet to output the reaction product, including the reaction product received at the inlet and the reaction product generated from the reaction between the first and second reactants. The return mechanism sends at least a portion of the reaction product from the outlet back to the inlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a single CSTR bioreactor equipped with a cell recycle unit, and a multi-stage CSTR bioreactor system in which 2-7 such single CSTR bioreactors are connected in series with each other. According to the present invention, multi-stage fermentation is carried out in the bioreactor equipped with the cell recycle unit, and thus the production of products (alcohols, organic acids, antibiotics, recombinant proteins, etc.) by anaerobic or aerobic microbial fermentation can be increased, and in addition, a final product can be obtained at high concentration, thus improving the productivity and economic efficiency of a microbial process.

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 cover over a solid body 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 and the cover. 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. A pump may comprise a generally rigid solid body and a seal. The solid body may wholly or partially define an inlet channel, a plenum and an outlet channel. A port between the inlet channel and the plenum is covered by the seal. A surface of the plenum is deformable. Deforming the surface forces liquid in the plenum to push the seal to cover the inlet channel port and to flow through the outlet channel.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a bioreactor (1) for the purification of waters, said reactor comprising a cross-sectionally essentially circular or elliptical tank section (2) provided with inlet means (5) for water to be purified and outlet means (6) for purified water. The tank holds thereinside carrier material (3) on which a biofilm may develop. The tank is further provided with means (4) for supplying a fluid which contains a reaction gas required by the purification process, such that the water to be purified develops gas bubbles containing a reaction gas. The tank section is adapted to be essentially full of water during the purification process. The fluid supply means (4) are disposed on the tank wall and the reactor comprises control means for operating the fluid supply means in such a way that a spinning motion of the carrier, the water, and at least some of said reaction-gas bearing bubbles is effected thereby around a rotation centerline passing essentially through the tank's cross-sectional center.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel net member for supporting one or more cell constructs in the culture chamber of a bioreactor, which comprises an array of impermeable pyramidal elements protruding from the face thereof, wherein each of the corners of the base of each of said impermeable pyramidal elements comprises a circular opening. This net member provides for uniform and unobstructed flow of culture medium through 3D cell constructs in culture. Also disclosed are a bioreactor and bioreactor system incorporating said net member. The bioreactor and bioreactor system may be used in the bioproduction of therapeutic proteins and stem cell expansion.

Abstract: A system for capturing and neutralizing HAP's (hazardous air pollutants) and VOC's (volatile organic compounds) at the source point by providing a closed loop remediation system which utilizes an air collection, treatment and control module containing a predetermined size bay of multiple interchangeable mini-biofilter cartridges that function to consume the pollutant and recirculate remediated air back to the source point of the pollutant. The system includes establishing a closed loop air system at a work station which generates and emits VOC's, capturing the VOC's in the air stream flow and transporting them directly into an adjacent biofilter module which contains selected microorganisms in mini-cartridges which biodegrade said VOC's and recirculates remediated air back to the source point of the pollutant. The cartridges may be contained in modules in single and/or multiple widths and heights and in conjunction with various work stations, cabinets, receptacles, and tables.

Abstract: A reaction tank (5) holds crushed cells comprising a pellicle of Bacillus midousuji cultured in the presence of a chlorinated aromatic compound such as dioxins and holds wastewater comprising a contaminated matter such as fly ash which comprises dioxins and which is produced by washing of a facility such as an incinerator. Air is supplied by a blower (6) to a matter held in the reaction tank (5). Accordingly, dioxins having three or more chlorine atoms in the contaminated matter can be decomposed, and the contaminated matter can be easily cleaned at a site where dioxins generate such as a washing or dismantling site of an incineration facility.

Abstract: Biofilm on glass beads deposited within a bottom portion of a vertically elongated bioreactor housing for possible experimental evaluation through a testing port in the housing which is also provided with inlet ports for aeration and infeed of nutrients with liquid. The biofilm collected within the housing chamber undergoes growth on glass slides within a cross-sectionally rectangular portion of the bioreactor housing from which the slides may be upwardly withdrawn under selective control without biofilm damage. The bioreactor housing arrangement also provides a high length to width ratio designed to enhance aeration.

Abstract: The invention provides articles of manufacture comprising biocompatible nanostructures comprising nanotubes and nanopores for, e.g., organ, tissue and/or cell growth, e.g., for bone, kidney or liver growth, and uses thereof, e.g., for in vitro testing, in vivo implants, including their use in making and using artificial organs, and related therapeutics. The invention provides lock-in nanostructures comprising a plurality of nanopores or nanotubes, wherein the nanopore or nanotube entrance has a smaller diameter or size than the rest (the interior) of the nanopore or nanotube. The invention also provides dual structured biomaterial comprising micro- or macro-pores and nanopores. The invention provides biomaterials having a surface comprising a plurality of enlarged diameter nanopores and/or nanotubes.

Abstract: Packed bed reactors that have a series of alternating layers of packing. A first packing layer has open body packing elements randomly packed in a layer up to about 10 packing elements deep; and a second packing layer has porous support elements of hydrophobic foam. The porous support elements are randomly packed up to about 10 porous support elements deep. Further, the packing elements of the first layer include substantially cylindrical shapes and the porous support elements of the second layer include substantially rectilinear shapes. In some embodiments, the second layer supports microbial organisms in a biological reactor, and the first layer of open body packing provides fluid flow spaces to facilitate fluid flow and distribution, mass transfer, and to minimize channeling.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a sugar chain purification instrument which can continuously and efficiently purify the sugar chain. According to the present invention, the instrument includes an immobilized protease column in which a carrier which can be packed in the column and on which protease is immobilized is packed and an immobilized glycopeptidase column in which a carrier which can be packed in the column and on which glycopeptidase is immobilized is packed, these columns being connected in series, and the reaction is carried out while continuously passing a glycoprotein to be decomposed together with a suitable buffer solution through the above columns. The step of liberation of sugar chain from the glycoprotein is highly simplified and labor-saving, and liberation of the sugar chain can be moderately and simply performed.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a cell culture chamber with which the survival rate of cells to be cultured can be increased, and a method of producing the same. A cell culture chamber according to the present invention includes a mass of projections formed of a plurality of microprojections 1 formed on a surface on which cells are cultured. The width or diameter of each of the microprojections 1 is in a range of 20 nm to 3 ?m, and the aspect ratio of each of the microprojections is in a range of 0.2 to 3.0. Thus, there can be provided a cell culture chamber most suitable for the adhesion and differentiation/proliferation of cells to be cultured.

Abstract: A biological sample reaction chip, including: a plurality of reactors disposed on one plane; a reaction fluid distribution channel connected via a microchannel to each reactor and provided on the plane on which the plurality of reactors are disposed; and a reaction fluid movement stopping unit, which is connected to an end point of the reaction fluid distribution channel and is capable of controlling movement of a reaction fluid.

Abstract: A cell/tissue culture apparatus is suitable for a culture of a cultivated object of a cell or tissue adapted for a prescribed portion of a living body of a breast and so on, a culture chamber (18, a culture vessel 10) which accommodates a cell or tissue to be cultivated and also makes a culture fluid (34) circulate is formed by a flexible material (flexible films 12, 14), and the culture chamber is immersed in a fluid (water 8). A pressure or an oscillation is given to the culture chamber installed in the fluid, and a physical stimulation due to the pressure from the fluid or the oscillation of the fluid is given to a cell or tissue under a culture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bioreactor for the treatment of industrial or domestic effluent, comprising a container and a packing, wherein a potential difference forms between the packing and the container, which is provided with a device which prevents corrosion of the container as a result of the potential reversal due to the growth of a biofilm.

Abstract: A system and method for biological regeneration of ion exchange and absorptive media including a vessel configured to contain a bed of contaminated media particles. The vessel includes a first region configured to receive biological regenerating fluid for contacting media particles in the first region at a first volumetric flowrate sufficient to produce a shear force high enough to reduce bio-film thickness on the media particles; a second region configured to receive a portion of biological regenerating fluid from the first region, wherein the portion of biological regenerating fluid in said second region has a second volumetric flowrate lower than the first volumetric flowrate; and a third region configured to receive another portion of biological regenerating fluid from the first region, wherein the another portion of biological regenerating fluid in the third region has a third volumetric flowrate lower than the second volumetric flowrate.

Abstract: A bioreactor includes a nutrient reservoir, a rotatable culture bed, at least one culture carrier medium, a mist generator and a mist delivery pipe. The nutrient reservoir stores therein a nutrient solution required for the fungus, plant cell, tissue, organ, hairy roots and plantlet. The rotatable culture bed is rotated at a specified speed. The at least one culture medium has thereon the fungus, plant cell, tissue, organ, hairy roots and plantlet and is supported on the rotatable culture bed. The mist generator is used for producing mists of the nutrient solution. The mist delivery pipe delivers therein the mists of the nutrient solution and has a mist-exit port adjusted to a desired level above the culture medium so as to discharge and spray the mists over the fungus, plant cell, tissue, organ, hairy roots and plantlet.

Abstract: In a process for mixing microdroplets (2a, 2b, 2c), at least two carriers (3a, 3b) are provided whose surfaces (4a, 4b) are each structured in such a way that at least one hydrophilic surface domain (5a, 5b) is delimited by at least one hydrophobic surface domain (6a, 6b). A first microdroplet (2a, 2b, 2c) is disposed on a hydrophilic surface domain (5a) of a first carrier (3a), and a second microdroplet (2a, 2b, 3c) is disposed on a hydrophilic surface domain (5b) of a second carrier (3b). The carriers (3a, 3b), with their first and second hydrophilic surfaces (4a, 4b) facing each other, are positioned adjacent to each other and sufficiently close to each other by being moved toward each other that the microdroplets (2a, 2b, 2c) come into contact with each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for growing cells in a three-dimensional scaffold. Relative movement of the scaffold and an end cap of the culture chamber results in circulation of the growth medium through the scaffold. The invention is also suited for introduction of cells into a scaffold. The scaffold may be any sort of natural or synthetic material that will support cellular life, including a tissue.

Abstract: The invention provides a roller bottle for cell growth culturing including a plurality of axial pleats therearound for increasing cell growth surface area and further including circumferential ribs integrally formed therewith for reinforcing the pleated wall structure. These circumferential ribs prevent the bottle walls from bowing outward when the inside of the bottle becomes pressurized during cell growth culturing.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved in vitro tissue assembly system and related methods that includes and uses a bioreactor, a porous mandrel disposed in the bioreactor, and components that provide for the circulation of culture media and cell suspensions within the bioreactor and through the porous mandrel. The circulation of the culture media and cell suspensions within the bioreactor produces a radial, convective flow and drag forces that result in the deposition of cells on the mandrel to form a tissue construct. Upon completion of the culture and tissue formation process, the tissue construct may be removed from the mandrel for subsequent in vivo use.

Abstract: The invention provides cell culture devices comprising a channel, the channel comprising one or more inlets and one or more outlets, and a cell retention chamber defined by an internal surface of the channel and a plurality of projections extending therefrom. The invention further provides methods of use relating to such cell culture devices.

Abstract: A modular support system for a bed of organic filter medium has provision for adjusting the distribution of gases in the plenum defined below the filter bed platform. Once the filter bed platform has been fully erected, with a gas inlet below the platform, slide gates are positioned in special modules which define a gas distribution channel, preferably extending in a series to form a line in the assembled support platform. The slide gates, one at each side of the special flow distribution modules, are adjusted as to the depth of penetration down into the plenum, so as to close the sides of the flow distribution channel to varying degrees along the length of the channel, effective to balance the flow of gases up through the perforations in the platform modules. The proper gate setting can be determined empirically after erection of the filter bed platform, by flowing gas through the platform and checking the distribution of gas exiting the holes in the modules.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a reversibly closable vessel suitable for the cultivation of cells and/or tissues can be provided. The exemplary vessel can comprise at least one reversibly closable aperture in the vessel wall, a convection arrangement inside the vessel which can comprise at least one blade. The arrangement can be configured to generate and/or modulate a convection in a fluid within the vessel when the vessel and/or the blade is agitated The convection arrangement and/or the blade can be at least particularly made from a porous material.