Abstract: It is biological deodorizing apparatus that has an inlet portion (1), a treating portion (2) and an outlet portion (3) in a series, and biologically deodorizes gas in said treating portion. Each of frames of said portions is composed of one or more rectangular hexahedron box-like frame units (6) constructed by connecting frame members (4) and joints (5). The treating portion is constructed containing cartridges (11) being set by several porous plastic sheets (10) in parallel with each other at a distance can be pulled out free in horizontal direction. The treating portion's blow-off surfaces (13) is connected to lower located blow-in surfaces (14) of the outlet portion in airtight condition, and open surfaces (15) are sealed with seal panels (16). Water is supplied to upper portion of said treating portion, and drained off through bottom portion.

Abstract: A bioreactor is described comprising: at least one cartridge having disposed therein at least one collagen substrate comprised of a collagen sponge layer and a nonporous to cells, semipermeable collagen layer; a substrate support that retains the collagen substrate within the cartridge; a first compartment between the collagen sponge layer and the inner surface of the first side of the cartridge casing and a second compartment between the nonporous to cells, semipermeable collagen layer and the inner surface of the second side of the cartridge casing; inlet and outlet means for transferring a first medium and a first cell type to the first compartment and inlet and outlet means for transferring a second medium and a second cell type to the second compartment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and corresponding methods for its use, in the propagation of tissue. The device comprises a bioartificial composite comprised of a substrate having at least one surface capable of the reception and growth promoting retention of a cellular preparation, and a first layer of adherent cells disposed on said surface. The first layer is prepared from the cellular preparation, and the cells comprising the first layer have cytoskeletal elements aligned uniformly, so that the bioartificial composite acts as a template to accept a second layer of cells upon the first layer, said second layer comprising an organized layer oriented in the direction of said first layer, wherein said substrate has at least one surface defined by a critical surface curvature and/or topography. The device may be implanted for the promotion of tissue regrowth, or may be used to develop tissue on an ex vivo basis, for implantation or for experimentation.

Abstract: The invention comprises novel culture methods and devices in which biocatalysts are substantially immobilized contained, suspended and or incubated in a chamber. At least one injection element provides a fluid flow to a perimeter of the chamber and the fluid force of the fluids flowing into the chamber works with the centripetal force created by rotation of the device to suspend the cells within the chamber, promote cell growth and/or clean the fluid as it passes thru the suspended biocatalyst.

Abstract: A biofilter apparatus includes at least one container having a height, length, and width containing a deep, low density, porous media within the container. An airflow apparatus is constructed and arranged to deliver a flow of air to be treated to the filter media. The airflow apparatus provides at least 37.5 cfm/ft2 with the porous media creating a backpressure of not more than about 10 inches of water. The media preferably consists of about 30-40% shredded tree bark particles, about 30-40% shredded wood, and about 30-40% composted wood sized such that 95% of the media will pass through a three inch screen and be retained by a 0.5 inch screen. A fluid mister may be provided in fluid communication with the flow of the air to be treated for introducing humidity to the air. The method for treating air via biofiltration utilizes the biofiltration apparatus discussed above and includes directing contaminated air into the container through the airflow apparatus and through the media at at least 37.

Abstract: A biological filter element includes a support element of generally ellipsoidal configuration. The support element has two opposite polar regions and includes a medial ring intermediate the two opposite polar regions and a plurality of arcuate ribs extending from the medial ring to each polar region. Adjacent arcuate ribs are angularly spaced to provide access to an interior space of the support element. A cohesive body of biologically active material surrounds the support element and penetrates the interior space of the support element.

Abstract: A biological filter element includes a support element of generally ellipsoidal configuration. The support element has two opposite polar regions and includes a medial ring intermediate the two opposite polar regions and a plurality of arcuate ribs extending from the medial ring to each polar region. Adjacent arcuate ribs are angularly spaced to provide access to an interior space of the support element. A cohesive body of biologically active material surrounds the support element and penetrates the interior space of the support element.

Abstract: A reaction chamber is adapted to contain a fluidized bed having a slurry of liquid, media and biomass. A lift and motive fluid are provided to urge slurry from the reaction chamber through a passage from a slurry inlet to a slurry discharge. The height of the slurry inlet is adjustable with respect to the bottom of the reaction chamber to help control the fluidized bed.

Abstract: A system and a method for purifying a gaseous contaminated stream are provided. The system and method include a treatment solution that includes at least one non-pathogenic bacteria that digests at least a portion of contaminants contained in the contaminated stream.

Abstract: The invention concerns a continuous reaction method by solid/gas catalysis in unconventional medium, using different substrates to obtain predetermined products, substrates and products forming compounds, which consists in controlling: the reaction in temperature to determine the saturation pressure of each pure compound taking part in determining the compound thermodynamic activity; the total pressure at a level lower than atmospheric pressure; the molar flow rates of the compounds and the vector gas, to adjust the gas mixture molar composition on the basis of the predetermined values of the thermodynamic activity of said compounds.

Abstract: A method and materials to create complex vascularized living tissue in three dimensions from a two-dimension microfabricated mold has been developed. The method involved creating a two dimensional surface having a branching structure etched into the surface. The pattern begins with one or more large channels which serially branch into a large array of channels as small as individual capillaries, then converge to one or more large channels. The etched surface serves a template within a mold formed with the etched surface for the circulation of an individual tissue or organ. Living vascular cells are then seeded onto the mold, where they form living vascular channels based on the pattern etched in the mold. Once formed and sustained by their own matrix, the top of the mold is removed. The organ or tissue specific cells are then added to the etched surface, where they attach and proliferate to form a thin, vascularized sheet of tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to microbiological processes for the oxidative treatment of refractory gold and base metal ores and concentrates, and particularly, an apparatus for testing refractory gold and sulfidic base metal ores for their suitability to heap biooxidation or bioleaching processes. The invention can be used to simulate heap biooxidation. This apparatus incorporates features of heap biooxidation and may be used to generate engineering data for creating detailed process and engineering designs. The invention can be used to develop a select population of bacteria geared to optimize biooxidation of a specific refractory ore.

Abstract: A bioreactor (10) supports the viability, function(s) and/or growth of a cell or enzyme, or synthesis or biotransformation (metabolism) of a composition or compound using a cell or enzyme. The bioreactor includes a housing (12) having perfusion ports (20, 24) for perfusion. A bundle of elongated elements (26) can be contained within the housing. The elongated elements can be made of a foamy polymer such that cells loaded aggregate within the pores of the elongated elements. Furthermore, the elongated elements can be a bundle of thin solid sticks (30), rod-reinforced sticks (30, 32), or thin hollow tubes (28). Optionally, the housing can include a removable cap (18, 22) configured to allow the insertion and removal of the bundle of elongated elements into and out of the housing and the bundle of elongated elements can be removably affixed within the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a substrate for cell culture capable of controlling at least one function selected from adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, survival, maintenance of undifferentiated state, and apoptosis of a cell. The substrate comprises an immobilization area of controlling substances involved in at least one of the functions of adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, survival, maintenance of undifferentiated state and apoptosis of cells, for example: and the areas are formed by supplying a liquid containing the controlling substances to the substrate by small microdroplet ejection means and immobilizing the controlling substance on the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems for growing two or three dimensional mammalian cells within a culture medium facilitated by an electromagnetic field, and preferably, a time varying electromagnetic field. The cells and culture medium are contained within a fixed or rotating culture vessel, and the electromagnetic field is emitted from at least one electrode. In one embodiment, the electrode is spaced from the vessel. The invention further provides methods to promote neural tissue regeneration by means of culturing the neural cells in the claimed system. In one embodiment, neuronal cells are grown within longitudinally extending tissue strands extending axially along and within electrodes comprising electrically conductive channels or guides through which a time varying electrical current is conducted, the conductive channels being positioned within a culture medium.

Abstract: A porous container for controllably releasing various substances into surrounding fluid environments includes a porous material having pores sized and configured to allow the substances contained within the container to pass through the pores at a rate of no more than about 0.5 g/day/cm2. In a particular embodiment, the porous container is adapted to controllably release microorganisms into surrounding fluid environments, which microorganisms may be cultured within the porous container. The porous container may also be utilized with a variety of dispensing vessels to obtain desired controlled release characteristics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the efficiency of the growth of cell and tissue cultures in vitro is disclosed. The improvement in efficiency is achieved through the use of a scaffold formed from an open cell polymer foam that has been surface treated by an oxidative plasma discharge. In one embodiment, the polymer foam is a polystyrene foam treated with an oxygen gas plasma to functionalize the surface of the polymer. In the preferred embodiment, the scaffold is used as an insert for a bioreactor to culture cells and tissue. The scaffold is formed from a porous polymer structure having a continuous polymer matrix with a plurality of interconnected open pores. The pore size typically ranges from about 50 microns to about 500 microns.

Abstract: It is biological deodorizing apparatus that has an inlet portion (1), a treating portion (2) and an outlet portion (3) in a series, and biologically deodorizes gas in said treating portion. Each of frames of said portions is composed of one or more rectangular hexahedron box-like frame units (6) constructed by connecting frame members (4) and joints (5). Said treating portion is constructed containing cartridges (11) being set by several porous plastic sheets (10) in parallel with each other at a distance can be pulled out free in horizontal direction. Said treating portion's blow-off surfaces (13) is connected to lower located blow-in surfaces (14) of said outlet portion in airtight condition, and open surfaces (15) are sealed with seal panels (16). Water is supplied to upper portion of said treating portion, and drained off through bottom portion.

Abstract: A multi-channel porous ceramic fiber is provided, preferably having a particular geometry, together with a filtration and/or reaction module comprising such fibers and a precursor paste for the fiber comprising a compression binder as the extrusion binder.

Abstract: An apparatus and system are provided for simultaneously analyzing a plurality of analytes anchored to microparticles. Microparticles each having a uniform population of a single kind of analyte attached are disposed as a substantially immobilized planar array inside of a flow chamber where steps of an analytical process are carried out by delivering a sequence of processing reagents to the microparticles by a fluidic system under microprocessor control. In response to such process steps, an optical signal is generated at the surface of each microparticle which is characteristic of the interaction between the analyte carried by the microparticle and the delivered processing reagent. The plurality of analytes are simultaneously analyzed by collecting and recording images of the optical signals generated by all the microparticles in the planar array.

Abstract: A biofilter reactor includes a housing, an axial pipe rotatably supported in the housing and including a plurality of perforations that open into the interior of the housing for collecting a treated fluid. The axial pipe includes an outlet in communication with the interior thereof for removing the treated fluid from the housing. A porous medium is disposed about the axial pipe and is rotatable therewith. The porous medium is made of a microbial foam.

Abstract: The synthesis of arrays of DNA probes sequences, polypeptides, and the like is carried out using a patterning process on an active surface of a substrate. An image is projected onto the active surface of the substrate utilizing an image former that includes a light source that provides light to a micromirror device comprising an array of electronically addressable micromirrors, each of which can be selectively tilted between one of at least two positions. Projection optics receives the light reflected from the micromirrors along an optical axis and precisely images the micromirrors onto the active surface of the substrate, which may be used to activate the surface of the substrate. The first level of bases may then be applied to the substrate, followed by development steps, and subsequent exposure of the substrate utilizing a different pattern of micromirrors, with further repeats until the elements of a two dimensional array on the substrate surface have an appropriate base bound thereto.

Abstract: There is provided a desulphurization apparatus to be mounted in automobiles, which is arranged between a fuel tank and an injector of an engine, the apparatus comprising a combination of a sulfur-containing compound adsorbent for adsorbing and concentrating the sulfur-containing compound and a sulfur-containing compound oxidizing agent or oxidation catalyst for oxidizing the adsorbed sulfur-containing compound, the apparatus further comprising a means for recovering and removing the resulting sulfur-containing oxide. According to this apparatus, the quantity of the particulate matter in an exhaust gas is reduced by half and the durability of the catalyst for removing a nitrogen oxide is improved by a factor of about two.

Abstract: The biological washing reactor and the wet electrofilter are located in a common container. This container ends at the bottom at a biotank. A droplets remover is located at the purified gas outlet. The exhaust gas which is to be purified and which contains impurities in form of aerosols, dust and organic gases flows through the exhaust gas inlet into the container and flows firstly through the preliminary separator and thereafter through a biological washing reactor and the wet electrofilter. The process water for the continuous sprinkling of the preliminary separator and of the biological washing reactor, and for the intermittent cleaning of the wet electrofilter and of the droplets remover is circulated in a closed loop via the biotank. The circulated process water is regenerated in the biotank.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of using a paddle in the accelerated remediation of a contaminated material. The method which comprises the steps of providing the paddle which is connectable to, and extendable outwardly from the periphery of, an elongate cylindrical drum having a longitudinal axis, for generating an air stream at a velocity sufficient for entraining the contaminated material therein, and for microenfractionating the contaminated material so that the contaminated material is capable of being treated with at least one chemical amendment prior to, and/or during, and/or subsequent to, microenfractionating the contaminated material, the paddle comprising a body having a first planar portion having a leading edge and a second planar portion connected at a first angle to the first paddle portion, the second planar portion being oriented so as to generate a first material-entraining air stream when the drum is rotated, and a base portion connected to the body for mounting the paddle onto the drum.

Abstract: A potential energy field flow bioreactor for processing a reagent in feedstocks with reactant particles adsorbed therein includes a flow pathway defined by a least one surface, preferably in the form of a spiral, through which pathway is flowed reactant particles and at least one initial reagent adapted to react therewith during their passage through the pathway. The reaction generates an energy potential difference the beginning of said pathway and its end thereby polarizing the reactant particles whereby they adhere to each other and become immobilized within the pathway.

Abstract: A cartridge for holding compost in a biofilter is substantially uniform in cross section perpendicular to the axis of the cartridge and has a sidewall formed with openings that are small enough to substantially retain the compost in the cartridge yet large enough to allow filaments of bacteria present in the compost to project through the openings. The cartridge is of cross-sectional form such that multiple cartridges can be placed side-by-side in an array with passages between each cartridge and adjacent cartridges.

Abstract: A biological process is enhanced by a method and apparatus used to contact a biomass with a gas and with a nutrient liquid. A resiliently compressible porous matrix system containing the biomass is mounted in a reaction vessel containing a body of the nutrient liquid and a body of the gas above the body of the liquid. The body of liquid having an upper surface exposed to the body of gas and defining a liquid-gas interface. The resiliently compressible porous matrix system is located in a position in the reaction vessel so that compressible porous matrix system is partly immersed in the nutrient liquid and partly extends above the upper surface of the liquid into the body of gas.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bioreactor apparatus having a bed of buoyant media pellets floating within a filtrate to be processed. The apparatus includes a tank having a peripheral wall for containing filtrate and a bed of media pellets. A central manifold is rotatably supported within the tank the central manifold being mounted for rotation about a vertical axis and having a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings intermediate its ends, the openings adapted to eject filtrate in a generally horizontal direction and along a substantially vertical plane toward the wall of the tank. A thrust manifold, generally parallel to the axis of the central manifold has a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings intermediate its ends directed horizontally and generally perpendicularly to the plane. The thrust manifold is supported in association with the central manifold inwardly adjacent the tank wall and offset rearwardly of the plane to rotate with the central manifold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quick, easy mass production of biological polymer chips having uniform quality and involving deposition of very small quantities of biological polymers, wherein samples of the biological polymer are deposited on a substrate using a capillary array comprising a plurality of capillaries arranged at the same spacing interval as that of sites on the substrate, and applying an electric field or pneumatic pressure to the array of capillaries containing the biological polymer samples.

Abstract: A cell-cultivating device includes a plurality of culture tanks and a driving device. The culture tanks communicate with each other and have culture medium inside. The driving device forces the culture medium to flow between the culture tanks so as to vertically oscillate medium levels in the culture tanks.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and applications for use of a stacked, reconfigurable system for electrophoretic transport are provided. In one embodiment, a system having a first chamber including at least a bottom support and an intermediate support, and a second chamber, said second chamber including a bottom support and a top member, the first and second chambers being coupled through a via. Electrophoretic, and optional electro-osmotic and thermal, transport is effected. In another aspect of this invention, three or more chambers are coupled by an electrophoretic buss. The electrophoretic buss includes driving electrodes and is adapted to receive fluid containing materials for transport. The chambers are coupled to the electrophoretic buss and serve as a tap from the buss for delivery of charged materials. In one embodiment, certain functions are performed in different chambers.

Abstract: A counterflow scrubbing system for deodorizing air having sulfur components such as H2S typically associated with wastewater treatment includes a tower vessel having sulfer-oxidizing microorganisms in porous rock media, and operates at a pH preferably between 1.5 and 4.0 The media has a high ratio of surface area to volume, being at least 1000 and preferably approximately 10,000. The system can operate continuously without requiring objectionable chemicals, relaying of filter beds, or back-flushing. Optionally, concentrations of nutrients and/or bacteria are added to make-up water from an included reservoir.

Abstract: The invention is a method for using flexible packaging in connection with incubating a sample in a liquid culture medium. A flexible, gusseted bag is first presterilized by irradiation. Then, the bag is prefilled with a presterilized liquid culture medium. The bag is self-supporting and takes on the characteristics of a rigid container when filled. Prefilling and sterilizing it enables it to be shipped to a laboratory. The bag is easy to open and reseal for introduction of a culture sample at the laboratory. After introduction, the sample is incubated in the bag.

Abstract: A device for use in processing of a liquid and/or gas stream. The device is made up of a monolithic structure having active powder for treating streams. The structure has an inlet end and an outlet end and a multiplicity of cells extending from inlet end to outlet end. The cells are separated from one another by porous walls, a portion of the total number of cells being plugged in a pattern such that a stream enters the device through the unplugged cells at the inlet end and passes through at least two porous walls and the active powder in-between, and thereafter passes out of the device through unplugged cells at the outlet end. The device finds use in a number of applications including ion exchange, adsorption, biological and chemical reactions, and catalytic applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for inducing immunosuppressive cells by cultivating human cells with the use of a culture device having an affinity for protein and the culture device to be used therefor. According to the present invention, immunosuppressive cells can be efficiently induced by using a solid culture and can provide an efficient therapeutic system for diseases caused by hypersensitivity of the immune system with less side effect.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a novel process and bioreactor for enhancing the bioleaching of metals from sulfide mineral concentrations.

Abstract: An odor treating system in which a silo-type structure (2) incorporates in layered sequence along its height at least one bioscrubber (4) and one wet scrubber (6) or biofilter and incorporates a port (10) for introducing malodorous effluent into the structure (2) below the scrubbers (4, 6) and fan means (1) overlying the scrubbers (4, 6) for drawing the effluent through the scrubbers (4, 6) to deodorize, dilute and disperse the effluent into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A hybrid filter system for degrading a sulfur-containing compound having a primary stage sacrificial filter and a secondary stage biofilter is disclosed. This hybrid filter system significantly increases the lifetime of the biofilter providing a cost effective and removal effective biofiltration filter system. The process consists of two filtration stages, a primary stage sacrificial filtration and a secondary stage biofiltration. A small percentage of the sulfur-containing compound is oxidized to elemental sulfur which blocks the pore space of the filter matrix. The primary stage sacrificial filter is used to trap and remove elemental sulfur which is produced when the sulfur-containing compound is passed through the filter. To protect the secondary stage biofilter from premature plugging by precipitated elemental sulfur the primary stage sacrificial filter is used to capture the precipitated elemental sulfur.

Abstract: A modular biofiltration support system is quickly erectable in virtually any size and shape using plastic modules that are interconnected at the site. Included in the system are bed platform modules which assemble together to form a bed platform to support the weight of the biofilter medium within the area defined by the frame, and a multiplicity of bed support legs which are assembled into the bed platform modules to hold the bed platform at a raised position above the ground, defining a plenum for entering gases, between the ground and the bed platform. In one embodiment, at least some of the legs include air directing vanes which can be oriented in positions to cause generally even distribution of the gases within the plenum. The bed platform modules have openings to direct the gases to flow upwardly through the biofilter medium.

Abstract: A system for deodorizing malodorous sewer gas having a tower with a lower gas inlet and an upper gas outlet, malodorous gas passing into the tower through the gas inlet. Packing is positioned within the tower between the inlet and outlet. An enzyme solution recirculating system withdraws enzyme solution from the interior bottom of the tower and introduces it into an upper portion of said tower, the enzyme solution passing downward through the packing. A blower moves malodorous gas into the tower inlet and upwardly through the packing for contacting downwardly passing enzyme solution. An enzyme solution replenishment system is connected to the circulation system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bioreactor apparatus having a bed of buoyant media pellets floating within a filtrate to be processed. The apparatus includes a tank having a peripheral wall for containing filtrate and a bed of media pellets. A central manifold is rotatably supported within the tank, the central manifold being mounted for rotation about a vertical axis and having a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings intermediate its ends, the openings adapted to eject filtrate in a generally horizontal direction and along a substantially vertical plane toward the wall of the tank. A thrust manifold, generally parallel to the axis of the central manifold has a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings intermediate its ends directed horizontally and generally perpendicularly to the plane. The thrust manifold is supported in association with the central manifold inwardly adjacent the tank wall and offset rearwardly of the plane to rotate with the central manifold.

Abstract: Methods of manufacture and devices for performing active biological operations utilize various structures to advantageously collect and provide charged biological materials to an array of microlocations. In one embodiment, a device includes focusing electrodes to aid in the direction and transport of materials from a collection electrode to an array. Preferably, one or more intermediate transportation electrodes are utilized, most preferably of monotonically decreasing size between the collection electrode and the array, so as to reduce current density mismatches. In another aspect, a flow cell is utilized over devices to provide containment of solution containing materials to be analyzed. Preferably, the volume of the flow cell is more advantageously interrogated through use of relatively large collection and return electrodes, such as where the area of those electrodes relative to the footprint of the flowcell is at least 40%.

Abstract: A tissue engineering bioreactor is disclosed for growing three-dimensional tissue. Cells are seeded onto a mesh and provided with two media flows, each contacting a different side of the cells. The media flows contain different concentrations of nutrients, allowing nutrients to be delivered to the cells by diffusion gradient. The bioreactor can be used to grow liver tissue, and designed as an extracorporeal liver assist device in which blood or plasma is exposed to the three-dimensional liver tissue. The blood or plasma from a patient directed to flow against the liver tissue. The liver tissue is further exposed on its opposite side to media providing nutrients and gases. The device provides porous boundaries between the blood or plasma, tissue, and media; allowing nutrient and protein delivery by diffusion gradient to dialyze a patient's blood.

Abstract: A new method of treating water to remove perchlorate contaminant is disclosed. Water is fed through a filter bed containing perchlorate-reducing microorganisms. The microorganisms reduce the perchlorate, thereby decontaminating the water. An oxidizable substrate serves as an electron donor to the microorganisms. The invention results in safe to undetectable levels of perchlorate in the treated water.

Abstract: A device for purifying gases, such as air in particular, or liquids, such as water in particular. The device comprises a chamber in which filter material is incorporated. The chamber has inlets and outlets for the medium to be purified. The medium is led through filter material, in which micro-organisms are employed for the purification. A mat having large open pores is used as filter material. The mat is manufactured from foamed plastic material having open pores and is flat on one side and is provided with extrusions on the other side. The material may be polyurethane. The mat is wound in such a way that it can be situated on a tube. The chamber has a substantially cylindrical shape into which the rolled-up mat can be fittingly slid.

Abstract: An air emissions treatment system is characterized by a moving biomass filter element which alternately passes through the air being treated and a nutrient laden liquid to remove pollutants from the air. The filter element is in the form of one or more endless loops which are conveyed within an enclosed housing. As a section of the filter element passes through the air, it withdraws pollutants therefrom. When the filter passes through the liquid, it receives moisture and nutrients and releases the pollutants into the liquid.