Abstract: A system for incubating one or more cells and/or organotypic cultures for biological investigation, in particular for toxicology assessment, comprising a bio-incubator and a pressure system fluidly connected with the bio-incubator. The pressure system is a cyclic gas pressure system configured for cyclically varying the gas pressure in the bio-incubator between a negative pressure and a positive pressure compared to the atmospheric pressure, so as to reproduce the pressure conditions in lungs of a living mammal. The system is remarkable in that the cyclic gas pressure system comprises a feedthrough with a pipe configured to deviate the air influx from the one or more cells and/or organotypic cultures.

Abstract: The invention relates to infusate containers and related systems and methods for housing infusates that can be added to a fluid flow path for use during dialysis. The infusate containers can include a filter partitioning the containers into a first and second compartment, a draw tube for drawing up fluid from a bottom portion, a cap, a fluid connector for delivery and withdrawal of fluid from the two compartments, and a fluid connector for connection to a dialysis system.

Abstract: A vessel for culturing cells is provided that includes a vessel body having a top portion, a bottom portion comprising a bottom interior surface, and a cylindrical sidewall. The vessel additionally has an impeller assembly inside the vessel body having a top portion rotatably coupled to the top portion of the vessel body, the impeller assembly having a plurality of planar blades, a central axis, a flexible shaft extending down from the top portion of the impeller assembly, a magnet receptacle molded within the plurality of planar blades, a magnet within the magnet receptacle, and an impeller o-ring coupled to a bottom surface of the planar blades. The vessel also includes a plurality of positioning nubs coupled to the bottom interior surface of the vessel body, spaced from an inside edge of the impeller o-ring.

Abstract: A frame delimits an inside space and includes a peripherally closed side wall and two transverse openings or one transverse opening and a transverse end wall. It is capable of allowing the airtight engagement of the open free edge of a side wall in film form of a receptacle that is at least partially deformable. It is specially designed for the creation of a 3D container. The frame is also able to act as a support for at least one functional port or attachment port of a functional element. Its axial size is adequate for delimiting a space of a size that is at least equal to the axial dimension of the functional element, so that the latter can be completely housed within the inside space.

Abstract: A single-use bioreactor, suitable in particular for use in a parallel bioreactor system for applications in cell culture and/or microbiology, a head plate for such a single-use bioreactor and a process for manufacturing the single-use bioreactor and the head plate. The single-use bioreactor comprises a head plate, a dimensionally stable container and a mixer, the head plate and the container enclosing a reaction chamber, and the mixer having a mixer shaft and a stirring member, said mixer shaft being mounted rotatably about a rotational axis in a bearing and the stirring member being fastened torsionally rigidly to the mixer shaft. The mixer and the bearing are arranged entirely within the reaction chamber and the mixer shaft has a magnetic portion which is arranged and adapted in such a way that it can be coupled magnetically in an axial direction to a rotary drive.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for the generation of an antibody or immunogenic composition, such as a vaccine, through epitope focusing by variable effective antigen surface concentration. Generally, the composition and methods of the disclosure comprise three steps: a “design process” comprising one or more in silico bioinformatics steps to select and generate a library of potential antigens for use in the immunogenic composition; a “formulation process”, comprising in vitro testing of potential antigens, using various biochemical assays, and further combining two or more antigens to generate one or more immunogenic compositions; and an “administering” step, whereby the immunogenic composition is administered to a host animal, immune cell, subject or patient. Further steps may also be included, such as the isolation and production of antibodies raised by host immune response to the immunogenic composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bioreactor system characterized by its capacity in cultivating cells in all three states: static, dynamic, or alternating between static and dynamic states in the same cell culture container or containers, with the even distribution of cells in cell static culture following a dynamic culture. In the invented bioreactor system, the combined application of the magnetically controlled agitation and the cell culture container inversion as well as the combined application of the vertical rotating culture and horizontal static culture are the two strategies in building ideal bioreactors for the cell culture alternating between static and dynamic states in the same cell culture container, which can minimize the sheer-stress and provide cells an ideal metabolic environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide which has ?-glucosidase activity, and which includes an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, a polypeptide including an amino acid sequence in which one or several amino acids are deleted, substituted, or added in the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, or a polypeptide including an amino acid sequence having 90% or greater sequence identity with the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1. According to the present invention, a novel ?-glucosidase enzyme derived from Acremonium cellulolyticus, a polynucleotide encoding the ?-glucosidase, an expression vector for expressing the ?-glucosidase, a transformant incorporated with that expression vector, and a method for producing a cellulose degradation product using the ?-glucosidase can be provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are magnetic agitation mixing systems for use with flexible container reaction vessels. In one aspect of the invention, the orientation of magnetic coupling between the impeller magnets and the external driver magnets is modified such that the coupling is neither strictly axial nor strictly radial. Also disclosed are “receiver-less” retainer configurations whereby the single-use container need not have a rigid base that defines a cup or post to engage of rotatable agitator.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods of using compositions that include sets of magnetic particles, members of each set being conjugated to an antibody specific for a pathogen, and magnets to isolate a pathogen from a body fluid sample.

Abstract: A disposable spinner flask includes an asymmetric container, a lid, and a spinning mechanism. The container can be sealingly coupled to the lid, which includes an access port and a cap configured to be coupled to the access port for preventing bacteria, viruses, and fungi from passing therethrough while allowing air to flow between the container and a surrounding environment. The lid may include a structure for retaining the cap when the cap is removed. The spinning mechanism can include a shaft, at least one blade, and a magnetic device. Further, the spinning mechanism can include a receptacle that fixedly receives the magnetic device toward an end of the blade assembly, the magnetic device configured to rotate when subjected to an external magnetic force.

Abstract: A magnetic platform is provided and includes a patterned array of discrete magnetic elements positioned on a substrate, a plurality of first electromagnets for creating a first magnetic field substantially in the plane of the substrate, an electromagnetic coil for creating a second magnetic field substantially perpendicular to the plane of the substrate, and a control device for controlling the application of the magnetic fields. Processes for manipulating, transporting, separating and sorting micro- or nano-scale particles and biomolecules are also described.

Abstract: Device and methods for use of these devices to manipulate substantially non-magnetic particles dispersed inside a magnetic fluid by employing a changeable pattern of local magnetic field maxima and minima are provided.

Abstract: There is provided a microchip for a nucleic acid amplification reaction including a reagent accommodation region including a solid-phase reagent and a particle, the solid-phase reagent containing a substance necessary for a nucleic acid amplification reaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of virology. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of viral constructs to detect and quantify circulating tumor cells. In one embodiment, the present invention provides an adenovirus construct comprising (a) a cell type specific promoter that drives adenoviral replication; and (b) at least one reporter gene incorporated into the viral Major Late Transcriptional Unit. In another embodiment, an adenovirus construct comprises (a) prostate selective pro-basin promoter operably linked to the El gene; and (b) prostate specific antigen enhancer operably linked to the probasin promoter.

Abstract: A method and device for merging and mixing at least two separate and distinct fluid drops on a substrate, includes a drop merging area on the surface, where a first magnetic material is placed at a first location. A first drop of fluid is then placed at the first location on the surface, resulting in the first magnetic material being at least partially positioned within the first drop of fluid. A second drop of fluid is then placed at a second location on the surface of the drop merging area. A magnetic field is applied by a varying magnetic field generator to at least a portion of the drop merge area of the substrate, which includes at least the first location on the substrate. The varying magnetic field will act on the first magnetic material to move the first magnetic material within the first drop of fluid, causing a stirring of the fluid. A drop merging force from a drop merging mechanism is applied to at least one of the first drop of fluid and the second drop of fluid within the drop merge area.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the interfacing of microchips to various types of modules are disclosed. The technology disclosed can be used as sample preparation and analysis systems for various applications, such as DNA sequencing and genotyping, proteomics, pathogen detection, diagnostics and biodefense.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a disposable bioreactor, consisting of a container and a cap, which is connectable to the same and cannot be detached without destruction. For this purpose, the cap comprises a retaining structure with a plurality of locking arms running in the lateral direction, while the locking arms are adapted to be resiliently shortened in the longitudinal direction and to be locked vertically to the longitudinal direction in the container by way of a retaining surface.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a Feline Picorna Virus, an isolated nucleic acid and amino acid sequences therefrom, and uses thereof.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the interfacing of microchips to various types of modules are disclosed. The technology disclosed can be used as sample preparation and analysis systems for various applications, such as DNA sequencing and genotyping, proteomics, pathogen detection, diagnostics and biodefense.

Abstract: The invention provides a mixing system comprising a magnetically coupled drive system and a foil for cultivating algae, or cyanobacteria, in an open or enclosed vessel. The invention provides effective mixing, low energy usage, low capital expenditure, and ease of drive system component maintenance while maintaining the integrity of a sealed mixing vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide, described as a lectin, its encoding nucleic acid sequence and antibodies to the polypeptide and their use in various medical applications, particularly for treating or preventing an autoimmune disorder, an inflammatory disorder or damaged skin in an animal.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the interfacing of microchips to various types of modules are disclosed. The technology disclosed can be used as sample preparation and analysis systems for various applications, such as DNA sequencing and genotyping, proteomics, pathogen detection, diagnostics and biodefense.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the interfacing of microchips to various types of modules are disclosed. The technology disclosed can be used as sample preparation and analysis systems for various applications, such as DNA sequencing and genotyping, proteomics, pathogen detection, diagnostics and biodefense.

Abstract: Device and methods for use of these devices to manipulate substantially non-magnetic particles dispersed inside a magnetic fluid by employing a changeable pattern of local magnetic field maxima and minima are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides (including analogs and derivatives thereof) corresponding to residues 96-110 and 35-47 of ras-p21, which peptides have attached thereto a membrane-penetrating leader sequence. The subject peptides, analogs and derivatives thereof are useful in treatment of cancers and have been shown to induce phenotypic reversion of pancreatic cancer cells to non-cancerous cells. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more subject peptides are also provided by the present invention. The present invention further provides replication incompetent Adenovirus (AdV) vectors comprising a promoter sequence and a nucleotide sequence encoding a subject peptide. Methods of treating cancer by administering one or more subject peptides, pharmaceutical compositions, and/or AdV vectors are also provided.

Abstract: A mixing bag for use in bioprocessing in which a fluid is received and agitated using an internal fluid-agitating element driven by an external motive device is disclosed. The bag may include an integral sparger and sensor receiver. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable bioreactor including a flexible pouch made of a polymer material and in addition a single-use stirring system placed entirely within said pouch; said stirring system comprising a drive means and at least one stirring means driven in rotation by said drive means via magnetic coupling. The invention also relates to a single-use stirring system.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel artificial oligopeptides capable of binding HLA Class II molecules encoded by several alleles. The oligopeptides include the sequence AX1FVAAX2TLX3AX4A (SEQ ID NO:1), wherein X1 is selected from the group consisting of W, F, Y, H, D, E, N, Q, I and K; X2 is selected from the group consisting of F, N, Y and W; X3 is selected from the group consisting of H and K, and X4 is selected from the group consisting of A, D and E, with the proviso that the oligopeptide sequence is not AKFVAAWTLKAAA. The invention also relates to larger peptides comprising the oligopeptides, polynucleotides encoding the oligopeptides and larger peptides, as well as to compositions comprising the oligopeptides, peptides or polynucleotides. Also disclosed are methods for inducing immune responses.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a cell culture stirring vessel and associated impeller. More particularly, it relates to a fully integrated, disposable spinner flask vessel having a suspended impeller assembly permanently integrated therein. The invention is particularly suitable for use in applications where cells are suspended within a liquid medium with minimal shear forces.

Abstract: A process allowing measuring of viscosity of a culture medium of microorganisms including a) immersing at least one particle that is charged electrically, is magnetic or can be magnetized or covered with at least one magnetic or magnetizable layer in the culture, b) subjecting the culture to an electrical, magnetic or electromagnetic field in such a manner as to put the particle in motion, and c) optically detecting the degree of freedom of motion of the particle in the culture without a scanning microscope.

Abstract: The invention concerns a rotating wall vessel bioreactor (100) using Taylor vortex flow for cell culture in the annular space between the two concentric cylindrical bodies, wherein the internal one (2) is rotating and the external one (1) is stationary. The internal rotating body (2) is composed of an external wall around which a polymeric tubular membrane (6) is wrapped, which is connected to the hollow tubular axis (5) of the internal body (2) for the introduction of gases into the annular space (d). Said annular space (d) is filled with a suspension of cells or cells immobilized on microcarriers.

Abstract: Device for the measurement of biological activities and/or physiological magnitudes, includes a measuring cell, equipped with a chamber suitable to receive micro-organisms to be analyzed, and one or more probes opening into the chamber. The probes are connected to measuring resources and resources for processing the electrical signals emitted by the probes. The measuring cell includes a vertical well, equipped in its lateral wall with holes uniformly distributed around the well in order to allow the probes to open into the well. The probes are sealingly attached to the well, and rest in the support resources, and suitable to receive a cup whose cross section is homothetic to the section of the well. The cup is equipped on its lateral wall with holes which are located opposite to the holes of the well when the cup is positioned in the well.

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: The present invention discloses a disposable bioreactor, consisting of a container and a cap, which is connectable to the same and cannot be detached without destruction. For this purpose, the cap comprises a retaining structure with a plurality of locking arms running in the lateral direction, while the locking arms are adapted to be resiliently shortened in the longitudinal direction and to be locked vertically to the longitudinal direction in the container by way of a retaining surface.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus is proposed having a container (2) for the mixing of media which has at least one inlet (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) for the media to be mixed or at least one outlet (4), with a central cut-out (5) being provided which extends in a longitudinal direction (A) into the container and is bounded relative to the inner space (6) of the container (2) by a wall (51), with a permanently magnetic mixing member (7) being provided in the container (2) adjacent to the cut-out (5) for the mixing of the media, and with a drive unit (8) being provided in the cut-out (5) by which the mixing member (7) can be set into rotation via a magnetic coupling. The drive unit (8) is movably arranged in the cut-out (5) such that the position of the mixing member (7) in the container is variable in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A methanogenic reactor for the production of methane, cellular biomass and other useful products for use in the manufacturing of specialty chemicals. The methanogenic reactor includes a bottom wall, perimeter wall, and top wall defining an interior space environmentally separable from an exterior space outside of the reactor vessel for holding a methanogenic culture and growth media. The reactor also includes at least one sparger positioned substantially within the interior space for facilitating the direction of an input gas stream into the reactor to be brought into contact with the methanogenic culture. The reactor also includes an output material stream port for releasing an output material stream created at least in part by the methanogenic culture.

Abstract: A mixing bag for use in bioprocessing in which a fluid is received and agitated using an internal fluid-agitating element driven by an external motive device is disclosed. The bag may include an integral sparger and sensor receiver. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of inactivating microorganisms such as viruses within a fluid such as a biological fluid is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a UV reactor, which may take the form of an elongated generally annular reaction chamber surrounding at least one elongated UV lamp, moving the fluid within the reaction chamber in a primary flow directed along the length of the UV lamp, and inducing a circulating secondary flow within the fluid with the secondary flow being superimposed on the primary flow. As the fluid moves through the reaction chamber in the primary flow, it is circulated repeatedly toward and away from the UV lamp in the circulating secondary flow to provide uniform and controllable exposure of the entire volume of fluid to ultraviolet radiation. Microorganisms such as viruses are thus inactivated while desirable components in the fluid, such as proteins, are preserved without the use of a free radical scavenger.

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: The present invention discloses a cell culture device, including a container, and a carrying assembly; the container has an opening and holds the cell culture medium, and the carrying assembly is immersed in the cell culture solution from the opening of the container. The present invention also discloses a carrying assembly used for cell culture, including a cover, a supporter, and a vessel, wherein the cover and the vessel are connected by the supporter.

Abstract: Described is a reactor for irradiating ultraviolet light into a fluid reaction medium (3). The reactor consists of at least one housing (15) which encloses a tubular cavity, with a radiation source (1) for generating ultraviolet light and an inner tube (2) which, together with the housing (15), forms an irradiation chamber (26) which, in particular, is of annular shape, the irradiation chamber (26) being connected at least with an inlet (13) and an outlet (14) for the reaction medium (3) and is perfused by reaction medium (3) in the longitudinal direction of the tube (2), the irradiation chamber (26) being equipped with means (6, 25) for generating an additional radial flow routing of the reaction medium (3).

Abstract: Accordingly, in one embodiment of the invention, a bioreactor system is presented and includes a disposable container for housing biomaterials for processing, the disposable container including at least one input port, at least one exhaust port, at least one harvest port, and the integrity of the sterile environment is protected with sterile filters attached to all external open ports a structure for supporting the disposable container, one or more sensors for sensing one or more parameters of the biomaterials in the container, a heater for heating the contents of the container, the heater having a thermostat and mixing system arranged with the system such that biomaterials contained in the disposable container are mixed.

Abstract: A fermenter for use in biotechnical processes in particular for culturing cells is disclosed. The object, to provide a fermenter vessel (1) the inner volume of which can be optically monitored and which fermenter vessel can also be efficiently sterilized, is achieved by a fermenter vessel (1) having an outside wall (2) enclosing a vessel volume with a view port (7) being provided in the outside wall (2) for inspecting processes within the vessel volume, the view port (7) having a transparent member (8) wherein the transparent member (8) is provided with a heating device.

Abstract: A cell/tissue culture apparatus for applying a desired tensile stress to a material to be cultivated such as a cell or tissue as a physical stimulation, thereby enhancing acceleration of culture of the material to be cultivated. The cell/tissue culture apparatus comprises a chamber (a culture chamber 8) for circulating a culture fluid (24), a material to be cultivated (a matrix 32) that is placed and cultivated in the chamber, stress generation means (an electromagnetic stretcher 38, an actuator 56) for causing a tensile stress to act on the material to be cultivated from an outside of the chamber, and control means (controllers 50, 60) for causing the tensile stress generated by the stress generation means to intermit as well as undergo gradual increase or gradual decrease. The material to be cultivated can be caused to undergo expansion or contraction by applying and relieving the tensile stress, thereby applying a physical stimulation necessary for the proliferation to the material to be cultivated.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus is proposed having a container (2) for the mixing of media which has at least one inlet (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) for the media to be mixed or at least one outlet (4), with a central cut-out (5) being provided which extends in a longitudinal direction (A) into the container and is bounded relative to the inner space (6) of the container (2) by a wall (51), with a permanently magnetic mixing member (7) being provided in the container (2) adjacent to the cut-out (5) for the mixing of the media, and with a drive unit (8) being provided in the cut-out (5) by which the mixing member (7) can be set into rotation via a magnetic coupling. The drive unit (8) is movably arranged in the cut-out (5) such that the position of the mixing member (7) in the container is variable in a controlled manner.

Abstract: An improved system and method for stirring suspended solids in a liquid media to enhance sample growth and improve sample detection results. The system and method employs a sample vessel holder which adapted to receive at least one sample vessel which contains the solids and liquid media and a stirrer, such as a ferrous metal filled stirrer, and maintain the sample vessel in a position such that the longitudinal axis of the sample vessel extends at an angle substantially less than 90 degrees with respect to the horizontal, such as within the range of about 15 degrees to about 25 degrees with respect to the horizontal. The system and method further employs a magnet driver, adapted to move a magnet, such as a rare earth magnet, proximate to an outer surface of the sample vessel to permit the magnet to impose a magnetic influence on the stirrer to move the stirrer in the sample vessel.

Abstract: Autophilic antibodies including an immunoglobulin component and an autophilic peptide fused thereto are provided according to embodiments of the present invention. Particular autophilic antibodies described herein include a chimeric gamma immunoglobulin heavy chain and autophilic peptide expressed as a fusion protein. Preferably the autophilic peptide is expressed at the C-terminus of the immunoglobulin component. Expression vectors according to embodiments of the present invention for use in generating autophilic antibodies are provided which include a first nucleic acid sequence encoding an autophilic peptide, operably linked to a transcription promoter. In particular embodiments, a second nucleic acid sequence encoding a chimeric heavy chain of an immunoglobulin operably linked to the transcription promoter and connected to the first nucleic acid sequence such that expression of the first and second nucleic acid sequences produces a fusion protein of the chimeric heavy chain and the autophilic peptide.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to compositions and methods for stimulating immune responses in vivo against a tolerogen. Novel biotechnological tools, pharmaceuticals, therapeutics and prophylactics, which concern chimeric or conjugated virus-like particles, and methods of use of the foregoing are provided for the study of B cell tolerance and the treatment or prevention of human diseases, which involve the onset of B cell tolerance, such as chronic viral infection, chronic inflammatory disease, and neoplasia.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling biological functions with mechanical vibration are provided. Stimulation is applied to cells of one of an organism, bacteria or virus by mechanical vibration. The biological function comprises biological functions relating to cell growth. The biological functions relating to cell growth may include at least one of cell cultivation, cell proliferation, cell fusion, and cell differentiation.