Abstract: A portable temperature-controlled container for receiving and housing one or more handheld carriers, each handheld carrier configured to transfer samples to and from a temperature-controlled storage environment, the handheld carrier including a handle and a tray portion, the tray portion configured to be slid into a port of a rack or tower provided in the temperature-controlled storage environment in order to withdraw a sample located in the port, the portable temperature-controlled container including a housing having an opening forming an internal cavity configured to receive one or more handheld carriers, and a lid configured to substantially close the opening, where the housing includes a recess configured to receive the handle of the handheld carrier such that closing of the lid substantially seals the internal cavity when the one or more handheld carriers are placed in the housing.

Abstract: A system for seeding therapeutic active ingredients (TAIs) onto a porous scaffold includes a first chamber for accommodating the scaffold, a TAI storage device for storing TAIs, at least one second chamber for storing TAI media, and a gas inlet for receiving gas from a compressed source. A flow circuit is coupled to the first chamber, the TAI storage device, the second chamber and the gas inlet for delivering the TAIs, the TAI media and the gas to the scaffold. A pump pumps at least one of the TAIs, the TAI media and the gas in the flow circuit. The system also includes a processor that regulates the delivery of the TAIs, the TAI media and the gas to the scaffold via a plurality of valves.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and related compositions for preparing an effective probiotic bacteria formulation that can be stored, transported and used for protecting a variety of marine organisms against infection by potential pathogens.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for sample preparation on a spectrometric sample support, comprising the steps of: (i) providing the sample support with an arrangement of individual liquid droplets, for example of washing liquid or nutrient solution, each of which has microorganism sediments enclosed in it; (ii) locating a plate of an absorbent material containing cotton fibers, for example, above the sample support; (iii) lowering the plate vertically onto the sample support in such a way that microorganism sediments and plate come into contact, whereby the droplets of liquid are absorbed into the absorbent material; (iv) lifting the plate, which is locally enriched with droplet liquid, off the sample support, thereby exposing the microorganism sediments that are depleted of liquid; and (v) preparing the exposed microorganism sediments for spectrometric measurement, by means of infrared spectrometry or MALDI time-of-flight mass spectrometry, for example.

Abstract: A device (20) for creating cell-exclusion zones comprises a baseplate (21) having a first major face from which a plurality of exclusion reliefs (22) project, each exclusion relief (22) having at least one distal end (23) configured for contact with a bottom (11b) of a respective well (11) of a multi-well cell-culture plate (10). The baseplate (21) and the plurality of exclusion reliefs (22) are defined at least in part by an elastic or flexible material in such a way that at least the baseplate (21) is elastically deformable at least during removal thereof from a multi-well cell-culture plate (10), the elastic or flexible material preferably being an elastomer.

Abstract: The present invention is a dental storage box (1) comprising a 3-dimensional hollow body (10) whose at least one surface is open and at least one outer cover (13) which closes the open surface of said body (10) in a manner providing sealing, in order to preserve a tooth, removed from the place thereof as a result of a trauma, for at least partially increasing the vitality duration of the tooth thanks to a protective liquid (30) provided therein. Accordingly, the subject matter dental storage box (1) is characterized by comprising at least one separator (15) provided inside the body (10) and which separates the protective liquid (30) and at least one cleaning liquid (40) in a manner providing sealing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container system for transport of biological material comprising a container casing and an insulating device, wherein the container casing defines a container interior space for accommodation of the insulating device and for accommodation of biological material to be transported, and wherein the insulating device is constituted of at least two insulating portions, which are formed so as to surround the biological material inside the container interior space. The invention further relates to uses of such a container system for packaging and transport of biological material, as well as methods of packaging biological material for transport.

Abstract: There is provided a histology system that comprises a microtome configured to expose a face of a tissue block comprising a tissue sample embedded in an embedding material and remove one or more tissue sections from the sample, a hydration system configured to hydrate the tissue block by depositing a hydrating liquid on the face of the tissue block, and a transfer system configured to transfer the one or more tissue sections from the microtome to one or more slides. In some embodiments, the hydration system is configured to produce droplet condensation of the hydrating liquid and deposit the condensation on the face of the tissue block.

Abstract: A device for aggregating cells includes a cavity. The cavity includes a plurality of microwells for receiving at least one cell. Each of the microwells includes a vertical sidewall and a curved bottom. The microwells are made in a hydrogel layer. Each of said microwells has a diameter and an interwell distance between one microwell and another microwell, wherein a ratio for the interwell distance to the diameter is less than or equal to 1/10.

Abstract: A kit and a method are disclosed for collecting and preparing a biological sample for testing where the sample is to be mixed with a buffer prior to being tested.

Abstract: An extraction portion which is a piece of a micro sampling chip is safely cut, and the cut extraction portion can be accommodated in a predetermined container without impairing quantitativeness of a sample. A sample extraction tool comprises a through hole for cutting the extraction portion from the micro sampling chip by bending the micro sampling chip while inserting the extraction portion to the through hole, the sample extraction tool is configured to be attached to an upper portion of a container for accommodating the extraction portion in such a state that the through hole is disposed on an open upper surface of the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for micromanipulation of biological material, includes a vessel (1) having a reservoir (2) wherein the vessel has a channel (3) formed in a portion of the reservoir, the channel including an intermediate restriction (4) dimensioned to resist passage of the biological material but allow passage of liquid treatment solutions.

Abstract: The present application provides a unique way for storing cigars, and medicines in a portable environmental storage container system. The portable environmental storage container system can comprise a lid, an inner compartment, an outer container, electronics, and a bottom enclosure. An inner compartment can slide in and out of an outer container and seal shut with a seal keeping the inside of the container air tight with the humidity kept in when sealed, or the humidity out if none is desired. After the contents have been stored within the portable environmental storage container the user can monitor the contents inside the container with a portable computing device in real time.

Abstract: A cryovial storage system is provided for use in LNVP storage and transportation freezers. The system comprises a hexagonal box that can be used modularly in both vertical and horizontal dimensions to more efficiently fill the functional space within cryogenic freezers and dry shippers. Also provided is a canister and insert system configured to receive a stack of hexagonal boxes (or multiple stacks of hexagonal boxes) and a method for accessing only the topmost box in a stack while retaining the other boxes in the stack below and a system that provides ease of transferability of boxes between storage freezers and dry shippers.

Abstract: A specimen container configured for cryogenic processing of a specimen includes an elongate member, a first specimen processing medium contained within a lumen of the elongate member at a first position, a second specimen processing medium contained within the lumen of the elongate member at a second position located distal to the first position, and a barrier positioned between the first and second specimen processing mediums such that the first and second specimen processing mediums are spaced apart from each other within the lumen of the elongate member.

Abstract: Apparatus, kit and method embodiments are disclosed herein that provide for the production of a modified autologous platelet mixture at a patient bedside for contemporaneous reinjection to the patient using a platelet lysis apparatus. Representative platelet lysis apparatus include a sample tube and a compressed gas source connected to or near the sample tube. The compressed gas source provides for the release of expanding gas into direct or indirect contact with an exterior surface of the sample tube to freeze a platelet containing mixture within the sample tube. An optional housing supports the sample tube and compressed gas source in an operative relationship with each other.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices, methods and kits for collecting a sample of a subject for nucleic acid amplification. The device may comprise: a collection vessel that can include reagents necessary for nucleic acid amplification, wherein the collection vessel may be adapted to accept at least one swab containing a sample; a cap integrated with the collection vessel and having a channel extending therethrough to permit the at least one swab to be deposited in the collection vessel, wherein the channel is closable upon rotation of the cap; and at least one cutting member that severs a longitudinal portion of a stem of the swab extending through said channel upon rotation of the cap.

Abstract: A galenical form for the administration transmucously of at least one active ingredient, characterized in that the active ingredient is in a stable and complete dissolved state in a hydroalcoholic solution that includes at least 20% by mass of alcohol so as to allow rapid absorption of the active ingredient through the mucous membranes of the buccal cavity and/or the oropharynx. Uses of the galenical form are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device that includes a scaffold composition and a bioactive composition with the bioactive composition being incorporated therein or thereon, or diffusing from the scaffold composition such that the scaffold composition and/or a bioactive composition captures and eliminates undesirable cells from the body a mammalian subject. The devices mediate active recruitment, sequestration, and removal or elimination of undesirable cells from their host.

Abstract: A collected living tissue cryopreserving tool is composed of a tissue piece holder and a resin-made accommodating bag. The tissue piece holder is composed of a plate-shaped body part including a thermally conductive plate-shaped lower member and a plate-shaped upper member and a covering sheet held by the plate-shaped body part. The tissue piece holder has a tissue piece placing part formed of a cut-out part provided on the plate-shaped upper member and a part, of an upper surface of the thermally conductive plate-shaped lower member, which is disposed at the cut-out part. The covering sheet is capable of covering the tissue piece placing part.

Abstract: A flocked swab for collection and transfer of samples of biological material, in which the swab comprises a support body having an elongate conformation and having a first end portion and a gripping portion, and a flocked layer defined by a plurality of fibres attached and arranged on the first portion of the support body by flocking, so as to realize a flocked collecting portion aimed at absorbing a quantity of a sample of biological material, the first portion of the support body being provided with a first weakening portion aimed at enabling and facilitating a selective breakage of the swab at the first portion and a separation of a first part of the flocked collecting portion from a second part of the flocked collecting portion and from the gripping portion.

Abstract: A block storage device includes: a magazine which accommodates embedding blocks to be inserted into or removed from the magazine in a state where the embedding blocks held in a cassette to which ID data is attached are arranged vertically in one row; a magazine holding portion which detachably holds each of the magazines; and a reading portion which reads the ID data. The magazine holding portion includes a rotary body which is rotatable around a rotation axis O, a holding mechanism which is multiply provided on a circumferential wall portion in the rotary body and detachably holds the magazines individually, and a rotation drive portion which positions one of the magazines at a block extraction position facing the reading portion by rotating the rotary body, and the magazine positioned at the block extraction position and the reading portion are movable relative to each other along the vertical direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for processing isolated cells, in particular rare cells such as circulating tumor cells, to render them suitable for optical imaging, comprising the steps of (a) depositing filter material comprising captured cells on a phase-change medium; (b) melting said phase-change medium until the medium is spread out below said filter material; and (c) lowering the temperature of said phase-change medium until the medium solidifies, resulting in an optically flat filter comprising said cells at a fixed position. The method may additionally comprise an initial step of capturing a cell on a filter material. The phase-change medium, preferably paraffin wax, may comprise a porous, or mesh-like structure allowing the passage of a fluid through the medium. The phase-change medium may further be mounted on a carrier such as a glass carrier or a polymer material carrier.

Abstract: Provided are apparatuses for cryopreserving cells which include a vessel comprising a biocompatible substrate, wherein the vessel further comprises an interior and an exterior, and a mechanical ice nucleating device disposed in or on the vessel interior for initiating ice crystal formation. Also provided are kits comprising one or more apparatuses for cryopreserving cells and a biopreservation medium. Further provided are compositions comprising a vessel for holding cells, a mechanical ice nucleating device, a biopreservation medium, and cells disposed in the vessel. The apparatuses, kits, and compositions of the invention can optionally include an insulating material which is disposed on all or a portion of the vessel.

Abstract: A cell culture dish, comprising: a dish with a bottom wall and a circumferential side wall standing upward from the same, a lid, which sits sealingly on the side wall in an aeration position, and means for holding the lid on the dish above the sealing position in an aeration position in which there is an aeration gap between side wall and lid, wherein these means are adapted to be overcome by pressing the lid and the dish together in order to bring the lid from the aeration position into the sealing position.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of freezing cells comprising the steps of incubating said cells in a solution comprising a cryoprotective agent, concentrating the cells resulting from the previous step withdrawing the eluent essentially free of cells, and freezing the resulting concentrated cells. The cells frozen by the invention's method render a high post-thawing viability, reduce cryoprotectant related toxic events and promote cells life in a suspension state after thawing. The invention also comprises the container comprising the frozen cells.

Abstract: An auto-nucleating device includes a tube containing a crystalline cholesterol matrix. The ends of the tube are closed by a membrane that is impermeable to the cholesterol but permeable to liquids contained in a cryopreservation vessel. The auto-nucleating device provides a site for ice nucleation during freezing of the liquid within the vessel. One such cryopreservation vessel is a flexible vial having a closed port at one adapted to be pierced by a needle to withdraw the liquid within, and an opposite end that is initially open to receive the liquid. Another vessel includes an adaptor mounted to liquid container with a tubular branch closed by a needle septum and another tubular branch provided with a barbed fitting for engaging a flexible tube that terminates in a needle septum. In another embodiment, the vessel includes an inlet and vent branch at the top of the container and an outlet septum at a bottom opening.

Abstract: A package for cell-containing material includes an inner and outer bag. The periphery of the inner bag except an opening is sealed. The periphery of the outer bag except an opening is sealed. The outer bag contains the inner bag so the opening faces outward. A portion of the opening outside the inner bag is sealed and forms an outer bag sealed portion. A portion of the opening that overlaps the inner bag is sealed and forms an inter-bag sealed portion. A sterilized closed space may be surrounded by the outer surface of the inner bag and the inner surface of the outer bag. An adhesive strength of heat sealing of the inner surfaces of the opening of the inner bag may be greater than an adhesive strength of the inter-bag sealed portion and an adhesive strength of the outer bag sealed portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a substrate unit (100), in particular for the cryopreservation of a biological sample (1) containing biological cells (2, 2.1, 2.

Abstract: A container includes an inner bag, where the interior of the inner bag includes a sterile environment for storing a material, at least one access port configured to provide fluid access to the interior of the inner bag, an overwrap bag, where the interior of the overwrap bag includes a sterile environment for storing the material and where the inner bag is enclosed within the interior of the overwrap bag, and an overwrap access port configured to provide fluid access to the interior of the overwrap bag. The material can include a biomaterial. Each of the inner bag, the overwrap bag, the at least one access port, and the overwrap access port can include a fluoropolymer such as fluoroethylenepropylene (FEP).

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

Abstract: A cytological cell sample collection, storage, and transport device is disclosed. The device comprises a sheath, a collection assembly, a base, and a containment vial. The collection assembly is slidably coupled to the base to expose a swab head comprising the collection assembly. The containment vial is configured to enclose the sheath and collection assembly within the internal volume defined by the containment vial and the base.

Abstract: An arrangement for collecting a tissue or stool sample has a sample vial and a source of preservative fluid. A fluid valve controls a flow of the preservative fluid from the source of preservative fluid to the sample vial. An air equalization vent tube is coupled to the source of preservative fluid and an air valve controls a flow of air through the air equalization vent tube, the air valve and the fluid valve being actuated simultaneously. A scoop for collecting the sample is coupled to the sample vial coupler and extends into the sample vial. The preservative fluid flows from the source of preservative fluid to the sample vial by force of gravity upon actuation of the fluid valve. The air equalization vent tube transfers air from the sample vial to the source of preservative fluid upon actuation of the air valve.

Abstract: A cell cryopreservation tool has a cell holding member having a body part and a cell holding part and a tubular accommodation member, closed at one end thereof, which is capable of accommodating the cell holding member. The cell holding part of the cell holding member has a long and narrow cell attaching and holding portion. The cell attaching and holding portion has a heat conductor extended in a longitudinal direction thereof. When the cell holding member is accommodated in the tubular accommodation member, the heat conductor is capable of contacting an inner surface of the tubular accommodation member.

Abstract: Methods for producing construction material utilizing loose pieces of aggregate (30), enzyme producing cells, an amount of urea and an amount of calcium ions. A first solution is prepared which includes urease which is formed by enzyme producing cells. A second solution is prepared which includes urea and calcium ions. The first and second solutions are added to the loose aggregate (30). The calcium ions contribute to the formation of calcium carbonate wherein the calcium carbonate fills and bonds between at least some of the gaps between the loose pieces of aggregate forming a solid construction material (92).

Abstract: Novel methods and systems for electromagnetic freezing are disclosed. An oscillating magnetic field can be applied in conjunction with a static magnetic field in order to align magnetic particles inside biological tissues. Such chains may be naturally present or artificially introduced. Needle-shaped electrodes may be used to produce ions and disturb the air layers insulating the tissues to be frozen.

Abstract: Container assembly including a container for storing a tissue sample and a cover adapted to engage with the container. The cover includes: a top member having a receptacle, a seal for sealing off the receptacle, a puncturing member for breaking the seal by displacement of the puncturing member. The container assembly has a first and a second position, wherein in the first position the container is isolated from the receptacle, and in the second position fluid communication is provided between the receptacle and the container. The container assembly includes a separator positioned between the seal and the bottom of the container, and the separator is provided with at least one aperture adapted to provide a fluid passage between the receptacle and the container.

Abstract: A tissue cutting device that is especially suited for neurosurgical applications is disclosed and described, as well as alternative systems for tissue preservation and transport. The cutting device includes an outer cannula in which a reciprocating inner cannula is disposed. A tissue collector is also provided and is in fluid communication with the lumen of the inner cannula. A temperature control sleeve may be disposed around the tissue collector to control the temperature of the tissue samples. A preservation system may be supplied that is configured to deliver fluids to tissue samples in the tissue collector. A fluid supply sleeve may be disposed about the outer cannula and is selectively positionable along the length of the outer cannula.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cryopreservative device comprising an outer case, one or more layers of space for the cryo-bags, and two or more Teflon cryopreservative bags. The outer case has a cover lip for opening and closing. The Teflon cryopreservative bags are filled with a freezing resistant. In the present invention, the cryo-bags and the Teflon cryopreservative bags are crossly stacked in the cryopreservation device. The Teflon cryopreservative bags are designed to directly contact with the cryo-bags in order to obtain the effect of slow cell freezing.

Abstract: An auto-nucleating device includes a tube containing a crystalline cholesterol matrix. The ends of the tube are closed by a membrane impermeable to the cholesterol but permeable to liquids contained in a cryopreservation vessel. The auto-nucleating device provides a site for ice nucleation during freezing of the liquid within the vessel. The cryopreservation vessel can be a flexible vial having a closed port adapted to be pierced by a needle, and an opposite end that is initially open to receive the liquid. Another vessel includes an adaptor mounted to liquid container with a tubular branch closed by a needle septum and another tubular branch provided with a barbed fitting for engaging a flexible tube that terminates in a needle septum. Alternatively, the vessel includes an inlet and vent branch at the top of the container and an outlet septum at a bottom opening.

Abstract: Hydrophobically modified polysaccharide compositions, articles incorporating the compositions, and methods for cell culture, automatic release of cells, and release of cell culture coating from a substrate or the cell culture articles incorporating the coating compositions, as defined herein.

Abstract: The method involves placing an oocyte cell in a cell holder (1), securing the cell holder in a treatment station, applying a treatment solution to the cell by washing the cell with the solution, and rapidly cooling the cell holder and cell to a predetermined cryopreservation temperature for cryopreservation of the cell. The cell is cooled at a high rate sufficient to permit vitrification of the cell and any surrounding treatment solution to occur. The cell is then maintained at or below a predetermined storage temperature for storage. The method allows multiple cells to be treated simultaneously each secured within a respective cell holder.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pump cart for a biological liquid treatment installation, having a first lateral face (40), and a second lateral face (41) by which it is configured to be juxtaposed against a conveying network cart (1) of the installation and a front face (42) meeting the lateral faces (40, 41), and comprising at least one pump (414), a pump support (50) on which is mounted said pump (414), and a guide member for making said pump (414) movable in translation and on which said support (50) is mounted; said support (50) being movable in translation in a direction going from the first lateral face (40) towards the second lateral face (41); whereby said pump (414) is disposed at a predetermined location on said cart (2) depending on the type of treatment carried out.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing tissue samples using acoustic energy. The tissue sample may be collected and placed on a substrate (e.g., microscope slide), or other sample holder. A transfer substrate may be positioned on the other side of the sample opposite the substrate. A microscope incorporated with the acoustic treatment system may be used to view, identify and select a portion of the sample to be transferred from the initial substrate to the transfer substrate. The selected portion of the sample is exposed to focused acoustic energy while disposed between the two substrates. The focused acoustic energy has characteristics (e.g., high frequency, small focal zone) that may be effective to transfer the selected portion of the sample from the initial substrate to the transfer substrate. Such transfer may occur with little to no damage to the sample, for example, at low temperature isothermal conditions and/or little to no cavitation of or around the sample.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising: a base (2); a moveable or removable door (20), said device having a closed door position; and in the closed door position, a circuit (8) comprising a bag comprising two flexible films and conveying network connectors, and a press (9) comprising a first shell (16) disposed on said front face (5) of said base (2) and a second shell (17) disposed in said door (20); said bag being clamped between said first shell (16) and said second shell (17) in a state in which conduits of said network for conveying liquid are formed between said films.

Abstract: A mould and tissue cassette for automated embedding of tissue, and a method of operation are disclosed. The mould attaches to the cassette prior to embedding, and fits into a rack. The rack supports the mould holding the tissue cassette when the mould and cassette are in a first position. When the mould and cassette are moved to a second position, a projection on the rack separates the mould from the cassette, to facilitate easy removal. Also disclosed is a mould for a tissue cassette having projections for holding the mould to a rack, so that the tissue cassette is not in contact with the mould.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of storing and/or transporting in vitro two-dimensional cell cultures. The inventive method comprises the following steps consisting in: a) coating a cell culture that is immobilized on an asymmetric support with a gelatine solution in culture medium at a concentration of between 1 and 5%; b) solidifying the gelatine added to the support at a temperature of between 15 and 25° C.; and c) storing and/or transporting the cell culture at a temperature of between 15 and 25° C. for a period of up to 96 hours. The invention also relates to a kit which is used to store and/or transport the in vitro two-dimensional cell cultures according to the inventive method, said kit comprising: i) an asymmetric support, and (ii) a gelatine solution in culture medium at a concentration of between 1 and 5%.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising a base (2) and a door (20), said device having a closed door position in which a circuit (8) of the device comprises a bag comprising two flexible films and connectors of the conveying network, and a press (9) comprising a first shell (16) disposed on a front face (5) of said base (2) and a second shell (17) disposed in said door (20); and a hinge system hinging said door (20) relative to said base (2), and disposed only on one side of said door (20) so as to form lateral clearances between said door (20) and said base (2) over the rest of a perimeter of said door (20).

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed for automated storing, tracking, retrieving and analyzing biological samples, including dry storage at ambient temperatures of nucleic acids, proteins (including enzymes), and cells using a dry storage matrix that permits recovery of biologically active materials. RFID-tagged biological sample storage devices featuring dissolvable or dissociable matrices are described for use as supports of biological samples, which matrices can be dried and subsequently rehydrated for sample recovery. Also disclosed are computer-implemented systems and methods for managing sample data.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, methods, systems and kits adapted for vitrification and/or reanimation of oocytes, embryos or blastocysts. The device includes a straw and a filter, wherein the straw comprises a lumen traversing through the straw and has a proximal section, a middle section and a distal section and wherein the filter is affixed in the straw and comprises a plurality of pores having a diameter smaller than the diameter of said oocytes, embryos or blastocysts but large enough to allow the passage of a fluid composition therethrough.