Abstract: A method of rapid biochemical cycling of aquariums using naturally preserved granular marine substrate material, such as sand or aragonite, to rapidly denitrify the aquatic environment and to establish biochemical conditions that are favorable to the survival and viability of fish, crustaceans, invertebrates, and other marine aquatic life. The method includes the steps of harvesting and packaging marine sand such that marine microorganisms, in the form of biofilm attached to the sand, are preserved with an optimal amount of water and air in retail packaging specifically dimensioned and configured for maintaining ammonia oxidizing bacteria in a state wherein the bacteria are capable of metabolic and physiologic activity after prolonged periods at room temperature. Harvesting and packaging marine microorganisms according to the disclosed method allows for widespread distribution to consumers through conventional retail sales channels.

Abstract: A device for packaging a chip shaped carrier having an active surface which is adapted to be read by an electro-optical reading device, e.g. a surface which carries an array of DNA oligonucleids.

Abstract: A new method of cryopreservation based on the very fast cooling rates achieved by the direct contact of small droplets of vitrification solution containing biological sample with a very cold solid surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a biopharmaceutical product cryopreservation system, for cryopreserving a biopharmaceutical product that includes a cryopreservation compartment; a cryopreservation fluid located within the cryopreservation compartment; and a biopharmaceutical product cryopreservation vial located within the cryopreservation compartment and surrounded by the cryopreservation fluid, and the biopharmaceutical product cryopreservation vial including a body that includes an oblong cross-section defining proximal and distal ends of the body, and at least one nucleating structure, coupled to a distal end of the body, and the body including a cryogenically stable material that is compatible with biopharmaceutical products. Also disclosed are cryopreservation vials and methods of cryopreserving biopharmaceutical products.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of automatically reprocessing a specimen for microscopic examination is disclosed. Processing of a specimen for microscopic examination involves fixation of the specimen and preparation of the embedded specimen from the fixed specimen. There are instances where, once a specimen has been processed, it is necessary to reprocess the specimen due to contamination of reagents during processing or inadequate fixation. The system automatically reprocesses a specimen by removing residual embedding material from the specimen with a clearing agent, removing the clearing agent with a dehydrating agent, and removing the dehydrating agent with an aqueous fluid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a continuous, multi-step dilution process for producing tissue suitable for transplantation into a human from cryopreserved tissue. Cryopreserved tissue is subjected to a continuous flow of wash-out solution following a thawing or simultaneously thawing using the present continuous perfusion chamber. The present continuous perfusion chamber may be rigid or deformable and has an inlet port and an outlet port.

Abstract: A method is provided for freeze-drying multiple samples of viable microorganisms which method comprises: (i) providing a container comprising multiple wells; (ii) dispensing multiple liquid samples, each sample comprising a viable microorganism, into separate wells of the container; (iii) placing the container in a freeze-drying apparatus; and (iv) freeze-drying the samples present in the wells under conditions that substantially maintain the viability of the microorganisms. Also provided is a container comprising multiple wells, each well comprising a viable freeze-dried sample of a microorganism.

Abstract: A biological specimen preparation system for processing and depositing a portion of a biological specimen from a specimen vial onto a slide. The biological specimen preparation specimen includes a specimen processing unit and an external actuation unit. The specimen vial is connected to an input port on the specimen processing unit and the slide is coupled to an output port. A portion of the biological specimen is injected into the specimen processing unit and prepared by sequentially passing the biological specimen under the control of the external actuation unit through a number of specimen conditioning chambers and a specimen enrichment chamber in the specimen processing unit. The specimen is then deposited on the slide through the output port. To prevent sample to sample contamination, the specimen processing unit is manufactured as a disposable component using injection moulding techniques.

Abstract: Hydrophobic polymer surfaces whose level of protein binding is less than about 50-80 ng/cm2 are achieved by: (1) applying to a hydrophobic polymer surface a coating solution composed of a solvent and a non-ionic surfactant having a HLB number of less than 5 and at least one hydrophilic element which can extend into an aqueous solution; and (2) drying the surface to remove the solvent and thereby bring the surfactant into direct contact with the hydrophobic polymer. The combination of a low HLB number and the drying step have been found to produce low binding surfaces which can withstand multiple washes with water and/or protein-containing solutions. Alternatively, the low binding surfaces can be produced by applying the non-ionic surfactant to mold surfaces which contact molten polymer and form the polymer into a desired shape, e.g., into a multi-well plate, a pipette tip, or the like.

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 straw for the conservation of small quantities of substances, notably biological substances, comprising a segment of tube fitted internally at one end with an insert through which there is a substantially coaxial orifice. A plug can be accommodated in the insert.

Abstract: The invention provides a biological sampling and storage container which is easy and sanitary to use, may be shipped through regular mail, and includes a drying material or desiccant for drying feces samples that are stored therein. The sampling and storage container consists of a body having a sampling chamber and a drying chamber which are in gaseous communication with each other. Preferably, a sampling wand is frictionally retained in the sampling chamber and the drying material is disposed in the drying chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transferring exfoliated cells from a variety of specimen collection devices to a preservation fluid contained in a specimen vial. The apparatus comprises an interior frame member which is inserted into the specimen vial. The interior frame member includes a cross-bar member and an open-ended well. The cross-bar member includes a blade which provides an edge for scraping exfoliated cells from a spatula type specimen collection device. The cross-bar member also provides a lower edge for disconnecting a broom sampling head from a broom type collection device of disconnecting a combination type sampling head from a Combi™ type specimen collection device. The open-ended well comprises a sloped interior wall and a lower edge for removing exfoliated cells from a brush sampling head on a brush type collection device.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a combination stacker/incubator for microplates, including: a housing; an escapement mechanism disposed at a lower end of the housing to feed the microplates to and from the housing, such that the combination stacker/incubator serves as a stacker for more than one active microplate instrument; and heating apparatus disposed in the housing, such that the combination stacker/incubator serves as an incubator for the microplates.

Abstract: In a fully automated tissue-smear preparation system, a configuration is disclosed for rapidly drying the slide smears prior to the system staining procedure. Slides bearing smeared tissue samples are briefly immersed into methyl alcohol solution, forcing liquid components in the smear cells to pass out. The smear slides are withdrawn and fanned to evaporate and dry liquid components and alcohol solution on the tissue smears. The process of drying the smear slides is accordingly optimized for the subsequent staining procedure.

Abstract: The invention is a device for storing, dispensing and recycling a suspension of regenerating microorganism. The device provides an opening allowing a user to remove a portion of the suspension. The device defines a first area for receipt of new suspension and a second area for dispensing of such suspension for use. Preferably, an angled plate in the interior of the device forms a passage through which the suspension passes towards the dispensing opening. After use, the used suspension is recycled by again pouring the used suspension back into the device through a screen cover. The device allows a user to continue to reuse suspension from the device in that the device recycles such suspension in a manner that allows the microorganism to regenerate as it travels through the device towards the dispensing opening.

Abstract: A method for long-term maintenance of intact nucleic acid is provided. The method comprises introducing a nucleic acid containing receptacle into a cavity of a storage device. The nucleic acid containing receptacle comprises an amount of isolated vertebrate nucleic acid in a cavity of the receptacle, wherein either the receptacle or storage device is formed of a natural material. The nucleic acid is retained in the cavity by a fastener. A sealant is introduced into the aperture of the cavity of the device to form a nucleic acid storage device.

Abstract: A bag, method of manufacture and process are disclosed for the cryopreservation of thermolabile substances. The bag is characterized as having substantially uniform thickness throughout its length and height. The bag features a radiused peripheral edge wall for stress relief and to provide the constant cross-section. A peripheral flashing circumscribes the radiused edge wall and provides a suitable purchase area for sealing so that the thus formed bag is less susceptible to fracture particularly when exposed to cryogenic temperatures. The uniform thickness of the bag promulgates uniform heat transfer to and from the contents of the bag in relation to any surrounding medium at a different temperature. The bag affords more space for efficient storage and reduces heat invasion into the contents of the bag when a plurality of bags are placed, with their larger planar surfaces, in contact with each other.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system for the storage and transport of sample material on absorbent material which is characterized in that the system contains no test reagents and it additionally includes a closable container containing a medium that can absorb moisture such as a desiccant in addition to the absorbent material for absorbing a liquid sample. Furthermore the system according to the invention can contain an agent to stabilize the sample material and optionally further auxiliary substances.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the parallel alignment of macromolecules on the surface S of a solid support by displacement of a meniscus formed by the triple interface surface S/solution/air. The apparatus includes a container receiving a solution including the macromolecules to be aligned, a means for immersing the solid support into the solution, with the solid support surface configured to anchor macromolecules, and a means for the relative rectilinear displacement of the surface S and the surface of the solution to thereby cause motion of the meniscus and establish the parallel alignment of the macromolecules. The present invention also relates to a method for the parallel alignment of the macromolecules using the apparatus of the invention.

Abstract: A carrier and method of using to orient and maintain an excised tissue sample in an orientation sufficient to determine its position in a body. The carrier permits radiological and pathological evaluation of a precisely and accurately oriented tissue specimen. The carrier is comprised of an outer box open at a lateral end for receiving a specimen, and a slidably insertable inner box for containing and minimally compressing the specimen. The specimen is marked and maintained in its in vivo orientation from the time of excision and is evaluated for localization and orientation of a tumor during radiological and/or pathological assessment. The carrier and method increase the accuracy and efficiency of diagnosis and any subsequent treatment.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating fixed biological tissue to inhibit calcification of the biological tissue following implantation thereof in a mammalian body. The apparatus includes a container for placing the biological tissue in contact with a treatment solution, structure to induce relative tissue/solution movement, and structure to heat the solution. The relative movement may be induced by shaking a container in which the tissue is immersed in the treatment solution, or by stirring the solution within the container. The movement may also be induced by flowing a treatment solution past the tissue to be treated. The tissue may be free to move in the treatment container, or may be restrained from gross movements. The flow may be part of a circulation system having a reservoir, with a heater being provided to heat the treatment solution in the reservoir. Alternatively, a treatment apparatus, including a fluid circulation system if desired, may be enclosed in an incubator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal transfer method for heating or cooling a biopharmaceutical medium. A structure is positioned in the container. A heat exchange member is coupled to an interior surface of the container wherein a distal end of the heat exchange member is placed in close proximity to the structure to allow formation of a thermal transfer bridge that conducts heat into or out of the medium.

Abstract: A method of ensuring that each newborn infant is identified at birth and maintaining the correct newborn and mother pairing at least until discharge of the mother and child. The method involves genotyping the infant and/or birth mother at one or more times.