Abstract: The present application relates to devices for the vitrification of biological samples, including embryos, oocytes and biological tissues. Suitably, the devices are automated devices which require little if any operator intervention or sample handling, thereby reducing contamination, improving success rates and increasing efficiency. Also provided are methods of vitrifying a biological sample, suitably using the disclosed devices.

Abstract: Generally, polymeric members and laser marking methods for producing visible marks on polymeric members, such as on thin and/or curved surfaces. The laser marking methods can include methods of laser marking straws with the step of matching laser source properties to the properties of straws being marked or with the step of laser marking straws having photochromic dyes.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for generating autologous tissue grafts, the apparatus including a point of care SVF isolation unit that includes a tissue digestion chamber in fluid communication with a lipid separating chamber, whereby SVF cells are isolated without centrifugation; and a cell seeding chamber in fluid communication with the SVF isolation unit, said cell seeding chamber adapted to support a cell scaffold. Methods and materials for cell seeding, including through the provision of micro rough scaffold surfaces, are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for minimizing diagnostic errors due to transposition of biological specimens among subjects provides for independent biometric confirmation that a given specimen is from a given donor. In certain embodiments, a biological specimen confirmation kit comprises a portable and openable case housing components of the kit, at least one biological specimen container adapted to receive a biological testing specimen from a donor, and at least one reference sample device adapted to receive a biological reference specimen from the same donor, such that the testing and reference specimens can later be compared for donor match verification by a reference verification entity.

Abstract: The device comprises a loading portion (2a) for loading biological material thereon, and a channel (C) arranged for conducting a warming solution there through and for applying it over said biological material while loaded on said loading portion (2a), for an in-situ warming. The use comprises simultaneously warming and transferring a cryopreserved biological material loaded on a device loading portion, by conducting and applying a warming solution on the biological material loaded on the device loading portion.

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 present invention relates to a system for cultivation of algae, extraction of lipids and transesterification of the lipids to obtain biodiesel. The system comprises three sections, that is to say cultivation, extraction and storage and reaction. In the lipid extraction area there is an ultrasonic reactor wherein the external walls of the alga are ruptured together with those of the oil sac to permit the extraction of lipids in the transesterification area there is also an ultrasonic reactor which ruptures the molecules of the fluid which passes therethrough to accelerate the reaction and render it almost immediate.

Abstract: A film-shaped tissue storage transport container and storage transport method. The storage transport container includes: an external container; a coupling mechanism which couples a container main body and a lid member of the external container; an internal container which is positioned within the external container; an interposed unit having elasticity and which is sandwiched between the internal container and the lid member; and a storage fluid with which the internal container is filled. A film-shaped tissue is present in a floating state in the storage fluid with which the internal container is filled.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include method, system and apparatus for storing fluids (including whole blood or any of the components thereof) to thereby enhance viability of the fluids being stored outside a living body. Embodiments of the present invention include, for example, exposing an electric, magnetic, electromagnetic, field or combinations thereof to one or more storage mediums containing the fluids. Embodiments of the fields exposed to the blood or components thereof thereby causing one or more cells to be repelled from the field to reduce the risk of the one or more cells from sticking together. Embodiments of the claimed invention advantageously extend the viability or shelf life of the blood or components thereof. Embodiments of the present invention can further include a pump for circulating the fluids and a warmer to maintain a constant temperature.

Abstract: A container for storing a biological sample is disclosed. The container includes a first chamber having a sidewall extending between an open end and a closed end, defining a first chamber interior adapted to receive a sample holder therein. The container also includes a second chamber having a sidewall extending between an open end and a closed end, defining a second chamber interior adapted to subsequently receive the sample holder therein. The second chamber interior is in fluid isolation from the first chamber interior. A removable closure encloses at least one of the open end of the first chamber and the open end of the second chamber while the sample holder is disposed within one of the first chamber interior and the second chamber interior. A first fluid may be disposed within the first chamber interior, and a second different fluid may be disposed within the second chamber interior.

Abstract: An assembly capable of capturing and purifying expressed biological products during or at the end of a bioreaction cycle is disclosed wherein a binding resin is kept separated from the contents of the bioreactor allowing capturing, harvesting and purification of biological products in a bioreactor; the invention additionally provides means of removing undesirable metabolic products as well as provides for efficient loading of chromatography columns.

Abstract: A blood fractionating apparatus that enables aseptic fractionation and storing of fractionated blood components, comprises a centrifuge tube including three chambers separated by constricted sealable passages, an open operative upper end chamber, a closed operative lower end chamber and a middle chamber defined between the upper end chamber and the lower end chamber and connected by means of the sealable passages. A stopper with a flapper valve is provided at the opening of the upper end chamber to control flow of fluid to and from the chambers. This apparatus enables separating the chambers to obtain a hermetically sealed operative lower chamber containing the corpuscle component and a hermetically sealed middle chamber containing the plasma component that can be stored at ambient temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing RBC wherein electromagnetic stimulation such as applying an electrical current or magnetic field to the stored blood extends the viability or shelf life of the stored RBC.

Abstract: A method and system for controlled rate freezing and nucleation of materials is provided. The presently disclosed system and method provides the ability to rapidly cool the materials contained in vials or other containers within a cooling unit via forced convective cooling using a laminar and uniform flow of cryogen in proximity to the plurality of vials disposed within the cooling unit. The rapid cooling of the biological materials is achieved by precisely controlling and adjusting the temperature of the cryogen being introduced to the system as a function of time. The presently disclosed methods to systems also provide nucleation control via temperature quench and depressurized nucleation control.

Abstract: This application discloses cards comprising sintered porous plastic which may be employed in liquid sample collection, storage, transport and/or delivery to an analytical device. Sintered porous plastic materials provide a unique porous structure, an inert substrate, precise liquid holding capability, are quick drying, and easy to cut and handle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for separating blood, to a separation container and to a system, wherein different blood fractions—erythrocytes (64), buffy coat (65) and blood plasma (66)—are obtained, wherein blood is introduced into a separation container (1) and is then centrifuged into different superimposed, fluidically connected sections of the separation container, specifically a top section (4) for receiving the blood plasma (66), a middle section (3) for receiving the buffy coat, and a bottom section (2) for receiving the erythrocytes (64). The aim of the invention is to optimize the extraction of buffy coat. Said aim is achieved by means of the method and the separation container, wherein the optimization is geared to obtaining a defined phase boundary, and by means of the system, wherein the optimization is geared to achieving freedom from contamination from the time the blood enters the separation container and obtaining an easy-to-handle freezer container for cryopreservation.

Abstract: A living cell cryopreservation tool has a living cell holding member having a body part and a living cell holding part and a tubular accommodation member, closed at one end thereof, which is capable of accommodating the living cell holding member. The living cell holding part has a long and narrow living cell attaching and holding portion. The living cell attaching and holding portion has heat conductors extended in a longitudinal direction thereof and projected from a distal end thereof. The tubular accommodation member has a heat conductive member accommodated inside a distal portion thereof. When the living cell holding member is inserted into the tubular accommodation member from a distal side of each heat conductor thereof, a distal portion of each heat conductor contacts the heat conductive member of the tubular accommodation member.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for collecting blood that contain an anti-coagulant and an additive that delays clotting by inhibiting the contact pathway for thrombin generation. The additive is a coagulation contact pathway inhibitor additive that is at least one of a Factor XI inhibitor, a Factor XII inhibitor, a kallikrein inhibitor and combinations thereof, each in an amount effective to mediate or suppress the contact pathway for thrombin generation. Methods of making and using the devices, and kits containing the devices, are also provided.

Abstract: A method and system for controlled rate freezing of biological materials is provided. The presently disclosed system and method provides the ability to rapidly cool the biological materials contained in vials or other containers within a cooling unit via forced convective cooling using a laminar and uniform flow of cryogen in proximity to the plurality of vials disposed within the cooling unit. The rapid cooling of the biological materials is achieved by precisely controlling and adjusting the temperature of the cryogen being introduced to the system as a function of time.

Abstract: A method and system for controlled rate freezing and nucleation of materials is provided. The presently disclosed system and method provides the ability to rapidly cool the materials contained in vials or other containers within a cooling unit via forced convective cooling using a laminar and uniform flow of cryogen in proximity to the plurality of vials disposed within the cooling unit. The rapid cooling of the biological materials is achieved by precisely controlling and adjusting the temperature of the cryogen being introduced to the system as a function of time. The presently disclosed methods to systems also provide nucleation control via temperature quench and depressurized nucleation control.

Abstract: A living cell cryopreservation tool has a body part formed of a cold-resistant material and a living cell holding part formed of the cold-resistant material. The living cell holding part has a long and narrow living cell attaching and holding portion. The living cell attaching and holding portion has a plurality of living cell accommodation concave portions formed in a longitudinal direction thereof and a plurality of excess cryopreservation liquid discharge passages communicating with the living cell accommodation concave portions.

Abstract: A method is provided of prolonging the shelf life of probiotic lactic-acid producing bacteria formulated in oil, by using a specific moisture absorbing technology.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for the administration of a plasma modified field (PMF) to a subject comprising: (a) a non thermal plasma (NTP) emitting source for emitting a plasma beam; (b) a plasma modified field coupling mechanism (PMFCM) comprising a plasma beam dish having at least one opening for the passage of said plasma beam; said plasma beam dish having a first surface and a second opposite surface; and (c) a controller for controlling said PMFCM. In a main aspect of the invention, said first surface of said plasma beam dish is mounted with: (i) at least one coupling element selected from the group consisting of: (1) at least one ferroelectric element for providing said field; (2) at least one ferromagnetic element for providing said field; (3) at least one piezoelectric element for providing said field; and (4) at least one piezomagnetic element for providing said field; and (ii) at least one reflecting element.

Abstract: Embodiments of the technology described herein are based upon the discoveries that neturophil extracellular traps (NETs) provide a stimulus for thrombus formation and that NETs are present in stored blood products. Accordingly, some embodiments relate to methods of treating and preventing toxicity of NETs and thrombosis caused by NETs. Additional embodiments are directed towards methods of treating stored blood products to prevent transfusion-related injuries.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for detecting Mycobacterium genus (Mycobacterium sp.) bacteria (e.g., M. tuberculosis) and M. avium complex (MAC; M. avium, M. scrofulaceum and M. intracellulaire) in a clinical sample or culture. The present invention also relates to differentiating cultures or samples comprising (Mycobacterium sp.) bacteria (e.g., M. tuberculosis) from cultures or samples comprising M. avium complex (MAC; M. avium, M. scrofulaceum and M. intracellulaire).

Abstract: A fluid sample vessel includes inlet and vent tube fittings formed at one end of a container with an opposite open end closed by a needle septum. A support cap is removably engaged to the container to support the container and protect terminal ends of inlet and vent tubular branches coupled to the fittings. The support cap includes a pair of opposite legs with outwardly directed tabs for mounting within a centrifuge while supporting the cryopreservation container.

Abstract: A system for processing cells (and/or other injectate components) includes a container and a plunger adapted to be slidably positioned within the container. The system includes at least one inlet port through which a fluid can enter the system and at least one effluent port through which an effluent can exit the system. The plunger section forms a sealing engagement with the inner wall of the container such that rearward motion of the plunger is adapted to draw fluid into the system via the inlet and forward motion of the plunger is adapted to force effluent out of the system via the effluent port.

Abstract: Red blood cell storage container includes: a container body made of a resin composition consisting of at least one of: polyolefin polymer, polyamide polymer, polyurethane polymer, polystyrene polymer, polybutadiene polymer, polyester polymer, fluoropolymer, polycarbonate polymer, polyacrylic polymer, and polysulfone polymer; and a coating part formed on an inner surface of the coating body and made of diamond-like carbon.

Abstract: A method for preserving erythrocytes comprising the steps of obtaining an erythrocyte concentrate; subjecting the erythrocyte concentrate to a gas system that includes 65% to 100% by volume and optionally one or more ballast gases from 0% to 35% by volume; and, maintaining the erythrocyte concentrate that has been subjected to the gas system at a temperature that is above the freezing point of the erythrocyte concentrate and up to a temperature of about 30° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides modified platelets having a reduced platelet clearance and methods for reducing platelet clearance. Also provided are compositions for the preservation of platelets. The invention also provides methods for making a pharmaceutical composition containing the modified platelets and for administering the pharmaceutical composition to a mammal to mediate hemostasis.

Abstract: A method of drying a biological sample disposed on a substrate is provided. The method comprises providing the substrate comprising a sample loading area and a heat source; activating the heat source for generating heat; heating the substrate at least above 65° C.; and drying the biological sample. A device for storing sample is also provided, wherein the device comprises a substrate for biological sample-storage; and a heating component that generates heat to maintain a temperature of at least above 65° C. The heating component may contain one or more reagents, wherein the reagents generate heat to maintain a temperature of at least above 65° C.

Abstract: Provided is a cell cryopreservation container which is provided with a plurality of storage chambers and enables efficient storage of cells in a definite capacity. The cell cryopreservation container (1) comprises a plurality of storage chambers (2), dividing areas (3), and communicating parts (4), wherein a front face part (11) is formed in one side in a third direction (TD) while a back face part (12) is formed in the other side in the third direction (TD). In the cell cryopreservation container (1), the front face part (11) has a convex and concave shape configured of the storage chambers (2) projecting toward one side in the third direction (TD) while the back face part (12) has a planar shape, and the length in a first direction (WD) of the dividing areas (3) exceeds the length in the first direction (WD) of the storage chambers (2).

Abstract: There is provided a gel-forming device including a housing providing an inner space and having one opened side, a support plate disposed on one opened side of the housing and including at least one through-hole passing through the top and the bottom thereof, a substrate disposed on the top of the support plate and including at least one protrusion protruding from one surface thereof so as to have a biomaterial disposed thereon, and a spacing member provided on the bottom of the support plate so as to allow the support plate and the housing to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval.

Abstract: A fluid sample vessel includes inlet and vent tube fittings formed at one end of a container with an opposite open end closed by a needle septum. A support cap is removably engaged to the container to support the container and protect terminal ends of inlet and vent tubular branches coupled to the fittings. The support cap includes a pair of opposite legs with outwardly directed tabs for mounting within a centrifuge while supporting the cryopreservation container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for cell transport Said system allows the transport of cells, assuring their integrity and viability during the entire transport process. It consists of a system suitable for a wide variety of formats which allows a broad range of technical applications of the system The system of the invention allows providing ready-to-use cells, without the cells having to be manipulated before they are used by technical experts in cell biology The invention particularly relates to an agarose plus agarase mixture covering or enveloping, depending on the format of the selected transport system, the cell culture, protecting it during the transport process, as well as to the methodology of cell recovery of the cells transported in the system.

Abstract: A cell separation apparatus comprises a means for moving a cell within a cell separating space by applying an electrical voltage to cells in the cell separating space using gel electrodes, and channels for separating and discharging the cell, which thus does not damage a cell sample and prevents the exhaustion of an electrode due to its electrolysis.

Abstract: A process of pathogen identification and a transport container are disclosed. The process includes positioning a porous material containing a sample into an receptacle of a transport container, facilitating transport of the transport container through a mail or parcel service, removing the porous material, the receptacle of the transport container, collecting the sample from the porous material, analyzing the preserved nucleic acid, or a combination thereof. The porous material degrades the sample and preserves nucleic acid. The analyzing identifies a plurality of sequences within the preserved nucleic acid in a parallel manner.

Abstract: Described herein are kits for use in cryopreserving mammalian sperm including a composition that comprises a cryoprotectant; a membrane protectant that stabilizes or assists in stabilization of membranes of sperm; and monothioglycerol.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly of a cooperating capillary and cap for containing an aqueous solution in an inner volume of the capillary. The assembly is used in a high pressure freezer in which the aqueous solution is frozen at a high pressure to form an amorphous frozen sample at a cryogenic temperature. The cap forms a closure at one end of the capillary, and the part of the cap that is in contact with the inner volume of the capillary has an indent; as a result of which the cap, after freezing the aqueous solution, can be removed from the capillary and a free standing pillar of frozen aqueous material extends from the capillary.

Abstract: A culturing apparatus has a culture vessel having a first elastic seal bonded on its upper surface and a culture space formed thereon, and a joint for supplying solution such as a medium to the culture vessel and a second elastic seal having microprojection formed at the lower face. The first elastic seal has a valve for supplying or discharging solution. The second elastic seal is formed with microprojection at the position corresponding to a valve for preventing a spill. The culture vessel and the joint are sucked between the first elastic seal and the second elastic seal, thereby forming an integral seeding device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for allowing foreign particles to penetrate, very efficiently, the cell wall, cell membrane, organelle membrane and/or nuclear membrane of a cell and hybridizing or binding to the complimentary target in the cell. The cells may be from a culture or from specimens obtained from a patient. The foreign particle can be a probe consisting of, for example, either individually or in any combination of two or more of the following: DNA, RNA, peptide nucleic acids (PNA), glycopeptides, lipopeptides, glycolipids or prions. The target is a cell, a cell component or, preferably, a pathogen or pathogen component. The pathogen can be, for example, bacteria, fungi, yeast or viruses.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for collecting and processing autografts, processed autografts, kits for collecting and transporting autografts, and tools for preparing autografts. It is also directed to autologous bone grafts, and methods of preparing them.

Abstract: In a general aspect, an apparatus for washing biological material is provided which includes an outer sleeve, and an inner sleeve disposed within the outer sleeve. The outer sleeve has an open end for receiving the biological material, and an opposed closed end. The inner sleeve is detachably and slidably positioned within the outer sleeve, and includes a first port for receiving and dispensing washing liquid, a second port defining a liquid flow path between an interior of the inner sleeve and an interior of the outer sleeve, and a filter disposed in the second port. The filter allows passage of washing liquid but not passage of the biological material therethrough. A chamber, formed between the filter and the closed end of the outer sleeve, is configured to permit flow of washing liquid via the filter while retaining the biological material therein.

Abstract: The invention discloses a multi-layer cell freezing vial and method of ohtention thereof. The method of obtention is a cell freezing and thawing process that avoids the need of incorporating new fresh medium to the thawed cells for the dilution of the cryoprotective agent. This is achieved by the previous freezing of an extra layer of culture medium in addition to the frozen ceil solution containing said cryoprotective agent. At the time of thawing, the culture medium and the cell solution mix themselves, turning the concentration of said cryoprotective agent to a non-toxic dilution and achieving the effective exclusion of said cryoprotective agent from the living cells.

Abstract: A method and system for arresting objects in an array of chambers including, applying a solution to at least one chamber in an array of chambers, in a manner that does not connect two chambers, such that at least one object in the solution is arrested in said at least one chamber, the chambers having a volume of 0.5 microliters-3 microliters.

Abstract: A bioreactor for sampling the headspace above cells includes a glass reactor vessel having an interior space and a plurality of valves operatively coupled to the interior space of the glass reactor vessel. The bioreactor includes a sample holder configured to reside in the interior space. The interior space includes a charge of air with a known composition of volatile organic gases and, in some instances, doped with carbon dioxide. The sample holder may hold cells, bacteria, or viruses. The headspace may be sampled after incubation to determine the VOC content or content of specific VOC constituents. Examples include acetaldehyde and hexanaldehyde.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for growing genetically enhanced aquatic photoautotrophic organisms in a stable culture, causing the organisms to produce ethanol, and then separating, collecting, and removing the ethanol in situ.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fluidic devices for preparing, processing, storing, preserving, and/or analyzing samples. In particular, the devices and related systems and methods allow for preservation or storage of samples (e.g., biospecimen samples) by using one or more of a bridge, a membrane, and/or a desiccant.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of procuring allograft tissue. In an embodiment, the method includes inserting an allograft through an opening into a procurement extraction container, sealing the opening, adding extraction fluid through a second opening, agitating the fluid, collecting the fluid for detection of contamination, and sealing the second opening. There is disclosed a procurement extraction container. In one embodiment, the container includes a wall defining an interior to receive the allograft, an opening into the interior, sized to receive the allograft, a closure device for the opening, the closure device providing a hermetic seal, a second opening providing a second passageway into the interior, the second opening having a connector interface and a second closure device providing a hermetic seal so as to provide, with the first closure and the at least one wall, a sterile barrier. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: The cart comprises a lateral face by which it is adapted to be juxtaposed against another cart. It further comprises a first pump, a second pump disposed below said first pump and laterally offset relative thereto, and a tank adapted to receive a feed container provided to contain said biological liquid, said tank being disposed above said first pump and offset laterally relative thereto. The installation comprises one said cart, a filter and a second cart, juxtaposed against said first cart and of which the upper face supports said filter such that an outlet point of said first pump is situated substantially facing an inlet/outlet aperture of said filter.