Abstract: One or more embodiments are described directed to a method and system for loading and distributing cells in a bioreactor of a cell expansion system. Accordingly, embodiments include methods and systems that may provide for adding a plurality of cells to a fluid within a bioreactor of the cell expansion system. A first percentage of the plurality of cells is allowed to settle in the bioreactor and a second percentage of the plurality of cells is allowed to settle outside of the bioreactor. The first percentage of cells is then expanded in the bioreactor. The second percentage of cells is wasted.

Abstract: An algal growth system can include a frame and a flexible sheet material that can have a substantially vertical orientation, where the flexible sheet material can be configured to facilitate the growth and attachment of algae, where the flexible sheet material can be supported by the frame. The algal growth system can include a first drive shaft, where the first drive shaft can be coupled with the frame, where the first drive shaft can support and actuate the flexible sheet material, a gear system, where the gear system can be coupled with the first drive shaft, a first roller, where the first roller can be coupled with the frame and can be configured to guide the flexible sheet material, and a drive motor, where the drive motor can be coupled with the gear system, where the drive motor can actuate the gear system and the at least one drive shaft such that the flexible sheet material can be actuated.

Abstract: An automatic processing device of culture plates (2) including a support frame (3); a slide (4) for removably housing a culture plate (2) and movably mounted on the support frame (3) selectively displaceable between a first loading position, a plurality of image-acquiring positions, and a first unloading position; a camera (6) of a linear type, provided with telecentric optic (7) and a trilinear sensor, and arranged acquire a multiplicity of linear images of corresponding linear portions of an upper surface of the culture plate (2), during the displacing of the slide (4); a first lighting device (11) orientated such as to illuminate the linear portions of an upper surface of the culture plate (2); an advancing device (14) of the slide (4) configured such as to enable obtaining a constant and substantially vibration-free advancing speed of the slide (4) in the image-acquiring zone; and an electronic control device (9) of a functioning of the camera (6), of the lighting device and of the advancing device (14).

Abstract: A nucleic acid amplifier comprises a holder 3 which is provided with a plurality of temperature control blocks 10 each designed to hold at least one reaction vessel 105 storing a reaction solution. The temperature of the reaction solution in each reaction vessel 105 is controlled individually by using temperature control devices 14 and 15 arranged in each of the temperature control blocks 10. The temperature that is set in each temperature control block 10 and the timing for temperature changes are controlled independently of the temperatures of other temperature control blocks 10. This configuration makes it possible to provide a nucleic acid amplifier and a nucleic acid inspection device (employing the nucleic acid amplifier) capable of processing multiple types of samples differing in the protocol in parallel (parallel processing) and starting a process for a different sample even when there is a process in execution.

Abstract: A solid state fermentation process for producing methane, and a bioreactor and solid support for use in the process are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for growing and separating cells or micro carriers from fluid medium in an aseptic environment, has a sealed, air and liquid tight, container having a port to allow for the introduction of fluid, gas or components, a filter with a filtration medium mounted centrally around an axis extending through the container, a mixing assembly that rotates around the filtration medium to allow for suspension of media or agitation thereof, and the mixing assembly has vanes containing a magnetic unit in a lower portion thereof that allows for coupling to a stir plate for driving the vanes of the mixing assembly. The vanes are preferably suspended by a central bearing located above the filter, and preferably the vanes extend downward to proximate the bottom of the container to the same extent as the filter and a diptube located along the axis of the filter and vanes.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a composting device including a housing defining an interior with an access opening providing access to the interior, a composter bin located within the interior and in communication with the access opening, and a funnel assembly integrated with the access opening.

Abstract: A locating method and system of determining a microorganism concentration of a fluid in a Petri dish is disclosed. The Petri dish includes a culture medium on which a seeding device is rotatable relative to the Petri dish. The seeding device distributes the fluid and includes at least one point of contact with the culture medium. The point of contact is associated with a contact zone.

Abstract: Device for sample processing, particularly sample conditioning as well as for the preparation and/or optionally for implementing a sequential process for an analyte from a biological sample, said device comprising a module for receiving and/or outputting at least one sample vessel or process vessel, a module for transporting a process vessel, a module for sample conditioning and a module for initiating a sequential process for an analyte. The modules are divided into at least two units that each possesses a control system, and which are connected through a first data bus.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing life-based organic particles, including particles selected from the list comprising cells, cellular spheroids, tissues, eukaryotes, micro-organisms, organs or embryos, comprises a hollow volume (10) that (a) is internally divided into at least first (14), second (16) and third (17) sub-volumes by at least two phaseguides (12, 13) formed inside the volume and (b) includes parts that are relatively upstream and relatively downstream when judged with reference to the movement of a meniscus or a bulk liquid in the volume (10). The apparatus includes at least first, second and third fluid conduits (19, 21, 22) connected to permit fluid communication between the upstream exterior of the volume (10) and a respective said sub-volume (14, 16, 17); and at least one further conduit (24) connected to permit fluid communication between the downstream exterior of the volume (10) and a said sub-volume.

Abstract: A cell capture, disruption, and extraction apparatus includes a disruption chamber configured to receive cell solution and having therein a plurality of abrasives, which can include diamond powder, variably and multi dimensionally disbursed therein, and a pestle positioned in the disruption chamber. The apparatus includes an actuation device configured to agitate the disruption chamber and/or pestle, movement of the abrasives tearing cell structure in the solution to access its contents. A binding column or size exclusion column can be positioned downstream of the disruption chamber. The pestle can rotate with respect to the disruption chamber. The pestle can include a nut-shaped core or axle, and/or include a plurality of extrusions. Cell solution can first be introduced in the disruption chamber, the abrasives capturing the cells and allowing therethrough and purging the waste content, then breaking the cell content through the foregoing agitation process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for monitoring, detecting, and/or characterizing a biological particle that may be present in a sample whereby the method may be accomplished non-invasively by utilizing a time-dependent spectroscopic technique to obtain at least two measurements of a growth composition comprising a sample and correlating said measurements for the detection and/or characterization of a biological particle, that may be present in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides various improved systems and methods for obtaining, generating, culturing, and handling cells, such as stem cells (including induced pluripotent stem cells or iPSCs) and differentiated cells, as well as cells and cell panels produced using such systems and methods, and uses of such cells and cell panels.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for sampling and/or controlling the productivity of a bioreactor.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices and methods for perfusing a cell with perfusion fluid are provided herein, wherein the gravitational forces acting on the cell to keep the cell at or near a retainer or a retaining position exceed the hydrodynamic forces acting on the cell to move it toward an outlet. Also provided, are methods for assaying cell products within the microfluidic device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system includes a mixture chamber, a denature chamber, an annealing chamber, an extension chamber, and a product chamber, that are fluidically coupled to one another through a plurality of microfluidic channels. An inertial pump is associated with each microfluidic channel, and each inertial pump includes a fluid actuator integrated asymmetrically within its associated microfluidic channel. The fluid actuators are capable of selective activation to circulate fluid between the chambers in a controlled cycle.

Abstract: The invention features devices and kits for capturing and culturing microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, fungi, or protists) and methods of using the devices and kits to detect microorganisms in environmental and other samples. The device includes a nutrient media having a flat growth area on which microorganisms can grow. Samples are collected by contacting the device with any environmental sample, e.g., rolling device on a work surface or exposing device to air, or by filtering a sample through a membrane. Microorganisms deposited on the membrane derive nutrients from the underlying media and grow into colonies that can then be detected using methods known in the art. The detected colonies can be imaged digitally or with film.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a food waste recycling appliance having a hollow reservoir which can collect liquid generated during a cycle of operation, drain the collected liquid, and provide an air flow path for the removal of odors.

Abstract: A bioreactor (1) includes a container body (2), whose inner walls together define an internal volume for receiving biomass, a cooling and/or heating duct (3, 3?, 3?) whose outer wall is intended to be in direct contact with the biomass, disposed in the internal volume, and extending at least over a portion of the length in the form of a helicoid, fastening elements (4) for supporting the cooling and/or heating duct (3, 3?, 3?) and fastening same to the container body (2), in several receiving positions along the helicoid. The duct is fastened, at the receiving positions, by connectors and one or a plurality of supports, and for each receiving position by a first weld between the connector and the support and a second weld between the connector and the duct.

Abstract: A device that produces a sugar solution from cellulose-containing biomass includes: a horizontal reaction tank that includes a stirring shaft provided along a horizontal direction in the horizontal reaction tank and a stirring blade provided to the stirring shaft, the horizontal reaction tank being configured to obtain a saccharified slurry by reacting the cellulose-containing biomass with a saccharification enzyme by stirring the cellulose-containing biomass and the saccharification enzyme; a vertical reaction tank configured to obtain a saccharified liquid by saccharifying the saccharified slurry; a saccharified slurry feed line that connects the horizontal reaction tank and the vertical reaction tank; and a warming part provided around the horizontal reaction tank or on a wall surface of the horizontal reaction tank and heats the horizontal reaction tank.