Abstract: Systems and methods for creating a localized environment for a cell culture plate are described herein. An example system can include a dock shaped to receive the cell culture plate, and a gas distribution device positioned on the dock. The gas distribution device can include a frame including a plurality of sides connected to form an opening, an internal channel within the frame for directing a gas mixture within the gas distribution device, an inlet port in fluid communication with the internal channel for receiving the gas mixture, and a plurality of apertures in fluid communication with the internal channel. The plurality of apertures can be spaced apart from one another along the frame and configured to direct the gas mixture toward the opening.

Abstract: A system for acquiring a fluid sample from a flow pipe, comprising a sampling probe placed within the flow pipe, a curved separating pipe in fluid communication with the sampling probe, the separating pipe having formed therein an inwardly-opening lengthwise channel along the outside curve thereof, the separating pipe terminating in a sample area, and a lengthwise inwardly-opening sample passage in fluid communication between at least a portion of the sample area and a sample port, the sample passage being formed substantially opposite the channel, whereby inertial effects induced in the separating pipe cause relatively higher density inorganic and dead organic material to funnel into the channel and out a non-sample drain formed in the sample area substantially opposite the separating pipe while allowing live organisms to navigate the sample passage and out the sample port.

Abstract: The invention provides, in various embodiments, systems, devices and methods relating to ex-vivo organ care. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to maintaining an organ ex-vivo at near-physiologic conditions. The present application describes a method for using lactate measurement in the arterial and the venous blood lines of the Organ Care System Heart perfusion device to evaluate the: 1) The overall perfusion status of an isolated heart and 2) The metabolic status of an isolated heart and 3) the overall vascular patency of an isolated donor heart. This aspect of the present invention uses the property of myocardial cell's unique ability to produce/generate lactate when they are starved for oxygen and metabolize/utilize lactate for energy production when they are well perfused with oxygen.

Abstract: A device including an applicator capable of dispensing a suspension of microorganisms on a culture medium and to the use of the device for dispensing the suspension of microorganisms.

Abstract: Methods for detecting micro-organisms and/or biological substances in a fluid are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides an automated system for producing induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from adult somatic cells. Further, the system is used for producing differentiated adult cells from stem cells. The invention system is useful for isolating somatic cells from tissue samples, producing iPSC lines from adult differentiated cells by reprogramming such cells, identifying the pluripotent reprogrammed adult cells among other cells, and expanding and screening the identified reprogrammed cells.

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 present invention relates to an apparatus and a method that can accelerate reproduction of odor from an air-conditioner by segmenting microorganisms, a temperature/humidity condition and nutrients for metabolism of the microorganisms as conditions for reproducing the odor from the air-conditioner and setting the segmented microorganisms, a temperature/humidity condition and nutrients for metabolism of the microorganisms according to an accelerated condition thereof.

Abstract: A device for the storage of a corneal specimen has means for the reception and entrapment of a corneal specimen, connected to the means for the creation of a pressure gradient with overpressure on the endothelial side and to the preservation medium circulation means in the layouts that present the means for the reception and entrapment of the cornea specimen. The means for the reception and entrapment of the corneal specimen entrap the sclera ciliary zone surrounding the cornea in an airtight manner to delimit a separate endothelial chamber and epithelial chamber in which the preservation medium can circulate with an overpressure in the endothelial chamber; The intermediate component and the endothelial lid comprise inlet and outlet orifices for the preservation medium which are connected to the means for the circulation of the preservation medium and the creation of a pressure gradient between the endothelial chamber and the epithelial chamber with overpressure in the endothelial chamber.

Abstract: A modular automated system for sample processing and/or detection of microorganisms is provided. The modular system includes modules that perform at least one function in the process of detecting microorganisms in a culture device, such as collection of multiple samples, sample loading, sample preparation, sample incubation, and detection of microorganisms in samples. An exemplary embodiment of a modular sample processing and/or detection system can include an automated loading module, a liquid processing module, modular incubator, a second automated loading module, a reader module, and a collector.

Abstract: A system for removing undesirable compounds from contaminated air includes a biofilter having porous glass media. Hydrogen sulfide is removed from contaminated air by passing the contaminated air through the biofilter.

Abstract: An algal growth system including a first flexible sheet material mounted in a first mounted geometry such that the height is greater than the width of the first mounted geometry, and a second flexible sheet material mounted in a second mounted geometry such that the height is greater than the width of the second mounted geometry, the first flexible sheet and the second flexible sheet material being noncontiguous, a motor, the motor being coupled with an actuator system, where the motor actuates the actuator system, and a reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a unit (1) comprising a microsystem (150) and at least one set of interface connections (16) for the microsystem (150); the microsystem (150) comprising a bottom plate (152) bearing the impression of at least one microstructured dynamic cell culture chamber (15), and a top plate (151), characterized in that the at least one microstructured chamber (15) is fluidically connected at inlet and/or at outlet by a set of connections (16) inserted removably into a hole in the upper plate (151). The present invention also relates to a dynamic cell culture system to this effect.

Abstract: A simple and low cost method of producing sealed arrays of laterally ordered nanochannels interconnected to microchannels of tunable size, over large surface areas, is disclosed. The method incorporates DNA combing and subsequent imprinting. Associated micro and macroscale inlets and outlets can be formed in the same process or manufactured later in low cost, non-cleanroom techniques. The techniques embrace two procedures, generating DNA nanostrands and translating these strands into nanoscale constructs via imprinting. Devices incorporating the novel arrays have a first microchannel, a second microchannel and a nanochannel that is substantially linear and which defines an axis. The nanochannel is connected at its open ends to the microchannels, which are aligned along the axis. Methods for precise dose delivery of agents into cells employing the devices in nanoelectroporation methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, devices and systems for mixing and dispensing multi-component materials. The mixing and dispensing may be performed using a mobile, enclosed dispenser that can be used to supply a mixed multi-component material at the point of use. In some embodiments, the components to be mixed into the multi-component material may be supplied in cartridges.

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.

Abstract: A micro channel device processing apparatus includes a heating/cooling chamber configured to receive at least a sub-portion of a micro channel device and a fluid control system that controls a flow of a heating/cooling fluid in the chamber. A method includes controlling a temperature of a sample carried by a micro channel device installed in a micro channel device processing apparatus via a heating/cooling chamber of the processing apparatus. A micro channel device processing apparatus includes a heating/cooling chamber configured to receive a micro channel device carrying a sample and means for controlling a temperature of the sample in the chamber.

Abstract: A life support system for providing a growth medium for at least one photosynthetic micro-organism and for converting CO2 to O2, with reduced water use that is as low as about 4 percent of the corresponding amount of water normally required for conventional micro-organism growth. The system includes a liquid transport capillary channel, a mixed culture photosynthetic biofilm and a liquid transport substrate that is positioned between and contiguous to the capillary channel and the biofilm, where the liquid transport rate is adjustable by adjustment of the local humidity. Approximately uniform radiation is received by the biofilm and contributes to microorganism growth.

Abstract: Presented is an airway organ bioreactor apparatus, and methods of use thereof, as well as bioartificial airway organs produced using the methods, and methods of treating subjects using the bioartificial airway organs.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for the formation of cardiac tissue constructs. In some embodiments, methods are provided for forming cardiac tissue constructs that including cardiomyocytes, non-myocytes, and extracellular matrix, and which exhibit properties associated with healthy cardiac tissue. In some embodiments, microfabrication platforms are provided to support the transmission of dynamic electromechanical forces, such that the cardiac microtissue constructs may be formed mimicking the basic microenvironment found in the heart. The microfabrication platform may include retaining features for stabilizing the position of the microtissue construct during its formation, and the microfabrication platform may include a ramped support configured to produce tissue constructs having a ring geometry. In some embodiments, the microfabrication platform may be configured to for the application of point electrical stimulation, and/or to amplify the transduction of force into a visible displacement.