Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for observing the cell division, in particular the cytokinetic ring, methods for preparing such devices, methods for studying modifications of cell division, and methods for screening compounds of interest which enhance or inhibit cell division.

Abstract: A modular bioreactor is provided that includes an upper biochamber; a lower biochamber; and an intermediate biochamber that is positioned between the upper biochamber and the lower biochamber. Each biochamber of the bioreactor is in fluid communication with each other biochamber of the bioreactor and includes an interior wall, which defines a centrally-disposed cavity for each biochamber, and an inflow port and an outflow port that are in fluid communication with each centrally disposed cavity. Systems and methods for vascularizing a tissue construct are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus and methods for detecting objects in samples. The sample is held in the transmission path of light from a light source to a detector, whereby light from the light source interacts with objects in the sample. The patterns of light incident on the detector subsequent to its interaction with the objects are directly used to determine the presence of objects in the sample.

Abstract: Disclosed are bioreactor devices, systems and methods. A bioreactor system can include one or more bioreactor modules that can be individually controllable and identifiable. A bioreactor module can be connected to one or more functional modules such as a pump module, a stimulation signal generation module, a motor module, a mechanical transmission module, a gas exchange module, a temperature module, a humidity module and/or a CO2 module, among others. The bioreactor and functional modules can include standard or universal connectors to facilitate connection and movement of modules. The bioreactor system can be controlled and/or monitored by a controller that can individually identify and control each connected module and that can be adapted to collect signal data from sensors embedded in any of the modules.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bioreactor which comprises a closed housing with a housing wall and at least one chamber which is connected to the housing wall. The at least one chamber comprises a chamber inlet and outlet for respectively supplying and discharging material to and from the at least one chamber. The housing comprises a housing inlet for supplying material to the chamber inlet and a housing outlet for discharging treated material from the chamber outlet to the outside of the bioreactor. The bioreactor forms a closed volume in which a reactor pressure prevails in the bioreactor which is higher than the external pressure outside the bioreactor, in such a way that the bioreactor is self-supporting.

Abstract: Provided is a cell culture apparatus for culturing cells, that provides enhanced oxygen delivery and supply to cells without the need for stirring or sparging. Oxygen diffusion occurs on both sides of the culture vessel, top and bottom. A gas-permeable membrane that includes perfluorocarbons or fluorocarbon derivatives (e.g., fluorinated silane, partially fluorinated silane) in its composition allows for the rapid, enhanced and uniform transfer of oxygen between the environment of cells or tissues contained in the cell culture container apparatus and the atmosphere of the incubator in which the cell culture apparatus is incubated.

Abstract: Disposable bioreactor for culturing cells in a nutrient medium, consisting of a reagent container which is sealable with a lid and which is capable of being subjected to a shaking process in a shaking device, where the reagent container is equipped with at least one web adjacent to the internal wall of the container, the web being arranged running vertically from the bottom upward, preferably in the shape of a helix.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and automated transfer means for transferring a container within an apparatus. The apparatus of the present invention may include a means for automated loading, a means for automated transfer and/or a means for automated unloading of a container (e.g., a specimen container). In one embodiment, the apparatus can be an automated detection apparatus for rapid non-invasive detection of a microbial agent in a test sample. The detection system also including a heated enclosure, a holding means or rack, and/or a detection unit for monitoring and/or interrogating the specimen container to detect whether the container is positive for the presence of a microbial agent. In other embodiment, the automated instrument may include one or more, bar code readers, scanners, cameras, and/or weighing stations to aid in scanning, reading, imaging and weighing of specimen containers within the system.

Abstract: The present invention provides automated devices for use in supporting various cell therapies and tissue engineering methods. The present invention provides an automated cell separation apparatus capable of separating cells from a tissue sample for use in cell therapies and/or tissue engineering. The cell separation apparatus can be used in combination with complementary devices such as cell collection device and/or a sodding apparatus to support various therapies. The automated apparatus includes media and tissue dissociating chemical reservoirs, filters, a cell separator and a perfusion flow loop through a graft chamber which supports a graft substrate or other endovascular device. The present invention further provides methods for using the tissue grafts and cell samples prepared by the devices described herein in a multitude of therapies including revascularization, regeneration and reconstruction of tissues and organs, as well as treatment and prevention of diseases.

Abstract: A microorganism counting cell of the present invention includes bottomed cylindrical vessel that includes upper surface opening and cylindrical retaining body disposed vertically on a bottom surface in vessel, a collecting element provided on a lower end portion of a rod-shaped cotton swab being inserted in retaining body from upper surface opening. In the microorganism counting cell, elution protrusion is provided on an interior side surface of retaining body, and elution groove that pierces retaining body from an inside to an outside is provided on a side surface of retaining body.

Abstract: System, including methods and apparatus, for detection of spaced droplets.

Abstract: Disclosed is a deposition apparatus (100) which is designed to deposit frozen biological material (1) in a target substrate (2) and includes a charging device (10) and a driving device (20). The charging device (10) is designed to supply the biological material (1) to the driving device (20) while the driving device (20) is designed to apply a driving force to the biological material (1). In order to apply the driving force, the driving device (20) is formed such that the biological material (1) can penetrate into the target substrate (2) under the effect of the driving force. Also disclosed are an injector cartridge which is designed to provide frozen biological material in a deposition apparatus as well as a method for depositing biological material (1) in a target substrate (2).

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for testing electrical activity from a biological tissue sample comprises a body (1) provided with a well (4), stimulating means (8) for stimulating a sample located in the well (4), and detecting means (9) for detecting electrical activity in the sample. In one embodiment the apparatus has a fluid inlet means (10) and a fluid outlet means (16) in fluid communication with the well (4). The inlet means (10) comprises an electrically conductive conduit (11A) which is in fluid contact with a fluid flowing, in use, though the outlet means (16). In some embodiments the apparatus is provided with an electrically conductive member (19) which is in electrical contact with a fluid contained, in use, in at least one of the well (4), inlet means (10) and outlet means (16). The stimulating means (8) and detecting means (9) are engaged with the body (1) by a gripping means (32) which comprises an electrically conductive gripping member (36). Related methods and apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vermicomposting device for vermicomposting organic material, comprises a casing including an annular hollow body member defining an internal cavity, a head member mounted to an upper end portion of the body member and a base member removably attached to a lower end portion of the body member, and a plurality of composting trays removably disposed within the internal cavity in a stacked relationship. Each of the composting trays is an open top tray including a circular perforated bottom wall surrounded by an annular side wall upwardly extending from the perforated bottom wall. The base member includes a support portion and a drip bucket disposed under the composting trays to receive and collect any liquid byproduct from the vermicomposting process. The head member is movable relative to the body member so as to provide an access to the internal cavity of the body member.

Abstract: An instrument for performing highly accurate PCR employing an assembly, a heated cover and an internal computer. The assembly is made up of a sample block, a number of Peltier thermal electric devices and heat sink, clamped together. The sample block temperature is changed exclusively by the thermoelectric devices controlled by the computer. The sample block is of low thermal mass and is constructed of silver. The Peltier devices are designed to provide fast temperature excursions over a wide range. The heat sink has a perimeter trench to minimize edge losses and is adjacent to a continuously variable fan. A perimeter heater is used to improve the thermal uniformity across the sample block to approximately ±0.2° C. A heated platen pushes down onto the tube caps to apply a minimum acceptable force for seating the tubes into the block, ensuring good thermal contact with the block. The force is applied about the periphery of the tube caps to prevent distortion of the caps during thermal cycling.

Abstract: A microfluidic hanging drop chip is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for culturing cells and forming cell aggregates in hanging drops.

Abstract: A mixing vessel (10) for containing a liquid, comprises a chamber having a lower chamber portion and an upper chamber portion wider than the lower portion, gas inlet means (14) for supplying gas to the lower portion and means for redirecting rising gas (24), such that, in use, rising gas in the form of bubbles, initially rises substantially vertically and is redirected in a substantially horizontal direction by the means for redirecting rising gas.

Abstract: A mixing vessel (10) for containing a liquid, comprises a chamber having a lower chamber portion and an upper chamber portion wider than the lower portion, gas inlet means (14) for supplying gas to the lower portion and means for redirecting rising gas (24), such that, in use, rising gas in the form of bubbles, initially rises substantially vertically and is redirected in a substantially horizontal direction by the means for redirecting rising gas.

Abstract: A novel enhanced surface area conico-cylindrical flask (ES-CCF) providing increased surface area by virtue of its' inner arrangement and useful in routine small-scale studies of bioactives production by any biofilm-forming marine as well as terrestrial microorganisms. Compared to corresponding Erlenmeyer flask of similar volume the ES-CCF provides more than 80% additional surface for biofilm attachment and growth. The ES-CCF does not require steam sterilization and is durable as the device is constructed of polymethyl methacrylate or any other such hydrophobic material and offers possibility of altering the nature of the growth surface (hydrophilic and hydrophobic). The ES-CCF also provides external aeration like a bioreactor, thus increasing the versatility of applications. Further, the device can be operated as a cylindrical flask, that is without the inner arrangement.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement (a measurement device) for on-line measurements on cells, in particular for measuring soluble analytes and dissolved gases on samples in a sample area.