Abstract: A cylindrical or annular polymeric bioreactor is disclosed which provides enhanced mixing and aeration of the growth medium while simultaneously offering reduced mechanical shear force.

Abstract: Modules, devices, systems and methods for measuring or detecting cysteine and/or methionine metabolite levels in a sample from a subject are disclosed. Various embodiments of the present invention concern modules, devices, systems and methods for prognosing or diagnosing cancer, for example, prostate, colon, ovarian or breast cancer; predicting the risk or probability of cancer recurrence; and/or for predicting, detecting and/or monitoring cystinuria or cystine stone disease.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a bioreactor coupled to a substrate. The bioreactor includes: a plurality of walls defining a reservoir; a plurality of fluidic channels in at least some of the walls; a fluidic inlet in fluidic communication with the reservoir via, the fluidic channels; a fluidic outlet in fluidic communication with the reservoir via the fluidic channels; and one or more sensors coupled to the reservoir, each sensor being configured to detect one or more of: environmental conditions in the reservoir; and physiological conditions of one or more cells optionally present in the reservoir. In another embodiment, a method includes delivering media to a reservoir of a bioreactor; delivering a plurality of cells to the reservoir, controlling a reservoir temperature and a reservoir gas composition; using one or more of the sensors to monitor environmental and physiological conditions; and reporting the environmental and/or physiological conditions.

Abstract: This document provides bioartificial liver (BAL) devices. Methods for making and using BAL devices also are provided.

Abstract: Nanofluidic devices and methods of the invention are capable of autonomously isolating individual microbial cells using constrictive channels and growing monocultures of the cells for automated characterization of their biochemical properties and interactions with mammalian cells. Single microbial cells, such as bacterial cells, are isolated directly from environmental sources and cultured using chemical factors from their native environment.

Abstract: A method of inducing ischemia includes: providing a cell culture device having a first cell culture in an internal chamber and a second cell culture in at least one fluid channel and a perfusion modulating system that causes changes in oxygen flow in the internal chamber and/or at least one fluid channel; flowing liquid media having oxygen through the internal chamber and at least one fluid channel of the cell culture device; modulating oxygen perfusion in the internal chamber with the perfusion modulating system by varying and selectively blocking the flow rate of at least one of the liquid media or oxygen through the internal chamber to induce varying levels of ischemia; and assaying for ischemia in the first cell culture.

Abstract: A device for cell culture, in particular of neuronal cells, including: a substrate defining a first microfluidic chamber to be seeded with a first cell culture, and at least a second microfluidic chamber, a fluidic interconnection system connecting the first and second chambers and enabling cellular extensions, in particular axons, to extend from one chamber to the other, wherein the interconnection system of the device is made so as to promote the progression of at least one first type of cellular extension, the first and second types of extension being different either due to the microfluidic chamber from which they originate, or due to the type of cell of which they constitute an extension.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for producing an organic compound using fermentation wherein multiple components of the system are recycled within the system. The system and method allow for extraction of a high concentration of the organic compound from the fermentation broth in a continuous system that allows recycling of the biomass, aqueous fermentation broth and extraction solvents. The system and method are particularly well adapted for producing and extracting ethanol.

Abstract: A flexible, thin, elongated band is used as a substrate. Similarly to a magnetic tape, the band is unwound from a feed reel and is transported past an outlet opening of a receptacle containing the cells such that the cells are poured onto the band. Subsequently, the band containing the cells applied thereon is wound onto a take-up reel. The take-up reel is fixed on a drive shaft which can be rotated by a drive mechanism. The rotation thus achieved has the effect that the band is unwound, transported past the outlet opening and finally wound up. In addition, spacers are provided at the upper surface of the band in order to prevent the contacting of radially adjacent sections of the band containing the cells in a wound-up state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (100) for separating adult stem cells from adipose tissue taken from a biological structure. The device (100) has a container (110) for receiving a material mixture with the adipose tissue and the adult stem cells. Furthermore, the device (100) has a rinse agent feed device (120), a mixture feed device (130), a stem cell extraction device (140), a rinse agent drainage device (150), and a selectively permeable membrane (161-165). The container (110) has at least two chambers (171-174) which are separated from one another by at least one membrane (161-165). The mixture feed device (130) and the stem extraction device (140) are also separated by the at least one membrane (161-165).

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatuses for producing Class A biosolids. In yet another embodiment, the invention relates to a method comprising digesting waster material by anaerobic digestion, and yielding Class A biosolids. In still yet another embodiment, the invention relates to a system for anaerobic digestion of waste material to produce Class A biosolids. In still yet another embodiment, the invention relates to a system for anaerobic digestion of waste material comprising a mixing chamber, a digester, a heating pit, and an effluent pit.

Abstract: This patent document relates to the field of biotechnological apparatuses. It relates particularly to a biotechnological apparatus comprising a bioreactor, an exhaust gas temperature control device and a method for treating an exhaust gas stream. This patent document further relates to a connection device for a sterile single-use fluid conduit of a single-use bioreactor and to a method for treating a fluid stream. The reusable connection device comprises a receptacle in which a portion of the fluid conduit can be detachably arranged, and a coupling member connecting the connection device to a temperature control device, the receptacle having a contact surface which is arranged such that the contact surface abuts a fluid conduit arranged in the receptacle, and wherein a portion of a fluid conduit can be introduced into the receptacle in a direction running substantially orthogonally to a longitudinal axis of the connection device.

Abstract: A method for promoting biological activity uses a filter system to increase cell production of a fed batch bioreactor. The filter system cycles bioreactor fluid through a hollow fiber tangential flow filter which separates metabolic wastes (as well as proteins) from cells produced in bioreactor and returned to fed batch bioreactor, improving cell production in the fed batch bioreactor. The filter system includes a disposable pump and filter, and a reusable control system. The pump is a low shear gamma stable pump gently cycling bioreactor fluid through the filter with minimal damage to the cells produced in the bioreactor. The pumphead and hollow fiber tangential flow filter are disposable. The pump motor is part of the control system and is reusable. The pumphead and filter are provided as an assembled and pre-sterilized unit allowing simple and quick attachment to the fed batch bioreactor, and simple and quick disposal.

Abstract: An incubator includes: an insulated box including an incubation space surrounded by multiple inner faces; a humidifying unit that humidifies an incubation space; a first heating unit that heats a first inner face among the multiple inner faces, with electric power supplied; a second heating unit that heats a second inner face, different from the first inner face, with electric power supplied; and a control unit that controls the magnitude of electric power supplied to each of the first heating unit and the second heating unit. The control unit repeatedly changes the magnitude of electric power supplied to the first heating unit at first timing, and also repeatedly changes the magnitude of electric power supplied to the second heating unit at second timing different from the first timing.

Abstract: Optical systems and apparatuses configured for enabling substantially simultaneous observation of a plurality of points in an array from a common reference point. Without the optical systems and apparatuses disclosed herein, less than all of the plurality of points can be observed substantially simultaneously from the common reference point.

Abstract: A novel vial for holding a segment of epithelial tissue is provided. The vial is easy to assemble and allows horizontal alignment of the tissue sample. A device comprising the vial, to methods for generating the device, and to a multitude of said devices which allow medium throughput measurements of absorption, transport and/or secretion across an epithelial tissue are also provided.

Abstract: The present application provides a reactor with an inclined bottom gas-inlet for aerobic fermentation. A fermenter is provided with a circular inner tank, end covers and a jacket. An airtight fermentation space is formed in the fermenter by the inner tank, an upper end cover and a lower end cover. A feed opening and an exhaust outlet are arranged at an upper part of the fermenter, and a discharge opening is arranged at a lower part of the lower end cover of the fermenter. An energy-saving stirrer is mounted in the fermenter. A plurality of air chambers are arranged at an external wall at the bottom of the inner tank of the fermenter and are within the jacket. A plurality of aeration nozzles are defined on an inner side of each air chamber, and the aeration nozzles are disposed next to the inner tank.

Abstract: An operation isolator forms an aseptic space. An incubator is connected to the operation isolator, in which cells are stored and cultured. A storage chamber stores articles used in the operation isolator. In order to carry articles from the outside into the storage chamber, a decontamination pass-box is provided. The storage chamber and the operation isolator are directly or indirectly connected to each other.

Abstract: Nanofluidic devices and methods of the invention are capable of autonomously isolating individual microbial cells using constrictive channels and growing monocultures of the cells for automated characterization of their biochemical properties and interactions with mammalian cells. Single microbial cells, such as bacterial cells, are isolated directly from environmental sources and cultured using chemical factors from their native environment.

Abstract: An organ-chimerization maintenance device. The organ-chimerization device includes at least one large cannula connector that connects to at least one of an organ's vessels. The large cannula is configured to supply a chimerization solution to the organ. The organ-chimerization device also includes a an oxygenation cannula connector that facilitates oxygenation of the organ during chimerization.