Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for generating organic compounds using carbon dioxide as a source of carbon and electrical current as an energy source. In one embodiment, a reaction cell is provided having a cathode electrode and an anode electrode that are connected to a source of electrical power, and which are separated by a permeable membrane. A biological film is provided on the cathode. The biological film comprises a bacterium that can accept electrons and that can convert carbon dioxide to a carbon-bearing compound and water in a cathode half-reaction. At the anode, water is decomposed to free molecular oxygen and solvated protons in an anode half-reaction. The half-reactions are driven by the application of electrical current from an external source. Compounds that have been produced include acetate, butanol, 2-oxobutyrate, propanol, ethanol, and formate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition and method used for injuries treatment with a surprisingly therapeutic effect. This composition comprises a population of cells derived from human umbilical cord blood which expresses one of the following markers: CD34, CD45, and CD31; a population of CD34+ derived endothelial cells; and a biomimetic gel, preferably fibrin. The method for obtaining the composition comprises the derivation of a population of endothelial cells from CD34+ cells and then a co-culture of a CD34+ cells with CD34+-derived endothelial cells within a biomimetic gel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring a cryopreserved biological sample (1), comprising the steps of providing the biological sample (1) in a cryopreserved state, measuring at least one Raman spectroscopic sample characteristic by means of a Raman spectroscopic measuring apparatus (10, 20), comparing the at least one sample characteristic with a reference characteristic by means of an evaluating apparatus (30), and providing a state characteristic that depends on the result of the comparison and that is characteristic of a storage state of the biological sample (1). The invention further relates to a monitoring device for cryopreserved samples, in particular for performing said method.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for analyzing blood samples, and more specifically for performing a basophil analysis. In one embodiment, the systems and methods include: (a) staining a blood sample with an exclusive cell membrane permeable fluorescent dye; and then (b) using measurements of light scatter and fluorescence emission to distinguish basophils from other WBC sub-populations. In one embodiment, the systems and methods include performing a basophil cluster analysis of the blood sample, based on the combination of light scatter and fluorescence measurements.

Abstract: A method whereby one or more fluorescent dyes are used to bind and stain nucleic acids in certain blood cells, such as, for example, white blood cells, nucleated red blood cells, and reticulocytes, and to induce fluorescent emissions upon excitation of photons from a given source of light, such as, for example, a laser, at an appropriate wavelength. More particularly, this invention provides a method whereby a fluorescent trigger is used in a data collection step for collecting events that emit strong fluorescence, in order to separate white blood cells and nucleated red blood cells from red blood cells and platelets without the need for using a lysing agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell culture medium for culturing human cells comprising an anti-coagulated total blood material wherein the hemoglobin level is from about 8 to about 16 g/dl. More particularly, the invention provides a cell culture medium in which cells present in the blood are disrupted and the insoluble remnants of the lysated cells are removed. Further, the invention provides a method for the preparation of a cell culture medium for culturing human cells, according to the invention.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing blood samples, and more specifically for performing a white blood cell (WBC) differential analysis. The systems and methods screen WBCs by means of fluorescence staining and a fluorescence triggering strategy. As such, interference from unlyzed red blood cells (RBCs) and fragments of lysed RBCs is substantially eliminated. The systems and methods also enable development of relatively milder WBC reagent(s), suitable for assays of samples containing fragile WBCs. In one embodiment, the systems and methods include: (a) staining a blood sample with an exclusive cell membrane permeable fluorescent dye, which corresponds in emission spectrum to an excitation source of a hematology instrument; (b) using a fluorescence trigger to screen the blood sample for WBCs; and (c) using measurements of (1) axial light loss, (2) intermediate angle scatter, (3) 90° polarized side scatter, (4) 90° depolarized side scatter, and (5) fluorescence emission to perform a differentiation analysis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing blood samples, and more specifically for performing a nucleated red blood cell (nRBC) analysis. The systems and methods screen a blood sample by means of fluorescence staining and a fluorescence triggering strategy, to identify nuclei-containing particles within the blood sample. As such, interference from unlysed red blood cells (RBCs) and fragments of lysed RBCs is substantially eliminated. The systems and methods also enable development of relatively milder reagent(s), suitable for assays of samples containing fragile white blood cells (WBCs). In one embodiment, the systems and methods include: (a) staining a blood sample with an exclusive cell membrane permeable fluorescent dye; (b) using a fluorescence trigger to screen the blood sample for nuclei-containing particles; and (c) using measurements of light scatter and fluorescence emission to distinguish nRBCs from WBCs.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, apparatus, devices and methods, including a method that includes determining traction forces exerted by a cellular monolayer on a substrate on which the monolayer is placed, and determining internal forces within and between cells of the monolayer based on the determined traction forces. In some embodiments, determining the internal forces of the cellular monolayer may include determining internal stresses within the cellular monolayer that act to balance the determined traction forces over at least part of the cellular monolayer. In some embodiments, determining of the internal stresses may also include setting boundary conditions at a boundary determined based on an optical field of view of an observed section of the monolayer.

Abstract: Solutions and suspensions comprising polymerized hemoglobin derived from human blood are disclosed. The solutions and suspensions may comprise cell culture medium, an enzyme (such as a protease), and/or a buffer. Processes of preparing the solutions and suspensions are also disclosed. The solutions and suspensions may be employed in methods of isolating mammalian cells, such as pancreatic islets, methods of preserving mammalian tissue and organs, methods of aiding the recovery of mammalian cells following their isolation, methods of maintaining mammalian cells, methods of propagating mammalian cells, and methods of treating a mammal with diabetes.

Abstract: A method for pretreating biomass is provided, which includes, in a reactor, allowing gaseous ammonia to condense on the biomass and react with water present in the biomass to produce pretreated biomass, wherein reactivity of polysaccharides in the biomass is increased during subsequent biological conversion as compared to the reactivity of polysaccharides in biomass which has not been pretreated. A method for pretreating biomass with a liquid ammonia and recovering the liquid ammonia is also provided. Related systems which include a biochemical or biofuel production facility are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a synthetic, composite graft to support robust bone growth. In an embodiment, the synthetic, composite graft includes a synthetic scaffold material including a material resorbable through natural cellular processes; a signaling factor combined with the scaffold material; a cell adherence factor coated on the scaffold material; a quantity of viable bone forming cells adhered to the scaffold; and a matrix substrate binding the scaffold material. There is disclosed a method of forming a synthetic, composite graft to support bone growth for bone grafting. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a synthetic scaffold material including a material resorbable through natural cellular processes; combining a signaling factor with the scaffold material; coating a cell adherence factor on the scaffold material; adhering a quantity of viable bone forming cells to the scaffold; and encasing the scaffold material with a matrix substrate. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method which can isolate plasma cells and plasmablasts efficiently and with high purity, from mammals and birds, without using a cell surface marker is provided. Further disclosed is a fluorescent probe wherein the staining selectivity for the endoplasmic reticulum of cells is higher than the staining selectivity for cell organelles other than the endoplasmic reticulum. Also disclosed is a method for identifying plasma cells and plasmablasts which includes staining cells derived from lymph node tissue or similar by using this probe, and identifying plasma cells and plasmablasts on the basis of the fluorescence intensity from the stained cells. Also disclosed is a fluorescent probe wherein the staining selectivity for cell nuclei is higher than the staining selectivity for cell organelles other than the cell nuclei.

Abstract: Methods and systems for biomass hydrolysis are disclosed. The methods use wash liquor in a sequencing process to maximize sugar yields, particularly C5 saccharides.

Abstract: The present document describes an in vitro method for determining a level of mitochondrial function from a subject by determining a change in a labeled compound labeling a viable cell or tissue sample isolated from a subject following introduction of a volume of a solution over said viable cell or tissue sample. The comparison of the change to a normal reference is indicative of mitochondrial function in the subject.

Abstract: Intravenous ferumoxytol is used to effectively label mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in vivo and is used for in vivo tracking of stem cell transplants with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The method eliminates risk of contamination and biologic alteration of MSCs associated with ex-vivo-labeling procedures.

Abstract: There is provided an ex-vivo insect screening model to accurately determine blood-brain barrier penetration of different nanoparticles in order to improve the compound screening procedures/processes in the early drug discovery process. This object offers many advantages relative to prior technologies since insect models are more reliable tools for the decision-making process than the existing in vitro models, and will speed up the drug screening process and reduce the late phase attrition rate. Moreover, it will reduce the number of mammals sacrificed during the drug discovery phase.

Abstract: The invention induces an increase in the resistance of potato plants, without apparent toxicity for the plant. Preliminary experiments indicate that the increase in metabolism of plants efficiently fosters (above 60%) the reduction of the development of the pathogenic phytobacteria, Erwinia carotovora, one of the principal agents in causing diseases in potatoes.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the pretreatment of lignocellulosic material. The present invention further provides for pretreated lignocellulosic material that can be used to produce useful products, such as fermentable sugars.

Abstract: A biological material such as platelets is sealed inside a container with a dead space to accommodate a metabolic gas. The concentration of the gas in the dead space is monitored while the container remains sealed. In some embodiments, the container is permeable to the gas. In other embodiments, the biological material is the only growth medium in the container. The disposal of the biological material is in accordance with the monitored gas concentration. Preferably, the gas concentration is measured spectroscopically. A container for a biological material includes a main body that retains the biological material but that is permeable to a gas and a reservoir in fluid communication with the main body that is transparent to an optical wavelength that is absorbed by the gas.