Abstract: Methods and devices for in vitro shoot growth, cutting shoots, root growth and formation of a stably growing and robust complete plants utilizing liquid culture medium and subsequently transfer to ex vitro conditions by a robotic device or other automated means are disclosed. It may comprise a temporary-immersion bioreactor system, in vitro fixtures for shoots, a holder for shoot fixtures, a cutting device and a rooting tube.

Abstract: Methods and devices for fluidic-based automated regulation of liquid-suspended particles and plug removal (of particles) from possible choke points in the liquid flow channel and methods for multiple parallel particle processing are disclosed. The apparatus comprises flow channels, flow direction means, particle detectors and a control unit.

Abstract: Methods of modulating the conformation of vWF are provided. One embodiment provides a method for linearizing globular vWF by contacting globular vWF proteins with an effective amount of negatively charged nanoparticles that interact with the globular vWF proteins to induce a conformational change in the globular vWF proteins such that the change in conformation inhibits or reduces the ability of the vWF proteins to bind to platelet receptors. Preferred negatively charged nanoparticles are non-functionalized.

Abstract: Methods and devices for separating fluid-suspended plant propagules and non-plant propagules based on differences in their fluid drag properties are disclosed. Deposition method and device for depositing plant propagules into a receiver comprising growth substrate by means of a fluid jet is disclosed. An automated system for processing plant propagules from a bioreactor to the growth substrate is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices for dispersion of clusters of somatic plant embryos suspended in a liquid are disclosed. The methods comprise i) subjecting the clusters of embryos to fluid dynamics forces causing axially extensional strain and radially compressional strain and ii) subjecting the clusters of embryos to fluid dynamics forces causing axially compressional strain and radially extensional strain fluid dynamics and iii) repeating said steps in sequence until the individual embryos are separated from each other. The devices may comprise a flow channel including at least one constriction, such that clusters of embryos flowing through the flow channel are first subjected to axially extensional strain and radially compressional strain, and then to axially compressional strain and radially extensional strain from fluid dynamics forces.

Abstract: A method for planting a plant propagule with a root forming end and a shoot forming end, comprising the steps of providing a growth substrate and an elongated tubular hollow member (2), inserting the root forming end of the propagule into the hollow member (2) such that the shoot forming end does not enter the hollow member (2); and withdrawing the hollow member (2) through the growth substrate in the direction opposite of the shoot forming end, whereby the propagule is planted in a hole (3) in the substrate left by the hollow member (2), with the root forming end located within the substrate and the shoot out of the substrate. Associated devices are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and devices for separating fluid-suspended plant propagules and non-plant propagules based on differences in their fluid drag properties are disclosed. Deposition method and device for depositing plant propagules into a receiver comprising growth substrate by means of a fluid jet is disclosed. An automated system for processing plant propagules from a bioreactor to the growth substrate is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices for dispersion of clusters of somatic plant embryos suspended in a liquid are disclosed. The methods comprise i) subjecting the clusters of embryos to fluid dynamics forces causing axially extensional strain and radially compressional strain and ii) subjecting the clusters of embryos to fluid dynamics forces causing axially compressional strain and radially extensional strain fluid dynamics and iii) repeating said steps in sequence until the individual embryos are separated from each other. The devices may comprise a flow channel including at least one constriction, such that clusters of embryos flowing through the flow channel are first subjected to axially extensional strain and radially compressional strain, and then to axially compressional strain and radially extensional strain from fluid dynamics forces.

Abstract: Methods and devices for separating fluid-suspended plant somatic embryos and embryogenic tissue based on differences in their fluid drag properties are disclosed. Deposition method and device for depositing plant somatic embryos into embryo receiver comprising growth substrate by means of a fluid jet is disclosed. An automated system for processing plant somatic embryos from the bioreactor to the growth substrate is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices for dispersion of clusters of somatic plant embryos suspended in a liquid are disclosed. The methods comprise i) subjecting the clusters of embryos to fluid dynamics forces causing axially extensional strain and radially compressional strain and ii) subjecting the clusters of embryos to fluid dynamics forces causing axially compressional strain and radially extensional strain fluid dynamics and iii) repeating said steps in sequence until the individual embryos are separated from each other. The devices may comprise a flow channel including at least one constriction, such that clusters of embryos flowing through the flow channel are first subjected to axially extensional strain and radially compressional strain, and then to axially compressional strain and radially extensional strain from fluid dynamics forces.

Abstract: Methods and devices for dispersion of assemblies of biological material (such as plant embryogenic mass, plant tissue, cultured plant cells, animal tissue and/or cultured animal cells) suspended in a liquid are disclosed. The methods comprise i) subjecting the assemblies of biological material to fluid dynamics forces causing axially extensional strain and radially compressional strain and ii) subjecting the assemblies of biological material to fluid dynamics forces causing axially compressional strain and radially extensional strain fluid dynamics and iii) repeating said steps i) and ii) in sequence until assemblies of biological material is dispersed into the desired smaller size.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for fluidics-based automated orientation of plant embryos. The apparatus comprises flow channels, flow direction means, an orientation detector and a control unit. The orientation of embryos suspended in liquid flowing individually through the flow channels is constrained to cotyledon-first or cotyledon-last orientation by dimensional constraints. The orientation is determined by the orientation detector. Embryos not oriented as desired are directed into a reservoir tube by the flow direction means, after which the flow is directed from the reservoir tube to the outlet thereby having reoriented the embryo. Means of sorting viable embryos from other objects are optionally included in the apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and devices for dispersion of clusters of somatic plant embryos suspended in a liquid are disclosed. The methods comprise i) subjecting the clusters of embryos to fluid dynamics forces causing axially extensional strain and radially compressional strain and ii) subjecting the clusters of embryos to fluid dynamics forces causing axially compressional strain and radially extensional strain fluid dynamics and iii) repeating said steps in sequence until the individual embryos are separated from each other. The devices may comprise a flow channel including at least one constriction, such that clusters of embryos flowing through the flow channel are first subjected to axially extensional strain and radially compressional strain, and then to axially compressional strain and radially extensional strain from fluid dynamics forces.

Abstract: Methods and devices for dispersion of assemblies of biological material (such as plant embryogenic mass, plant tissue, cultured plant cells, animal tissue and/or cultured animal cells) suspended in a liquid are disclosed. The methods comprise i) subjecting the assemblies of biological material to fluid dynamics forces causing axially extensional strain and radially compressional strain and ii) subjecting the assemblies of biological material to fluid dynamics forces causing axially compressional strain and radially extensional strain fluid dynamics and iii) repeating said steps i) and ii) in sequence until assemblies of biological material is dispersed into the desired smaller size.

Abstract: Methods and devices for separating fluid-suspended plant somatic embryos and embryogenic tissue based on differences in their fluid drag properties are disclosed. Deposition method and device for depositing plant somatic embryos into embryo receiver comprising growth substrate by means of a fluid jet is disclosed. An automated system for processing plant somatic embryos from the bioreactor to the growth substrate is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for fluidics-based automated orientation of plant embryos. The apparatus comprises flow channels, flow direction means, an orientation detector and a control unit. The orientation of embryos suspended in liquid flowing individually through the flow channels is constrained to cotyledon-first or cotyledon-last orientation by dimensional constraints. The orientation is determined by the orientation detector. Embryos not oriented as desired are directed into a reservoir tube by the flow direction means, after which the flow is directed from the reservoir tube to the outlet thereby having reoriented the embryo. Means of sorting viable embryos from other objects are optionally included in the apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and devices for dispersion of clusters of somatic plant embryos suspended in a liquid are disclosed. The methods comprise i) subjecting the clusters of embryos to fluid dynamics forces causing axially extensional strain and radially compressional strain and ii) subjecting the clusters of embryos to fluid dynamics forces causing axially compressional strain and radially extensional strain fluid dynamics and iii) repeating said steps in sequence until the individual embryos are separated from each other. The devices may comprise a flow channel including at least one constriction, such that clusters of embryos flowing through the flow channel are first subjected to axially extensional strain and radially compressional strain, and then to axially compressional strain and radially extensional strain from fluid dynamics forces.

Abstract: An automated biological sample aliquoting processing system is disclosed for handling biological samples. The system reads and records a sample identification number, cuts a biological sample, and places a portion of the biological sample into a specific location in a multi-well plate. The system ensures sample integrity and also greatly reduces the man hours currently required to process biological samples. The system, which automates sample cutting and aliquoting, reduces the time and cost of operation, while eliminating manual steps in a laboratory process.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to enhance paper and board forming qualities with insert tubes and/or a diffuser block in the paper forming machine headbox component which generates vorticity in the machine direction (MD) which is superimposed on the streamwise flow to generate a swirling or helical flow through the tubes of the diffuser block. Tubes of the diffuser block are designed such that the direction of the swirl or fluid rotation of the paper fiber stock may be controlled and the direction thereof is controlled in such a way to provide effective mixing, coalescence and merging of the jets of fluid emanating from the tubes into the converging section, i.e., nozzle chamber of the headbox. Also disclosed is the effective mixing of the jets generating cross-machine direction (CD) shear between the rows of jets that form at the outlet of the tubes inside the nozzle chamber of the headbox to align paper fibers in the cross-machine direction.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to enhance paper and board forming qualities with insert tubes and/or a diffuser block in the paper forming machine headbox component which generates vorticity in the machine direction (MD) which is superimposed on the streamwise flow to generate a swirling or helical flow through the tubes of the diffuser block. Tubes of the diffuser block are designed such that the direction of the swirl or fluid rotation of the paper fiber stock may be controlled and the direction thereof is controlled in such a way to provide effective mixing, coalescence and merging of the jets of fluid emanating from the tubes into the converging section, i.e., nozzle chamber of the headbox. Also disclosed is the effective mixing of the jets generating cross-machine direction (CD) shear between the rows of jets that form at the outlet of the tubes inside the nozzle chamber of the headbox to align paper fibers in the cross-machine direction.