Abstract: Thermoplastics interdispersed with a variety of functional thermostable proteins and methods for their production are provided. To prepare the subject thermoplastics, a plastic material is contacted with a thermostable polypeptide and then subjected to the heating and molding/extrusion/casting process. The resultant thermoplastics comprise the thermostable polypeptide on the formed plastic surface and at a depth below the plastic surface. The thermostable polypeptides contained in the disclosed compositions retain functional properties or binding specificities through the heating and molding/extrusion/casting processes. Preferred thermostable polypeptides used in the disclosed compositions include silk-like protein polymers, particularly ProNectin.RTM.F. The disclosed methods and compositions find use in many applications where plastics containing finctional thermostable proteins are desired, in particular, cell cultureware.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multiwell apparatus for biological and biochemical analysis which provides for separate collection of filtrate from each well, without cross-contamination therebetween. The present invention provides a manifold plate having an array of filtering wells, each of the wells being closed at its bottom by a planar bottom member providing a filter support surface. A discharge nozzle of passageway depends from each well bottom (planar bottom member) in a direction normal thereto, with one such discharge nozzle or port being provided in fluid communication with each filtering well. Each of these filtrate nozzles or drain ports extends from the lower surface of the planar bottom member to such an extent that it will enter into the well of a conventional multiwell, e.g., microtiter, plate in alignment therewith and mate with the sidewall of the aligned well of the multiwell plate.

Abstract: The cell culturing system of the present invention includes a tubular membrane, e.g. hollow fiber, cartridge. Provision is made for the continuous circulation of a nutrient-containing medium through the tube side of the cartridge by pumping the nutrient-containing medium in an endless loop. The cells to be cultured are placed within the cartridge on the shell side where the desired extracellular products are accumulated. Nutrients are assimilated into the cell culture through the semipermeable tubular membranes and waste products are removed by passing through the semipermeable membranes into the recirculating nutrient-containing medium. Within the endless loop are located a circulating pump, an oxygenator and a pH probe. The system additionally includes a variable delivery feed pump for continuously injecting fresh nutrient-containing solution into the loop, which feed pump is operated at a rate responsive to the measured pH.

Abstract: A method for agitating and mixing a gas with a medium in a closed fermentation vessel comprising recirculating said medium through a venturi jet mixer whereby it is mixed with the gas under high shear conditions to form a mixture of gas saturated medium and a dispersion of small gas bubbles and projected the mixture in the fermentation vessel below the liquid surface level in a plume extending horizontally from the jet mixer, then rising vertically to the liquid surface.