Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for encapsulating biological entities with preservation of their biological activity. In one aspect, a method of encapsulating a biological entity includes templating a biocompatible material onto a biological structure to form a coating structure enclosing the biological structure, the coating structure having a size in the nanometer range, in which the coated biological structure preserves its biological activity within the coating structure. In some implementations of the method, the biological structure includes a virus and the biocompatible material includes silica.

Abstract: In particular, the present disclosure relates to apparatus, systems and methods for culturing cells, e.g., mammalian cells, and in particular instances, mammary cells. The present disclosure describes the use of various 3D cell scaffolds, in particular hollow fiber bioreactors, for the cell seeding, proliferation and differentiation of the cells (e.g., mammalian cells such as mammary cells). The use of magnetic mechanisms for moving the cell scaffold relative to the bioreactor vessel is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for encapsulating biological entities with preservation of their biological activity. In one aspect, a method of encapsulating a biological entity includes templating a biocompatible material onto a biological structure to form a coating structure enclosing the biological structure, the coating structure having a size in the nanometer range, in which the coated biological structure preserves its biological activity within the coating structure. In some implementations of the method, the biological structure includes a virus and the biocompatible material includes silica.

Abstract: Compositions, kits, and methods for preparing nutrient compositions are provided. A nutrient composition can be a food composition such as a dairy composition. A nutrient composition may be produced by an engineered cell composition. Compositions, kits, and methods for preparing engineered cell compositions for producing nutrient compositions are also provided. An engineered cell composition may comprise genetically engineered cells, such as genetically engineered mammary or mammary-like cells. An engineered cell composition can be derived from mammalian stem cells, such as non-mammary adult stem cells. Related methods of characterization, such as for characterizing the engineered cell compositions or the nutrient compositions, are also provided.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for encapsulating biological entities with preservation of their biological activity. In one aspect, a method of encapsulating a biological entity includes templating a biocompatible material onto a biological structure to form a coating structure enclosing the biological structure, the coating structure having a size in the nanometer range, in which the coated biological structure preserves its biological activity within the coating structure. In some implementations of the method, the biological structure includes a virus and the biocompatible material includes silica.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming silica nanoparticles in an aqueous medium, the method comprising steps of providing a surfactant solution comprising a cationic surfactant in an aqueous medium; and mixing a silane source with the surfactant solution under pH conditions of about pH 5 to 8 for forming said silica nanoparticles. The present invention also relates to silica suspension comprising a plurality of hexagonally shaped silica platelets, said platelets being substantially monodisperse and having a width dimension from around 50 to 1000 nm, said platelets being suspended in an aqueous medium, wherein said aqueous medium comprises a single type of cationic surfactant. Furthermore, the invention relates to a silica nanoparticle prepared by reacting a silane source with a volumetric excess of a surfactant under pH of about 5 to about 8 in the presence of an aqueous solvent. Also, the present invention relates to a silica platelet obtainable by a method as disclosed herein.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for encapsulating biological entities with preservation of their biological activity. In one aspect, a method of encapsulating a biological entity includes templating a biocompatible material onto a biological structure to form a coating structure enclosing the biological structure, the coating structure having a size in the nanometer range, in which the coated biological structure preserves its biological activity within the coating structure. In some implementations of the method, the biological structure includes a virus and the biocompatible material includes silica.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for encapsulating biological entities with preservation of their biological activity. In one aspect, a method of encapsulating a biological entity includes templating a biocompatible material onto a biological structure to form a coating structure enclosing the biological structure, the coating structure having a size in the nanometer range, in which the coated biological structure preserves its biological activity within the coating structure. In some implementations of the method, the biological structure includes a virus and the biocompatible material includes silica.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for encapsulating biological entities with preservation of their biological activity. In one aspect, a method of encapsulating a biological entity includes templating a biocompatible material onto a biological structure to form a coating structure enclosing the biological structure, the coating structure having a size in the nanometer range, in which the coated biological structure preserves its biological activity within the coating structure. In some implementations of the method, the biological structure includes a virus and the biocompatible material includes silica.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for making hydroxymethylfurfural comprising exposing a saccharide, e.g. glucose or fructose, to a metal complex of an N-heterocyclic carbene.