Abstract: A microfluidic device for culturing cells, termed a microscale cell culture analog (?CCA), is provided. The microfluidic device allows multiple cell or tissue types to be cultured in a physiologically relevant environment, facilitates high-throughput operation and can be used for drug discovery. The microfluidic device uses gravity-induced fluidic flow, eliminating the need for a pump and preventing formation of air bubbles. Reciprocating motion between a pair of connected reservoirs is used to effect the gravity-induced flow in microfluidic channels. Bacterial contamination is reduced and high throughput enabled by eliminating a pump. The microfluidic device integrates a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) model to enable PK-PD analyses on-chip. This combined in vitro/in silico system enables prediction of drug toxicity in a more realistic manner than conventional in vitro systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a fermented ginseng concentrate. The method first involves subjecting ginseng to an extraction with a solvent to obtain a ginseng extract. Next, pectinase and beta-galactosidase are added to the ginseng extract under conditions effective to ferment the ginseng extract. The fermented extract is then concentrated to produce a fermented ginseng concentrate. The method may further involve drying the fermented ginseng concentrate to obtain fermented ginseng powder. Combinations of the invention ginseng materials with other active and/or inactive materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a fermented ginseng concentrate. The method first involves subjecting ginseng to an extraction with a solvent to obtain a ginseng extract. Next, pectinase and beta-galactosidase are added to the ginseng extract under conditions effective to ferment the ginseng extract. The fermented extract is then concentrated to produce a fermented ginseng concentrate. The method may further involve drying the fermented ginseng concentrate to obtain fermented ginseng powder.

Abstract: Three-dimensional biomimetic tissue scaffolds, as well as methods of manufacture of these scaffolds. The method is fully customizable to create a biomimetic tissue scaffold with shapes, densities, and geometries similar or identical to the tissue it imitates. For example, physiologically realistic collagen/PEG villi created using the method are designed to have a high-aspect ratio and curvature similar to villi found in the human small intestine. Accordingly, the biomimetic tissue scaffolds serve as an improved in vitro model for a wide variety of physiological research, as well as pharmacological testing and drug, compound, and/or metabolite uptake by cells growing on the scaffold, among many other uses.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for culturing cells, termed a microscale cell culture analog (?CCA), is provided. The microfluidic device allows multiple cell or tissue types to be cultured in a physiologically relevant environment, facilitates high-throughput operation and can be used for drug discovery. The microfluidic device uses gravity-induced fluidic flow, eliminating the need for a pump and preventing formation of air bubbles. Reciprocating motion between a pair of connected reservoirs is used to effect the gravity-induced flow in microfluidic channels. Bacterial contamination is reduced and high throughput enabled by eliminating a pump. The microfluidic device integrates a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) model to enable PK-PD analyses on-chip. This combined in vitro/in silico system enables prediction of drug toxicity in a more realistic manner than conventional in vitro systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a fermented ginseng concentrate. The method first involves subjecting ginseng to an extraction with a solvent to obtain a ginseng extract. Next, pectinase and beta-galactosidase are added to the ginseng extract under conditions effective to ferment the ginseng extract. The fermented extract is then concentrated to produce a fermented ginseng concentrate. The method may further involve drying the fermented ginseng concentrate to obtain fermented ginseng powder. Combinations of the invention ginseng materials with other active and/or inactive materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a fermented ginseng concentrate. The method first involves subjecting ginseng to an extraction with a solvent to obtain a ginseng extract. Next, pectinase and beta-galactosidase are added to the ginseng extract under conditions effective to ferment the ginseng extract. The fermented extract is then concentrated to produce a fermented ginseng concentrate. The method may further involve drying the fermented ginseng concentrate to obtain fermented ginseng powder.

Abstract: According to this invention, Prevotella sp. S-1 strain (Bacteroidaceae family, KFCC-10923) is cultured in a medium supplemented with Panax ginseng saponin so as to collect the metabolites of saponin generated and accumulated in the medium, thus ensuring their selective production with high efficiency.This invention related to a process for the preparation of the metabolites of protopanaxadiol saponin, wherein Prevotella sp. S-1 strain (Bacteroidaceae family, KFCC-10923), is cultured at a medium supplemented with Panax ginseng saponin and then, the metabolites of protopanaxadiol saponin contained in the medium--20-O-.beta.-D-glucopyranosyl-20(s)-protopanaxadiol, 20-O-?.alpha.-L-arabinopyranosyl-20(s)-protopanaxadiol, and 20-0-?.alpha.-L-arabinopuranosyl(1.fwdarw.6)-.beta.-D-glucopyranosyl!-20(s )-protopanaxadiol --are generated and accumulated for collecting them thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to ginsenoside Mc with formula (I), ##STR1## an intestinal flora metabolite of ginseng saponin and anticancer agent containing it as an active ingredient. In addition to a novel compound, the anticancer agent of this invention consists of one active ingredient elected from compound K, compound Y or 20(S)-protopanaxatriol, intestinal flora metabolites of ginseng saponin, together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. Said agent is a novel type of potential anticancer agent since it has immunopotentiating actions including inhibitory actions on the vascularization of tumors and extravasation of cancer cells.