Abstract: Embodiments relate to a unique design of a cell growth vessel stack system that provides for inter-communication of cell growth levels arranged in a parallel configuration so to facilitate environmental uniformity of the inter-connected growth surface tiers. The unique design also facilitates a fine-tuning of optimized gas and media flow to each cell growth level within the vessel stack. The unique architecture facilitates media refreshment at conveniently scheduled intervals and/or allows constant perfusion from a media reservoir that can be replenished without interrupting the cell proliferation rate. The perfusion rate, nutrient medium condition, CO2 content and osmolality can be controlled to optimize the desired cell proliferation rate, thereby improving cell quantity, quality, and viability.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to novel apparatuses, methods and systems employing said novel apparatuses, and sensors for use with said apparatuses and systems. In some embodiments, apparatuses and systems described herein are used to culture cells and/or detect changes in pH levels or dissolved oxygen and/or carbon dioxide levels in a cell culture sample resulting from the growth of living cells contained within a reaction vessel such as a flask. In some embodiments, said novel apparatuses may be used in combination with a rocker or shaking device or apparatus. The systems and methods may be used to detect changes in pH and dissolved gas levels in a liquid contained in the reaction vessel due to growth of living cells.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems and methods for increasing the cell growth surface within the roller tubes used as reaction vessels in a cell culture system by using a rotating platform or cage-like structure with a center of rotation of each of roller tubes being held therein being coaxial with the circumferential distribution of the plurality of roller tubes held in the platform. Each of the roller tubes has a superellipse or squircle cross-sectional shape to further increase the cell growth surface within the roller tubes. Additional improvements include use of a removable cell adherence liner, a cell perfusion system, a cell culture monitoring system, and a gas circulation system.

Abstract: Embodiments of a cell culture monitoring system are disclosed that may include a device having collimating and filtering components to elicit and detect fluorescence from a substrate located within a reaction vessel. The device may be used to detect changes in pH and dissolved oxygen levels in a liquid contained in the reaction vessel due to growth of living cells. Excitation light beams can be generated and collimated by a beam combiner and directed into the reaction vessel so as to be incident upon the substrate to cause the substrate to fluoresce. Some embodiments include use of expected wavelength offsets and shifted filters/mirrors to improve functionality and reduce space of device components.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to novel flasks, methods and systems employing said novel flasks, and sensors for use within said flasks and systems. In some embodiments, flasks and systems described herein are used to culture cells and/or detect changes in pH levels or dissolved oxygen and/or carbon dioxide levels in a cell culture sample resulting from the growth of living cells contained within a reaction vessel such as a flask. The devices may be used to detect changes in pH and dissolved oxygen levels in a liquid contained in the reaction vessel due to growth of living cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cell culture incubator system having a sensor strip configured to be placed within a reaction vessel (e.g., incubator vessel) so as to position the sensor within media covering the cells. A reader is placed outside but adjacent the vessel to read the sensor so as to detect changes in dissolved O2 and pH. The system is used to determine if the incubator environment has too much CO2 and is therefore trending towards hypoxia and/or acidity, or has too much dissolved O2 and is therefore trending toward oxygen toxicity via the cell nutrient media. In some embodiments, the system includes a rocker unit configured to rock the reaction vessel to enhance cell growth. In some embodiments, the system includes a gas circulation system to adjust the CO2 and dissolved O2 levels in the reaction vessel.

Abstract: Embodiments of a cell culture monitoring system are disclosed that may include a device having collimating and filtering components to elicit and detect fluorescence from a substrate located within a reaction vessel. The device may be used to detect changes in pH and dissolved oxygen levels in a liquid contained in the reaction vessel due to growth of living cells. Excitation light beams can be generated and collimated by a beam combiner and directed into the reaction vessel so as to be incident upon the substrate to cause the substrate to fluoresce. Some embodiments include use of expected wavelength offsets and shifted filters/mirrors to improve functionality and reduce space of device components.

Abstract: Embodiments of a cell culture monitoring system are disclosed that may include a device having collimating and filtering components to elicit and detect fluorescence from a substrate located within a reaction vessel. The device may be used to detect changes in pH and dissolved oxygen levels in a liquid contained in the reaction vessel due to growth of living cells. Excitation light beams can be generated and collimated by a beam combiner and directed into the reaction vessel so as to be incident upon the substrate to cause the substrate to fluoresce. Some embodiments include use of expected wavelength offsets and shifted filters/mirrors to improve functionality and reduce space of device components.

Abstract: Embodiments of a cell culture monitoring system are disclosed that may include a device having collimating and filtering components to elicit and detect fluorescence from a substrate located within a reaction vessel. The device may be used to detect changes in pH and dissolved oxygen levels in a liquid contained in the reaction vessel due to growth of living cells. Excitation light beams can be generated and collimated by a beam combiner and directed into the reaction vessel so as to be incident upon the substrate to cause the substrate to fluoresce. Some embodiments include use of expected wavelength offsets and shifted filters/mirrors to improve functionality and reduce space of device components.

Abstract: We provide a miniature, disposable reactor vessel for bioprocessing. Embodiments include a sealed vessel surrounding a filter through which spent media may be preferentially removed relative to culture cells. Preferred embodiments include an impeller shaft that is contained within the vessel and passes through the filter assembly. The impeller shaft may be engaged magnetically with a drive shaft. Combinations of these reactor vessels and methods of their use are also described.

Abstract: A device and process for measurement and treatment of spinal mobility is disclosed. The device includes an impulse and sensing head capable of determining spinal segment mobility by applying a force impulse to a spinal segment and generating a waveform characteristic of spinal mobility. An inclinometer disposed within the head determines the angle of incidence of the head in contact with the spinal segment in at least one, preferably three, axis. Characteristics of the waveform and the angle of incidence are analyzed to determine spinal mobility. The information in the waveform and device are then used to treat the patient by applying an oscillating head to a spinal segment so that spinal mobility is increased.

Abstract: A cell culture flask includes a hollow housing and a gas permeable membrane disposed within the housing which divides the housing into a first chamber and a second chamber. A retaining ring secures the gas permeable membrane within the housing and forms a liquid-tight seal between the first chamber and the second chamber. A gas inlet in the housing communicates with the first chamber and supplies gas thereto. A media inlet in the housing communicates with the second chamber and provides cell growth media thereto.