Abstract: The present invention relates to a reconfigurable bioprocessing system (80) operable to perform a predetermined set of bioprocessing operations therein. The reconfigurable bioprocessing system (80) comprises a base unit (60) comprising a plurality of valve actuators (102). At least one of the plurality of valve actuators (102) is operable to releasably engage with at least part of a pinch valve cassette (103, 203) to control fluid flow through the pinch valve cassette (103, 203). At least part of the pinch valve cassette (103, 203) is removably attachable to the base unit (60) and the pinch valve cassette (103, 203) is provided adjacent to said plurality of valve actuators (102).

Abstract: A medium is disclosed for embedding and preserving single cells or a cell tissue for an extended period of time at a temperature not exceeding 0° C. in a state suitable for DNA and/or RNA amplification, comprising an aqueous solution of at least one water-soluble cellulose derivative and, optionally, an osmotic pressure stabilizing agent. A method for preserving single cells or a cell tissue for an extended period of time at a temperature not exceeding 0° C. in a state suitable for DNA and/or RNA amplification using the above medium is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for stimulating pancreatic cells to synthesize and/or excrete insulin comprises contacting insulin-producing cells, in particular their aqueous suspension, with a water-soluble cellulose derivative, in particular selected from alkylated, hydroxyalkylated, and alkylated-hydroxyalkylated cellulose or a mixture thereof. A medium for the culture of pancreatic &bgr;-cells contains an effective cell-stimulating amount of a cellulose derivative. It can be used to stimulate pancreatic &bgr;-cells to produce and/or excrete insulin. An apparatus for such stimulation comprises a container holding a solution of a cellulose derivative in an aqueous culture medium. Stimulation of pancreatic &bgr;-cells by a cellulose derivative is useful in the management of diabetes. Further preservative or therapeutic methods using the aqueous cellulose derivatives are disclosed.

Abstract: A medium is disclosed for embedding and preserving single cells or a cell tissue for an extended period of time at a temperature not exceeding 0° C. in a state suitable for DNA and/or RNA amplification, comprising an aqueous solution of at least one water-soluble cellulose derivative and, optionally, an osmotic pressure stabilizing agent. A method for preserving single cells or a cell tissue for an extended period of time at a temperature not exceeding 0° C. in a state suitable for DNA and/or RNA amplification using the above medium is also disclosed.