Abstract: The present invention is directed towards mixtures comprising (A) 90 to 99.999% by weight of racemic methyl glycine diacetic acid (MGDA) or of MGDA with predominantly the L-isomer in an enantiomeric excess of up to 9.5% or their respective mono-, di- or trialkali metal or mono-, di- or triammonium salts, and (B) in total 0.001 to 10% by weight of the diacetic acid derivative of aspartate as free acid or as mono-, di-, tri- or tetraalkali metal salt or as mono-, di-, tri- or tetraammonium salt, percent ages referring to the sum from (A) and (B).

Abstract: A single dose pack and methods for producing and using the same are provided. In one embodiment, a single dose pack includes a wash composition encapsulated within a water-soluble container formed from a water-soluble or water-dispersible film. The wash composition includes an ionic detergent surfactant present at from about 5 to about 55 weight percent, water present at from about 5 to about 20 weight percent, glycerol present at from about 3 to about 56 weight percent, polyethylene glycol present at from about 8 to about 56 weight percent, and optionally propylene glycol present at from about 0 to about 35 weight percent, based on a total weight of the wash composition. A sum of the glycerol, the polyethylene glycol, and the propylene glycol is present at from about 22 to about 60 weight percent, based on the total weight of the wash composition.

Abstract: A process of preparing a malt-based beverage includes at least two flavour components A and B in a weight ratio A/B of Xfinal.The method includes the following steps. Brewing and fermenting a wort is performed to obtain a fermented malt-based beverage having at least two water-soluble components A and B, other than alcohol or water, in a weight ratio A/B of X1>Xfinal. Then, adjusting the weight ratio of A/B at concentrating said fermented malt-based beverage by removal of water therefrom to obtain a concentrated malt-based beverage having a weight ration A/B of Xfinal occurs. The ratio A/B of X1 is determined in anticipation of adjusting the amount of component A in the beverage during concentrating.

Abstract: A method and device for producing high quality alcohol beverages, including liquor, cordial, tincture, whiskey, cognac, brandy, vodka, rum, gin, wine, cocktail, etc., is based on the action of hydrodynamic cavitation treatment of components of alcohol beverages. The fluid flow moves at a high rate through a multi-stage blending hydrodynamic device and multi-stage cavitation device to generate hydrodynamic cavitation features in the fluid flow. The cavitation features generate changes in the velocity, pressure, temperature, chemical composition and physical properties of the liquid. Hydrodynamic cavitation processing provides effective blending of components and homogenization of alcoholic beverage, improves its organoleptic qualities.

Abstract: An object is to provide a neuron cultivation device which promptly develops bundles of axons extending from neurons in vitro. A device for cultivating neuron with axon, the device comprising a cultivation plate and a plurality of modules arranged in the cultivation plate. Each of the modules includes at least one of first chambers receivable of cell bodies of neurons at least one of second chambers, and at least one of channels receivable of a bundle of axon extended from the cell bodies. The channels connect the first chambers and the second chambers. Bottom ends of the first chambers, the second chambers and the channels are dosed and top ends of the first chambers and the second chambers are open.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions comprising an isolated cellulose degrading fungus. Also disclosed are culture compositions and bioreactor compositions comprising the cellulose degrading fungus. Further described herein are filtration and extraction devices comprising the cellulose degrading fungus. Still further disclosed are bioprocessing facilities for and methods for producing co-products resulting from one or more bioprocesses of the cellulose degrading fungus.

Abstract: A flask assembly that includes: an Erlenmeyer flask; and a liner bag comprising a single opening the bag sized to fit within the flask and having a thickness from about 0.0254 mm to about 0.508 mm. The liner bag is configured for cell culturing and ease of insertion of the bag into the flask. In addition, the liner bag comprises a gas-permeable, polymeric material. Further, the liner bag can include a pocket adapted to receive a removable flask insertion element and/or at least one foldable seam configured to facilitate insertion of the bag into the flask. The liner bag can also include a vent having a gas permeability that is greater than the gas permeability of the gas-permeable, polymeric material employed in the balance of the bag.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for removing a component from air. A microfluidic chip comprising a fluid flow path in fluid communication with at least one surface comprising at least one phototrophic organism is provided. Additionally, air is brought in contact with the at least one surface comprising said at least one phototrophic organism. Further, said component is removed from said air with said at least one phototrophic organism.

Abstract: Provided are a multilayer film having excellent gas permeability and excellent handling properties and hence is suited for forming a cell culture container, and a cell culture container formed by using the same. A multilayer film used for forming a cell culture container, comprising: a base material composed of a polyethylene-based resin having a density of 0.87 g/cm3 to 0.90 g/cm3; and an inner layer composed of a polyethylene-based resin having a density of 0.896 g/cm3 to 0.93 g/cm3 and forming a cell culture icy surface. A cell culture container is formed by using this multilayer film.

Abstract: Provided is a container for cell culture, provided with a container main body and injection/discharge ports, in which an inside of the container main body is divided into a plurality of cisterns 1st and 2nd by a filter member. Thus, various operations performed upon the cell culture can be simply and efficiently performed.

Abstract: A micro alternating tangential flow (microATF) perfusion filter includes a hollow cylinder having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is connected in series to a permeate chamber, followed by a retentate chamber. The proximal end either (i) terminates in or at the permeate chamber, or (ii) terminates in or at the retentate chamber. The portion of the proximal end within the permeate chamber, in a case of (ii), possesses at least one opening allowing fluid communication between an inside of the hollow cylinder and the permeate chamber. The microATF perfusion filter further includes an inlet, positioned over the retentate chamber, for communication with a source of positive or negative pressure, and an outlet, positioned in a wall of the permeate chamber, which can be connected to a check valve, which, in turn, can be connected to a hydrophobic fluid vent filter.

Abstract: A product concentration device that utilizes a reservoir connected to a hollow-fiber filter element where the reservoir can serve as a container for filtrate emanating from another filtering device, such that product in the reservoir can be stored, concentrated and/or further processed as desired. Enclosed reactor systems, each of at least three chambers, fluid flow between the chambers controlled by selectively permeable barriers, flow controlled by an alternating flow diaphragm pump.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides two devices for the isolation of rare cell populations such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Both devices use magnetic fields to manipulate cells that are bounded to paramagnetic particles (PMP). One device uses surface tension and a sieve for cell filtration, whereas the other allows for the direct transfer of cells onto a standard microscope slide. Subsequent processing steps may be directly performed on the devices thereby minimizing cell losses. The first device is referred to as the ST (surface tension) device and the second device is referred to as the DT (direct transfer) device. The ST device can also be considered as a chip for the isolation of the rare cell populations.

Abstract: Non-enzymatic method and milling device for preparing therapeutic cells from adipose tissue comprising: continuously feeding the adipose tissue to the milling device (2); mechanically separating the cells or cell aggregates from adipose tissue moving through the milling device (2) by means of a multiplicity of blades (19) of a rotor (10), wherein the blades (19) are arranged in a spaced arrangement with respect to the overall direction of flow and the blades (19) are moving about an axis of rotation (18), wherein the axis of rotation (18) is provided essentially parallel to said overall direction of flow; continuously withdrawing the processed tissue comprising the separated cells from the milling device (2).

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for transferring phospholipids and other molecules between the leaflets of a cell membrane. The compositions comprise at least one nucleic acid or compound having a hydrophilic region, where the composition is able to form a nanostructure that forms a toroidal pore in a lipid membrane. The nucleic acid or hydrophilic region-containing compound further contains an attached molecule capable of inserting the nanostructure into the lipid membrane. The invention also provides methods for scrambling lipids and other molecules in a cell membrane, which can be used to alter the function of a selected cell or to facilitate the death of the cell. The scrambling activity of synthetic scramblases described herein outperforms previously known enzymatically active DNA nanostructures and naturally occurring scramblases, in some cases by several orders of magnitude.

Abstract: Systems and methods for culturing cells are disclosed. A system can comprise an auxetic scaffold substrate. The substrate can comprise scaffold units at least a portion of which comprise living cells. Scaffold units can be configured to transition between a contracted state and an expanded state. Units can comprise an interior void having a contracted volume in the contracted state and an expanded volume in the expanded state, in which the expanded volume is greater than the contracted volume. Units can be configured to pass a fluid into the interior void of the corresponding unit when the unit transitions from the contracted state to the expanded state. Units can be configured to pass the fluid out of the interior void of the corresponding unit when the unit transitions from the expanded state to the contracted state.

Abstract: The present invention provides a scaffold for culturing retinal tissue comprising an amount of gelatin, an amount of chondroitin sulfate, an amount of hyaluronic acid, wherein the amount of gelatin, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid are prepared into a three-dimensional monolith, wherein the monolith is sectioned into planar sheets, and an amount of laminin-521.

Abstract: A novel macroscale, contactless, label-free method to print in situ three-dimensional (3D) particle assemblies of different morphologies and sizes is demonstrated using non-adherent (blood) and adherent (MCF-7 and HUVEC) cells. This method of manipulating particles such as cells or biological moleules does not necessarily require the use of nozzles that can contaminate the cell suspension, or to which cells can adhere. Instead, the intrinsic diamagnetic properties of particles such as cells are used to magnetically manipulate them in situ in a nontoxic paramagnetic medium, creating various shapes such as (a) rectangular bar, (b) three-pointed star, and (c) spheroids of varying sizes. A normal distribution of 3D cell structures is produced when formed through magnetic assembly. The use of this method in co-culturing of different cell lines is also demonstrated.

Abstract: In an aspect, compositions, methods, and devices described herein provide a safer platform for the ex vivo expansion of cells for immunotherapeutic purposes that eradicates the possibility of having activating substrate transferred into the patient while maintaining and improving upon the level of cell activation and proliferation.

Abstract: The invention comprises methods of identifying and isolating spermatagonial stem cells in testicular tissue samples by the use of markers unique to spermatagonial stem cells. The invention defines and characterizes a unique testicular cellular niche wherein spermatagonial stem cells reside. The invention also comprises methods of identifying and isolating multipotent testicular stromal cells, on which spermatagonial stem cells can be cultured. Cultured spermatagonial stem cells, derived from prepubertal males or cancer patients can be utilized to generate viable spermatozoon or may be subsequently transplanted back into the donor to restore fertility.

Abstract: An insect culture maintenance system includes a sequence of open-ended cylindrical tubes [500, 502, 504, 506] joined pairwise alternately at their tops and bottoms using multiple dual-cap connectors. Each dual-capped connector has a channel from an inside of a first cap to an inside of a second cap. In use, connectors that cap the bottoms of the tubes [508, 512] are filled with insect food media [518, 520], while connectors that cap the tops of the tubes [510] are open. As a result of this design, adults pass from one tube to the next through the top dual-cap connectors, while larvae pass from one tube to the next through the bottom dual-cap connectors, resulting in propagation of subsequent generations of insects through the sequence of tubes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for generating pacemaker cells from non-pacemaker cardiomyocytes. For example, the method includes the step of culturing the non-pacemaker cardiomyocytes with silk fibroin so that the silk fibroin induces the transformation of at least a portion thereof into pacemaker cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a retinal cell or a retinal tissue, including the following steps (1)-(3): (1) a first step of culturing pluripotent stem cells in the absence of feeder cells in a medium containing 1) a TGF? family signal transduction pathway inhibiting substance and/or a Sonic hedgehog signal transduction pathway activating substance, and 2) a factor for maintaining undifferentiated state, (2) a second step of culturing the cells obtained in the first step in suspension in a medium containing a Wnt signal transduction pathway inhibiting substance to form a cell aggregate, and (3) a third step of culturing the aggregate obtained in the second step in suspension in the presence or absence of a Wnt signal transduction pathway inhibiting substance in a medium containing a BMP signal transduction pathway activating substance to obtain an aggregate containing a retinal cell or a retinal tissue.

Abstract: Described herein are cell culture methods of producing hepatocytes, or mature, highly functional hepatocyte-like cells in vitro; cell culture media suitable for use in these methods; functional hepatocytes, or mature, highly functional hepatocyte-like cells produced by these methods; and cell compositions comprising hepatocytes, or mature, highly functional hepatocyte-like cells produced by these methods.

Abstract: Provided are a production method for hepatocyte lineage cells, a hepatocyte lineage cell or culture product obtained by the production method, and a hepatocyte differentiation-inducing medium. It has been found that the differentiation of iPS cells to hepatocyte lineage cells is efficiently induced by adding lactic acid or a salt thereof to a related-art hepatocyte differentiation-inducing medium.

Abstract: Provided is a novel method of manufacturing a cell-nanoscale thin film composite in which the cell-nanoscale thin film composite can be peeled from a substrate at a controlled timing. The method of manufacturing a cell-nanoscale thin film composite comprises culturing a cell in a cell culture base material in which a nanoscale thin film is provided on an electrode substrate with a self-assembled monolayer interposed therebetween, and reductively desorbing the self-assembled monolayer from the electrode substrate by applying an electric potential to the electrode substrate at a desired timing, so that the cell-nanoscale thin film composite is released.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for inducing CD8+ T cells to express a CD62LhiCD44lo naïve-like phenotype are provided. One embodiment provides a pharmaceutical composition containing CD8+ T cells induced to express a CD62LhiCD44lo naïve-like phenotype and optionally an excipient. The CD8+ T cells can be induced by contacting them with an effective amount of a MEK1/2 inhibitor. An exemplary MEK1/2 inhibitor is Selumetinib. The induced CD8+ cells can be used to treat cancer, reduce tumor burden, or treat infections in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for preventing or treating neoplastic disease in a mammalian subject. A composition is provided which comprises an enriched immune cell population reactive to a human endogenous retrovirus type E antigen on a tumor cell. A method of treating a neoplastic disease in a mammalian subject is provided which comprises administering to a mammalian subject a composition comprising an enriched immune cell population reactive to a human endogenous retrovirus type E antigen, in an amount effective to reduce or eliminate the neoplastic disease or to prevent its occurrence or recurrence.

Abstract: Provided is a method for modifying a chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cell (CAR-T cell). The method comprises expressing an SCFV-CDS TM-4-1BB-CD3? molecule in a T cell. The CAR-T cell prepared using the method can specifically recognize and bind to a tumor cell with elevated expression of a ROBO1 protein, and can be used to prevent and treat a corresponding tumor-related disease.

Abstract: Processes and compositions are provided for performing magnetibuoyant separations of different biomolecules (e.g., cells, organelles, etc.) in a biological sample, as well as compositions and kits for performing such methods. Compositions containing the separated biomolecules, and methods for using the same for in-vitro and in-vivo biomedical applications, are also provided. The magnetibuoyant methods of the invention employ targeted magnetic particles, preferably targeted nanomagnetic particles, and targeted buoyant particles such as buoyant microparticles and microbubbles. Among the benefits of the invention is the ability to combine targeted magnetic particles with differentially targeted buoyant particles to achieve separation of two or more specifically cell targeted populations during the same work flow.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for immortalizing precursor cells that are non-terminally differentiated cells such as stem cells, the methods comprising culturing the precursor cells in the presence of a Notch 1 agonist, Notch 2 agonist or Notch 1 agonist and Notch 2 agonist (and, in particular embodiments, one or more growth factors) that support the proliferation but not differentiation of the non-terminally differentiated cells. The present disclosure further provides methods to induce the differentiation of immortalized cells, comprising growing the cells in the presence of a Notch 1 agonist, Notch 2 agonist or Notch 1 agonist and Notch 2 agonist and at least one growth factor which supports the differentiation of the cell into a more specialized cell type. The immortalized and/or differentiated cells of the disclosure can be used to repopulate cell populations that have been diminished, for example as a result of infection or exposure to certain drugs.

Abstract: Applications of butylidenephthalide (BP), comprising the use of BP in providing a kit for promoting differentiation of stem cells into brown adipose cells, and the use of BP in preparing a medicament, wherein the medicament is used for inhibiting the accumulation of white adipose cells, promoting the conversion of white adipose cells into brown adipose cells, inhibiting weight gain and/or reducing the content of triglycerides, glucose, and total cholesterol in blood.

Abstract: In the present invention, it was discovered that when vascular endothelial cells are co-cultured with mesenchymal stem cells, an improvement is brought about in the niche activity of mesenchymal stem cells and the self-renewal of hematopoietic or neural stem cells and particularly that the niche activity and the self-renewal of hematopoietic or neural stem cells can easily be controlled by regulating the stimulus (cytokines, etc.) of vascular endothelial cells to the mesenchymal stem cells. Therefore, the present invention can not only improve the self-renewal of stem cells, but also easily control it as needed, and thus is expected to expand the usefulness of mesenchymal stem cell-based cell therapy.

Abstract: Methods for selecting lots of bone marrow stromal cells (MSCs) having a high proliferative capacity are provided. Such methods are useful in the manufacture of therapeutic derivatives of MSCs.

Abstract: The present method relates to methods of expanding or increasing stem cell production obtained from donor samples. The methods preferably including the steps of harvesting cells from minimally manipulated tissue using multiply harvesting cycles to increase the number of obtained stem cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for generating glucose-responsive beta cells.

Abstract: A method for producing pancreatic endocrine cells, the method including introducing one or more genes of a GLIS family or one or more gene products thereof and a Neurogenin3 gene or one or more gene products thereof into somatic cells.

Abstract: A method for culturing multiple ovarian follicles by using an angiotensin II receptor agonist, including a first culturing step of culturing a cluster of separated multiple follicles in medium, and a second culturing step of further culturing the cluster of multiple follicles cultured in the culturing step, in medium containing an angiotensin II receptor agonist, and to a composition for culturing a cluster of multiple follicles. The composition contains an angiotensin II receptor agonist.

Abstract: A method of generating one of podocyte progenitor cells and neural stem/progenitor cells comprising the steps of collecting a urine specimen from a patient; centrifuging the urine specimen; and removing the one of podocyte progenitor cells and neural stem/progenitor cells.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a medium for culturing naive pluripotent stem cells which is for efficiently proliferating naive pluripotent stem cells while maintaining the undifferentiated state and the pluripotency (pluripotent capability) of the naive pluripotent stem cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for producing recombinant viral particles based on the use of exogenous mRNAs to supply various helper factors for assembly of viral particles, purified recombinant viral particles produced using such methods, and methods of using such viral particles.

Abstract: A Myrmecridium flexuosum NUK-21, a novel lactose oxidase isolated from the Myrmecridium flexuosum NUK-21 and a method for conversion of lactose into lactobionic acid (LBA) by the novel lactose oxidase are disclosed herein. The Myrmecridium flexuosum NUK-21 produces high yields of the novel lactose oxidase and the novel lactose oxidase has higher reactivity and specificity of converting lactose into lactobionic acid.

Abstract: A method of reducing an amount of a sulfur-containing compound in a base fluid comprises contacting the base fluid comprising the sulfur-containing compound with a treatment composite, the treatment composite comprising an enzymatic scavenger which is encapsulated by a encapsulating material, or disposed in a matrix, a container, or a combination thereof; releasing the enzymatic scavenger from the treatment composite; and reducing a number of the sulfur-containing compound in the fluid.

Abstract: Methods to create two component signal transduction systems by replace the DNA binding domains and output promoters in bacteria are described.

Abstract: This invention relates to phytases, polynucleotides encoding them, uses of the polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention, as well as the production and isolation of such polynucleotides and polypeptides. In particular, the invention provides polypeptides having phytase activity under high temperature conditions, and phytases that retain activity after exposure to high temperatures. The invention further provides phytases which have increased gastric lability. The phytases of the invention can be used in foodstuffs to improve the feeding value of phytate rich ingredients. The phytases of the invention can be formulated as foods or feeds or supplements for either to, e.g., aid in the digestion of phytate. The foods or feeds of the invention can be in the form of pellets, liquids, powders and the like.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides Crispr/cas9-based repressors for silencing gene targets in vivo and methods of use

Abstract: The present invention provides for heterologous expression of termite and termite-associated symbiont cellulases. The cellulases can, for example, be codon-optimized and expressed in yeast host cells, such as the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The cellulases can also be co-expressed in host cells with other cellulases. The expression in such host cells of the termite and termite-associated symbiont cellulases, and variants and combinations thereof, result in yeast with improved cellulosic activity. Thus, such genes and expression systems are useful for efficient and cost-effective consolidated bioprocessing systems.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a recombinant, modified extracellular chitinase having an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO.4 or SEQ ID NO.5. The recombinant, modified chitinase is derived by inserting two-point mutations at positions 661 and 2158 in the native chitinase gene of Brevibacillus laterosporus LAK 1210 which results in amino acid substitution of tyrosine (Y) residue with histidine (H) at positions 221 and 720. The modified chitinase exhibits both exochitinase and endochitinase activity. The recombinant, modified enzyme is thermoactive with a temperature optimum of 55-60° C. and high thermostability (Tm of 66.7° C.), functions in a broad pH range (pH 3.0-11.0) having a pH optimum of 9.0 and also exhibits improved solubility and enhanced efficacy for control of insects and phytopathogenic fungi.

Abstract: A lysozyme having improved enzymatic activity is disclosed. The amino acid sequence of the lysozyme is a modified amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 or a modified amino acid sequence with at least 80% sequence identity of SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein the modification is a substitution of histidine at position 166 or a corresponding position with lysine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising polypeptides having galactanase activity and polypeptides having beta-galactosidase activity for use in e.g. animal feed. The present invention further relates to polypeptides having beta-galactosidase activity, polypeptides having galactanase activity and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.