Abstract: A culture apparatus and method for growing cells and tissue in a three-dimensional configuration harnesses magnetic, paramagnetic, ferromagnetic and diamagnetic forces. The cells or tissue are grown with magnetized core particles and are suspended via magnetic forces in a native, non-restricted, three-dimensional configuration while being maintained in a normal gravity (1 g) growth environment in the absence of rotational alteration of the gravity vector.

Abstract: The invention described herein refers to derivatives of the long pentraxin PTX3 with the sequence indicated in the text, capable of binding to the membranes of inactivated tumour cells. The inactivated tumour cells, bearing on their surface a derivative of PTX3 are used to prepare an autologous vaccine for the treatment of tumours.

Abstract: The electroporation array is comprised of three technologies: microwire glass electrodes, microelectronic multiplexer stimulator chips and microfluidic flow chamber. Various substances, such as genes, gene silencing RNAi, gene inhibition agents or drugs, can be perfused into the microfluidic flow chamber. The entry of the various substances into the cells will be facilitated by electroporation. An applied electric potential causes nanoscale pores to open in the cell membrane allowing substances in the solution to freely diffuse into the cell. The specific cells selected for electroporation are defined using the computer controlled microelectronic stimulator array. An “image” of which electrodes within the array to apply the electric potential to, and thus electroporate, is de-multiplexed onto the array. All the selected electrodes deliver a current pulse varied by the intensity of the de-multiplexed “image”.

Abstract: The invention relates to treatment of primary and secondary tumors using a therapeutic combination including ionizing radiation and gene therapy comprising mutant-LIGHT. Methods of treating a tumor and inducing an anti-tumor immune response are also provided.

Abstract: A method of preserving organisms in viable form, the method comprising: suspending organisms in a solution of electrospinnable polymer; drawing droplets of said solution through a spinneret; applying an electrostatic field to said droplets under electrospinning conditions; so as to form fibers having a diameter no greater than about 5 ?m within which distinct organisms are encapsulated in viable form.

Abstract: This invention is directed towards a method of using visible light at wavelengths of at least 500 nm and above in combination with a sensitizer having a flavin moiety to reduce any pathogens that may be contained in blood and blood components. By exposing the blood and blood components to light of 500 nm and higher, only the sensitizer that is bound to nucleic acids of the pathogens will be activated, thus destroying the sensitizer-pathogenic nucleic acid complex. Because unbound sensitizer is not activated at this wavelength, damage to blood and blood components caused by photolysis of unbound sensitizer may be avoided.

Abstract: The present invention makes use of resonant acousto-EM energy (alone or in combination with resonant acoustic energy) applied to biologic structures for the disruption of at least one function of the biologic structure. In particular, the invention provides methods of generating acousto-EM energy in biologic structures such as virus, bacteria, fungi, worms and tumors for the disruption of these structures.

Abstract: The invention provides a system, system components, and a method for rapidly obtaining and stably maintaining a cell in optimal contact with the cell-contacting surface of a sensor in a cell-based biosensor. In one aspect, the system maximizes the seal between a whole cell and the cell-contact surface of a patch clamp micropipette, maximizing the efficiency of a whole cell patch clamp recording.

Abstract: A proposition is to accurately evaluate a phototoxic property (cell function) concerning a living cell. To this end, an evaluating method of cell function includes the operations of dyeing a specific site of the living cell with a fluorescent dye, irradiating the living cell with light to measure changes in brightness of resulting fluorescence generated at an adjacent site of the specific site, and evaluating the phototoxic property based on the brightness changes. In the event of functional depression in the specific site, the fluorescent dye cannot be retained therein and is extravasated into the adjacent site through the membrane of the specific site. The present embodiment can measure the extent of this extravasation, making it possible to accurately evaluate the phototoxic property.

Abstract: Cells that are in the process division are vulnerable to damage by AC electric fields that have specific frequency and field strength characteristics. The selective disruption of rapidly dividing cells can therefore be accomplished by imposing an AC electric field in a target region for extended periods of time. Some of the cells that divide while the field is applied will be damaged, but the cells that do not divide will not be harmed. This selectively damages or disrupts rapidly dividing cells like parasites, but does not harm normal cells that are not dividing.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and systems that use acoustic radiation pressure.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for preparing a sample for an analysis and a device and method are disclosed for analyzing a sample. In at least one embodiment, a device is disclosed for preparing a sample for analysis including means for binding at lest one biological structure of the sample, means for releasing at least one biological molecule contained in the at least one structure, and means for binding the at least one released molecule. The means for binding the at least one structure and the means for binding the at least one molecule can move.

Abstract: The present invention employs a beam steering apparatus to isolate valuable cells from other cells, tissues, and contaminants. In one embodiment, the system balances optical trapping against biasing flow to parallelize cell sorting under the flexible control of computer program-directed traps which differentially manipulate cells based on their composition or labels to direct separation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for the cultivation and generation of biological material.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method of generating reactive oxygen species in a light irradiation-dependent manner, so as to inactivate any target physiological function. The present invention provides a target physiological function inactivator which consists of a photosensitizer-labeled fluorescent protein, wherein fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) from the fluorescent protein to the photosensitizer occurs as a result of light irradiation, so that the photosensitizer can be excited to generate reactive oxygen species.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for carrying out the affinity separation of a target substance from a liquid test medium by mixing magnetic particles having surface immobilized ligand or receptor within the test medium to promote an affinity binding reaction between the ligand and the target substance. The test medium with the magnetic particles in a suitable container is removably mounted in an apparatus that creates a magnetic field gradient in the test medium. This magnetic gradient is used to induce the magnetic particles to move, thereby effecting mixing. The mixing is achieved either by movement of a magnet relative to a stationary container or movement of the container relative to a stationary magnet. In either case, the magnetic particles experience a continuous angular position change with the magnet.

Abstract: A device for detecting cells and/or molecules on an electrode surface is disclosed. The device detects cells and/or molecules through measurement of impedence changes resulting from the cells and/or molecules. A disclosed embodiment of the device includes a substrate having two opposing ends along a longitudinal axis. A plurality of electrode arrays are positioned on the substrate. Each electrode array includes at least two electrodes, and each electrode is separated from at least one adjacent electrode in the electrode array by an expanse of non-conductive material. The electrode has a width at its widest point of more than about 1.5 and less than about 10 times the width of the expanse of non-conductive material. The device also includes electrically conductive traces extending substantially longitudinally to one of the two opposing ends of the substrate without intersecting another trace. Each trace is in electrical communication with at least one of the electrode arrays.

Abstract: This is intended to provide a technique for providing a stem cell having a mutation in both alleles (a pair of alleles). A method for producing a stem cell having a mutation in both chains of alleles which comprises: A) the step of providing a stem cell; B) the step of preventing Blm alleles from functioning in the stem cell; and C) the step of inducing mutation in the stem cell. It is also intended to provide a library of stem cells having a mutation in both chains of alleles wherein stem cells involved in the library have the mutation transferred thereinto over the entire genome.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling biological functions with mechanical vibration are provided. Stimulation is applied to cells of one of an organism, bacteria or virus by mechanical vibration. The biological function comprises biological functions relating to cell growth. The biological functions relating to cell growth may include at least one of cell cultivation, cell proliferation, cell fusion, and cell differentiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method by which a controlled source of heat (preferably a laser 3) generates a pulsating vapour bubble 4 in an enclosed liquid. The pulsating rate (the frequency) is preferably in the ultrasonic region, whereby cavitation occurs in the liquid. The cavitation effect will cause disruption of suspended components such as cells or bacterial spores. The ultrasonic disruption of cellular components is known as lysing by sonication.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of inactivating or diminishing the activity of microorganisms and an apparatus implementing that method. Microorganism activity is diminished through exciting the vibrational state of a microorganism with pulses of radiation femtoseconds in width. The wavelength of the pulses is in a range of the electromagnetic spectrum to which water is substantially transparent such as visible light. The pulses cause the microorganisms to vibrate such that their activities become diminished. A laser produces the pulses. A harmonic generator then acts upon the pulses to produce a scattering effect that is used to irradiate the microorganisms. One such laser is a titanium sapphire laser. One example of a harmonic generator is a nonlinear crystal such as a BBO crystal. The apparatus may also have a focusing lens such as a microscope objective that focuses the beam on a microorganism. The invention is effective for the inactivation of viruses or bacteria.

Abstract: An improved three-dimensional cell to tissue development process using a specific time varying electromagnetic force, pulsed, square wave, with minimum fluid shear stress, freedom for 3-dimensional spatial orientation of the suspended particles and localization of particles with differing or similar sedimentation properties in a similar spatial region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of delivery of a therapeutic agent to a target cell the method comprising targeting particles comprising the therapeutic agent to the cell using magnetic means to apply a magnetic force to said particles so as to tend to move said particles towards said magnetic means and at the same time moving said magnetic means.

Abstract: Methods are provided for differential extraction of DNA from at least two different cell types. Systems for carrying out the differential extraction methods are also provided. A kit is also provided for differential extraction of DNA from at least two different cell types using a multi-compartment container.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for modulating a DNA repair process in vivo or in vitro are provided. One aspect of the disclosure provides a pharmaceutical composition including a DNA repair modulator. The DNA repair modulator includes, but is not limited to, compositions such as polypeptides, for example antibodies; modified polypeptides; and branched or unbranched aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, substituted aliphatic, aromatic hydrocarbons, or heterocyclic carbon-based compounds that associate with a DNA repair polypeptide, for example, DNA-PKcs.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices that use focused radiation to handle and/or monitor pathogenic fluids. In particular, a method is provided for dispensing one or more droplets of a fluid containing a pathogen. The method involves providing the pathogen-containing fluid in a reservoir and applying focused radiation to the pathogen-containing fluid in the reservoir in a manner effective to eject a droplet of the fluid therefrom. Often, a pathogen-impermeable enclosure is used.

Abstract: The invention relates to conformationally constrained mimetics of Smac which function as inhibitors of Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins. The invention also relates to the use of these mimetics for inducing apoptotic cell death and for sensitizing cells to inducers of apoptosis.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the use of focused energy, particularly focused acoustic energy, in the spatially directed ejection of circumscribed volumes of a fluid which differ in acoustic impedance from the surrounding fluid.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include Optical Cell Guidance (OCG) methods and apparatus to control cell growth. This system guides the leading edge of motile cells with an optical gradient, which biases the cell's motion into the light by pulling on proteins, which act like soft dielectrics in the electromagnetic field. OCG differs from those devices described above in that it controls the direction of cell motility. This is an entirely new field, and the first device to directly manipulate cell motility. OCG differs from current approaches in that it does not trap or hold particles. Instead of trapping and pulling the cell, the goal of OCG is to influence, direct, and control the growth of a growth cone.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a novel means by which specific chosen reactions can be accelerated through the use of a new type of artificial enzyme. The invention allows specific reactions to occur at an accelerated rate, even in the presence of other non-chosen molecules, which may be very similar in structure to the chosen reactant. The reactions may be stoichiometric or catalytic.

Abstract: A method and composition for generation of a microbubble from a nanoparticle through a non-thermal method, preferably featuring nucleation.

Abstract: Methods of using synergistically effective amounts of Apo-2 ligand and anti-Her-2 antibodies to enhance cell death via apoptosis are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for purification of nucleic acids of cells or viruses are provided. The nucleic acid purification apparatus includes: a cell lysis capillary having a sample inlet through which samples and magnetic beads are introduced; a vibrator attached to the capillary and mixing the samples and the magnetic beads in the capillary; a laser generator attached to the capillary and supplying a laser to the capillary; and a magnetic force generator attached to the capillary and fixing the magnetic beads to a capillary wall. According to the method and apparatus, PCR yield can be increased since PCR inhibitors can be readily removed by means of a phase separation in a capillary. The use of an electromagnet ensures the removal of the PCR inhibitors. In addition, since cell lysis and DNA purification process can be simultaneously performed, LOC steps can be reduced.

Abstract: The present invention obtains from the discovery that combining traditional UV pigments, organic chemicals, or both, combined with NA, creates a broad spectrum UV absorbing additive that is much more efficient than using any of the ingredients by themselves. Methods for producing NA-coated particles as a UV protection additive to paints, fiberglass, plastic, polymers, siloxanes/silicates/reactive silanols, sealants or other film forming coatings or penetrating fluids and solid articles are contemplated in this invention as well as the coatings, sealants and other protectants and the coated and/or finished articles themselves.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a plurality of yeast cells, wherein said plurality of yeast cells have been cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a specific frequency and a specific field strength for a period of time sufficient to increase the capability of said plurality of yeast cells to regulate the central nervous system. Also included are methods of making such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods to deliver carbon nanostructures that include agents for delivery to cells, wherein the carbon nanostructure and the agent are made soluble by coating the carbon nanostructure with one or more polymers, e.g., low band gap conductive polymers.

Abstract: Described are methods for electrical treatment of biological cells, in particular using electrical field pulses, involving the steps: arrangement of the cells (1) on apertures (2) of a solid planar carrier element (3) which divides a measuring chamber (10) into two compartments (11, 12); and temporary formation of an electrical treatment field which permeates the cells, wherein an alternating-current impedance measurement takes place on the carrier element (3), and from the result of the alternating-current impedance measurement, a degree of coverage of the carrier element and/or healing of the cells after electrical treatment are/is acquired. Also described are devices for implementing the methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to enhance plant growth with a biological fertilizer composition that comprises yeast cells and poultry manure. The yeast cells of the invention have an enhanced ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, decompose phosphorus minerals and compounds, decompose potassium minerals and compounds, decompose complex carbon compounds, overproduce growth factors, overproduce adenosine triphosphate, decompose undesirable chemicals, suppress growth of pathogenic microorganisms, or reduce undesirable odor.

Abstract: Magnetofluidic systems and techniques. In one aspect, a magnetofluidic device includes a superhydrophobic surface and a fluid sample in physical contact with the superhydrophobic surface, the fluid sample comprising a collection of particles coated with a passivating layer. The particles are magnetically active in that they respond to an applied magnetic field.

Abstract: Disclosed are nanocrystals comprising metals and metal alloys, which are formed by a process that results in a layer of graphite in direct contact with the metallic core. The nanocrystals may be used in vivo as MRI contrast agents, X-ray contrast agents, near IR (NIR) heating agents, drug delivery, protein separation, catalysis etc. The nanocrystals may be further functionalized with a hydrophilic coating, e.g., phospholipid-polyethylene glycol, which improves in vivo stability. The process comprises chemical vapor deposition of metals adsorbed onto silica as a fine powder, in conjunction with a carbon containing gas, which coats the metal particles. The silica is then etched away. Preferred metals include iron, gold, cobalt, platinum, ruthenium and mixtures thereof, e.g., FeCo and AuFe. The process permits control of the alloy compositions, size, and other characteristics.

Abstract: This invention pertains generally to the field of chemical synthesis and purification, and more specifically to methods of synthesizing and purifying certain 3,7 diamino-phenothiazin-5-ium compounds (referred to herein as “diaminophenothiazinium compounds”) including Methylthioninium Chloride (MTC) (also known as Methylene Blue). In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of, in order: nitrosylation (NOS); nitrosyl reduction (NR); thiosulfonic acid formation (TSAF); oxidative coupling (OC); Cr(VI) reduction (CR); isolation and purification of zwitterionic intermediate (IAPOZI); ring closure (RC); chloride salt formation (CSF); one of: sulphide treatment (ST); dimethyldithiocarbamate treatment (DT); carbonate treatment (CT); ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid treatment (EDTAT); organic extraction (OE); and recrystallisation (RX). The present invention also pertains to the resulting (high purity) compounds, compositions comprising them (e.g.

Abstract: A device for introducing a substance into a cell which can realize a high-efficient external substance introduction by means of electro-poration not depending on a cell size, a cell clamping device capable of clamping a cell at many locations, and a flow path forming method capable of efficiently forming a flow path. The device for introducing a substance into a cell (10a) comprises an insulating thin film (2) having a pore (1) and a pair of electrodes (6, 7) disposed on the opposite sides of the film (2) across the pore (1). When a cell (9) is fixed to the pore (1) and a pulse voltage is applied to between the electrodes (6, 7) with a space (5) filled with a fluid containing substance (4) to be introduced into the cell (9), a field concentration to a pore portion is used to destroy a cell membrane to thereby introduce the substance (4) into the cell (9).

Abstract: A method of collecting target regions from a target object is described. The method in one embodiment comprises mounting a negatively-charged membrane on a first side of a substrate, mounting a target object on the membrane, positioning a collection material adjacent to the target object, and passing a laser beam from a second side of the substrate, through the substrate, the membrane, and the target object, to dissect target regions from the prepared tissue section, whereby the dissected target regions adhere to the collection material. In another embodiment, the present invention is a system for collecting target regions from a target object. In one embodiment, the system comprises a substrate having a first side and a second side, a negatively-charged membrane adhered to the first side of the substrate, and a collection material mountable adjacent to the membrane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapid disruption of cells or viruses using beads and a laser are provided. According to the method and apparatus for rapid disruption of cells or viruses using beads and a laser, cell lysis within 40 seconds is possible, the apparatus can be miniaturized using a laser diode, a DNA purification step can be directly performed after a disruption of cells or viruses, and a solution containing DNA can be transferred to a subsequent step after cell debris and beads to which inhibitors of a subsequent reaction are attached are removed with an electromagnet. In addition, by means of the cell lysis chip, an evaporation problem is solved, vibrations can be efficiently transferred to cells through magnetic beads, a microfluidics problem on a rough surface is solved by hydrophobically treating the inner surface of the chip, and the cell lysis chip can be applied to LOC.

Abstract: An oocyte recording chamber for electrophysiological measurements. The recording chamber includes a base and a cover attached to the base. The cover and the base define a chamber having a size sufficient to accommodate an oocyte. The recording chamber includes a first electrode and a second electrode that are positioned so that the tips of the electrodes penetrate the membrane of the oocyte when the cover is fastened to the base. The recording chamber also includes a third electrode and a fourth electrode exposed to the chamber and used as ground electrodes.

Abstract: A method for magnetic fermentation is provided which includes subjecting a biological material in a medium to a static magnetic field in order to affect fermentation of the biological material into a fermented product. The fermentation reaction may occur in an acidic or alkaline medium. The magnetic field may be a positive or negative magnetic field. The magnetic field or other parameters associated with the fermentation process may be monitored with one or more sensors and the magnetic field may be modulated accordingly.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices that use focused radiation to handle and/or monitor pathogenic fluids. In particular, a method is provided for dispensing one or more droplets of a fluid containing a pathogen. The method involves providing the pathogen-containing fluid in a reservoir and applying focused radiation to the pathogen-containing fluid in the reservoir in a manner effective to eject a droplet of the fluid therefrom. Often, a pathogen-impermeable enclosure is used.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for sterilizing biological products to reduce the level of active biological contaminants such as viruses, bacteria, yeasts, molds, mycoplasmas and parasites.

Abstract: A device and method of use for measurement of in-situ bioluminescence generally comprising an acoustical pulse generator, a detector chamber, a lens assembly and a photomultiplier tube. The generator comprises transducers which can generate acoustical energy in the object field of the device. The acoustical energy provides a stimulus of aquatic organisms within the object field (typically an aqueous volume) to produce the bioluminescence. The generator is positioned outside of the detector chamber and the photomultiplier tube and lens assembly are mounted within the chamber. The lens assembly restricts light to the photomultiplier tube of that bioluminescence light originating only from the volume. The photomultiplier tube detects the bioluminescence generated by any aquatic organisms in a captured volume or if a changing measurement occurs by water flow in the volume. The output of the photomultiplier tube is provided to a controller to be analyzed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of inducing expression of a promoter function of various genes in a Coryneform bacterium related to function exertion, in order to exert the function of a Coryneform bacterium highly and effectively under an anaerobic condition, for producing an organic compound useful under an anaerobic condition, more particularly, provides a method of enhancing and/or suppressing the promoter function related to various genes, for the purpose of highly and effectively expressing various protein genes necessary for production of an objective substance, and suppressing expression of an unnecessary protein gene. The DNA fragment of the present invention is useful as a primer which is introduced into a transformed Coryneform bacterium producing a useful substance such as lactic acid and succinic acid highly and at a high efficiency.