Abstract: Safe, rapid and efficient methods for producing antigen-specific T cells recognizing human papilloma virus or HPV antigens.

Abstract: A mechanical bioreactor for transferring vibrations to cell cultures for the purpose of stimulating various biological processes across a relatively large (relative to the amplitude of the vibrations) sample receiving surface. This bioreactor allows multiple samples to receive identical stimulation, which may enable the process to be significantly scaled up. The invention may be particularly applicable to nanoscale vibration amplitudes, where it is non-trivial to design a device that performs this function, because many materials exhibit natural deformation on a scale that would mask or inhibit transfer of nanoscale vibration energy.

Abstract: A polymerizable unit that yields an electrochemically responsive polymer (advantageously pyrrole) is anchored by polymerization within a polycaprolactone matrix to form an electroactive scaffold upon which cells can be cultured and in which the micro- and nano-topological features of the polycaprolactone matrix are preserved. A scaffold manufactured in accordance with the preferred embodiment can support Schwann cells, which produce nerve growth factor when electrically stimulated. Nerve growth factor has been demonstrated to promote the regeneration of nerve tissue. By implanting the scaffold on which Schwann cells have been cultured into damaged nerve tissue and applying a voltage across the scaffold, nerve growth factor is produced, thereby promoting repair of the damaged nerve tissue.

Abstract: This invention provides improved cell lines for manufacture of protein-based pharmaceutical agents, considerably reducing the cost of commercial production. The cell lines are obtained by fusing cells from one or more parental cell populations. The hybrid cells are then selected for one or more characteristics that support protein production on a non-specific basis, such as the level of endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and/or other desired phenotypic features, compared with other hybrids or parental cells in the starting mixture. A gene encoding a therapeutic protein is transfected into the cells before or after one or more cycles of fusion and selection. Depending on the protein product being expressed, cell lines may be obtained that produce as much as eight grams or more of protein per liter of culture fluid.

Abstract: Compositions are provided comprising a nanofiber scaffold that is seeded with one or more relevant cells and has a basketweave configuration that mimics the structure of a tissue, such as a cardiac tissue. Methods for treating damaged cardiac tissue in a subject are also provided and include applying an effective amount of the composition to damaged cardiac tissue. Methods for making nanofiber scaffold compositions are further provided and include electrospinning a biodegradable polymer onto a mandrel to create a mat of electrospun nanofibers, dividing the mat into nanofiber strips; and weaving the strips into a nanofiber scaffold having a basketweave configuration that mimics the structure of a tissue.

Abstract: A method and a system are provided for subjecting organic cells in a region of a subject to an extremely low frequency magnetic field. At least one resonance medium is operably connected to a generator. The generator produces a sinusoidal non-harmonic current signal, having a predetermined frequency of substantially between 7.5 Hz and 7.9 Hz. The resonance medium is energized by the signal and the magnetic field yielded is substantially between 0.7 mT and 3 mT to be located adjacent organic cellular tissue in the region for a predetermined period. Organic cells in the laboratory, repository or in the region are subjected to a constant magnetic field of less than 1 mT and having a frequency of substantially between 7.5 Hz and 7.9 Hz for the predetermined period.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for regulating transgene expression in a subject using heat generated by electro-magnetic radiation in a target cell. The heat is generated by a thermo generator resided in the target cell upon application the electromagnetic radiation. The amount of the heat is controlled by the energy delivered by the electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A method of increasing the rate of growth of an animal cell or cell culture include the use of ultrasound at a frequency greater than about 1 MHz.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are provided for selectively altering the viability characteristics of a live cell. In some embodiments, an electrical signal acquisition array, electrically coupled to a high gain amplifier, is used in conjunction with an analog to digital converter and a computer to record natural electrical signals that a cell type may use to communicate with its neighbors, the immune system, and the organism in which it is operating, as well as the signals and waveforms that define its particular natural operational electrical signature. Specific parts of the recorded electrical signals that are determined to be relevant to specific behavior patterns are extracted from the recordings as discreet waveforms, loaded into an arbitrary waveform generator, and played back through either an electromagnetic radiating transducer or an electrical signal output array to apply electromagnetic energy to the cells to alter the electrical characteristics of a live cell.

Abstract: A method of increasing animal cell growth and monoclonal antibody production in an animal cell or cell culture includes the use of ultrasound at a frequency greater than about 1 MHz.

Abstract: Extracted human mesenchymal cells (MSCs) are placed into the interior space of a closed vessel and exposed to an electric AC current and/or electromagnetic field. The MSCs are also stirred within the vessel to further stimulate the cells, enhancing the osteodifferentiation process during human transplantation of the cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro or ex vivo method of preparing a cell-free composition, said method comprising or consisting of (a) subjecting cells to stress; and (b) collecting factors produced, preferably secreted by said cells when subjected to said stress, thereby obtaining said cell-free composition; wherein said cells are comprised in or form at least one first carrier and said collecting is effected by means of at least one second carrier which second carrier(s) is/are cell-free and concomitantly present with and spatially distinct from said first carrier; and said collecting is effected using a device comprising or consisting of (i) said first carrier(s) which first carrier(s) comprise(s) said cells or is/are suitable to hold said cells; (ii) said second carrier(s) which is cell-free; and (iii) means of subjecting said cells in said first carrier to stress; wherein first carrier(s) and second carrier(s) are positioned such that factors secreted by said cells when subjected to stress are

Abstract: The present invention relates to signaling mechanisms that transduce magnetic inputs into physiological cellular outputs. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for non-invasively controlling cellular signaling functions and behaviors by harnessing receptor-mediated and intracellular molecular-mediated signal transduction using nanomagnetic cellular switches.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are related to methods comprising contacting an endothelial cell in an endothelial cell population with a non-thermal plasma to release an angiogenic growth factor. The released angiogenic growth factor may induce endothelial cell proliferation. In certain embodiments, the angiogenic growth factor is fibroblast growth factor-2. Preferably, the non-thermal plasma may be an atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge. Additional aspects of the present invention are directed to methods for treating a disease comprising promoting angiogenesis by contacting an endothelial cell in a endothelial cell population with a non-thermal plasma to release an angiogenic growth factor. The angiogenic growth factor may induce endothelial cell proliferation.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to modify the genetic regulation of mammalian tissue, bone, cells or any combination thereof by preferential activation, up-regulation and/or down-regulation. The method comprises steps of tuning the predetermined profiles of one or more time-varying stimulation fields by manipulating the B-Field magnitude, rising slew rate, rise time, falling slew rate, fall time, frequency, wavelength, and duty cycle, and exposing mammalian cells or tissues to one or more tuned time-varying stimulation fields with predetermined profiles. Examples of mammalian cells or tissues are chondrocytes, osteoblasts, osteocytes, osteoclasts, nucleus pulposus, associated tissue, or any combination. The resulted modification on gene regulation of these cells, tissues or bones may promote the retention, repair of and reduction of compromised mammalian cartilage, bone, and associated tissue.

Abstract: There are provided a radiofrequency device for increasing amount of a bioactive substance in a plant cell and a plant cell culture method for increasing amount of useful intracellular secondary metabolites by using the radiofrequency device. The cell culture method of the present invention makes it possible to increase specific secondary metabolites such as daidzein, equol, and the like in a cell and thus can be used for development into various medicines, agricultural pesticides, spices, pigments, food additives, and cosmetics containing bioactive substances. Further, the cell culture method of the present invention improves conventional cell culture methods limitedly used for specific cells or specific metabolites for increasing amount of intracellular bioactive substances and thus can be widely applied to production of cells and secondary metabolites.

Abstract: A method of culturing Antrodia cinnamomea and obtaining Antrodia cinnamomea with improved contents of antcin C and zhankuic acid C is disclosed in the invention. The method comprises: providing a wood segment of Cinnamomum kanehirai; inoculating a strain of Antrodia cinnamomea to the wood segment, to obtain the wood segment inoculated with the strain of Antrodia cinnamomea with 0.162 g dry weight of hyphae and mycelia of the strain of Antrodia cinnamomea per kg wood segment; and irradiating the wood segment inoculated with the strain of Antrodia cinnamomea by a light of wavelength of 600-700 nm to obtain a fruit body; wherein an irradiation time of the wood segment inoculated with the strain of Antrodia cinnamomea is 8-12 hours per day for 30-40 days.

Abstract: A method for improving bioactivity of a surface of an implantable object comprising titania, titanium, an alloy of titanium, and/or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and implantable objects prepared thereby provides forming an accelerated neutral beam derived from an accelerated gas-cluster ion-beam (GCIB) in a reduced-pressure chamber, introducing an implantable object into the reduced-pressure chamber, and irradiating at least a first portion of the surface of said implantable object with a GCIB-derived neutral beam.

Abstract: An LED component and the use thereof. The component comprises a light output spectrum with at least one peak intensity between 600-800 nm wavelength range with a full width at half maximum at least 50 nm; second optional optical light output peak at 200-500 nm wavelength range; and third optional output peak at 700-1000 nm wavelength range. It can be used for therapeutic, photosynthesis and photomorphogenetic applications.

Abstract: Systems and methods for altering neurite growth are generally described. In some embodiments, a system may include a neuron comprising a neurite and electrodes able to generate a physical guidance cue. The physical guidance cue may be used to alter the growth of the neurite and may be temporally and spatially dynamic, such that neurite growth may be altered in a spatial and/or temporal manner. Dynamic control of neurite growth may be used to form directional neural connections, intersections, and/or overlaps.

Abstract: Systems and methods for altering neurite growth are generally described. In some embodiments, a system may include a neuron comprising a neurite and electrodes able to generate a physical guidance cue. The physical guidance cue may be used to alter the growth of the neurite and may be temporally and spatially dynamic, such that neurite growth may be altered in a spatial and/or temporal manner. Dynamic control of neurite growth may be used to form directional neural connections, intersections, and/or overlaps.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for increasing fermentation rates of microbes via biostimulation are provided. Electrodes are preferably positioned along an interior or exterior of a tube-shaped component to administer electromagnetic/electric pulses to a solution comprising a microbe. Systems can advantageously be used in new biofuels production plants, or in existing biofuels production plants without the need for significant retrofits.

Abstract: An apparatus that provides synchronized chronic electrical stimulation and chronic stretch to a cell culture or tissue. The apparatus includes a programmable controller which synchronizes stretch and electrical stimulation applied to a deformable culture container, such as a silicone rubber culture dish. The apparatus is used to treat cells and retard de-differentiation or promote differentiation and maturation in some applications.

Abstract: Methods for forming activated platelet gels using nsPEF's and applying the activated gels to wounds, such as heart tissue after myocardial infarction. The platelets are activated by applying at least one nsPEF with a duration between about 10 picoseconds to 1 microsecond and electrical field strengths between about 10 kV/cm and 350 kV/cm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells or dental pulp stem cells. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for differentiating stem cells to neural cells by applying mesenchymal stem cells or dental pulp stem cells with a low-frequency electromagnetic field. The differentiation method according to the present invention can induce differentiation even with low-cost mediums rather than induced neural differentiation mediums which are expensive due to addition of growth factors, and the neural cells differentiated according to the present invention may be useful for treatment of neurological brain diseases.

Abstract: A bioreactor system for growing commercial volumes of algae or other biomass in an enclosed, biosecure reactor vessel, the system having internal artificial growth light production as well as exterior solar energy capturing devices or the like designed to facilitate enhanced sunlight exposure for photosynthesis organism production. Magnetic and electromagnetic field generation systems and/or millimeter wave generating devices are integrated with the bioreactor system and its operation to substantially enhance growth rate and overall productivity.

Abstract: A method to recover and harvest nutrients from a liquid stream by incorporating them into microorganisms grown in a rotating photobioreactor. The method further includes optionally integrating the rotating photobioreactor with a composting or biogenic drying process.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bioreactor for creating and/or conditioning biological tissues, in particular cardiovascular patches. This bioreactor supports additionally cellular differentiation under controlled conditions. The bioreactor comprises a housing having a first section (20) for holding a nutrition solution and/or a cell suspension (24), means (28) for holding a scaffold (34), said means being disposed or disposable inside said bioreactor housing such that said scaffold (34) held therein is exposed to said nutrition solution and/or cell suspension (24) when contained in said first section (20), mechanical stimulation means (54, 68, 86) for applying mechanical stress and/or strain to said scaffold (34) and/or tissue formed thereon when held by said scaffold holding means (28) in said bioreactor housing, and electrical stimulation means (38, 92) for applying an electrical stimulation to said scaffold (34) and/or tissue formed thereon when held by said scaffold holding means (28) in said bioreactor housing.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods of using ultrasound in tissue culture and tissue engineering, as well as a bioreactor that includes at least one ultrasound transducer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of delivering light energy to biological tissues for the acceleration of healing of damaged or diseased tissues or regeneration of such tissues. More particularly, the present invention relates to applying various wavelengths of light to articular and non-articular joints, alone, or in conjunction with techniques for restoring or regenerating cartilage, ligament and/or tendons whether in-vitro, in-situ or in-vivo. The present invention also extends to application of photo-irradiation to stimulate enhanced proliferation and site-dependent differentiation of stem cells into mature cells and to stimulate full functioning of mature cells involved in tissue repairs for regeneration of tendons, ligaments, cartilage, bone or muscle, depending on the type of tissue with which the stem cells come into contact.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and articles for selective three dimensional (3D) biopatterning are disclosed. A biological target may be imaged and a selected area of the image may define a desired pattern for guiding the emission of EM radiation into the biological target. Two or more groups of photosensitive elements responsive to different activation wavelengths may be provided. The photosensitive elements may be selectively activated on or within the biological target based on location and activation wavelength in order to guide cell differentiation, adhesion of growth factors to a scaffold, release of growth factors, and/or deletion of cells.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for culturing cells, tissues or organoid bodies in the presence of a pulsating alternating ionic magnetic resonance field and models comprising a tissue-like assembly of the cells so cultured. The cells, tissues or organoid bodies are introduced into a culture unit comprising growth and nutrient modules in which the gravity vector of the growth unit is continually randomized and cultured in the presence of the alternating ionic magnetic resonance field.

Abstract: Methods and systems for acoustically treating material using a continuous process in which material may be caused to flow in a continuous or intermittent fashion into/out of an acoustic treatment chamber where the material is exposed to focused acoustic energy. The methods and systems may be arranged to permit continuous processing for extended periods while an acoustic energy source operates at a relatively high power output. Treatment chambers may include features such as an acoustic window, a heat exchanger, inlet/outlet flow arrangements, an inspection window, insert elements that define a treatment volume size or shape, etc. Treatment system configurations relating to arrangements of a treatment chamber relative to an acoustic source and coupling medium, material flow paths, and others are provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems for developing and bio-refining or processing biomass feedstocks into a spectrum of bio-based products which can be used as a substitute for fossil oil derivatives in various types of product manufacturing processes and/or the production of bio-energy are disclosed. In addition, methods and systems for identifying, measuring and controlling key parameters in relation to specific biomass developing processes and bio-refining processes so as to maximize the efficiency and efficacy of such processes while standardizing the underlying parameters to facilitate and enhance large-scale production of bio-based products and/or bio-energy are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for processing a biological sample that result in a physical change, such as reacting two molecules together to form a reaction product or for use in lysing viruses or biological cells for analysis using biological assay systems. As such, the present invention relates both to breaking apart biological species such as viruses and cells, as well as the formation of reactants from one or more reactive species. The sample has a volume in the range from about 1 microliter to 10 milliliters. The sample is processed by applying pressure, and either sonic energy or thermal energy to the sample, wherein the pressure achieved is usually at least 24 atmospheres, and the temperature of the sample is usually raised to at least 50° C.

Abstract: A method for directing, enhancing, and accelerating mesenchymal stem cell functions using alternating electric current. Mesenchymal stem cells are preferentially directed to either osteoblast or chondrocyte lineages, but not to the adipocyte lineage. when exposed to alternating electric current.

Abstract: A method of increasing animal cell growth and monoclonal antibody production in an animal cell or cell culture includes the use of ultrasound at a frequency greater than about 1 MHz.

Abstract: Provided is a plasma oxidation-reduction method with which it is possible to control the structure of amino acids and proteins with high and stable reproducibility, by using plasma in order to control the amino acids and proteins that make up a living body, particularly by using plasma in order to oxidize or reduce amino acids and proteins. Also provided are a method for promoting plant/animal growth using the plasma oxidation-reduction method, and a plasma-generating device for use in the method for promoting plant/animal growth. Amino acids or proteins are oxidized or reduced in the plasma oxidation-reduction method by using an active oxygen species or active hydrogen in the plasma. Preferably, the active oxygen species comprises any one of singlet oxygen atoms, excited oxygen molecules, or hydroxyl radicals, and the active hydrogen comprises excited hydrogen atoms.

Abstract: Methods and devices are described for the regulation of BMP 2 and 4, TGF-beta 1, 2, and 3, FGF-2, osteocalcin, and alkaline phosphatase mRNA in stem cells via capacitive coupling or inductive coupling of specific and selective electric and/or electromagnetic fields to the bone cells or other tissues containing the stem cells, where the specific and selective fields are generated by application of specific and selective signals to field generating devices disposed with respect to the stem cells so as to facilitate the treatment of diseased or injured bone and other tissues. The resulting methods and devices are useful for the targeted treatment of osteoporosis, osteopenia, osteonecrosis, fresh bone fractures, fractures at risk, nonunion, bone defects, spine fusion, and/or other conditions in which BMP 2 and 4, TGF-beta 1, 2, and 3, FGF-2, osteocalcin, and alkaline phosphatase mRNA and/or protein deficiencies in stem cells has been implicated.

Abstract: A method for producing ethanol by fermentation includes the preparation of a starter culture, inoculation of a mash with the starter culture, fermentation of mash, and recovery of ethanol from the mash. The starter culture includes a tallow base with Chinese tallow tree parts and water which are inoculated with micro-organisms, where the micro-organisms include yeast. The micro-organisms are grown in the tallow base, and used to inoculate the mash. The mash is then fermented, and ethanol is recovered from the mash.

Abstract: The present application includes systems and methods for identifying a compound capable of interacting with a G-Protein Coupled Receptor (GPCR) or Receptor Tyrosine Kinase (RTK) including providing a device capable of measuring cell-substrate impedance operably connected to an impedance analyzer, adding test cells expressing a GPCR or a RTK to wells of the device, measuring first impedances of the wells and optionally determining first cell indices from the first impedances, adding a compound to at least one well containing test cells to form at least one compound well and adding a vehicle control to at least another well containing test cells to form at least one control well, measuring second impedances of the compound well and the control well and optionally determining second cell indices from the second impedances, determining the change in the impedance or cell index for the compound well and the one control well, comparing the change in impedance or cell index between the compound well and the control

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are related to methods comprising contacting an endothelial cell in an endothelial cell population with a non-thermal plasma to release an angiogenic growth factor. The released angiogenic growth factor may induce endothelial cell proliferation. In certain embodiments, the angiogenic growth factor is fibroblast growth factor-2. Preferably, the non-thermal plasma may be an atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge. Additional aspects of the present invention are directed to methods for treating a disease comprising promoting angiogenesis by contacting an endothelial cell in a endothelial cell population with a non-thermal plasma to release an angiogenic growth factor. The angiogenic growth factor may induce endothelial cell proliferation.

Abstract: A method of increasing the rate of growth, useful product production, or protein expression of a microorganism includes the step of exposing the microorganism to ultrasound having a frequency greater than about 1 MHz.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to increase growth or differentiation in vitro in a cell or tissue culture comprising culturing said cell(s) or tissue and applying pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) to said cell or tissue. In said method the cells or tissue are derived from a plant or an animal (including human) and preferably the cells are undifferentiated cells. Also part of the invention is a method as described herein wherein the cells or tissue are derived from a plant and in which differentiation implies the outgrowth of roots and/or shoots or of somatic embryos. The invention further comprises the use of PRF for increasing the growth or differentiation in in vitro cell or tissue culture. The invention also comprises a cell or tissue culture treated according to a method according to the invention. Preferably such a cell or tissue culture is derived from a plant. Then, in yet another embodiment, the invention is directed to a plant grown from such a cell or tissue culture.

Abstract: A medical device and a method of increasing an anti-oxidation capability of an animal cell are provided. The method of increasing the anti-oxidation capability of the animal cell comprises steps of providing the animal cell, and disposing a far-infrared (FIR) emitter in a certain distance from the animal cell. Particularly, the FIR emitter includes a mineral oxide.

Abstract: There is provided a process of growing a phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone. The reaction zone includes an operative reaction mixture. The operative reaction mixture includes the phototrophic biomass disposed in an aqueous medium. Gaseous exhaust material is produced with a gaseous exhaust material producing process, wherein the gaseous exhaust material includes carbon dioxide. Reaction zone feed material is supplied to the reaction zone such that any carbon dioxide of the reaction zone feed material is received by the phototrophic biomass so as to provide a carbon dioxide-enriched phototrophic biomass in the aqueous medium. The carbon dioxide-enriched phototrophic biomass disposed in the aqueous medium is exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation so as to effect photosynthesis. A discharge of the gaseous exhaust material from the gaseous exhaust material producing process is modulated based on sensing of at least one reaction zone parameter.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the regulation of gene expression by cells via the application of fields generated by specific and selective electric and electromagnetic signals so as to target diseased or injured tissue for treatment. By gene expression is meant the up regulation or down regulation of the process whereby specific portions (genes) of the human genome (DNA) are transcribed into mRNA and subsequently translated into protein. Methods and devices are provided for the targeted treatment of injured or diseased tissue that include providing specific and selective electric and electromagnetic signals and exposing tissue to the fields generated by the signals so as to regulate gene expression. In particular, methods and devices are provided for the targeted treatment of bone defects, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, cancer, and other disease states.

Abstract: Disclosed is a circuit arrangement comprising at least one storage device for electrical charges to generate at least one voltage pulse by selectively discharging the storage device, and at least one control unit for controlling the discharge. A controller for monitoring the chronological progression of the voltage pulse is provided which controls at least one continuation of discharge after termination. Biomaterial is treated by using at least one electrical field generated by a first voltage pulse which is terminated once the value for an electrical parameter has exceeded or dropped below a preset limit. After the first voltage pulse has been terminated, it is continued by an additional voltage pulse.

Abstract: A method of increasing the rate of growth of an animal cell or cell culture include the use of ultrasound at a frequency greater than about 1 MHz.

Abstract: Methods and devices are described for the regulation of bone morphogenetic protein gene expression in bone cells via the application of fields generated by specific and selective electric and electromagnetic signals in the treatment of diseased or injured bone. By gene expression is meant the up-regulation or down-regulation of the process whereby specific portions (genes) of the human genome (DNA) are transcribed into mRNA and subsequently translated into protein. Methods and devices are provided for the targeted treatment of injured or diseased bone tissue that include generating specific and selective electric and electromagnetic signals that generate fields optimized for increase of bone morphogenetic protein gene expression and exposing bone to the fields generated by specific and selective signals so as to regulate bone morphogenetic protein gene expression in such bone tissue.