Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for sectioning cell colonies. Also disclosed are methods of purifying cell colonies. A method of sectioning cell colonies can include providing a cell colony on a culture plate comprising a known thickness; positioning a bottom of the culture plate using automated focus technology; and sectioning the cell colony into one or more pieces using a pattern of laser cutting lines. Devices for performing the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A plate manufactured to enable samples of cells, micro-organisms, proteins, DNA, biomolecules and other biological media to be positioned at specific locations or sites on the plate for the purpose of performing addressable analyses on the samples. Preferably, some or all of the sites are built from a removable material or as pallets so that a subset of the samples of interest can be readily isolated from the plate for further processing or analysis. The plate can contain structures or chemical treatments that enhance or promote the attachment and/or function of the samples, and that promote or assist in their analyses. Use of the plate advantageously enables the selection and sorting of cells based on dynamic phenomena and the rapid establishment of stable tranfectants.

Abstract: A liquid sample flow containing living cells is irradiated with measurement laser light and the photo data of at least either scattering light or fluorescence that is generated by each of the living cells in the liquid sample flow due to the irradiation with the measurement laser light is acquired. Based on the photo data thus acquired, it is determined whether each of the cells assignable to the respective photo data is an unnecessary living cell or a target living cell. Based on the determination results, a pulse voltage is then applied exclusively to the living cells having been determined as unnecessary living cells so that the unnecessary living cells are damaged and killed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lipid removed scaffolds(lipid-free scaffolds) for human tissue volume replacement or cell culture. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for preparing lipid removed scaffolds(lipid-free scaffolds) for human tissue volume replacement or cell culture, the method comprising the steps of: fragmenting fat tissue to isolate lipids by ultrasonic treatment or high pressure nozzle spray; removing the isolated lipids and fat tissue from which lipids were not isolated to sterilize. According to the present invention, lipids are removed from fat tissue only by physical treatment to maintain the volume thereof and microstructures such as cellular membrane as much as possible and thus the inventive scaffolds are useful for human tissue volume replacement.

Abstract: A process for isolating microorganisms from samples, particularly Shigella spp. from food samples, and a system, apparatus and composition therefor are provided. Magnetic particles are used to capture microorganisms and a system having separate magnetically-based apparatuses for collecting, concentrating and retrieving is used to isolate the magnetic particles having bound microorganisms. The apparatus for concentrating magnetic particles utilizes a small magnet assisted by vibration to concentrate collected particles at a localized region on the bottom of a container. The process, system and apparatus of the present invention are simple and inexpensive providing improved magnetic particle recovery adaptable to large scales.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlled concentration of an analyte containing liquid sample. Embodiments include using microwave energy to heat a sample while reducing pressure in a chamber. The combination of reduced pressure and microwave energy can provide sufficient heat to vaporize a portion of the liquid while maintaining analyte integrity. The method and apparatus can increase speed and sensitivity of analyte detection.

Abstract: A method of collecting embryonic-like stem cells from a placenta which has been treated to remove residual cord blood by perfusing the drained placenta with an anticoagulant solution to flush out residual cells, collecting the residual cells and perfusion liquid from the drained placenta, and separating the embryonic-like cells from the residual cells and perfusion liquid. Exogenous cells can be propagated in the placental bioreactor and bioactive molecules collected therefrom.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided separating a first group of cells from a mixture of at least first and second groups of cells in a suspending fluid. The system includes an annular flow channel and at least one magnetic element positioned around the exterior of the annular flow channel as to provide a radially symmetric magnetic field around at least a portion of the annular flow channel. The at least one magnetic element is configured to provide a gradually increasing magnetic field along the axis of flow as to limit the maximum magnetic gradient within the annular flow channel. A pump is operatively connected to a terminal end of the annular flow channel to force the suspending fluid through the annular channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for microelectronic positioning bioparticles, which utilizes dielectric and non-contact electrical force of cell themselves associated with multi-phase electrical signals to attain uniformity of distribution of the bioparticles and positioning thereof within micro-areas in a cell culture system. The obstacle of system geometrical structure is eliminated so as to simplify the system layout and programmably change cells' positions. The present method is suitable for treating cell array in a large quantity. The present method utilizes electrical control for the cells. The clamping of the cells can be removed at any time. It is very advantageous for collection and redistribution of cell products.

Abstract: The disclosure encompasses transparent polymer membranes suitable for use in laser microdissection methods, where the membranes allow the subsequent analysis of the microdissected cell or cells with light of a wavelength that can traverse the membrane with little if any absorbance by the membrane. The transfer capture membranes of the disclosure comprise a polymeric composition having the characteristic of being cut by a laser light at a wavelength less than 360 nm, while being substantially optically transparent at a wavelength greater than about 360 nm.

Abstract: The present invention features a new and useful magnetic device and methods of its use for isolation, enrichment, and purification of cells, proteins, DNA, and other molecules. In general the device includes magnetic regions or obstacles to which magnetic particles can bind. The chemical groups, i.e., capture moieties, on the surface of the magnetic particles may then be used to bind particles, e.g., cells, or molecules of interest from complex samples, and the bound species may then be selectively released for downstream collection or further analysis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for extracting lipids from microorganisms without using organic solvent as an extraction solvent. In particular, the present invention provides a method for extracting lipids from microorganisms by lysing cells and removing water soluble compound and/or materials by washing the lysed cell mixtures with aqueous washing solutions until a substantially non-emulsified lipid is obtained.

Abstract: There is provided an ultrasonic dissection device for relatively removing a target biological object from other biological objects, the ultrasonic dissection device including an ultrasonic wave generation unit, an ultrasonic wave convergence unit, and a controller to control the ultrasonic wave generation unit.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to efficiently separate A. flos aquae from M. aeruginosa are described so that A. flos aquae may be processed for human consumption. A separation/concentration/isolation tank has a vertically oriented axis with an open top. The tank wall is at least partly transparent or translucent so that sunlight penetrates the tank wall and into the tank interior. The tank contains an aqueous solution containing both A. flos aquae and, typically, M. aeruginosa. The tank is exposed to the light source and as the organisms carry on metabolic processes, A. flos aquae and M. aeruginosa vertically stratify in the tank by virtue of the different buoyancy responses of the two organisms when exposed to the same environmental conditions. This results in the A. flos aquae being physically separated from M. aeruginosa and concentrated in the tank. The desired portion of the water-that is, the water containing concentrated A. flos aquae, may be removed from the tank for further concentration and purification.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for using magnetosomes as cellular contrast agents and markers for magnetic resonance imaging are provided. Certain methods involve synthesizing magnetosomes in a cell as directed by a nucleotide construct comprising an exogenous polynucleotide sequence, wherein the magnetosome serves as a contrast agent or marker for magnetic resonance imaging. Methods of synthesizing and isolating magnetosomes for introduction into immune-matched cells within a tissue or subject for use as a contrast agent or marker for magnetic resonance imaging are also provided. Also provided are methods for stably transfecting cells to express a polypeptide that drives or modulates magnetosome production in the cell, cells produced by such methods and methods for their isolation, transgenic animals comprising at least one eukaryotic cell produced by such methods, and vectors and delivery systems for the transfection of such cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer matrix for specifically tethering surface epitopes or receptors of cells, said polymer matrix having been pretreated by molecular imprinting. The invention also relates to a method of producing such a polymer matrix. The polymer matrices according to the present invention are used in therapeutic and diagnostic applications as well as for isolating cells.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for manipulating regenerative cells from adipose tissue. Specifically, it provides methods for enrichment of desired cells and enhancement of their therapeutic effects.

Abstract: A biological indicator and method of making same. The biological indicator includes a carrier having a recess formed therein in order to restrict movement of an inoculum deposited onto the carrier. The inoculum includes microorganisms (e.g., bacterial spores) suspended in a suspension medium. The microorganisms are prepared by removing extraneous material and subjecting the microorganisms to sonication to break up agglomerations. The suspension medium includes a wetting agent to reduce surface tension, thereby facilitating flow of the suspension medium to prevent stacking of microorganisms on the surface of the carrier, and to allow the inoculum to more evenly “plate out” on carrier surfaces. The carrier, with inoculum deposited thereon, is enclosed in an envelope made of a material permeable to a vaporous deactivating agent (e.g., vaporized hydrogen peroxide, ozone, chlorine dioxide, ethylene oxide, etc.), thereby facilitating exposure to the vaporous deactivating agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating cell culture vessels including multi-layer cell culture vessels with ultrasonic energy to dissociate cells growing on surfaces of cell culture vessels.

Abstract: This invention relates to enrichment of a biological sample comprising a plurality of cells to assist further analysis thereof. It provides a technique comprising the steps of: (a) providing a sample comprising a plurality of cells which include a photosensitive compound that can be induced by light irradiation to inactivate or kill at least part of the respective cell; (b) acquiring an image of at least a portion of the sample; (c) identifying cells of interest in the sample image; (d) selecting cells other than the cells identified in step (c); and (e) irradiating only those cells selected in step (d) with a light beam so as induce the photosensitive compound therein to inactivate or kill at least part of those cells, and thereby enrich the sample with respect to the cells of interest for further analysis.

Abstract: There is provided a method for classifying and counting leukocytes with abnormal DNA amount, which comprises: (1) a step of staining cells in a sample obtained from a hematological sample by treatment with a hemolytic agent to lyse erythrocytes, with a fluorescent dye which can make a difference in the fluorescence intensity at least among mature leukocytes, leukocytes with abnormal DNA amount and immature leukocytes; (2) a step of introducing the sample containing the stained cells into a flow cytometer to measure scattered light and fluorescence of the respective cells; (3) a step of classifying leukocytes and coincidence cells/platelet clumps utilizing a difference in the intensity of a scattered light peak and a difference in the scattered light width; (4) a step of classifying and counting mature leukocytes, leukocytes with abnormal DNA amount and immature leukocytes, utilizing a difference in the scattered light intensity and a difference in the fluorescence intensity of leukocytes classified in the

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and devices are disclosed for the manipulation (e.g., concentration, purification, capture, trapping, location, transfer) of analytes, e.g., biomolecules, with respect to analyte-containing solutions, using one or more electric fields.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes mammalian pluripotent embryonic-like stem cells (ELSCs) isolated from corneal limbal tissue, a non-embryonic tissue. The ELSCs of the present disclosure are capable of proliferating in an in vitro culture, maintain the potential to differentiate into cells of endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm lineage in culture, and are capable of forming embryoid-like bodies when placed in suspension culture. Thus, these cells possess multi-lineage differentiation potential and self-renewing capability. ELSCs may be a promising therapeutic tool, and may provide new therapeutic alternatives for various diseases, conditions, and injuries.

Abstract: A miniaturized, integrated, microfluidic device pulls materials bound to magnetic particles from one laminar flow path to another by applying a local magnetic field gradient. The device removes microbial and mammalian cells from flowing biological fluids without any wash steps. A microfabricated high-gradient magnetic field concentrator (HGMC) is integrated at one side of a microfluidic channel. When magnetic particles are introduced into one flow path, they remain limited to that flow path. When the HGMC is magnetized, the magnetic beads are pulled from the initial flow path into the collection stream, thereby cleansing the fluid. The microdevice allows large numbers of beads and materials to be sorted simultaneously, has no capacity limit, does not lose separation efficiency as particles are removed, and is useful for cell separations from blood and other biological fluids. This on-chip separator allows cell separations to be performed in the field outside of hospitals and laboratories.

Abstract: The invention is a procedure for measuring the binding of an entity (ligand) to a surface by using a hapten-conjugated version of the ligand (hapten-ligand). An excess of the hapten-ligand is presented to the binding surface and excess (unbound) hapten-ligand is washed off. Bound hapten-ligand is then solubilized (removed) and applied to a membrane support or separated by electrophoresis and applied to a membrane support. Known amounts of hapten-ligand are similarly applied to the membrane, to provide for hapten-ligand standards. The membrane-bound hapten-ligand is detected by application of an enzyme-conjugated antibody to the hapten; or by application of an antibody to the hapten followed by application of an enzyme-conjugated antibody to the anti-hapten antibody. The resultant membrane-associated enzyme is detected and quantitated by the application of a color or light-producing substrate which reacts with the enzyme.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for isolating or purifying a biomolecule directly or indirectly bound to a region of interest of a nucleic acid in a cell, and methods for isolating or purifying a biomolecule that directly or indirectly binds to a region of interest of a nucleic acid in a cell. The invention further provides substantially cell free, isolated and purified biomolecule(s) that are fixed or cross-linked to a region of interest of a nucleic acid, which optionally reflects the interaction of the biomolecule(s) with the nucleic acid in the cell (e.g., in native chromatin) when fixed or cross-linked to the region of interest. Substantially cell free, isolated and purified biomolecules that are fixed or cross-linked to a region of interest of a nucleic acid can remain fixed or cross-linked to the region of interest of the nucleic acid when heated or treated with denaturing compounds or agents.

Abstract: A method for counting megakaryocytes in a specimen is described. In the method, first, erythrocytes in the specimen are lysed and nucleic acid in the megakaryocytes is stained with a fluorescent dye, and thereby, a measurement sample is prepared. Next, the cells in the measurement sample are irradiated with excited light so that the forward scattered light, the side scattered light and the fluorescence, which are emitted from the cells, are detected. Megakaryocytes are identified on the basis of the detected forward scattered light, the fluorescence and the side scattered light. Then, the identified megakaryocytes are counted.

Abstract: A device for fertility control and management through the application of acoustic energy, preferably ultrasound. According to various embodiments of the present invention, such fertility management and control may optionally be applied for reducing or enhancing fertility and/or otherwise controlling one or more aspects of fertility and conception, including but not limited to contraceptive use, improving the ability to conceive, and/or for separation of X and Y sperm.

Abstract: An apparatuses, methods and systems for creating, handling and collecting seed portions are highly beneficial. The apparatus includes a carrier having one or more carrying positions adapted to carry a seed. The carrying positions having a seed orienter adapted to orient the seed relative to the carrying position in the carrier for creating seed portions therefrom. The method includes taking a carrier having one or more carrying positions, orienting a seed relative to the carrying position in the carrier, ablating the seed with a seed ablation device, and communicating seed portions through a manifold into a compartment layer. The system includes a seed manifold adapted to dock thereon a seed carrier having pre-positioned and pre-oriented seed therein. Seed and seed portions removed from the seed in the carrier are communicated into a collector and compartment layer respectively using the seed manifold.

Abstract: A biochip (100) for lysing and/or cell separation is formed to provide a sealed chamber for biological fluid. A conductive layer (140) bonded between upper (130) and lower (150) insulating layers is etched to form a microfluidic channel (250) between two electrodes (190, 200). The microfluidic channel connects a fluid inlet (11) and fluid outlet (120). The electrodes (190, 200) form an un-even electric field in the channel (250) to generate a dielectrophoretic force on the cells/particles within the sample fluid. A voltage source applies a suitable voltage to separate and/or lyse cells within the fluid.

Abstract: The subject matter hereof discloses a static support bed (SSB) for purification, separation, modification, and/or immobilization of target chemical entities or target biological entities present in a fluid. The static support bed hereof may include one or more microwire supports suitable for the attachment of target chemical entities or target biological entities.

Abstract: A rapid method for the quantitation of various live cell types is described. The method may include a variety of steps including: 1) suspending the cells in a detergent-like compound, 2) isolating the washed cells by centrifugation or filtration, 3) resuspending the cells in a solution that contains a preservative, a fluorescent dye and a compound such as dequalinium which can be taken up by the cells, 4) measuring the fluorescence increase over time of the cell-dye mixture with a simple fluorometer, and 5) measuring the native fluorescence of the cells. This new cell fluorescence method correlates with other methods of enumerating cells such as the standard plate count, the methylene blue method and the slide viability technique. The method is particularly useful in several applications such as: a) quantitating bacteria in milk, yogurt, cheese, meat and other foods, b) quantitating yeast cells in brewing, fermentation and bread making, c) quantitating mammalian cells in research, food and clinical settings.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the freeze-drying of formulations comprising a polynucleotide, a block copolymer and a cationic surfactant. In the presence of a cryoprotectant or bulking agent, a formulation can be freeze-dried, whereby upon reconstitution of the dried formulation, the microparticles maintain their optimal size and aggregation or fusion is avoided.

Abstract: A method is provided for extracting and purifying components of biological samples with a two-step process for elution and neutralization of the components from the sample. The separate elution and neutralization steps use adjustment of the buffer pH to improve extraction and purification of the desired components.

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

Abstract: A magnetic particle and fabrication method thereof. The magnetic particle comprises a polymer core, a magnetic material layer covering the polymer core, and a silicon containing layer covering the magnetic material layer. In addition, the magnetic particle may further comprise a coupling agent on the silicon containing layer, and an active molecule connected to the coupling agent. The magnetic particles provide controllable size, uniform diameter distribution, high magnetization, improved storage stability, and modified surface for targeting biomolecules for biomaterial separation and environmental analysis.

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: This invention relates to antibodies that specific bind to fetal CD36+ cells in preference to binding to maternal CD36+ cells and methods for using these antibodies to detect and separate fetal cells from adult biological fluids including maternal peripheral blood.

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: A method for individually moving small objects, such as cells, from one location to another as well as a device for implementing the method is disclosed. A small object such as a cell is isolated at some initial location and moved to some destination location by the movement of the small object through a succession of intermediate locations until the small object arrives at the destination location. Also disclosed are methods of manipulating cells made possible by the method and device of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to transform all extracellular components of a dermis into a gelatinized substance with long permanence, wherein these extracellular components are obtained from autologous samples of skin of a patient. This method eliminates epidermic cells completely and allows obtaining autologous dermis. The extracellular components of the autologous dermis are obtained by the lysis of collagen fibers. Furthermore, the dermis is exposed to gamma-ray irradiation to eliminate all living cells.

Abstract: A process for isolating at least one micro-organism from a medium including a) introducing a selected quantity of magnetic or magnetizable particles into a sample of the medium; b) incubating the particles and the medium for a time sufficient for the micro-organisms to develop and adhere to surfaces of the particles; c) separating the particles from the medium; d) spreading the particles on a support compatible with development of the micro-organisms; and e) incubating the particles on the support for a time sufficient for the development of colonies corresponding to the isolated micro-organism.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the need to improve the yield of adenovirus when grown in cell culture systems. In particular, it has been demonstrated that for adenovirus, the use of infection temperatures lower than 37° C. in a cell culture system results in improved yields of adenovirus. In addition, it has been demonstrated that when host cells are grow in a bioreactor, initiating adenovirus infection by diluting the host cells with fresh media and adenovirus results in improved yield of adenovirus. Methods of adenoviral production and purification using infection temperatures less than 37° C. are disclosed. Methods of adenoviral production and purification wherein the host cells are grown in a bioreactor and adenovirus infection is initiated by diluting the host cells with fresh media and adenovirus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for selectively recovering nucleic acid from a first cell type in a sample containing cells of at least a first cell type and a second cell type, and a cell suspension medium comprising extracellular impurities, is provided. The method entails combining the sample with particles responsive to a magnetic field in a vessel, the magnetic particles having the ability to sequester the cells from the cell suspension medium upon application of a magnetic field; exposing the vessel to a magnetic field for a time sufficient to cause sequestration of the cells by the particles; removing the impurities-containing cell suspension medium from the vessel while retaining the cells; lysing selectively cells of the first cell type; and isolating the nucleic acid from the lysed cells. Methods for recovering nucleic acid from the second cell type are also provided.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of irradiating a specimen which is laid on a substrate and which includes a cell with a laser beam to remove an unnecessary specimen portion other than a cell portion from the substrate, next inserting the cell portion into one opening in a cylindrical member to dispose the cylindrical member onto the substrate, next injecting a stripping agent into a container formed by the substrate and cylindrical member to strip the cell portion from the substrate, and sampling the cell portion which floats in the stripping agent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for concentration and separation of bacteria in confined geometries such as in thin fluid films and in channels. The bacteria live in an environment of a specified level of pH, so that an increase or decrease of pH levels stimulates the bacteria to avoid areas of unfavorable pH and swim in the direction of the pH gradient. To create the gradient of pH an electric current is transmitted through a thin film or channel containing bacteria. The transmission of the current results in electrolysis in the vicinity of the electrodes and deviation of the pH levels from the bulk values. The bacteria swim away from the electrodes toward the center of the cell, where the pH level is more favorable.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of detecting staphylococcus.

Abstract: A device for treating magnetizable or magnetically attractable particles which are present in a liquid, comprising a holder for one ore more reaction vessel(s) with the liquid containing the particles, at least two movably arranged permanent magnets, a drive unit for moving the permanent magnets; with the permanent magnets being arranged in pairs and opposite each other, and being movable in vertical direction (a, b), and the distance between the two permanent magnets of a pair being dimensioned or adjustable such that a reaction vessel can be positioned therebetween.

Abstract: A method for preparing a nucleic acid component of a sample for amplification includes contacting the sample with a porous support that deactivates a nucleic acid amplification inhibitor component of the sample and directing a fluid through the porous support, whereby the nucleic acid component of the sample is directed through at least a portion of the porous support and is separated from the support, thereby preparing the nucleic acid component for amplification. The sample is separated from raw sample components through means that include a magnetic substrate. An apparatus suitable for conducting the method of the invention also is described.

Abstract: A microfluidic device may employ one or more sorting stations for separating target species from other species in a sample. The separation is driven by magnetophoresis. A sorting station generally includes separate buffer and sample streams. A magnetic field gradient applied to the sorting station deflects the flow path of magnetic particles (which selectively label the target species) from a sample stream into a buffer stream. The buffer stream leaving the sorting station is used to detect or further process purified target species labeled with the magnetic particles.