Abstract: Methods and systems capturing particles suspended in a fluid flowed through a micro-channel, can include flowing the fluid including the particles to be captured through a micro-channel and past a groove defined in a surface of a wall of the micro-channel such that flowing the fluid past the groove forms microvortices in the fluid; contacting at least some of the particles against an adherent disposed on one or more of walls of the microchannel after the microvortices form in the fluid; and capturing at least some of the particles contacting the adherent.

Abstract: This invention describes a method of rapid detection of micro-colonies of microorganisms by changing their shape from a regular semi-sphere to a long and thin cylinder. Cells are trapped by filtration in long (diameter/length=1/10-1/100), cylindrical, parallel, micro-channels that are open from both sides, and attached to a filter from one side. A micro-channel plate houses a multiplicity of micro-channels (diameter of each channel=1-20 ?m, and length 100-1000 ?m). The micro-channel plate with cells trapped on the surface of the filter is attached to a nutrient media agar block. Cells produce micro-colonies of a long and thin shape according the shape of the micro-channel. The growth of microorganisms in the micro-channels permits a change in the number of cells to accomplish light absorbance. Fewer cells need a shorter time to reproduce. Thus detection and counting of cells can be accomplished in a rapid fashion.

Abstract: Bioreactors and methods of using them to produce tissue engineered products or culture cells are disclosed, and more particularly on the development of a tissue and cell culture method based upon an expanded bed bioreactor in which an initial resting bed of particles on which or in which cells are attached, encapsulated or immobilised have a fluid passed upwards through the bed to form an expanded bed in which the fluid acts to separate the particles, i.e. under plug flow conditions to enable the relative positions of the particles to be maintained during the step of culturing the cells to form tissue and helps to reduce collisions between particles and turbulent flow or convective mixing.

Abstract: Hydrophobic polymer surfaces whose level of protein binding is less than about 50-80 ng/cm2 are achieved by: (1) applying a coating solution composed of a solvent and a non-ionic surfactant having a HLB number of less than 5 to the surface; and (2) drying the surface to remove the solvent and thereby bring the surfactant into direct contact with the hydrophobic polymer. The combination of a low HLB number and the drying step have been found to produce low binding surfaces which can withstand multiple washes with water and/or protein-containing solutions Alternatively, the low binding surfaces can be produced by applying the non-ionic surfactant to the mold surfaces which contact molten polymer and form the polymer into a desired shape, e.g., into a multi-well plate, a pipette tip, or the like. Further, the low binding surfaces may be produced by incorporating non-soluble, non-ionic surfactants having an HLB number of less than or equal to 10 into a polymer blend prior to molding the article.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to regularly align microparticles, on each of which a nucleic acid synthetase or a DNA probe capable of capturing a nucleic acid sample fragment is immobilized, on a support so as to improve throughput of nucleic acid analysis. The present invention relates to a method comprising immobilizing a nucleic acid synthetase, a DNA probe, or the like in advance to a microparticle, forming a pattern of metal pads each having a diameter smaller than the microparticle diameter with gold or the like on a support, and allowing a microparticle to be bound to the pads via a chemical bond. In addition, when the surfaces of microparticles are electrically charged, a pattern of metal pads each having a diameter equivalent to or larger than the microparticle diameter is formed with gold or the like on a support and a microparticle is allowed to be bound to the pads via a chemical bond.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention pertains to a method for conjugating a first compound to a second compound wherein the conjugation involves an electrophilic moiety. The method comprises reacting the first compound with the second compound to form a conjugate. The improvement in embodiments of the present invention comprises adding a nucleophilic reagent to the conjugate wherein the nucleophilic reagent forms a neutral product upon reaction with unreacted electrophilic moieties of the conjugate. In some embodiments, the nucleophilic reagent is substantially non-reactive with disulfide bonds in the event that the conjugate comprises disulfide bonds. The conjugate formed is doubly deactivated because the other moiety for linking to the electrophilic moiety is also deactivated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to artificial tissue growth guides comprising a core and an outer sleeve, which facilitates the regeneration of damaged tissues, such as nerves. The core is fixed to the sleeve at two attachment sites so that cells seeded within the core produce mechanical tension between the attachment sites. This tension aligns the cells and the fibres of the core and provides an improved substrate for tissue regeneration. Growth guides may be surgically implanted into an individual.

Abstract: Bone cages are disclosed including devices for biocompatible implantation. The structures of bone are useful for providing living cells and tissues as well as biologically active molecules to subjects.

Abstract: A tagged water-soluble polymer linked to a solid support is provided and includes a solid support optionally including a spacer sequence including one or more spacer monomer units attached to the solid support; and a water-soluble polymer covalently linked to the solid support or to the spacer sequence, the water-soluble polymer including a first cleavage segment including at least one monomer unit including a selectively cleavable link to the solid support or to the spacer sequence, where cleavage of the selectively cleavable link separates the water-soluble polymer from the solid support, a second segment including at least one monomer unit selected from a monomer unit linked to a reactive functionality able to be covalently coupled to a tag or linked to a tag, a third segment including one or more monomer units linked to a reactive functionality that can form a covalent bond with an analyte-binding species or an analyte, and optionally one or more spacer monomer units provided adjacent to any segment and/o

Abstract: Provided are a glyceride oil composition derived from a fish oil and a preparation method thereof. The composition includes docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) with a content of 45 to 95% by weight and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) with a content of 0.001 to 13% by weight among constituent fatty acids, and a saturated fatty acid having 16 to 18 carbon atoms, which is bonded at 1- and 3-positions, with a content of 0.001 to 5% by weight among constituent fatty acids, in which a weight ratio of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)/docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) is 0.5 to 8 and a weight ratio of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)/eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is 3.5 to 15. The glyceride oil composition derived from fish oil has nutritional and physiological superiority due to containing a great amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids such as DHA and DPA in a form of glyceride, and can minimize disadvantages of EPA such as inhibition of ?-6 fatty acid metabolism by containing a low amount of EPA.

Abstract: A capillary for an immunoassay is provided which comprises an insoluble layer of an oxidase formed on an inner wall surface of said capillary, said oxidase being conjugated to a first antibody, and a layer of a hydrophilic polymer formed on said insoluble layer, said hydrophilic polymer layer containing a second antibody conjugated to a peroxidase, wherein said first and second antibodies are capable of binding to the same antigen.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the recovery of bacteria and microparasites, particularly Cryptosporidium and Giardia, from water samples by filtration through a mixed cellulose ester membrane, partial dissolution of said membrane with methanol followed by completion in the presence of acetone, and purification and concentration using glass beads as a secondary confinement matrix.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cryopreserved cell cultures, methods for cryopreserving cells and methods for conducting cellular assays on such cells. A cryopreserved cell culture of the invention comprises a container having at least a surface which is coated with poly-lysine and frozen cells supported on the surface.

Abstract: A material includes a surface and a reactive agent that is located at the surface of the material, covalently attached to a backbone of the material, and/or located within the material. The reactive agent has nitrite reductase activity, nitrate reductase activity, and/or nitrosothiol reductase activity. The reactive agent also converts at least one of nitrites, nitrates and nitrosothiols to nitric oxide when in contact with blood. A reproducible nitrosothiol sensor is also disclosed.

Abstract: Luciferase enzymes with greatly increased thermostability, e.g., at least half lives of 2 hours at 50° C., cDNAs encoding the novel luciferases, and hosts transformed to express the luciferases, are disclosed. Methods of producing the luciferases include recursive mutagenesis. The luciferases are used in conventional methods, some employing kits.

Abstract: The formation in quantity of various different populations of a substance being studied with multiple combinations of distribution form and distribution density by dripping a suspension of a single concentration of the substance onto a masking member of a certain specified structure placed on a substrate by making use of the sedimentation of said substance.

Abstract: Clostridial toxin substrates comprising a lanthanide donor complex, an acceptor, and a Clostridial toxin recognition sequence including a cleavage site; methods for determining the activity of a Clostridial toxin from a test sample using such Clostridial toxin substrates; cell compositions comprising such Clostridial toxin substrates and a Clostridial toxin receptor; and methods for determining the activity of a Clostridial toxin from a test sample using such cell compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices to obtain multicellular arrangements in stable, stationary and reproducible spatial configuration, and optionally with controlled internal cell organization, methods for preparing such devices, methods for studying the cells shapes, the cells architectures, the cells mechanical equilibrium, the cell-cell interaction, the cell movement and migration, the cell differentiation, the global internal cells organization, the cells polarities and division, and/or any function of cells, methods for screening compounds of interest which enhance or inhibit specific cell functions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for promoting the healing of skin wounds or the re-establishment of the function of the skin and/or its skin appendices of a second skin area, comprising the step of: applying cells obtained from hair root sheaths of a first skin area of a donor onto a second skin area of a host. It further relates to cells, a preparation, the use of cells as well as a method for preparing a preparation.

Abstract: A support apparatus for maintaining, storing, and transporting biological materials, such as cells. In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the biologic materials may be integrated to an electronic component to form a biological chip device, which may be supported, transported, and adapted for interconnection with other such devices through the use of a support apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the invention. In certain embodiments, the support apparatus can generate signals and/or translate signals received for processing and/or relaying to another device or module (e.g., another support apparatus). A plurality of biological chip devices and associated support apparatuses can be supported and linked in a network to perform various desired functions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the cultivation of primary cells. The primary cells are cultivated in a serum free medium comprising a factor selected from the group consisting of growth factors and attachment factors. The method for the cultivation of primary cells may be one step in a method for the amplification of viruses, such as poxviruses. According to this latter method the primary cells are cultivated in a serum free medium comprising a factor selected from the group consisting of growth factors and attachment factors. The cells are then infected with the virus and the infected cells are cultivated in serum free medium until progeny virus is produced.

Abstract: Described herein is a bioreactor system and modules capable of developing physiologically relevant fluid-induced shear stresses and regionally specific flow patterns to scaffold specimens and which can couple these stresses to cyclic flexure and/or stretch states. Methods of use of the bioreactor system and module also are provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide three dimensional multi-layered hydrogel constructs with embedded channels, living cells and bioactive agents, and methods for making three dimensional multi-layered hydrogel constructs. The constructs can have bioactive agents to support the living cells. The multi-layered constructs can have channels for perfusion purposes and layers of different hydrogel materials.

Abstract: A mutant hydrolase optionally fused to a protein of interest is provided. The mutant hydrolase is capable of forming a bond with a substrate for the corresponding nonmutant (wild-type) hydrolase which is more stable than the bond formed between the wild-type hydrolase and the substrate and has at least two amino acid substitutions relative to the wild-type hydrolase. Substrates for hydrolases comprising one or more functional groups are also provided, as well as methods of using the mutant hydrolase and the substrates of the invention. Also provided is a fusion protein capable of forming a stable bond with a substrate and cells which express the fusion protein.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and systems for manipulation of media and particles, whether inert materials or biomaterials, such as cells in suspension cell culture. The methods and systems comprise use of an apparatus comprising a rotating chamber wherein the actions of the combined forces fluid flow force and centrifugal force form a fluidized bed within the rotating chamber.

Abstract: The disclosed technology describes compositions and methods useful for providing cell based therapy. For example, one embodiment of cell based therapy involves the regeneration of injured tissue and/or promoting wound healing. Certain embodiments provide improved therapeutic compositions using microbubbles by delivering biological progenitor cells to the injured tissues. The administration of the microbubbles is directed by acoustic radiation forces that interact with embodiments of microbubbles comprising an acoustically active gas. As such, a high efficiency of progenitor cell delivery to injured tissue is realized. One advantage of this technique over targeted delivery of pharmaceutical compounds, is that the delivered progenitors cells may be derived from the patient (i.e., personalized therapy), thereby avoiding side effects, allergic reactions, and overall problems associated with refractive drug responses.

Abstract: A chemical sensor for detecting organic or inorganic target vapors and comprising a silicon member having a silicon surface with semiconductor pores therein, at least one luminescent sensory material entrapped in the semiconductor pores. The luminescent spectral material is exposed to the target vapors, wherein an excitation of the at least one luminescent sensory material results in a luminescent spectral response due to emission interference. The change in the luminescent spectral response is measured during this exposure.

Abstract: A streptokinase immobilized on a surface, in particular an immobilized plasmin-resistant streptokinase, and compositions, methods and kits of utilizing same for preparing plasmin are provided.

Abstract: A mutant hydrolase optionally fused to a protein of interest is provided. The mutant hydrolase is capable of forming a bond with a substrate for the corresponding nonmutant (wild-type) hydrolase which is more stable than the bond formed between the wild-type hydrolase and the substrate. Substrates for hydrolases comprising one or more functional groups are also provided, as well as methods of using the mutant hydrolase and the substrates of the invention. Also provided is a fusion protein capable of forming a stable bond with a substrate and cells which express the fusion protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of determining the proximity, or changes in the proximity of two or more molecular features labeled with fluorophores able to undergo DARET. In preferred embodiments the change in proximity of molecular features in a sample is correlated with changes in the fluorescence polarization of the sample, and may be monitored in real time.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the removal of carbon dioxide from a gas stream, particularly a flue gas, hydrogen gas from a reformer, natural gas, or gas from a cement kiln. Immobilized enzymes for use in carbon capture and other systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preparing micro-capsules, each microcapsule comprising a semipermeable membrane, an aqueous core, one or more enzymes in the aqueous core, and one nucleic acid template in the aqueous core. Microcapsules are prepared by flowing (i) an innermost fluid flow comprising at least one enzyme and at least one nucleic acid template, (ii) a middle fluid flow comprising a semipermeable membrane forming material, and (iii) an outer fluid flow comprising a solution or gas through a multiple sheath flow device. The outer fluid flow entrains the innermost fluid flow and middle fluid flow in the aperture of the multiple sheath flow device. The fluids exit the multiple sheath flow device as a liquid jet resulting in microcapsules.

Abstract: Reactive surfaces, substrates and methods of producing and using such substrates and surfaces are provided. The substrates and surfaces provide low density reactive groups preferably on an otherwise non-reactive surface for use in different applications including single molecule analyses.

Abstract: Provided are compositions comprising recombinant DNA polymerases that include amino acid substitutions, insertions, deletions and/or heterologous or exogenous features that confer modified properties upon the polymerase for enhanced single molecule sequencing. Such properties can include reduced reaction rates at one or more steps of the polymerase kinetic cycle, increased closed polymerase/DNA complex stability, enhanced metal ion coordination, reduced exonuclease activity, decreased branching fractions, and the like. Polymerases that exhibit branching fractions that are less than the branching fractions of the polymerases from which they were derived, or branching fractions that are less than about 25% for a phosphate-labeled nucleotide analog, are also provided. Also provided are nucleic acids which encode the polymerases with the aforementioned phenotypes, as well as methods of using such polymerases to make a DNA or to sequence a DNA template.

Abstract: Trapping, recycling, and other techniques involving catalysts are provided by this invention. The present invention provides for the retention of catalysts and other immobilized entities within a reaction region. In one aspect, the invention promotes such retention by incorporating support material regions including relatively little (or, in some cases, substantially no) catalyst (and thus, a relatively large number of catalyst adsorption sites) which can trap catalyst as it is transported through the downstream support material. In some cases, such arrangements can be achieved by using multiple beds arranged in series. In other instances, the amount of catalyst can be varied within a single bed to achieve the desired effect. The embodiments described herein can be used in systems in which the catalyst is covalently or non-covalently associated with the support surface.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for producing androstenedione (4-androstenedione), of improved purity and for modulating its production, for example by deletion or inactivation of ksdA, cxgA, cxgB, cxgC, or cxgD. The invention also provides methods and compositions, including nucleic acids that encode enzymes, for producing 1,4-androstadiene-3,17-dione (ADD) and related pathway compounds, including 20-(hydroxymethyl)pregna-4-en-3-one and 20-(hydroxymethyl)pregna-1,4-dien-3-one. The compositions of the invention include nucleic acids, probes, vectors, cells, transgenic plants and seeds, transgenic animals, kits and arrays.

Abstract: Disclosed is a formulation for the absorption of CO2, which comprises water, at least one CO2 absorption compound and a carbonic anhydrase as an activator to enhance the absorption capacity of the CO2 absorption compound. The invention also concerns the use of carbonic anhydrase, in a CO2 absorption solution to increase the CO2 absorption rate of such solution.

Abstract: Ultrasound-assisted particle agglutination assay methods and apparatuses are described based on first providing a standing wave ultrasound field at a resonance frequency of a test liquid in a resonator cell containing microparticles covered with a binding agent with high affinity to an analyte sought to be detected by the assay test. Formation of the specifically-bound and nonspecifically-bound aggregates of these microparticles is then followed by effective stirring of the liquid with swept-frequency sonication causing disintegration of nonspecifically-bound aggregates and leaving specifically-bound aggregates in place for further detection and measurement. The methods and devices of the invention allow significant improvement in the sensitivity and specificity of agglutination tests and are advantageously applicable to detecting various proteins, DNA, RNA and other biologically active substances. Specific examples are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bioartificial devices and systems that mimic kidney or nephron function and methods of making them.

Abstract: A biological process indicator is provided for validating a treatment process in which the amount or activity of a contaminant in a sample is reduced. The indicator comprises a thermostable kinase covalently linked to a biological component, with the proviso that the biological component is not an antibody. Methods of preparing the indicator, and methods of using the indicator, are also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a sorbent for removing metabolic waste products from a dialysis liquid, the sorbent comprising a layer of immobilized uremic toxin-treating enzyme particles intermixed with cation exchange particles.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to polypeptides having an amylase activity, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and methods for making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. In one aspect, the polypeptides of the invention can be used as amylases, for example, alpha amylases, to catalyze the hydrolysis of starch into sugars. In one aspect, the invention provides delayed release compositions comprising an desired ingredient coated by a latex polymer coating.

Abstract: In on aspect, the invention includes a microcarrier bead having a porous three-dimensional core having (a) a polymeric porous three-dimensional body having porosity of about 15 to about 90% such that at least 99% of pores are interconnected and have diameters of at most 200 microns, (b) an outer protective layer and optionally (c) a filler. In another aspect, the invention includes a method of making an artificial scaffold wherein a scaffolding material is extruded into a coolant and thereby creating a porous material having a porosity of between 15-90% such that at least 99% of pores are interconnected and have diameters of at most 200 microns.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for the attachment of proteins to any solid support with control over the orientation of the attachment. The method is extremely efficient, not requiring the previous purification of the protein to be attached, and can be activated by UV-light. Spatially addressable arrays of multiple protein components can be generated by using standard photolithographic techniques.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for culturing adherent PER.C6 cells and producing products therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a kit and method for the capture of tumor cells in a body fluid sample or a serum-containing sample. The kit and method of the invention can capture living tumor cells but not non-living tumor cells or cell fragments so that the tumor species can be further identified by further culture of the captured tumor cells. Also, the kit and method of the invention can readily identify whether a sample contains tumor cells and collect these tumor cells for further identification so that the presence of cancer and development of the metastasis and early relapse can be identified.

Abstract: The present invention provides reagents and methods for inhibiting bacterial infection and abnormal cell growth, as well as for selection cloning of nucleic acid inserts.

Abstract: Matrices for manipulation of biopolymers, including the separation, purification, immobilization and archival storage of biopolymers is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device and method to prevent migration of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hMSCs) from a delivery site while allowing communication between the stem cells and native cardiomyocytes. The device is characterized by scaffold pore size, fiber diameter and biomaterial selection. The invention includes a two part polyurethane scaffold that prevents migration of stem cells, allows gap junction formation through pores and is packaged for minimally invasive delivery.

Abstract: This invention relates to bacteria having a function of reducing the content of heavy metals in plants, a method for reducing the content of heavy metals in plants with the use of such bacteria, and a composition comprising, as an active ingredient, such bacteria.