Abstract: The present invention concerns a geosynthetic element for a geotechnical engineering application. The geosynthetic element comprises: bacteria carriers for carrying bacteria arranged to be propagated from the geosynthetic element to a surrounding geomaterial; and a flow network comprising openings on its surface to allow a reactant to escape the flow network to the surrounding geomaterial along the flow network to produce solid calcium carbonate when in contact with the bacteria. The reactant flow network further comprises a set of inlets for feeding the reactant into the flow network, and a set of outlets for recovering at least a part of the reactant from the reactant flow network.

Abstract: The invention provides a structured cell growth matrix or assembly comprising a one or more spacer layers and one or more cell immobilization layers. The invention further provides a bioreactor comprising said matrix or assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for cultivation of cells, particularly podocytes, is described. The apparatus includes a cell cultivation surface exhibiting at least one feature providing a non-planar microtopology. A method for cultivation of cells, particularly podocytes, is also described. The method includes introducing a differentiation media including ATRA, Vit D3, and Dex.

Abstract: Processes for making fibrous structures and more particularly processes for making fibrous structures comprising filaments are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifuge for separating a sample into at least two components, comprising a chamber for receiving a sample to be centrifuged. According to the invention, the centrifuge further comprises a means for controlling the progress of the sample separation is located at the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is a bacteria and nutrient delivery composition containing bran. The subject composition is preferably made in the form of a tablet that is structurally stable without being excessively hard. The tablets preferably have a configuration that reduces the likelihood of premature shearing in tableting presses or jamming in feeder devices for biomass generators. Methods of manufacturing the bacterial delivery composition in a structurally stable form that maintains bacterial viability are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition for embedded three-dimensional microbial culture, the composition including nanofibrillar cellulose and at least one nutrient source. Also disclosed is a method for the manufacture of a composition for embedded three-dimensional microbial culture, the method including the steps of providing nanofibrillar cellulose, mixing the nanofibrillar cellulose with water and at least one nutrient source and optional additives to obtain a mixture, and optionally drying the mixture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a ground product of a lipase powder composition comprising an immobilized lipase in which a lipase derived from Thermomyces sp. is immobilized to a silica carrier and a hydrophilic powder other than a silica carrier, the method comprising the steps of wetting the hydrophilic powder with oil; separating the hydrophilic powder wetted with oil from the oil to obtain an oil-containing hydrophilic powder; mixing the oil-containing hydrophilic powder and the immobilized lipase at a ratio of 0.45:1 to 0.85:1 based on mass of the hydrophilic powder and the immobilized lipase before oil wetting; and grinding the obtained mixture, the steps being conducted in the above order.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making a sorbent, comprising the steeps of crushing seed husks, acid hydrolysis with extraction of water-soluble ballast substances and formation of the target composition of lignin, cellulose and melanin, water rinsing and drying, wherein the acid hydrolysis is made with an 0.1-36% acid solution during 0.3-4.5 hours in the boiling mode under pressure in the range 0.1-0.7 MPa, rinsing is made with water and/or a 0.1-1.0% alkali solution and then softened water, and the product is subsequently dried. The sorbent comprises a porous multilevel matrix on the basis of lignin, cellulose and melanin. The invention further discloses the sorbent and its uses as for prophylaxis and treatment of toxicoses, free-radical pathologies, diarrhea syndromes which are caused by ecotoxicants, viral and bacterial infections, for prophylactic and treatment of animal diseases caused by mycotoxins, pesticides, bad-quality forages in all kinds of animals.

Abstract: A device for reducing the content of polluting and/or unwanted substances in water, including a support made of polymeric material for a catalyst of the reaction of degradation of inorganic salts into gaseous substances; the catalyst, intended to reduce the energy required for the activation of the reaction and to accelerate its course, is an enzyme preferably selected from the group of lyases, and even more preferably selected from the subgroup of carbonic anhydrases. The inorganic are being carbonates, and/or hydrogen carbonates of calcium and/or magnesium, the reaction being the reaction of decarboxylation and acting for the conversion of inorganic salts into carbon dioxide and water according to the following reaction: HCO3?+H+H2O+CO2.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for improving water quality by enhancing natural bacterial processes and altering environmental conditions in situ. This is achieved by the manufacture and use of granules or tablets composed of the inventive formulations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of bacteriology. In particular, the invention relates to compositions of probiotic microbes and methods for making and using such compositions, e.g. in the treatment and prevention of catheter associated urinary tract infections.

Abstract: A novel BC fermentation technique for controlling 3D shape, thickness and architecture of the entangled cellulose nano-fibril network is presented. The resultant nano-cellulose based structures are useful as biomedical implants and devices, are useful for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, and for health care products. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for the production and control of 3-D architecture and morphology of nano-cellulose biomaterials produced by bacteria using any biofabrication process, including the novel 3-D Bioprinting processes disclosed. Representative processes according to the invention involve control of the rate of production of biomaterial by bacteria achieved by meticulous control of the addition of fermentation media using a microfluidic system. In exemplary embodiments, the bacteria gradually grew up along the printed alginate structure that had been placed into the culture, incorporating it.

Abstract: An immunoisolation patch system, and particularly a patch system comprising multiple immunoisolation microcapsules, each encapsulating biological material such as cells for transplantation, which can be used in the prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of disease in large animals and humans without the need for immunosuppression.

Abstract: A substrate having compounds disposed thereon for immobilizing a functional molecule, each compound having a chain including: a moiety R that is chemically coupled to the substrate, the moiety R being selected from the group consisting of an ether, ester, carbonyl, carbonate ester, thioether, disulfide, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, and carbonothioyl; and an epoxide-containing moiety that is coupled to the moiety R by a linker including at least one nucleophilic group. Methods of preparing the substrate and use of the substrate are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates material based on microbial cellulose that is useful in culturing and transferring cells as well as delivering drugs. The material comprises cellulose nanofibers and/or derivatives thereof, based on microbial cellulose, wherein the cellulose nanofibers are in a form of a hydrogel or membrane. The invention also provides methods for producing these materials and compositions and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates material that is useful in culturing and transferring cells as well as delivering cells. The material comprises plant derived cellulose nanofibers or derivatives thereof, wherein the cellulose nanofibers are in a form of a hydrogel or membrane. The invention also provides methods for producing these materials and compositions and uses thereof.

Abstract: A method for determining the effect of a plurality of culture conditions on a cell, comprising the steps of: a) providing a first set of groups of cell units each comprising one or more cells, and exposing said groups to desired culture conditions; (b) pooling two or more of said groups to form at least one second pool; (c) subdividing the second pool to create a further set of groups of cell units; (d) exposing said further groups to desired culture conditions; (e) optionally, repeating steps (b)-(d) iteratively as required; and (f) optionally assessing the effect on a given cell unit of the culture conditions to which it has been exposed.

Abstract: The present application discloses immobilized enzymes and immobilized enzyme materials comprising a crosslinked organophosphate-degrading enzyme having a support material which includes a biomass material and/or a polymeric material. The resulting immobilized enzyme materials may be biodegradable. The present application also discloses methods of making and using the disclosed immobilized organophosphate hydrolase enzyme and enzyme materials.

Abstract: The present application discloses immobilized enzymes and immobilized enzyme materials comprising a crosslinked enzyme having a support material which includes a biomass material different than the biomass used to initially derive the enzyme. Optionally, the immobilized enzyme further includes a polymeric material and/or the biomass which was used to initially derive the enzyme. The resulting immobilized enzyme materials may be biodegradable. The present application also discloses methods of making and using the disclosed immobilized enzyme materials.

Abstract: A packet of an enzyme and/or enzyme producing bacteria is contained within the core of a roll of toilet tissue or similar paper product wound on a core. The packet has a cover that dissolves or disintegrates on contact with water and disperses its contents into the aqueous waste stream. The packet may contain a mixture of bacterial cultures that produce enzymes to attack the greasy or fatty components of the waste stream. An additional article such as a sample of a liquid or creme personal care product may also be contained within the tissue paper core.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cryogel which contains a polyol selected from polyvinyl alcohol or galactomannan and a co-polymer of Formula I: The cryogel is formed by mixing the monomers of the co-polymer of Formula I at a temperature of less about 5 degrees C. with the polyol and a free radical initiator in an aqueous solution and polymerizing the solution to form the cryogel. The cryogel is used for culturing cells and can be decomposed by contact with a monosaccharide.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for improved isothermal amplification of nucleic acids comprising the step of release of an essential component from a matrix under predetermined conditions. Furthermore, the invention relates to a kit comprising mesophilic enzyme and a matrix with embedded essential components for isothermal amplification. A composition comprising a matrix and a mesophilic enzyme and a method for embedding a mesophilic enzyme are disclosed as well.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell retaining matrix (CRB) for producing solvents and alcohols and an apparatus comprising said bio-column. The invention also relates to the method for producing solvents and alcohols by using said cell retaining matrix (CRB). Said cell retaining biomatrix (CRB cellulosic fibers, selected from the group consisting wood cellulosic fibers, pulp cellulosic fibers, vegetable cellulosic fibers, such as mechanical pulp, dissolving pulp, lignocellulosic fibers, and cellulosic fibers originated from vegetable peels, and at microbes, which have been immobilized into said cellulosic fibers, and which can save their biological activity in cell retaining biomatrix (CRB).

Abstract: A substrate having compounds disposed thereon for immobilizing a functional molecule, each compound having a chain including: a moiety R that is chemically coupled to the substrate, the moiety R being selected from the group consisting of an ether, ester, carbonyl, carbonate ester, thioether, disulfide, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, and carbonothioyl; and an epoxide-containing moiety that is coupled to the moiety R by a linker including at least one nucleophilic group.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes extracts of the pre-sporulation (preconidial) mycelial stage of entomopathogenic fungi as insect attractants and/or pathogens. The fungus can be cultivated on grain, wood, agricultural wastes or other cellulosic material. More than one fungus and substrate can be used in combination.

Abstract: The present invention is broadly concerned with the crafting and manufacturability of an implantable enzymatic-based sensor characterized by a small size, optimum geometry, linearity of response over the concentration range of interest, extended shelf-life, selectivity for the analyte in question, and the ability to exclude bioactive interferents. More particularly, it is preferably concerned with a general approach to optimize the performance of the biorecognition elements required to produce biosensors of the type designed to provide, and in conjunction with a suitable signal processing unit, a current which is proportional to the concentration of the analyte of interest. The biosensors described herein may be implanted in vivo, including intra-cerebral, sub-cutaneous, intra-muscular, inter-peritoneal oral, serum, and vascular implantation, the majority of which may act as a surrogate for systemic monitoring and used to monitor analytes of interest in real-time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composite of enzyme and fiber matrix with three-dimensional structure. The composite of enzyme and fiber matrix with three-dimensional structure includes a significantly large amount of an enzyme loaded in and immobilized in/onto a matrix when compared to conventional composites. In addition, the immobilized enzyme is prevented from leaching from the matrix when an external impact is applied to the composite of enzyme and fiber matrix with three-dimensional structure. Therefore, the stability of the composite of enzyme and fiber matrix with three-dimensional structure of the present invention is maintained even after a long period passes since a remarkably great amount of enzymes compared with a known composite can be supported and immobilized to a matrix, and the immobilized enzyme is not easily released by an external impact.

Abstract: A substrate having compounds disposed thereon for immobilizing a functional molecule, each compound having a chain comprising: a moiety R that is chemically coupled to the substrate, said moiety R being selected from the group consisting of an ether, ester, carbonyl, carbonate ester, thioether, disulfide, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, and carbonothioyl; and an epoxide-containing moiety that is coupled to the moiety R by a linker comprising at least one nucleophilic group. Methods of preparing the substrate and use of the substrate are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cellulose aerogel comprises a plurality of cellulose nanoparticles. The cellulose nanoparticles preferably comprise at least 50% or 80% cellulose nanocrystals by weight of cellulose nanoparticles, and the cellulose nanoparticle aerogel preferably has a density of from 0.001 to 0.2 g/cm3 or from 0.2 to 1.59 g/cm3 The cellulose nanoparticle aerogel typically has an average pore diameter of less than 100 nmm and the cellulose nanoparticles may comprise anionic and/or cationic surface groups.

Abstract: A device for the treatment of waste material in a waste water collection system includes an inner core and an outer portion partially surrounding the inner core such that at least one surface of the inner core is exposed. The inner core has a greater water solubility than the outer portion.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to methods, apparatuses, and cellular compositions and cellular products that use a unique trophoblast-containing 3D matrix as a compartmental chamber for growing embryoid bodies that can be induced to differentiate into organ-specific cell types.

Abstract: A novel BC fermentation technique for controlling 3D shape, thickness and architecture of the entangled cellulose nano-fibril network is presented. The resultant nano-cellulose based structures are useful as biomedical implants and devices, are useful for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, and for health care products. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for the production and control of 3-D architecture and morphology of nano-cellulose biomaterials produced by bacteria using any biofabrication process, including the novel 3-D Bioprinting processes disclosed. Representative processes according to the invention involve control of the rate of production of biomaterial by bacteria achieved by meticulous control of the addition of fermentation media using a microfluidic system. In exemplary embodiments, the bacteria gradually grew up along the printed alginate structure that had been placed into the culture, incorporating it.

Abstract: Disclosed are composites that comprise regenerated cellulose, a first active substance, a second active substance, and a linker. Methods for preparing the composites that involve the use of ionic liquids are also disclosed. Articles prepared from the disclosed composites and methods of using them are further disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides electrospun polymer fibers comprising bacteria-containing hydrogel particles. Bacteria-containing hydrogel particles are produced by crosslinking water-soluble polymers to form hydrogels and mixing them with a bacteria suspension. The crosslinking is suitable to be carried out either chemically before the addition of the bacteria suspension or physically before or after this addition. Subsequently, these hydrogel particles are electrospun together with an electrospinnable polymer solution to form fibers or fibre non-wovens. The bacteria which are located in these hydrogel particles or in the electrospun polymer fibers comprising these particles, respectively, are capable of surviving for a long period (several months) without the supply of water or cell-culture media and are simultaneously protected against the effect of solvents, for example alcohols, acetone, chlorinated hydrocarbons, ethers and toluene, which would otherwise kill said bacteria.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of optically active Citronellal by enzymatic reduction of Citral with a reductase from Zymomonas mobilis.

Abstract: Methods and systems for effecting an environmental change by providing an effector composition that includes lignocellulosic particles with at least one absorbed microorganism species, wherein the lignocellulosic particles are preferably kenaf particles. The method steps include mixing at least one microorganism species with kenaf particles to form an effector composition and then dispersing the effector composition in the environment.

Abstract: A new method to produce formulations of bacterial cellulose that exhibit improved viscosity-modifying properties particularly with low energy applied to effectuate viscosity changes therewith is provided. Such a method includes the novel co-precipitation with a water soluble co-agent that permits precipitation in the presence of excess alcohol to form an insoluble fiber that can than be utilized as a thickener or suspension aid without the need to introduce high energy mixing. Such bacterial cellulose properties have been available in the past but only through highly labor and energy intensive processes. Such an inventive method as now proposed thus provides a bacterial cellulose-containing formulation that exhibits not only properties that are as effective as those for previous bacterial celluloses, but, in some ways, improvements to such previous types. Certain end-use compositions and applications including these novel bacterial cellulose-containing formulations are also encompassed within this invention.

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: The present invention utilizes extracts of the pre-sporulation (preconidial) mycelial stage of entomopathogenic fungi as insect attractants and/or pathogens. The fungus can be cultivated on grain, wood, agricultural wastes or other cellulosic material. More than one fungus and substrate can be used in combination.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes extracts of the pre-sporulation (preconidial) mycelial stage of entomopathogenic fungi as insect attractants and/or pathogens. The fungus can be cultivated on grain, wood, agricultural wastes or other cellulosic material. More than one fungus and substrate can be used in combination.

Abstract: A composite sorbent material is disclosed which comprises A) a housing of a dense, insoluble material having openings therein and B) a porous polymer gel housed within said housing, said housing being provided with openings therein for fluid communication between said porous monolithic polymer gel and the surroundings, and said porous monolithic polymer gel occupying the inner space of said housing and being kept on place within said housing by mechanical means. Processes for the preparation of composite sorbent materials by cryoprecipitation are also disclosed as well as the use of the composite sorbent material according to the invention e.g. for the removal of pollutants from gases or liquids, for the enrichment or separation of molecules and for cell culture.

Abstract: The invention relates a novel hybrid carbonic anhydrase catalyst with the potential to contribute significantly to meeting targeted reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention at least a portion of a cellulose binding domain (CBD) of a protein is fused to another protein, carbonic anhydrase, (CA) to create a new multi-functional protein which can bind tightly to cellulose while maintaining its native catalytic ability to process CO2. The resulting CA-CBD hybrid polypeptide can be immobilized to a cellulose support and used to cost-effectively capture CO2 from gas streams and other CO2-rich environs.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for manipulating the exchange of water and/or carbon dioxide (CO2) through plant stomata by controlling CO2 sensor genes. The invention provides compositions and methods for enhancing or optimizing biomass accumulation in a plant. The invention provides compositions and methods for for opening or closing a stomatal pore on a guard cell in the epidermis of a plant. The invention provides compositions and methods for increasing or decreasing oxygenation efficiency and/or carbon fixation in a guard cell in the epidermis of a plant by manipulating expression of a ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase. The invention provides promoters for regulating expression of a nucleic acid in a plant guard cell.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for producing butanol by fermentation of carbohydrates using mixed populations of acidogenic-phase cells and solventogenic-phase cells of Clostridium in a solitary vessel. The present system as described does not require intermittent adjustment of pH or venting of headspace gases. The method provides a process for removal of the butanol product which does not irreversibly harm the cells and conditions are described where such cells may resume butanol synthesis in the same solitary vessel. The invention also describes compositions and biologically pure cultures which comprise the Clostridium cells as disclosed. Also, a biologically pure Clostridium beijerinkii strain NRRL No. B-50244 is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of adherent cell culture. More closely, the invention relates to a method for production of a cell attachment and culture surface, such as a microcarrier, comprising a guanidino-containing ligand, wherein the ligand is coupled via reaction involving a primary amine to the surface which is activated by activation groups such that the final molar ratio of grafted ligand and ungrafted activation groups is above 1.5. Preferably, the ligand density is above 0.5 mmol/g cell culture surface and the remaining activation groups after coupling is less than 0.6 mmol/g cell culture surface. The cell culture surface may be used for various purposes, primarily cell cultivation and virus production.

Abstract: An apparatus for encapsulating cells is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the apparatus includes an indirect-pumping dispenser for dispensing a cell suspension into an encapsulation solution through an outlet of the dispenser. The apparatus also includes a dipping mechanism that is attachable to the outlet of the dispenser. The dipping mechanism is adapted to dip the dispenser outlet in the encapsulation solution to allow the cell suspension dispensed thereat to come into contact with the encapsulation solution.

Abstract: A porous matrix, preparation thereof, and methods of using the same. The porous matrix of calcium alginate is prepared using a plurality of particles containing a multivalent cation, admixing the particles with ionic cross-linked polysaccharides and water to form a mixture, introducing a cross linker to solidify the mixture, dissolving the particles of the mixture in an acid to form a porous structure, and neutralizing and cross-linking the porous structure.

Abstract: We disclose a particle comprising a matrix coated thereon and having a positive charge, the particle being of a size to allow aggregation of primate or human stem cells attached thereto. The particle may comprise a substantially elongate, cylindrical or rod shaped particle having a longest dimension of between 50 ?m and 400 ?m, such as about 200 ?m. It may have a cross sectional dimension of between 20 ?m and 30 ?m. The particle may comprise a substantially compact or spherical shaped particle having a size of between about 20 ?m and about 120 ?m, for example about 65 ?m. We also disclose a method of propagating primate or human stem cells, the method comprising: providing first and second primate or human stem cells attached to first and second respective particles, allowing the first primate or human stem cell to contact the second primate or human stem cell to form an aggregate of cells and culturing the aggregate to propagate the primate or human stem cells for at least one passage.