Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fragrance mat, comprising a material preparation step, which, by stirring at a predetermined stirring temperature, evenly mixes fragrance mat raw material and foaming related additives material to obtain an unformed fragrance mat foam material, the fragrance mat raw material containing polyvinyl chloride and essential oil, a mesh providing step, a material release step, a foaming step and a cooling step to obtain the fragrance mat having a specific diffusion coefficient and a specific diffusion flux.

Abstract: Methods for culturing filamentous fungi, in which the filamentous fungi are grown in a colloid of air and a fermentation medium, are provided. The methods result in more rapid and prolific growth of the filamentous fungus than has been achieved by previous methods. Biomats produced by the methods and air-medium colloids for use in the methods are also provided.

Abstract: Methods are provided for separating algae from an aqueous environment. An aqueous feed containing algae can be mixed in a turbulent manner in an aerated environment. The turbulent mixing can be sufficient to create a foam within the aqueous feed. The formation of the foam can also result in agglomeration of algae into larger size algae aggregates, which can then be filtered under pressure. Due to the larger size of the algae aggregates, the pressurized filtration can reduce/minimize the tendency to clog the filter, as the algae aggregates can generally be too large to fit within the pores of the filter. The filter can preferably be located at the bottom of the vessel holding the aqueous feed. This can assist in allowing the algae to remain in a cake above the filter, as opposed to having the algae dissolve back into the aqueous feed.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions to preserve bioactive materials in a dried foam matrix. Methods provide non-boiling foam generation and penetration of preservative agents at temperatures near the phase transition temperature of the membranes.

Abstract: A method and system for selectively fluorinating organic molecules on a target site wherein the target site is activated and then fluorinated are shown together with a method and system for identifying a molecule having a biological activity.

Abstract: A method of making a molded part, including forming a liquid aggregate from a mixture of finely ground aggregate and a fluid. A mixture of a fungal inoculum and the liquid aggregate is formed. Nanoparticles are homogenously distributed throughout the mixture. The mixture is inserted into a mold cavity. Live mycelium is grown to fill the mold cavity. The live mycelium is heated to terminate further growth and develop a formed part.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions to preserve bioactive materials in a dried foam matrix. Methods provide non-boiling foam generation and penetration of preservative agents at temperatures near the phase transition temperature of the membranes.

Abstract: A method of making a molded part, including forming a liquid aggregate from a mixture of finely ground aggregate and a fluid. A mixture of a fungal inoculum and the liquid aggregate is formed. Nanoparticles are homogenously distributed throughout the mixture. The mixture is inserted into a mold cavity. Live mycelium is grown to fill the mold cavity. The live mycelium is heated to terminate further growth and develop a formed part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition including a microbial component and a foaming component, wherein the composition can be used to prevent the proliferation, or otherwise competitively exclude the continued growth of, undesirable microbes. The present invention also includes a method of using this composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fermentation process comprising a fermentation step of growing a strain of Corynebacterium diphtheria in medium in a fermenter under conditions of agitation sufficient to maintain a homogenous culture and limited aeration such that pO2 within the culture falls to less than 4% for the majority of the fermentation step.

Abstract: Methods suitable for selecting optimal defoamers for use in fermentation processes are described wherein the methods comprise: (a) determining an amount of each of two or more defoamers which provides a requisite dynamic surface tension of at most 50 mN/m at a particular frequency in a fermentation medium; and (b) selecting the defoamer which provides the requisite dynamic surface tension at the lowest amount. Methods for controlling foam by determining and adjusting dynamic surface tension are also described.

Abstract: There is disclosed a defoaming rotor capable of skimming foam from the surface of the fermentation broth in a bioreactor, separating the solid and liquid components from the gaseous component of the foam, and returning the solid and liquid components to the broth.

Abstract: A simple and efficient method of producing mammalian reovirus is developed using HEK 293 cells. The method provides for fast production of reovirus in high yield. Furthermore, this method provides for a simpler purification procedure of the produced reovirus.

Abstract: The present patent describes a three-dimensional interconnected open cell porous foams that have a gradient in composition and/or microstructure through one or more directions. These foams can be made from a blend of absorbable and biocompatible polymers that are formed into foams having a compositional gradient transitioning from predominately one polymeric material to predominately a second polymeric material. These gradient foams are particularly well suited to tissue engineering applications and can be designed to mimic tissue transition or interface zones.

Abstract: An automated system and method is provided for cultivating bacteria in a fluid medium and thereafter selectively discharging the fluid medium, wherein an initial supply of the selected strain or strains of bacteria is combined with nutrients and water in a biogenerator in the presence of air to promote mixing and bacterial cultivation. The system and method utilize a vortex created by recirculation of the fluid medium to achieve aeration and mixing without substantial foaming. The system and method are particularly useful for supplying bacteria to control grease accumulation in restaurant grease traps. The system and method use a biogeneration chamber which has a cylindrical sidewall and surface on the inner side. Further, the chamber has a top and a conical bottom. The top has inlet ports and a vent port. There is also a outlet port in the conical bottom.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described that provide three-dimensional fibrillar matrices useful as, among other things, structural prosthetics and scaffolds for cells. The porous fibrillar matrices of the present invention have desirable mechanical properties suitable to a variety of applications, including platforms for in vitro cell cultivation, implants for tissue and organ engineering, implants as tendon and facia prosthetics, and product packaging.

Abstract: Solid form compositions for the treatment of natural bodies of water comprisingA) a quantity of beneficial aerobic microorganisms that will control at least one of an organic pollutant, an algae, and a weed in at least a portion of said body of water; andB) a growth accelerator for component A); wherein the solid form composition weighs at least about 85 grams.

Abstract: A method for forming gas or liquid aphrons with reversible surfactants or emulsifiers is described. Polymers which change their emulsifying properties upon change of pH, temperature or other condition are used to form the aphrons. The aphrons are useful for chemical reactions and separations, mass transfer processes, and for biological processes.

Abstract: An expansible, compressed foam is used a s a filter medium and captured particulates are released from the foam by expanding the foam to open its pores. Micro-organisms such as Cryptosporidium or Giardia cysts may be trapped and recovered at high eficiency in a small volume of wash liquid easing further analysis. A foam filter element comprises thirty discs (36) of retriculated foam compressed between end plates (28,30) to about one tenth of their original thickness.

Abstract: A structurally rigid biodegradable foam scaffold useful for cell transplantation is provided. The foam can be loaded with nutrients and/or drugs that elute from the foam during transplant to promote growth of the cells. The foam, which features a continuous network of pores, is fabricated using a novel method involving phase separation and consequent expansion upon sublimation of a liquid solvent, preferably naphthalene.

Abstract: An improved method and fermentor for aerobic production of microbial cells and/or cell metabolites, having at least one ascending flow chambers and at least one descending flow chamber. The fermentor is especially useful in conducting high cell density fermentation processes which involves the controlled addition of an antifoam agent, for maintaining a predetermined and relatively high gas holdup within the fermentor or by release of the constituents of the microbial cells into the fermentor.

Abstract: A biological process includes the step of producing a substantially continuous foam of gas bubbles in a liquid capable of undergoing a biological process utilizing prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells. The cells are introduced into the foam after the foam is produced and maintained in the foam under conditions effective to carry out the process. A reaction product of a biological process utilizing a foam culture medium is recovered by subjecting the foam to a pressure change after maintaining the cells in the foam culture medium under conditions effective to sustain the process. An apparatus for carrying out a biological process includes a foam production chamber having one or more inlets for introducing a gas and components of a culture medium. The chamber is adapted for producing a foam of bubbles of the gas in the culture medium. A plug-flow reactor is positioned to receive foam from the foam production chamber as a continuously flowing plug.

Abstract: Amino acid fermentation is conducted by fermenting bacterial cells in a culture medium in a fermentor and separating fermentation solution withdrawn from the fermentor into a solution containing said bacterial cells and a solution not containing bacterial cells by a cell separator. The solution containing said bacterial cells being circulated from said cell separator to said fermenter by circulating means to perform amino acid fermentation continuously, and bubbles being removed from said fermentation solution by a bubble separator before said fermentation solution is fed to said circulating means and said cell separator.

Abstract: A fermentation level cultivation of Bordetella pertussis bacteria on commercial scale is described. The critical factors in large scale cultivation of the bacteria are the presence of an antifoam agent and maintaining proper oxygen level and iron content in the culture medium. Pertussis toxin produced by the bacteria parallels the rate of growth of the bacteria.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling foam in a fermentation broth by adding to the fermentation broth an effective amount of a composition comprising a compound corresponding to the formula: ##STR1## wherein AO is an oxyalkylene copolymer moiety of oxypropylene and oxyethylene units, each oxyalkylene copolymer moiety having a molecular weight of at least about 300 and an oxypropylene to oxyethylene molar ratio of from about 2:1 to about 10:1, n is an integer from about 1 to about 20, R is an alkyl group of from about three to about twelve carbon atoms, and R' is methylene or substituted methylene. The composition can be added to fermentation broths to prevent the formation of foam or to reduce foam which has already formed. The above defined composition is also disclosed in a form free of solvent, such as xylene.

Abstract: A post-fermentation degassing technique is provided which is directed for use in degassing foamed fermentation broths containing cultured microorganisms. Such a broth is charged while pressurized first through a heat exchanger to cool same, and then through a nozzle to form a spray suspension in a gaseous spray chamber located in a gravitationally upper part of a degassing vessel. The spray chamber is vented to the atmosphere. The spray suspension is coalesced to form a bulk liquid phase located in a gravitationally lower portion of the degassing vessel whereby the unpon surface of such bulk liquid phase forms the buttom surface of such spray chamber. The nozzle is so oriented that the spray suspension therefrom is downwardly directed towards the surface of the bulk liquid phase and the layer of foam characteristically formed thereon.

Abstract: A post-fermentation degassing technique is provided for use in degassing foamed fermentation broths containing cultured microorganisms. Such a broth is charged while pressurized through a nozzle to form a spray suspension in a gaseous spray chamber located in a gravitationally upper part of a degassing vessel. The spray chamber is vented to the atmosphere. The spray suspension is coalesced to form a bulk liquid phase located in a gravitationally lower portion of the degassing vessel whereby the upper surface of such bulk liquid phase forms the bottom surface of such spray chamber. The nozzle is so oriented that the spray suspension it produces is downwardly directed towards the surface of the bulk liquid phase and the layer of foam characteristically foamed thereon. Additionally, a portion of the bulk liquid phase is recycled to the upper part of the vessel through a second nozzle to form a second spray suspension which is coalesced into the bulk liquid phase.

Abstract: A method for processing aqueous fermentation broths in a bioreactor vessel, in which a foam inhibitor is added to the fermentation broth in the bioreactor vessel in order to prevent the accumulation and buildup of foam in the bioreactor vessel caused by oxygen sparging of the fermentation broth contained therein. The aqueous fermentation broth processed in the bioreactor vessel is conveyed as a feed solution to an ultrafiltration system including a membrane for concentrating the aqueous fermentation broth. The ultrafiltration system is typically located downstream of the bioreactor vessel. The improvement involves reducing the amount of fouling of the membrane in the ultrafiltration system by adding to the aqueous fermentation broth in the bioreactor vessel as the foam inhibitor, an antifoam which is an oil based liquid in the form of droplets, the droplets of the oil based liquid antifoam being dispersed, encased, entrapped, and imbedded, within solid particles of a water soluble encapsulating material.

Abstract: Antifoaming agents are commonly used during culturing of enzyme-producing microorganisms. These antifoams often persist through enzyme processing, slowing filtrations, clogging filtration membranes and adversely affecting the quality of the final product. The present invention describes a method for removing antifoams, and often carbohydrates and pigments, from enzyme systems using mineral clay, the preferred clay being bentonite.

Abstract: The present invention relates to "activated" immature astrocytes and methods of utilizing the activated immature astrocytes to reduce secondary necrosis and scar formation in central nervous system tissue as well as to promote axon and/or blood vessel growth or regeneration. In specific embodiments of the invention, activated immature astrocytes are used in injectable form or on a polymer implant. The activated immature astrocytes and pharmaceutical compositions comprising same, may be used to treat disorders of the nervous system resulting from accidents or diseases which have in some way damaged the nerve tissue.

Abstract: Single cell protein (SCP) is produced at high yields from a novel methanol assimilating Methylomonas sp. grown at elevated temperatures in an aerobic bacterial fermentation process.

Abstract: A process for the production of microbial cells by fermentation of carbonaceous material in a foam fermenter containing an oxygen-enriched nutrient medium. The process uses a source of carbon which is assimilable by the microorganism for the production of the microbial cells. The microbial cells are separated and removed from the foam fermenter for use as a food product high in protein content. The process includes the controlled release of a quantity of the constituents of a portion of the microorganism within the fermenter to increase the maintenance of the source of carbon and the nutrient medium in a foamed condition at a predetermined level in the fermenter. Also disclosed are various forms of apparatus for practicing the process of the present invention.

Abstract: A nutrient gas is introduced into a liquid nutrient formulation. The resulting nutrient media is a foam. The bubble size of the gas phase is between 0.1 to 200 microns and the foam is 40-80% voids.

Abstract: Troublesome foaming in the fermentation of yeast is suppressed by the addition of polyglycol ethers which are derived from saturated and monounsaturated C.sub.16 -C.sub.18 fatty alcohols and which contain on an average of from 1 to 4 ethylene and/or propylene glycol ether groups. Preferred defoamers contain oleyl and cetyl alcohol residues in a ratio of from 3:1 to 1:1, and on average 2 ethylene glycol ether groups. The defoamers do not inhibit yeast growth or lead to premature softening and liquefaction of the compressed yeast.

Abstract: Novel strains of Rhizobium phaseoli which do not produce acidic extracellular polysaccharides or their constituents, which produces cyclic .beta.-1,2-glucan effectively.

Abstract: An organism rich fluid is withdrawn from a foam fermenting apparatus by collecting and withdrawing the fluid from the foam breaker. In another embodiment the fluid from the foam breaker inside of the fermentor is subjected to a liquid/solid centrifugal action and an organism rich fluid stream as well as an organism depleted fluid stream is recovered.

Abstract: A process for the production of microbial cells by fermenting a carbonaceous material in a foam fermenter containing an oxygen-enriched nutrient medium. The process uses a source of carbon which is assimilable by the microorganism for the production of the microbial cells. The microbial cells are separated and removed from the foam fermenter for use as a food product high in protein content. .Iadd.