Abstract: A device for generating microbubbles in a gas and liquid mixture and injection device, the device comprising: a housing defining a mixing chamber; means for mixing solution contained in the mixing chamber to generate microbubbles in the solution; a needle array removably attached to the housing and in fluid connection with the mixing chamber, the needle array including at least one needle; and a machine readable identifier on the needle array.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the dissociation of cells. Cells are processed under conditions of pH, temperature, and shear to thereby yield a mixture of cell wall ghosts and cytoplasm. Preferably, the cells are jet cooked at an alkaline pH to form an intermediate mixture, and the intermediate mixture is subsequently jet cooked. Generally, the cells become dissociated, whereby at least one separate cell wall component is substantially separate from the dissociated cell walls.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for single-step extraction and detection of ATP levels from microbial cells. The disclosed compositions are formulated to efficiently elicit bioluminescent detection of ATP among a broad variety of different microorganisms using a common single-step reagent composition. Additional luminescence-based methods are provided for identifying other useful extracting agents or for screening compounds for their pharmaceutical or biological effects on microbial cells.

Abstract: An object is to provide a more potent novel antimicrobial active substance, which is derived from a naturally occurring substance and has a broad antimicrobial spectrum, and an antimicrobial active substance DM0507 obtained by a production process comprising the following steps (a) to (d): (a) culturing Bacillus subtilis; (b) collecting the supernatant from the obtained culture; (c) collecting the precipitate formed by adjusting the pH of the supernatant to 3 or lower; and (d) performing extraction from the precipitate with ethanol is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a means of diagnosing Candida infection. In particular the present invention relates to a method of diagnosing Candida infection by measuring the levels of antibody to Candida cytoplasmic antigen present in a biological sample taken from a subject at risk of, or suspected to be suffering from a Candida infection.

Abstract: There are provided polypeptides which bind to caspase-8. Production and use of such polypeptides is also provided, as well as DNA encoding them, and vectors and host cells having such DNA.

Abstract: A system for processing oil from algae is disclosed. Specifically, the system recycles byproducts of the process for use as nutrients during algae growth and oil production. The system includes a conduit for growing algae and an algae separator that removes the algae from the conduit. Also, the system includes a device for lysing the algae and an oil separator to remove the oil from the lysed matter. Further, the system includes a biofuel reactor that receives oil from the oil separator and synthesizes biofuel and glycerin. Moreover, the algae separator, oil separator and biofuel reactor all recycle byproducts back to the conduit to support further algae growth.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus, reagents, and methods for rapidly isolating plasmid DNA from a bacterial alkaline lysate.

Abstract: This invention provides a microfluidic device comprising an inlet and an outlet which are connected with each other through a microchannel, wherein a polymerized hydrophobic porous polymer is bonded to magnetic beads and to the walls of the microchannel. The invention is further directed to methods of making and using the microfluidic device.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for isolating a biologic product, such as plasmid DNA, from cells. The method involves lysing cells in a controlled manner separate insoluble components from a fluid lysate containing cellular components of interest, followed by membrane chromatographic techniques to purify the cellular components of interest. The process utilizes a unique lysis apparatus, ion exchange and, optionally, hydrophobic interaction chromatography membranes in cartridge form, and ultrafiltration. The process can be applied to any biologic product extracted from a cellular source. The process uses a lysis apparatus, including a high shear, low residence-time mixer for advantageously mixing a cell suspension with a lysis solution, a hold time that denatures impurities, and an air-sparging bubble mixer that gently yet thoroughly mixes lysed cells with a neutralization/precipitation buffer and floats compacted precipitated cellular material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of universal inactivated vaccines and their use in preparing compositions for the prophylaxis and therapy of dermatomycosis. Vaccines according to the present invention have the advantage of conferring immunity against all important causes of dermatomycosis in animals and are characterized by stable immunogenic properties, easy preparation, high content of microconidia and lack of side reactions in animals.

Abstract: A method for isolating plasmids DNA from a DNA containing material which comprises plasmid DNA and genomic DNA, comprising extracting the plasmid DNA into a water-immiscible organic solvent, a chaotrope and water under conditions to denature the genomic DNA and recovering the plasmid DNA from the organic phase.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for extracting markers from biological samples, and to systems, devices, kits and reagents for use in such methods. The invention is also to methods, kits, reagents and compositions for measuring a plurality of different organism types in a sample. One of the specific advantages of the present invention is the ability to simultaneously extract more than one microorganism or viral particle marker in one volume from a single sample containing a complex biological matrix.

Abstract: Methods for improving binding of a proteinaceous substance to cell-wall material of a Gram-positive bacterium are disclosed. The proteinaceous substance includes an AcmA cell-wall binding domain, homolog or functional derivative thereof. The method includes treating the cell-wall material with a solution capable of removing a cell-wall component such as a protein, lipoteichoic acid or carbohydrate from the cell-wall material and contacting the proteinaceous substance with the cell-wall material.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel microfluidic devices and methods that are useful for performing high-throughput screening assays. In particular, the devices and methods of the invention are useful in screening large numbers of different compounds for their effects on a variety of chemical, and preferably, biochemical systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for detecting an infinitesimal quantity of ?-1,3-glucan, a preparation method thereof and a diagnostic kit detecting ?-1,3-glucan. The composition of the present invention shows phenoloxidase activity by ?-1,3-glucan in the presence of calcium ions. Using the composition of the present invention, a sample is gathered from a specimen, the composition of the present invention and calcium ions are added to the sample, and ?-1,3-glucan is detected by measuring phenoloxidase activity.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to novel fed-batch fermentations wherein processes of DO-stat and pH-stat are combined for nutrient feeding control.

Abstract: After yeast somatic components are digested with nuclease or hydrolyzed with alkali, polyamine is recovered to obtain a polyamine composition in volume efficiently at a high recovery rate from yeast somatic components.

Abstract: A method and device for performing lysing on a cell-containing fluid, in which the fluid flows through a vibrating micromachined tube to physically rupture the cell walls (mechanical lysis), and/or to mix, agitate or homogenize the fluid during chemical lysis, and/or to mix, agitate or homogenize the lysate for analysis or other processing after lysing. The tube includes a freestanding portion spaced apart from a surface of a substrate on which the tube is formed. The device further includes means for vibrating the freestanding portion of the tube at a level sufficient to rupture the walls of cells in a fluid flowing through the freestanding portion (for mechanical lysing) or to mix the fluid and a chemical lysing additive within the freestanding portion (for chemical lysing).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for disrupting cells by subjecting the cells to ultrasonic energy in the absence of beads. The present invention also relates to the enhancement of cell disruption methods using ultrasonic energy by reducing the surface tension of the liquid in which the cells are located.

Abstract: An analyte is separated from a fluid sample by introducing the sample into a cartridge having an extraction chamber containing capture material for capturing the analyte. The sample is forced to flow through the extraction chamber to capture the analyte with the capture material in the extraction chamber. The captured analyte is then eluted from the extraction chamber by forcing an elution fluid to flow through the extraction chamber. The cartridge may optionally include a lysing region for lysing sample components (e.g., cells spores, or microorganisms), a waste chamber for storing waste fluid, and reaction or detection chambers for chemically reacting or detecting the eluted analyte.

Abstract: A method for extracting nucleic acid from a fluid sample comprises the steps of introducing the sample into a cartridge having a sample flow path and a lysing chamber in the sample flow path. The lysing chamber contains at least one filter for separating cells or viruses from the sample. The sample is forced to flow through the lysing chamber to capture the cells or viruses with the filter, while used sample fluid flows to waste. The captured cells or viruses are disrupted to release their nucleic acid, the nucleic acid is eluted from the lysing chamber, and optionally the nucleic acid is amplified and detected in a reaction chamber of the cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of universal inactivated vaccines and their use in preparing compositions for the prophylaxis and therapy of dermatomycosis. Vaccines according to the present invention have the advantage of conferring immunity against all important causes of dermatomycosis in animals and are characterized by stable immunogenic properties, easy preparation, high content of microconidia and lack of side reactions in animals.

Abstract: The use of an assay for adenylate kinase in an in vitro test for the effect of external conditions on the growth characteristics of bacterial cells. Such tests in particular include tests for the sensivity of a bacteria to an antibiotic or a biostatic agent, and tests to assess the growth stage and health of the bacteria. Methods of carrying out these tests and kits for effecting them are also described and claimed.

Abstract: Methods of detecting bacteria including the use of an immobilized enzyme substrate are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to yeast cells containing the SRB1/PSA1 gene and/or the PKC1 gene or functional derivatives thereof operatively linked to a heterologous inducible promoter and also to methods of regulating yeast cell lysis and flocculation and methods of fermentation using such yeast cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the propagation of lytic organisms which comprises the infection of the cells of a stable cell line within a hollow fibre bioreactor with a lytic organism, wherein after said infection, said organism multiplies within the cells and can be harvested, characteriscd in that the cell line can survive for at least ten days after said infection. The invention further provides a method as herein described wherein after harvest, the cell line is allowed to re-populate the bioreactor, and at least one subsequent harvest may be taken, with the cell line being able to repopulate the bioreactor after each harvest.

Abstract: A novel microorganism producing a nontoxic, non-antigenic exopolysaccharide is taught. The exopolysaccharide has neutral sugars migrating at the same rate as mannose, fucose, fructose and galactose, acidic sugars migrating at the same rate as fucose and amine sugars migrating at the same rate as glucose and fucose, and wherein the ratio of galactose:fucose:glucose:mannose is about 1:2:3:6. The microbe and the exopolysaccharide have uses as a biofilm in geologic applications and have several consumer uses as food and drug polymers and use as a plasma extender.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of plasmids or other DNA from cells using a first filtration step to remove the cellular debris and other large cellular components and then an ultrafiltration step to capture the plasmids or other DNA on the surface of the ultrafiltration membrane where they may be recovered. An apparatus is also taught for enacting the process and comprises an upper microfiltration or coarse filtration membrane and a lower ultrafiltration membrane. The driving force may be the same for both filters or different and may be done sequentially or simultaneously.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for purifying double-stranded DNA, comprising using ceramic hydroxyapatite column chromatography. The invention is also directed to a purified recombinant plasmid DNA composition, comprising a chromosomal DNA content that is less than or equal to 0.01% as well as to a composition comprising DNA prepared by the foregoing process.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for purifying polysaccharides capable of inducing the production of high titers of opsonic antibodies that kill strains of enterococcal bacteria. In addition, the invention is directed to the antigens produced by this purification method and to vaccines which utilize such antigens.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for the isolation of components from samples, particularly large molecular weight DNA from biological samples. The method involves the application of controlled oscillatory mechanical energy to the sample for short periods of time of about 5 to 60 seconds to lyse the sample and release the component(s) from the sample, followed by standard isolation methods. In preferred embodiments, the method includes the use of a spherical particle for applying the mechanical energy.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for selective exposure of a biological sample, preferably biological cell material, to sound waves. The device is provided with a receptacle for the sample, in which the biological sample is in a suspended form, and having an electroacoustic transducer device, which generates sound waves and which is disposed outside the receptacle of the sample in such a manner that sound-wave coupling into said sample occurs through the wall of said receptacle.

Abstract: Cell lysis may be brought about by contacting a suspension of cells with a lysis reagent such as sodium hydroxide solution; subsequent treatment enables organic molecules such as plasmid DNA to be separated from other cell components. Intimate mixing of the cell suspension with lysis reagent is achieved by passage through a fluidic vortex mixer arranged so the residence time of the cell suspension in the mixer is less than the time for lysis to be completed, and may be less than 0.1 seconds. Such a vortex mixer comprises a cylindrical chamber with an axial outlet duct and at least one tangential inlet duct, but with no internal baffles. The low shear stress to which the cell suspension is subjected minimizes loss of product through denaturation or fragmentation of the product, and indeed of contaminants. The subsequent treatment may also utilize a fluidic vortex mixer.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of inactivating a microorganism and preparing a vaccine including the step of applying to said microorganism a cross-linking agent simultaneously with a separate inactivant. This invention further relates to vaccines prepared by such methods and a kit including such inactivated microorganism. The cross-linking agent is typically formaldehyde (FA) and the inactivant typically binary ethyleneimine (BEI).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of biomass for the isolation of ccc plasmid DNA comprising culturing a bacterial transformant in a bioreactor containing an antibiotic-free batch medium under batch-conditions and, at the end of the batch phase, feeding under feed-back conditions the portion of a feed-back medium after the rise of the concentration of dissolved oxigen above a threshold-set point. Said feed-back medium comprises besides a carbon source a magnesium salt, preferably in concentrations above 20 mM. Preferably, the bacterial transformant is harvested after the end of the culture and frozen or freeze-dried. Also preferred is that ccc plasmid DNA is, optionally directly, isolated after harvesting the bacteria.

Abstract: This invention relates to mutants of Neisseria useful for vaccine preparation. Specifically this invention relates to mutants of Neisseria containing mutations in a major outer membrane protein gene such that no immunologically functional polypeptides encoded by said gene are produced. More specifically, the invention relates to a mutant strain of Neisseria gonorrhoeae having a mutation of the PIII gene and to vaccines derived therefrom.

Abstract: A method for extracting ATP from a biological sample is disclosed. The method involves introducing a cationic extractant and an anionic substance and then extracting ATP. The method may be used to assay for the presence of ATP in a biological sample or to determine the amount of ATP extracted from a biological sample. The method is particularly useful in detecting contamination on surfaces and in food products. A reagent, a test device and a test kit that involve the use of the method to detect contamination are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for lysis (1) of micro-organism to release at least one intracellular biological constituent, comprising a container (2) wherein are present a biological sample, in liquid medium, containing the micro-organism to be lyzed, and a material in the form of particles, relatively hard and inert with respect to the sample. The invention also concerns a grinding method. The material in the form of particles comprises at least two types of grinding means into different dimensions: at least large dimension magnetic means (3) automatically controlled by a magnetic field; and at least small dimension means (4) actuated by the large dimension grinding means (3). The invention is useful for separating biological constituents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of isolating nucleic acid from a sample of cells, said method comprising: (a) binding cells in said sample to a solid support to isolate cells from the sample; (b) lysing the isolated cells; and (c) binding nucleic acid released from said lysed cells to said same solid support and a kit for carrying out such a method. The method may advantageously be used to prepare nucleic acid for use in a nucleic acid-based target cell detection method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of isolating cells from a sample which method comprises binding said cells to a solid support by means of a non-specific ligand immobilised on said solid support, particularly to a method of isolating microorganisms from a sample. Preferred ligands for use in such methods include carbohydrates and derivatives thereof. Also described is a kit for isolating microorganisms from a sample comprising: (a) a solid support having immobilised thereon a ligand which is capable of non-specific binding to microorganisms; (b) means for binding microorganisms to said solid support; optionally (c) means for lysing said cells; and optionally (d) means for binding nucleic acid released from said lysed cells to a solid support.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for inactivating pathogens in a protein solution. The method includes adding to the protein solution either separately or together as a composition (a) a detergent; and (b) an ester of a di- or tri-carboxylic acid to make a preparation. The ester is generally present in the preparation in a concentration of from about 0.001 to about 2% (w/w). The detergent is typically present in a concentration of about 0.001 to about 2% (w/w). The preparation is incubated for a sufficient amount of time sufficient to inactivate the pathogens.

Abstract: A method for disrupting frozen cells and/or tissue in a solid, frozen state in the presence of a solid denaturing substance is provided. The method comprises providing frozen cells and/or tissue in frozen solid form, adding thereto the solid denaturing substance in sold form, and applying mechanical force thereto for disruption of the frozen cells and/or tissue. The frozen cells and/or tissue include muscle cells and/or muscle tissue, wheat cells and/or wheat tissue, and maize cells and/or maize tissue. Further, the solid, denaturing substance in solid form is a crystalline substance and can be selected from urea, thiourea, guanidium chloride, guanidium thiocyanate and ammonium sulfate. Also the solid, denaturing substance in solid form is added to the frozen cells and/or tissue in frozen form in an approximately 1 to 20 fold (w/w) excess.

Abstract: Recombinant proteins, manufactured with genetic engineering techniques, like its counterpart human derived proteins, for example, recombinant Factor VIII have the potential for transmission of viruses and bacteria which are used in the process. This invention demonstrates that one may dry heat at high temperature, the lyophilized final Factor VIII product even at high temperatures and still show significant VIII:C activity. Such terminal dry heat will assure that there has been recontamination.

Abstract: A method for rapidly detecting and enumerating microorganisms, having a level of microbial ATP, in the presence of mammalian cell preparations, comprising the steps of: providing a mammalian cell preparation comprising mammalian cells having a level of mammalian ATP; reducing the level of mammalian ATP in said cell preparation by, selectively lysing the mammalian cells and not lysing microbial cells with detergent or osmotic shock to extract the mammalian ATP, treating the extracted mammalian ATP with one or more ATP hydrolyzing compounds; and immobilizing the microorganisms and washing away said detergent and the hydrolyzing compound by filtering the mammalian cell preparation through a micropartioned hydrophilic/hydrophobic membrane; extracting the microbial ATP using an extracting reagent; drying the membrane; applying a bioluminescent reagent onto the membrane; and detecting and enumerating the microorganisms.

Abstract: The recovery yields of intact plasmids from bacterial cells mechanically disrupted by various methods were measured. Bacterial cell disruption through bead milling and microfluidization were found to achieve the greatest recovery of intact plasmid. Other methods resulted in substantial DNA plasmid degradation.

Abstract: The present invention describes compositions and methods for releasing nucleic acids from cells in a form that is suitable for labeling/capture, amplification, or detection in a single reagent addition step. The compositions include a lipid, membrane fluidizing compound, enzyme for degrading cell structure, metal chelators, or one or more nucleic acid probes or primers complementary to the nucleic acid to be detected. The compositions are non-denaturing and non-inhibitory of enzymes or proteins that are used in nucleic acid release, amplification, labeling or detection. The invention also provides kits for performing the above methods.

Abstract: There is provided a method of production of an immunostimulatory &bgr;-glucan-mannan preparation, comprising the step of autolysis of cells of a microorganism at a pH of 5 to 6 and a temperature of 35 to 60° C. for 6 to 48 hours, and separating solid material roam the autolysed product. The &bgr;-glucan-mannan preparation may be incorporated as a food component or be used as a pharmaceutical for treatment of conditions such as immuno-suppression, hypercholesterolaemia, hypoglycaemia and heavy metal excretion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting fungal growth. In particular, the present invention relates to methods for use as anti-fungal agents of inhibitors, and compositions thereof, of fungal GGPTase. The inhibitors of fungal GGPTase may be peptides, peptidomimetics, or non-peptides.

Abstract: The present invention is related to methods and compositions for susceptibility testing of bacteria containing mycolic acid structures using betaine-like detergents, and inducing the susceptibility of such bacteria using the same.