Abstract: A preservation solution for preserving a biological material at a low temperature including one or more polyphenols, and a method for preserving a biological material are provided. The method includes adding the preservation solution to a biological material, cooling the biological material and storing it under appropriate storing conditions. The method can be used for hypothermic preservation or for cryopreservation, including freezing and lyophilization, of any biological material, including cells selected from RBC, WBC, MNC, UCB, HSC and bacteria. A method is also provided for freezing RBCs such that upon thawing, the RBCs include less than 2% free hemoglobin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of drying biological and other labile samples so that they can be preserved as a highly viscous liquid. The method involves the steps of preparing a preservation sample by dissolving/suspending an active agent in a solution of a stabilizing agent, subjecting the preservation sample to such temperature and pressure conditions that the preservation sample loses solvent by evaporation without freezing or bubbling to form a foam and removing solvent until the preservation sample dries to form a highly viscous liquid.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the need to improve the long-term storage stability (i.e. infectivity) of vector formulations. In particular, it has been demonstrated that for adenovirus, the use of bulking agents, cryoprotectants and lyoprotectants imparts desired properties that allow both lyophilized and liquid adenovirus formulations to be stored at 4° C. for up to 6 months and retain an infectivity between 60-100% of the starting infectivity.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the need to improve the long-term storage stability (i.e. infectivity) of vector formulations. In particular, it has been demonstrated that for adenovirus, the use of bulking agents, cryoprotectants and lyoprotectants imparts desired properties that allow both lyophilized and liquid adenovirus formulations to be stored at 4° C. for up to 6 months and retain an infectivity between 60-100% of the starting infectivity.

Abstract: An apparatus for dehydrating a liquid sample of biological material has a microwave waveguide that is open to the atmosphere. It has a microwave generator, means for introducing a container of the material into the waveguide, means for evacuating the container, means for rotating the container and means for removing the container from the waveguide. It can include means for moving the container through the waveguide and for sealing it. In a dehydration method, a container of the liquid sample is put into the open waveguide, evacuated, rotated at high speed and microwaved. The container of dehydrated material is then removed from the waveguide. The apparatus and method are particularly suitable for dehydrating vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparing frozen or lyophilized microbial cells which can inhibit damages or death of microbial cells and have high viabilities in freezing or lyophilizing process. A method of preparing frozen or lyophilized microbial cells having high viabilities, characterized by using a permeate which is obtained by filtering milk or whey with ultra-filtration (UF) membrane, as a protecting agent at the time of freezing or lyophilizing.

Abstract: A cartridge comprising: a container having a lower end; an aqueous suspension of dinoflagellates contained in the container; a gas port operatively coupled to the container, the port capable of directing a gas into the aqueous suspension in the lower end of the container; a gas vent operatively coupled to the container; and a shipping seal operatively coupled to the container to prevent the aqueous suspension from exiting the container.

Abstract: There is provided a hydrogelator that is capable of forming a hydrogel with an extremely small amount thereof over a liquid property range from acidic to alkaline, and a hydrogel having high environmental suitability, biocompatibility and biodegradability. A hydrogelator comprising a lipid peptide represented by Formula (1): (where R1 represents an aliphatic group having 9 to 21 carbon atoms; R2, R3 and R4 independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atom(s) which may have a branched chain having 1 or 2 carbon atom(s), a phenylmethyl group or a —(CH2)n—X group, and at least one of R2, R3 and R4 represents a —(CH2)n—X group; n represents the number of 1 to 4; X represents an amino group, a guanidino group, a —CONH2 group or a 5-membered ring, a 6-membered ring or a fused heterocyclic ring composed of a 5-membered ring and a 6-membered ring which may have 1 to 3 nitrogen atom(s)) or a salt thereof, and a hydrogel comprising the hydrogelator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition and method of manufacture including a substrate coated with a biopolymer and aqueous biological gel and subsequently coated with at least one desiccation agent. The resulting composition is dry to touch, has a low water activity and stabilises the biological material for storage over at least one month at ambient temperatures.

Abstract: A method of producing an amide from the corresponding nitrile comprising the following steps, i) providing a microorganism capable of producing a nitrile hydratase biocatalyst, ii) culturing the microorganism in a growth medium, iii) storing the microorganism, iv) contacting the nitrile by the microorganism in an aqueous medium and thereby converting the nitrile to the amide, wherein the microorganism is stored as none actively growing free cells in a storage medium that comprises water. The stored microorganism may be as whole microbial cells, this may be in the form of a cell paste recovered from a fermentation medium; an aqueous suspension of the microbial cells, prepared using a suitable suspending medium such as water, physiological saline solution, or a suitable buffer solution, such as phosphate or comprises the fermentation broth that contains components of the fermentation culture medium and products of microbial culture.

Abstract: A process for storing entrapping immobilization pellets in which microorganisms are entrapped and immobilized in an immobilizing material until the entrapping immobilization pellets are used in a treatment tank, the process comprising: storing a large pellet block in water at 15° C. or less or in air at a relative humidity of 90% or more and a temperature of 15° C. or less until the pellet block is cut into the entrapping immobilization pellets and used.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a process for preserving biological material. The process comprises subjecting the biological material to a fixation process and then packaging the biological material in a container under a controlled atmosphere of noble gas. In the process, the controlled atmosphere of noble gas utilized comprises one or more noble gases selected from argon, xenon, helium, neon, krypton and radon. The process optionally also utilizes one or more additional gases selected from nitric oxide, hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and oxygen. This process allows for the long term storage of the biological material.

Abstract: This invention describes rapid detection and identification of colonies or micro-colonies of microorganisms after regular or short (several hours) growth periods on light pellucid, molecule-permeable membranes installed on solid nutrient media. Colonies or micro-colonies appearing on a membrane can be easily transferred from a growth plate to another media such as, pure agar or paper filled with indicator substances or substrates. Filterable and non-filterable samples can be analyzed by this method. A multitude of different methods of detection and identification can be realized using this invention in a micro-colony format: detection and enumeration of all live cells or specific live cells; detection and simultaneous identification of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms; different immunological methods of detection; detection and enumeration using machine analysis such as automated image identifiers.

Abstract: A method for storing a water-soluble undissolved silica-based material, optionally with an incorporated functional agent. The method includes immersing the material in an aqueous liquid phase which is initially saturated with a water-soluble silica-based material which is the same or different than the undissolved silica-based material, such that the undissolved silica-based material does not essentially dissolve into the liquid phase during storage, or the proportion of the amount of the initially undissolved silica-based material to the amount of the liquid phase is such that the liquid phase will be saturated or essentially saturated by a dissolved portion of the water-soluble undissolved silica-based material during storage, which dissolved portion of said water soluble undissolved silica-based material is less than 20%. Also disclosed is a storage package which may preferably be used to store functional agents, delivery devices or implants.

Abstract: A method of formulating high ambient temperature (room temperature and above) stable biologics (biologically active macromolecules, enzymes, serums, vaccines, viruses, pesticides, drug delivery systems, liposomes, cells suspensions, sperm, erythrocytes, other blood cells, stem cells, multicellular tissues, skin, heart valves) including secondary drying comprising at least two steps of stability drying at elevated temperature: 35° C., 40° C., 45° C., 50° C., and higher temperatures. The method could be applied to stabilize biologics encapsulated in alginate gel microspheres for better oral delivery. The method encompasses the following: microspheres are formulated using a cryo-encapsulation procedure comprised of mixing drops of frozen preservation mixture (To form the preservation mixture, biologics are mixed with preservation solutions containing sodium alginate.) with frozen drops of a calcium solution (i.e. calcium gluconate) and subsequent warming to form the gel particles.

Abstract: A self-contained cell culture apparatus and method of use in which a cell culture may be stored frozen for an extended period, then thawed, incubated and grown in a closed system without additional processing or added constituents. The apparatus and method readily lend themselves to automated handling and analysis by MEMS devices, and find particular application in micro gravity and/or high radiation environments. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope of the claims.

Abstract: A method and a device for improved freezing of biological containing living cells is disclosed. Directional cooling coupled with agitation, preferably rotation, of the vessel containing the biological sample allows for the freezing of large volume samples at much greater rates than before. Whether a sample is large or not, the greater thermal homogeneity during the freezing process as well as the resulting crystal morphology yield a frozen sample which is exceptionally suited for lyophilization.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for producing cells which are competent for transformation and which may be stably stored for extended periods of time at various temperatures. The method involves growing cells in a growth conducive medium, rendering said cells competent, and lyophilizing said competent cells. The invention further relates to competent cells produced by such a method, to methods of transforming said cells with a DNA molecule, and to a method of producing a desired protein or polypeptide from said transformed cells.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the reversible preservation of biological samples are provided. The compositions include natural polymers such as pullulan or acacia gum, including derivations and modifications thereof, which are usefull as a reversible preservation solution. A method is provided for using pullulan or Acacia Gum to isolate and reversibly preserve a biological specimen in a dormant state at room temperature for an extended period with minimal damage to the specimen. The compositions and methods disclosed may also be used to create reversibly preserved biological specimens and biological receptors for use in biosensors.

Abstract: Stable pharmaceutical compositions comprising recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) virions are described. The compositions provide protection against loss of recombinant AAV vector genomes and transduceability under conditions such as exposure to cycles of freezing and thawing and storage in glass or polypropylene vials. The compositions comprise recombinant AAV virions in combination with one or more dihydric or polyhydric alcohols, and, optionally, a detergent, such as a sorbitan ester. Also described are methods of using the compositions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses new live attenuated strains for oral immunization against cholera that are provided in freeze dried formulations for long term storage and administration to humans. These strains combine the two most important properties of live attenuated cholera vaccine candidates. One such property is being well tolerated by people ingesting them. This was achieved by virtue of mutations already described in the art. The second property is having enhanced environmental safety due to the absence of VGJ? DNA in their genomes and also due to null mutations in the mshA gene or other spontaneous mutations conducive to the lack of MSHA type IV fimbria on the bacterial surface. This was done envisioning that VGJ? is a filamentous phage able to recombine with CTX? and disseminate the cholera toxin genes. This VGJ? phage as well as the VGJ?-CTX? recombinants uses the MSHA fibers as receptor.

Abstract: This invention is a storage device (cryocontainer) for the vitrification method of cryopreservation that uses shape memory materials to create a novel shape-shifting feature in which the relevant heat transfer zone of the cryocontainer can be thermally morphed between a shape conducive to biological specimen handling and to a shape conducive to rapid heat transfer. This feature utilizes the temperature induced phase transformation of shape memory materials. The temperature inducement occurs naturally within the normal temperature changes that occur during vitrification.

Abstract: Methods for removing inhibitors of microbial growth, including antibiotics, from a biological sample suspected of containing one or more microorganisms are provided. The methods include contacting a sample, or a culture growth medium containing the sample, with reversed-phase adsorbent media, which remove the inhibitors of microbial growth, but allow the microorganisms of interest to remain in the sample or culture growth medium.

Abstract: The invention provides novel lactic acid bacteria having immunoregulating activities and usable in food and drinks, medicaments, and other applications. Specifically, the invention provides novel lactic acid bacteria separated from “Shibazuke,” one kind of traditional Kyoto pickles, and having immunoregulating activities. The lactic acid bacteria of the present invention belong to Lactobacillus pentosus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of improving storage stability of dried microorganisms, such as dried lactic acid bacteria, by allowing the dried microorganisms to coexist with an L-arginine acidic amino acid salt, a composition comprising dried microorganisms and an L-arginine acidic amino acid salt and a process for producing the same, and a method of storing dried microorganisms in the presence of an L-arginine acidic amino acid salt. The storage stability of dried microorganisms can be improved by allowing the dried microorganisms to coexist with an L-arginine acidic amino acid salt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a product having characteristics which enable a biological sample obtained from an individual to be maintained under conditions such that the quality of nucleic acids later extracted is not affected, thereby guaranteeing the integrity of the sample regardless of the time that elapses between the sample being obtained and the nucleic acid being extracted. A solid (organic) or liquid (blood, semen, cell culture) biological sample from a eukaryote or prokaryote is mixed in a solution comprised of a mixture of trisodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), sodium fluoride (NaF), and saturation with thymol (extracted from Thymus vulgaris L.) in order to prevent contamination and bacterial growth. The solution is adjusted to a pH of 8.0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for improving viability and/or stress tolerance of viable biological material and using the said material comprising applying hydrostatic pressure to said biological material; keeping the said viable biological material at the hydrostatic pressure for a predetermined time period; releasing the hydrostatic pressure; and using the said material for any desired purpose in accordance with any useful protocol. The usage of the said biological material incorporates any techniques, protocols that are applicable in the field of assisted reproductive techniques, biotechnical and/or biotechnological manipulations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for the selection of new probiotic strains which comprises the following steps: a) selecting for non-pathogenic strains which are capable of surviving in breast milk and/or amniotic fluid, and b) selecting for non-pathogenic strains which are able to be transferred to breast milk and/or amniotic fluid after oral intake in healthy individuals without colonizing other internal organs except mucousas. The invention also provides new Lactobacillus strains, which are: CECT5711 (Lactobacillus coryniformis), CECT5713 (Lactobacillus salivarius subsp. salivarius), CECT5714: (Lactobacillus gasseri, formerly L. acidophilus), CETC5715: (Lactobacillus gasseri), and CECT5716: (Lactobacillus fermentum); and refers to their use for the prophylaxis or treatment against digestive, infective, neuro-degenerative and immune related diseases such as allergies or inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: Intact, bacterially-derived minicells can safely introduce therapeutically effective amounts of plasmid-free functional nucleic acid to target mammalian cells. To this end, functional nucleic acid can be packaged into intact minicells directly, without resort to expression constructs, the expression machinery of the host cell, harsh chemicals or electroporation.

Abstract: Compositions for the selective delivery of an agent comprising an uncrosslinked starch modified by an acidic group and an agent are described. The compositions are substantially resistant to degradation and thus result in no or substantially no release of the agent in a first environment, and are capable of degradation in a second environment thereby allowing release of the agent. The pKa of the acidic group of the uncrosslinked starch used is higher than the pH of the first environment and lower than or equal to the pH of the subsequent environment. Also described herein are methods of preparing the compositions, methods of using the compositions and the uncrosslinked starch modified by an acidic group, and corresponding commercial packages.

Abstract: Methods for the diagnosis of visceral, cutaneous and canine leishmaniasis in a subject suspected of being infected with the parasitic protozoa Leishmania is disclosed. Disclosed are antibody-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for the detection of antibodies to Leishmania parasite soluble antigens and antigen-capture ELISAs for the detection of Leishmania parasite soluble antigens in host samples. Also disclosed are immunodiagnostic kits for the detection of Leishmania parasite circulating antigens or IgM and IgG antibodies in a sample from subject having visceral, cutaneous or canine leishmaniasis. In these methods and kits, detection may be done photometrically or visually. The methods and kits also allow the visualization of Leishmania amastigotes or promastigotes in a sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing lyophilized microorganisms, such as lyophilized bacteria, of the type in which a culture medium is inoculated with one or more strains of microorganisms during one of the steps of the method. The invention is characterised in that, prior to the inoculation step, the culture medium is treated with a treatment gas comprising an inert gas or a reducing gas or a mixture of such inert and reducing gases, in order to obtain a determined redox potential value Eh for the medium, which is less than the value obtained when the medium is in equilibrium with the air.

Abstract: A composition and methods of production are described including fungal material, a solid substrate and a biopolymer composition. The composition is described as being stable when stored for at least 7 months and also reduces dust losses normally attributed to fungal compositions. Uses are described for the composition including pest and weed treatments.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved process for culturing bacteria of the family Streptococcaceae (such as of the genus lactococcus), a medium for culturing the bacteria, and the obtained bacteria cells.

Abstract: Many probiotic Bifidobacteriacea contains an active tetW that renders the cells resistant to tetracycline. This may present a risk of a horizontal transfer of functional antibiotic genes. The present invention relates to a method of obtaining novel tetracycline-sensitive strains of the genus of Bifidobacteriacea (Bifidobacterium sp.). In particular, the present invention relates to novel antibiotic-sensitive strains obtained from antibiotic-resistant probiotic strains and the use of such novel strains for the preparation of a food or feed product or a dosage form comprising viable organisms.

Abstract: A method for isolating one compound or more than one compound from a biomass which contains microorganisms that have produced the compound or compounds, the method comprising the following steps: (a) preparing or obtaining wet cells having an average moisture content of between 30% and 80%; (b) subjecting the wet cells to primary drying to obtain primary dried cells having an average moisture content of between 5% and 50%; (c) subjecting the primary dried cells obtained in (b) to secondary drying to obtain secondary dried cells having an average moisture content of no greater than 10%; and (d) extracting or isolating, purifying and/or refining the compound or each of the compounds from the secondary dried cells obtained in (c).

Abstract: A desiccated or preserved product. The product comprises a sugar, a charged material and a sensitive biological component. The sugar forms an amorphous solid matrix.

Abstract: An egg freezing and storing instrument has an egg freezing and storing tube made of a liquid nitrogen-resistant material; and a metal cylindrical protection member for protecting the tube. The tube has a body part; and an egg-storing small-diameter part having an inner diameter of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. The tube can be heat-sealed at a front side of the small-diameter part and at a rear side of the body part. The cylindrical protection member has a tubular part for accommodating a front side of the small-diameter part of the tube; and a semi-tubular part for accommodating a portion of the small-diameter part not accommodated in the tubular part and a front portion of the body part.

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 present invention addresses the need to improve the long-term storage stability (i.e. infectivity) of vector formulations. In particular, it has been demonstrated that for adenovirus, the use of bulking agents, cryoprotectants and lyoprotectants imparts desired properties that allow both lyophilized and liquid adenovirus formulations to be stored at 4° C. for up to 6 months and retain an infectivity between 60–100% of the starting infectivity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a formulation for preserving the life of probiotic bacteria during passage through the stomach, while permitting their release in the intestine, and which has a low water activity and correspondingly long shelf life. These formulations are designed to retain potency up to the product expiration date. The formulation includes a substantially water-free mixture of probiotic bacteria with monovalent alginate salts, wherein the mixture has been formed and is maintained in a substantially water-free environment. The alginate salts include sodium-alginate and potassium alginate, but not divalent salts such as magnesium alginate or calcium alginate. Generally, an enteric coating (e.g., gelatin or cellulose encapsulation) for the formulation is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an isolated Sml1 protein or a homologue thereof. The present invention also provides for a screening assay for identifying compounds that are capable of reducing the division rate of a cell by altering an interaction between a ribonucleotide reductase and a Sml1 protein in the cell, which comprises: (a) contacting the cell with a compound, (b) comparing the division rate of the cell in step (a) with the division rate of the cell in the absence of the compound so as to determine whether the compound alters the interaction between the ribonucleotide reductase and the Sml1 protein of the cell, thereby reducing the cell division rate of the cell.

Abstract: Disclosed is a formulation for preserving the life of probiotic bacteria during passage through the stomach, while permitting their release in the intestine, and which has a low water activity and correspondingly long shelf life. These formulations are designed to retain potency up to the product expiration date. The formulation includes a substantially water-free mixture of probiotic bacteria with monovalent alginate salts, wherein the mixture has been formed and is maintained in a substantially water-free environment. The alginate salts include sodium alginate and potassium alginate, but not divalent salts such as magnesium alginate or calcium alginate. Generally, an enteric coating (e.g., gelatin or cellulose encapsulation) for the formulation is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems for the vitrification of a biological specimen. The systems employ a transfer instrument such as a loop, containing a base medium that includes a cryoprotectant. The biological specimen which has undergone vitrification may be stored for a period of time, and then thawed at a later date. The thawed biological specimen remains viable. Preferred biological specimens according to the present invention are developmental cells.

Abstract: Dry microorganism cultures comprising at least one microorganism species in carrier-bound form are present in the form of particles which a) have a particle size of at least about 0.1 mm and b) are compressed; processes for preparing dry microorganism cultures and their use for preparing foodstuffs and feedstuffs are also claimed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the reversible preservation of biological samples are provided. The compositions include Acacia Gum, including derivations and modifications thereof which are useful as a reversible preservation solution. A method is provided for using Acacia Gum to isolate and reversibly preserve a biological specimen in a dormant state at room temperature for an extended period with minimal damage to the specimen. The compositions and methods disclosed may also be used to create reversibly preserved biological specimens and biological receptors for use in biosensors.

Abstract: The invention is in particular related to a method for the selective survival or selective growth of a target cell comprising the steps of: a) contacting the target cell with a conjugate compound A-B, wherein A is a selective antibody or antibody derivative recognizing the target cell and B is a biotic agent able to at least partially inactivate an anti-bios agent, said anti-bios agent is able to inhibit the growth of cells; and b) contacting the target cell with the anti-bios agent. The present invention also relates to said conjugate on its own, a selection medium for cells comprising said conjugate and cells that are selected or recognized using a method or conjugate according to the present invention.

Abstract: A tissue of a multicellular organism is gradually dried during cultivation. After the tissue has been completely dehydrated, water is added to the tissue for its recovery. The tissue of the multicellular organism is submerged in an insect body fluid medium treated with heat, and dried for 48 hours or more.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition containing several different bacteria including Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria is disclosed. The bacteria are present in the composition at a total concentration of 1×1011 to 1×1013 per gram. Further, methods of using the pharmaceutical are disclosed which include treatment of a gastrointestinal disorder and hypercholestermia. Also a method for modulating a host's immune response is disclosed.

Abstract: Strains of bacteria characterized by exhibiting: (a) a 7?-dehydroxylase activity of less than 50%, and (b) bile acid deconjugation activity of less than 50%, and descendants, mutants and derivatives thereof preserving activities (a) and (b); and a pharmaceutical composition using one or more of such strains and use of same for preventing and treating diseases associated with or caused by an altered metabolism of bile acids.