Abstract: A culturing apparatus has a culture vessel having a first elastic seal bonded on its upper surface and a culture space formed thereon, and a joint for supplying solution such as a medium to the culture vessel and a second elastic seal having microprojection formed at the lower face. The first elastic seal has a valve for supplying or discharging solution. The second elastic seal is formed with microprojection at the position corresponding to a valve for preventing a spill. The culture vessel and the joint are sucked between the first elastic seal and the second elastic seal, thereby forming an integral seeding device.

Abstract: A thermal cycler includes a holder to which a biotip having a longitudinal direction is attached in such a manner that one end portion of the biotip is at a higher level than the other end portion, and that the distance between one end portion of the biotip and the rotational axis is shorter than the distance between the other end portion of the biotip and the rotational axis, a heating unit heats a first end portion of the biotip, a rotating unit rotates the holder, and a controller that controls the rotation speed of the rotating unit. The controller has a first mode a rotation speed at which the magnitude of the centrifugal force acting on the reaction mixture becomes smaller than the gravity, and a second mode a rotation speed at which the magnitude of the centrifugal force acting on the reaction mixture becomes greater than the gravity.

Abstract: The problems associated with the traditional methods and devices in the field of cell cloning have been solved by the multi-compartment device and method in the present invention. The device combines the advantages of a traditional petri-dish and a traditional microplate. The multi-compartment device in the present invention comprises sidewalls, which are taller than openings of the multi-compartments. The cells in the suspension flow across the multi-compartments and seed inside the compartments during a plating process. The multi-compartment device in the present invention allows easier plating process, changing conditioned medium, and cell colony detachment and transfer. The multi-compartment device also minimizes the risk of cross-contamination during cloning process and during cell colony transfer. The invention also provides an exemplary method of using the multi-compartment device for cell cloning.

Abstract: Provided is a cell cultivation container equipped with electrodes, which enables automatic culturing, observation of automatically cultured cells, and measurement of electrical resistances. A circular electrode (10) is arranged on a base section or a side surface of a frame body (2) of a cell cultivation container, in such a manner that allows observation of cells. Additionally, a rod-shaped electrode (11) is arranged on a lid section (3) of the cell cultivation container, in such a manner that allows observation of cells. In an alternative configuration, the cell cultivation container has a flow channel (8) made of an electrically conductive material. An alternating current generator (13) is connected between the electrode (10) and the electrode (11), and the transepithelial electrical resistances of cells are measured during culturing. This configuration enables automatic culturing, observation of automatically cultured cells, and measurement of electrical resistances.

Abstract: A cell self-assembly array chip comprises a first substrate, a second substrate and a plurality of spacer elements. The first substrate, the spacer elements and the second substrate are stacked to be one in turn, wherein the spacer elements are annularly arranged at interval and disposed on the second substrate, so as to define a cell self-assembly region and at least one drawing channel. Furthermore, because the liquid portion of cell suspension horizontally and radially passed the drawing channel outward and the radially outward pulling force generated by the evaporation effect of the liquid portion, so as to cause the cells are arranged by the cell self-assembly array to the cell self-assembly region. The present invention further provides a manufacturing method of a cell self-assembly array chip to solve the conventional problems which is difficult to culture living cells and not easy to apply optical observation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous method of fermenting wort, said method comprising: -fermenting wort with a biologically active yeast to produce an alcohol containing fermented liquid; -introducing the fermented liquid containing at least 10 g/l of biologically active yeast into a maturation vessel; -separately removing yeast containing sediment and supernatant liquid from the vessel; and -optionally recirculating at least a part of the yeast containing sediment to the wort fermentation; wherein the residence time of the fermented liquid in the maturation vessel exceeds 6 hours. The present method offers the advantage that it combines maturation and yeast separation into one processing step, whereas conventional continuous processes require at least two separate processing steps, one for yeast separation and one for maturation.

Abstract: System and method includes a body having a central microchannel separated by one or more porous membranes. The membranes are configured to divide the central microchannel into a two or more parallel central microchannels, wherein one or more first fluids are applied through the first central microchannel and one or more second fluids are applied through the second or more central microchannels. The surfaces of each porous membrane can be coated with cell adhesive molecules to support the attachment of cells and promote their organization into tissues on the upper and lower surface of the membrane. The pores may be large enough to only permit exchange of gases and small chemicals, or to permit migration and transchannel passage of large proteins and whole living cells. Fluid pressure, flow and channel geometry also may be varied to apply a desired mechanical force to one or both tissue layers.

Abstract: A method for treating biomass is provided, which includes, in a reactor, allowing gaseous ammonia to condense on the biomass and react with water present in the biomass to produce pretreated biomass, wherein reactivity of polysaccharides in the biomass is increased during subsequent biological conversion as compared to polysaccharides in biomass which has not been pretreated. A method for treating biomass with a liquid ammonia and recovering the liquid ammonia is also provided. Related systems which include a biochemical or biofuel production facility are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bioreactor for creating and/or conditioning biological tissues, in particular cardiovascular patches. This bioreactor supports additionally cellular differentiation under controlled conditions. The bioreactor comprises a housing having a first section (20) for holding a nutrition solution and/or a cell suspension (24), means (28) for holding a scaffold (34), said means being disposed or disposable inside said bioreactor housing such that said scaffold (34) held therein is exposed to said nutrition solution and/or cell suspension (24) when contained in said first section (20), mechanical stimulation means (54, 68, 86) for applying mechanical stress and/or strain to said scaffold (34) and/or tissue formed thereon when held by said scaffold holding means (28) in said bioreactor housing, and electrical stimulation means (38, 92) for applying an electrical stimulation to said scaffold (34) and/or tissue formed thereon when held by said scaffold holding means (28) in said bioreactor housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nonadhesive sphere cell culture container, system and method, which is performed by coating a gel film on the bottom of the culture container, and then by immersing the liquid medium containing cells on the gel film to cultivate cells as the sphere cells. Abundant cancer stem cells with sphere formation can be harvested by the invention with advantages of marked reduction of cost, time-saving (takes only 7-10 days for spheres formation), and without additional separation technique.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods of using ultrasound in tissue culture and tissue engineering, as well as a bioreactor that includes at least one ultrasound transducer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for fermenting, separating, and refining a product, which is produced by cultivating a microorganism. The apparatus and the method for fermenting, separating, and refining, of the present invention, can separate and refine the product that is produced by microbial fermentation in a simple, continuous manner and with high efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated or substantially purified polypeptides, nucleic acids, and virus-like particles (VLPs) derived from a Merkel cell carcinoma virus (MCV), which is a newly-discovered virus. The invention further provides monoclonal antibody molecules that bind to MCV polypeptides. The invention further provides diagnostic, prophylactic, and therapeutic methods relating to the identification, prevention, and treatment of MCV-related diseases.

Abstract: A microfluidic device (1000-1005), comprising: a semiconductor body (2) having a first side (2a) and a second side (2b) opposite to one another, and housing, at the first side, a plurality of wells (4), having a first depth; an inlet region (30) forming an entrance point for a fluid to be supplied to the wells; a main channel (6a) fluidically connected to the inlet region, and having a second depth; and a plurality of secondary channels (6b) fluidically connecting the main channel to a respective well, and having a third depth. The first depth is higher than the second depth, which in turn is higher than the third depth.

Abstract: Provided is a system for localizing and optimizing harvesting of woody biomass by providing a plurality of portable pretreatment units at harvesting or mill sites. The sugars derived from woody waste products can be transported to plants for processing or processing directly by plants located at mill sites to generate biofuels and other chemicals.

Abstract: Provided are methods for generating a microorganism with improved ability to convert glycerol to succinic acid. These methods comprise combining a microorganism with ability to convert glycerol to succinic acid and a medium containing glycerol to produce a fermentation mixture; allowing fermentation to occur such that succinic acid is produced; and assaying for an indication of glycerol metabolism. These latter two steps may be repeated as necessary. Also provided are microorganisms generated in this manner, particularly bacteria deposited at the NCIMB on 13th April 2011 with the Accession Number NCIMB 41825. A method of producing succinic acid from glycerol is also provided, this method comprising: mixing a microorganism according to claim of the invention with a medium comprising glycerol to produce a fermentation mixture; and incubating the fermentation mixture, under conditions that promote fermentation to produce succinic acid, until succinic acid is produced.

Abstract: There is provided a microchip for a nucleic acid amplification reaction including a reagent accommodation region including a solid-phase reagent and a particle, the solid-phase reagent containing a substance necessary for a nucleic acid amplification reaction.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to process of gasification of carbonaceous materials to produce synthesis gas or syngas. The present disclosure provides improved methods of gasification comprising adding a molecular oxygen-containing gas and optionally adding water into said gasifier. This disclosure is also directed to process of production of one or more alcohols from said syngas via fermentation or digestion in the presence of at least one microorganism.

Abstract: We provide a miniature, disposable reactor vessel for bioprocessing. Embodiments include a sealed vessel surrounding a filter through which spent media may be preferentially removed relative to culture cells. Preferred embodiments include an impeller shaft that is contained within the vessel and passes through the filter assembly. The impeller shaft may be engaged magnetically with a drive shaft. Combinations of these reactor vessels and methods of their use are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for cultivating algae integrates a deep pond approach with an advanced photobioreactor concept. The apparatus comprises a deep (one foot or deeper) pond with a v-shaped or trough bottom, where, through gravity, algae will settle to the bottom of the trough and be pumped through a clear pipe located near or submerged under the surface of aqueous algae fluid via a heating pipe, which is also located near the surface of the algae fluid and be sprayed out into the air through spraying pipes distributed throughout the pond. With the combination of a v-shaped bottom deep pond, gravity, and clear pipes under aqueous algae fluids, algae can be exposed to sunlight much longer than the conventional approaches without being over exposed or heated and can thereby provide substantially better yields. The invention also introduces an electro-mechanical scrubbing ball that can be used to clean the piping system remotely.

Abstract: A surface supporting growth of cells in culture, the surface prepare to provide hydrophilic moieties exposed thereon for enhancing the attachment of biological materials. The surface contains the hydrophilic moiety as part of an amphipathic molecule also having a hydrophobic region that is anchored or embedded within a polymer substrate, and oriented such that the hydrophilic moieties are exposed on the outer surface of the substrate. In one embodiment the surface is customized to provide qualitative and quantitative moieties to enhance particular cell growth. In one embodiment, the surface is provided on a culture apparatus such as a dish or plate.

Abstract: A system for the production and harvesting of algae including one or more of the following components: A turbulator for dissolving carbon dioxide in water to form an algae growth media, a photobioreactor having a serpentine flow path for the algae growth media through spaced apart high and low baffles with an associated light source, a dewatering device for the algae slurry harvested from the photobioreactor, a turbulator for breaking up the cells in the algae sludge coming off the dewatering device, a cooker for cooking the broken up algae cells under pressure and a settling tank for separating the cooked cells into oil, spent media and biomass fractions.

Abstract: Methods for using vibration to harvest cells grown in 3D culture are provided. The methods entail the application of force to cells attached to a 3D matrix of sufficient amplitude, frequency, and duration to detach cells from the matrix and to flush the detached cells out of the matrix material. An apparatus for performing the methods of the invention as provided.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein are generally related to a cell culture system. More particularly, the systems and methods enable the culturing and interconnecting of a plurality of tissue types in a biomimetic environment. By culturing organ specific tissue types within a biomimetic environment and interconnecting each of the organ systems in a physiologically meaningful way, experiments can be conducted on in vitro cells that substantially mimic the responses of in vivo cell populations. In some implementations, the system is used to monitor how organ systems respond to agents such as toxins or medications. The system enables the precise and controlled delivery of these agents, which, in some implementations, enables the biomimetic dosing of drugs in humans to be mimicked.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the assembly of a polynucleic acid sequence from a plurality of nucleic acid sequences in which the polynucleic acid sequence is of a formula Nn+1, in which N represents a nucleic acid sequence and where n is 1 or greater than 1 and each N may be the same or a different nucleic acid sequence, in which the method comprises: (i) providing a first nucleic acid sequence N1 which has an oligonucleotide linker sequence L13? at the 3?-end of the nucleic acid sequence; (ii) providing a second nucleic acid sequence N2 which optionally has an oligonucleotide linker sequence L23? at the 3?-end of the nucleic acid sequence and which has an oligonucleotide linker sequence L25? at the 5?-end of the nucleic acid sequence, wherein the 5?-end linker sequence L25? of nucleic acid sequence N2 is complementary to the 3?-end linker sequence L13? of nucleic acid sequence N1; (iii) optionally providing one or more additional nucleic acid sequences N, wherein nucleic acid sequence N2

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for fermenting, separating, and refining a product, which is produced by cultivating a microorganism. The apparatus and the method for fermenting, separating, and refining, of the present invention, can separate and refine the product that is produced by microbial fermentation in a simple, continuous manner and with high efficiency.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bioreactor (1) for cell culture on a three-dimensional substrate, comprising a culture chamber (2), the inner walls of which form a vertical duct, preferably, tapered, with a diameter that widens regularly form the duct inlet to the duct outlet, means (3, 4) enabling the culture medium to flow in said vertical duct. The invention also relates to the advantageous use of these bioreactors in tissue engineering, for the production of tissue grafts, notably a bone or cartilage graft.

Abstract: A process for production of biofuels from algae can include cultivating an oil-producing algae, extracting the algal oil, and converting the algal oil to form biodiesel. Extracting the algal oil from the oil-producing algae can include biologically rupturing cell wall and oil vesicles of the oil-producing algae using at least one enzyme such as a cellulose or glycoproteinase, a structured enzyme system such as a cellulosome, a virus, or combination of these materials.

Abstract: An economical method for recovering nitrogen from liquid waste using autotrophic organisms and minimal energy inputs and without chemical additives. Solids are separated from anaerobically digested liquid waste. The resulting translucent liquid is introduced to a culture of autotrophic microorganisms in the presence of natural or artificial light, thereby accumulating biomass and producing a liquid effluent with elevated pH. The elevated-pH, liquid effluent is heated and stripped of ammonia, thereby producing a water vapor and stripped ammonia gas stream. The water vapor ammonia gas stream is condensed to form a liquid/ammonia condensate. The autotrophic microorganisms are advantageously cultivated in a photobioreactor comprising a plurality of axially spaced-apart, growth plates mounted for rotation to a shaft. The pH of the culture is adjustable within a preferred range of 8.0 to 10.5 by adjusting the light intensity and rotational speed.

Abstract: A flexible disposable bioreactor having three, stagger-baffled compartments wherein the middle compartment houses a sparging rod is described to provide the highest degree of sparging and mixing to produce biological products.

Abstract: As a technique for increasing the output of a microbial fuel cell, a microbial fuel cell including a polyol such as glycerol as a fuel and using a microbe in which an enzyme that catalyzes a redox reaction has been introduced by genetic recombination on the side of a negative electrode is provided. By this microbial fuel cell, the velocity of the reaction can be increased to thereby give a high output by retaining a microbe in which an enzyme that catalyzes a redox reaction such as diaphorase has been introduced by genetic recombination on the side of the negative electrode.

Abstract: An in-vivo bioreactor system includes a base, a chamber, an access member, an inlet port, an outlet port, and a transparent viewing member. The base includes an internal base cavity. The chamber attaches and detaches from the base. The chamber includes an internal chamber cavity which is in communication with the internal base cavity when the chamber is attached to the base. The access member when disposed in an open position allows access to the internal base cavity or the internal chamber cavity from outside the in-vivo bioreactor system. The inlet port is in communication with the internal base cavity or the internal chamber cavity. The outlet port is in communication with the internal base cavity or the internal chamber cavity. The transparent viewing member allows viewing of the internal base cavity or the internal chamber cavity from outside the in-vivo bioreactor system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device, a system and a method for performing monitoring and/or cultivation of microscopic objects. Microscopic objects are in particular microscopic organisms like bacteria and cell cultures, such as cultivation objects like tissue samples and embryos, providing optimal and safe cultivation conditions for incubation during embryo development and for facilitating the selection of optimal embryos to be used in in vitro fertilization (IVF) by facilitating embryo handling for automated digital imaging and time-lapse microscopy.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a novel undifferentiated state-control agent that maintains and/or improves an undifferentiated state of undifferentiated cells. CCL2 or a protein containing a functional domain thereof is used as the undifferentiated state-control agent. By culturing undifferentiated cells in the presence of the control agent, it is possible to maintain and/or improve an undifferentiated state of the undifferentiated cells. Examples of the undifferentiated cells include embryonic stem cells (ES cells) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells). The origin of the cells is not particularly limited, and may be a human, mouse, or the like, for example.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for performing molecular reactions in a device comprising the steps of (a) introducing one or more reagent solution(s) and an immiscible intermediate fluid into the device, wherein the device comprises a substrate, on which chemically or biochemically recognizable entities are immobilized; (b) performing molecular reactions between the immobilized chemically or biochemically recognizable entities and the reagent solution(s); or on the immobilized chemically or biochemically recognizable entities in the presence of the reagent solution(s); (c) displacing the reagent solution(s) present on the substrate by the immiscible intermediate fluid; (d) separating the immiscible intermediate fluid and the reagent solution(s); and reusing the reagent solution(s) and/or immiscible intermediate fluid for one or more repetitions of steps (a) to (e).

Abstract: The invention encompasses methods and devices for diagnosing, theranosing, or prognosing a condition in a patient by enriching a sample in rare cells. The devices can be a microfluidic device comprising an array of obstacles and one or more binding moieties. The devices and methods can allow for enrichment of cells based on size and affinity, recovery of cells in locations on the microfluidic device, release of cells from the microfluidic device, flow of sample through the microfluidic device, and retention of rare cells from a sample obtained from a patient having a condition.

Abstract: In order to make a process of capturing and testing air-borne microorganisms more convenient and quick, a capturing device which comprises the capturing carrier comprising a polymer which is in a gel phase at the time of capturing the microorganisms but undergoes a phase transition under heating to a sol phase at the temperature at or less than 40° C. (especially in the temperature range between 15° C. and 37° C.), and a vessel to contain the capturing carrier is used. Further, by comprising a test reagent in the polymer, the test reagent can be eluted upon said phase transition from a gel phase to a sol phase. By heating the capturing carrier, a phase transition to a sol phase can occur at or less than 40° C. As such, since recovery of microorganisms and addition of a test reagent to the microorganisms can be carried out simultaneously, the process can be simplified and the process time can be shortened.

Abstract: There is provided a microchip for chemical reaction in which a solid-phase reagent whose reagent composition can be identified based on appearance is contained.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated Methanothermobacter microorganism that is (a) a microorganism of Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus strain UC 120910, deposited on Dec. 21, 2010, with the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) under ATCC® Patent Deposit Designation No. PTA-11561, (b) a variant thereof, or (c) a progeny thereof, as further described herein.

Abstract: A system and method for harvesting and processing algae, the system and method including harvesting algae by mechanical or chemical system and processing the harvested algae to produce at least one of biodiesel, biosolvents, bioplastics, biogas, or fertilizer.

Abstract: A device comprising at least one electrode and at least one cell such as Anabaena variabilis cyanobacteria disposed on said electrode for producing ammonia. A layer of polymer, such as ion exchange polymer, can be used to help immobilize the cells. Whole cells or partially disrupted cells can be used. Further disclosed in a method and a system for producing ammonia, comprising contacting at least one cyanobacteria such as Anabaena variabilis cyanobacteria with a media with an electrochemical perturbation. The potential enhances ammonia production.

Abstract: The present invention provides a culture vessel for forming an embryoid body that makes it possible to form an embryoid body of higher quality, more efficiently, at a higher level. The present invention relates to a culture vessel for forming an embryoid body that has two or more wells, in which the wells have a bottom having a cross section that looks like approximately a U shape when being observed in a vertical direction and an opening having an approximately circular shape, at least a curved portion of the inner surface of the bottom has low cell adhesive properties, a curvature radius (R?) of the inner surface of the bottom is from 1.0 mm to 3.5 mm, and the low cell adhesion surface is formed by being performed low-or-non cell adhesion treatment with a water-soluble resin.

Abstract: A reactor system includes a flexible bag having an interior surface bounding a compartment. An elongated tubular connector is disposed within the compartment of the flexible bag, the tubular connector having a first end and an opposing second end, the first end of the tubular connector being coupled with the flexible bag. An impeller is disposed within the compartment of the flexible bag and is secured to the tubular connector. A drive shaft is removably received within the tubular connector such that rotation of the drive shaft facilitates rotation of the impeller.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices, assemblies, and systems are provided, as are methods of manipulating micro-sized samples of fluids. Microfluidic devices having a plurality of specialized processing features are also provided.

Abstract: A system of using carbonates, especially water-insoluble or sparing soluble mineral carbonates, for maintaining or increasing dissolved inorganic carbon concentrations in aqueous media. In particular, the system generates concentrated dissolve inorganic carbon substrates for photosynthetic, chemosynthetic, or abiotic chemical production of carbonaceous or other compounds in solution. In some embodiments, the invention can also enhance the dissolution and retention of carbon dioxide in aqueous media, and can produce pH buffering capacity, metal ions, and heat, which can be beneficial to the preceding syntheses.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods, devices, and microbes involved in performing redox imbalanced fermentations. In one aspect, the invention provides a device that generally includes an electrode and at least one microbe in electron communication with the electrode. The microbe generally can exhibit increased activity of at least one enzyme involved in converting a substrate to a redox imbalanced product. In another aspect, the invention provides a method for performing redox imbalanced fermentation. Generally, the method includes providing a substrate to a microbe under conditions effective for the microbe to metabolize the substrate to a redox imbalanced product. At least one microbe may be in contact with an electrode. In some cases, metabolic conversion of the substrate to the redox imbalanced product can include transferring electrons between the electrode and the microbe.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing a biofuel using genetically modified iron-oxidizing bacteria (IOB) are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods include the following: providing an IOB that have been genetically modified to include a particular metabolic pathway to enable them to generate a particular biofuel or chemical; feeding a first source of ferrous iron to the IOB; feeding water, carbon dioxide, and oxygen to the IOB; and producing at least the biofuel or chemical, ferric iron, and an IOB biomass. In some embodiments, the methods and systems include the following: a bioreactor including IOB that have been genetically modified to include a particular metabolic pathway to enable them to generate a particular biofuel; a first source of ferrous iron; sources of water, carbon dioxide, and oxygen; and a electrochemical reactor that is configured to electrochemically reduce ferric iron produced in the bioreactor to a second source of ferrous iron.

Abstract: A pair or receptacles capable of housing an emitter probe and a detector probe installed inside a bioreactor to monitor the properties of the nutrient media without contacting the nutrient media.

Abstract: Techniques, systems, and devices are disclosed for non-thermal cycling of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In one aspect, a method for cycling PCR includes receiving an electrolytic fluid including ions, primers, polymerase enzymes, nucleotides, and a double-stranded nucleic acid in a fluid chamber having a first electrode and a second electrode, applying an electric field across the first and the second electrodes to generate a first pH level of the electrolytic fluid to denature the double-stranded nucleic acid to at least partial single strands, and applying a second electric field across the first and second electrodes to produce a second pH level of the electrolytic fluid, in which the second pH level enables binding of a polymerase enzyme and a primer with a corresponding segment of the single strands.

Abstract: A system for culturing a cell mass comprising: handling means for handling the cell mass; a first container for reserving the cell mass supplied from the handling means, the first container having micropores that allow communication of a culture fluid with the external area; a second container for accommodating the first container, where a culture fluid fills around the first container in an excessive amount as compared to the amount of the culture fluid in the first container; and liquid removal means for removing a droplet or foam remaining in the handling means after supplying the cell mass into the first container.