Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include sample analysis methods and systems. According to certain embodiments, provided are methods of analyzing samples in an automated sample analysis system. The methods include introducing samples and sample preparation cartridges into the system, isolating and purifying an analyte (e.g., nucleic acids and/or proteins) present in the samples at a sample preparation station, and performing analyte detection assays in assay mixtures that include the purified analyte. Also provided are automated sample analysis systems that find use, e.g., in performing the methods of the present disclosure. In certain aspects, the methods and systems provide for continuous operator access during replenishment or removal of one or any combination of samples, bulk fluids, reagents, commodities, waste, and/or the like.

Abstract: Provided herein are novel methods and composition utilizing adipose tissue-derived stromal stem cells for treating fistulae.

Abstract: An information management system, comprising a first vessel having a first memory that stores first information, a second vessel having a second memory that stores second information, a detection circuit capable of detecting a proximity signal corresponding to approach of the second vessel to the first vessel, and a processor that adds the first information to the second memory that stores the second information, based on the proximity signal that has been detected by the detection circuit.

Abstract: An organism evaluation system for analyzing organisms within a fluid flow, comprising one or more of a stimulation section comprising a means for inducing a motive response in a living organism within the fluid flow passing through the stimulation section and a shepherding section comprising a means for temporarily separating such an organism from and then returning it to the fluid flow, a flow normalizing section in fluid communication with the stimulation section and/or shepherding section, and a viewing section in fluid communication with the flow normalizing section, the viewing section comprising a body having formed therein a body cavity defining a viewing port, the viewing section further comprising an optical system mounted relative to the body for viewing the fluid flow within the viewing port through a cavity first opening, whereby image data relating to the fluid flow and organisms therein is acquired via the optical system for analysis.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices and methods for perfusing a cell with perfusion fluid are provided herein, wherein the gravitational forces acting on the cell to keep the cell at or near a retainer or a retaining position exceed the hydrodynamic forces acting on the cell to move it toward an outlet. Also provided, are methods for assaying cell products within the microfluidic device.

Abstract: A cell culture carrier module and a cell culture system having the same are provided. A cell tank and a culture medium module respectively communicate with the carrier module. The carrier module includes a reactor, a first fixer, a second fixer and a plurality of cell culture carriers. The reactor has a chamber and at least one inlet/outlet. The inlet/outlet communicates with the chamber. The first fixer is fixed to the reactor and located in the chamber. The second fixer is disposed in the chamber and is movable relative to the first fixer. Two ends of each cell culture carrier are fixed to the first fixer and the second fixer, respectively. The cell culture carriers are in an untwisted state or a twisted state according to a variation in a distance between the first fixer and the second fixer due to a movement of the second fixer.

Abstract: Methods of removing bubbles from a microfluidic device are described where the flow is not stopped. Methods are described that combine pressure and flow to remove bubbles from a microfluidic device. Bubbles can be removed even where the device is made of a polymer that is largely gas impermeable.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for producing ultrafine fibrous cellulose, which is capable of efficiently obtaining ultrafine fibrous cellulose having phosphoric acid groups with a high yield. The present invention relates to a method for producing fibrous cellulose having a fiber width of 1000 nm or less, comprising: a (A) of introducing phosphoric acid groups into cellulose fibers to form crosslinked structures via the phosphoric acid groups, thereby obtaining crosslinked phosphorylated cellulose fibers, a (B) of breaking some or all of the crosslinked structures to obtain crosslink-broken phosphorylated cellulose fibers, and a (C) of performing a mechanical treatment on the crosslink-broken phosphorylated cellulose fibers to obtain fibrous cellulose having a fiber width of 1000 nm or less, wherein, in the (A), crosslinked structures in an amount of 0.05 mmol/g or more and 2.

Abstract: Nanofluidic devices and methods of the invention are capable of autonomously isolating individual microbial cells using constrictive channels and growing monocultures of the cells for automated characterization of their biochemical properties and interactions with mammalian cells. Single microbial cells, such as bacterial cells, are isolated directly from environmental sources and cultured using chemical factors from their native environment.

Abstract: A method of testing an analyte can include using a cell culture device that includes: at least three distinct chambers between the top wall and bottom wall. The chambers can include: an internal chamber defined by at least one porous internal wall; one or more boundary layer chambers having at least an inner boundary layer chamber defined by the at least one porous internal wall and at least one porous inner boundary layer wall, the at least one porous internal wall having a plurality of pores fluidically coupling the central internal chamber to the one or more boundary layer chamber; and an outer chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus to prevent bio-filming during the delivery of photonic energy to a culture or set of organisms in a fluid culture medium, the device including a culture medium, a container configured to house the culture medium, and an assembly to generate and deliver a liquid energy transfer medium between the culture medium and the photonic device, the assembly including one or more apertures sized and shaped to form one or more liquid replenishing lenses and a fluid-light unit in the container to house the photonic device and the liquid energy transfer medium, the photonic device is at least one from among a photoreceptor, a photoemitter, or a combination of the photoreceptor and the photoemitter, and further including a pump coupled to the fluid-light unit, the assembly is configured to convey the photonic energy between the photonic device and the culture medium through the liquid energy transfer medium.

Abstract: A fluid mixing system includes a support housing having an interior surface bounding a chamber. A flexible bag is disposed within the chamber of the support housing, the flexible bag having an interior surface bounding a compartment. An impeller is disposed within the chamber of the flexible bag. A drive shaft is coupled with the impeller such that rotation of the drive shaft facilitates rotation of the impeller. A drive motor assembly is coupled with the draft shaft and is adapted to rotate the drive shaft. An adjustable arm assembly is coupled with the drive motor assembly and is adapted to move the drive motor assembly which in turn moves the position of the drive shaft and impeller. An electrical controller can control movement of the adjustable arm.

Abstract: This disclosure describes an improved heat transfer system for use in reaction vessels used in chemical and biological processes. In one embodiment, a heat transfer baffle comprising two sub-assemblies adjoined to one another is provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for conducting designated reactions utilizing a base instrument and a removable cartridge. The removable cartridge includes a fluidic network that receives and fluidically directs a biological sample to conduct the designated reactions. The removable cartridge also includes a flow-control valve that is operably coupled to the fluidic network and is movable relative to the fluidic network to control flow of the biological sample therethrough. The removable cartridge is configured to separably engage a base instrument. The base instrument includes a valve actuator that engages the flow-control valve of the removable cartridge. A detection assembly held by at least one of the removable cartridge or the base instrument may be used to detect the designated reactions.

Abstract: One or more light sources may apply stimuli to a colony of organisms. The stimuli may include visible and non-visible light. The stimuli, taken together, may tend to favor survival of organisms that are adapted to perform photosynthesis which involves absorbing energy from infrared or ultraviolet light. In some cases, the set of stimuli may include illuminating the entire colony of organisms with green light, illuminating only a first portion of the colony with pulsed ultraviolet light, and illuminating only a second portion of the colony with pulsed infrared light.

Abstract: A counting device counts the number of counting objects in liquid in a flexible container. The counting device includes a mounting table on which the container is mounted and a pressing table arranged opposite to a container-arranged side of the mounting table. The mounting table and the pressing table move relatively in a direction of sandwiching the container, and a light-passing hole facing a surface of the container is provided in at least one of the mounting table and the pressing table. The pressing table includes one or more thickness-setting members that sandwich the container between the pressing table and the mounting table in a periphery of the light-passing hole and on the side opposite to the container in a protruding manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a perfusion manifold assembly that allows for perfusion of a microfluidic device, such as an organ on a chip microfluidic device comprising cells that mimic cells in an organ in the body, that is detachably linked with an assembly so that fluid enters ports of the microfluidic device from a fluid reservoir, optionally without tubing, at a controllable flow rate. The invention further relates to a drop-to-drop connection scheme for putting a microfluidic device in fluidic communication with a fluid source or another microfluidic device, including but not limited to, putting a microfluidic device in fluidic communication with the perfusion manifold assembly.

Abstract: A perfusion manifold assembly is described that allows for perfusion of a microfluidic device, such as an organ on a chip microfluidic device comprising cells that mimic cells in an organ in the body, that is detachably linked with said assembly so that fluid enters ports of the microfluidic device from a fluid reservoir, optionally without tubing, at a controllable flow rate. A culture module is contemplated that allows the perfusion and optionally mechanical actuation of one or more microfluidic devices, such as organ-on-a-chip microfluidic devices comprising cells that mimic at least one function of an organ in the body.

Abstract: A culture module is contemplated that allows the perfusion and optionally mechanical actuation of one or more microfluidic devices, such as organ-on-a-chip microfluidic devices comprising cells that mimic at least one function of an organ in the body. A method for pressure control is contemplated to allow the control of flow rate (while perfusing cells) despite limitations of common pressure regulators. The method for pressure control allows for perfusion of a microfluidic device, such as an organ on a chip microfluidic device comprising cells that mimic cells in an organ in the body, that is detachably linked with said assembly, so that fluid enters ports of the microfluidic device from a fluid reservoir, optionally without tubing, at a controllable flow rate.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions relating to differentiated cell populations that derive from pluripotent stem cells. The methods relate to reducing the number of residual stem cells present in such populations. The compositions include differentiated cell populations that contain reduced number of stem cells or that contain no stem cells. Pluripotent stem cells may be reduced in number and/or function through exposure to low oxygen levels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable luminescence detector combined with a mobile device, which mainly comprises a body, a focusing lens module, a light source module, a sample tray, and an image capturing module, wherein the image capturing module can be a lens of the mobile device, the body can be disassembled into multiple parts to act as holders for the portable luminescence detector. When the portable luminescence detector of the present invention is used in conjunction with the mobile device, the sample tray is placed at a position corresponding to that of the focusing lens module, and the light source module is used for providing a light source band, then the image capturing module works with the focus lens module to capture an image of the sample under the light source band and to provide the image for RGB spectral analysis or real-time image RGB spectral analysis.

Abstract: Drop-to-drop connection schemes are described for putting a microfluidic device in fluidic communication with a fluid source or another microfluidic device, including but not limited to, putting a microfluidic device in fluidic communication with the perfusion manifold assembly.

Abstract: A process for extracting carbohydrates from biomass and creating bioalcohol from the extracted carbohydrates. Subjecting the biomass to acid or alkali hydrolysis in a first hydrodynamic cavitation process. Filtering the first cavitated biomass to separate a first filtrate containing extracted carbohydrates. Fermenting the first filtrate to create a bioalcohol and separating the bioalcohol by distillation or similar process. Subjecting the biomass to enzymatic hydrolysis in a second hydrodynamic cavitation process. Filtering the second cavitated biomass to separate a second filtrate containing extracted carbohydrates. Fermenting the second filtrate to create a bioalcohol and separating the bioalcohol by distillation or similar process. The first and second filtrates may be combined and fermented in a single step.

Abstract: Disclosed are cartridges and modules that may be utilized in diagnostic systems and methods. The cartridge includes a flexible seal that caps the cartridge. The flexible seal has an opening for a pipette tip, and the flexible seal is configured to create a sealed environment when a pipette tip is positioned in the opening of the flexible seal and when the pipette tip is moved in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis.

Abstract: According to the present invention, organic material is converted to biogas through anaerobic digestion and the biogas is purified to yield a combustible fluid feedstock comprising methane. A fuel production facility utilizes or arranges to utilize combustible fluid feedstock to generate renewable hydrogen that is used to hydrogenate crude oil derived hydrocarbons in a process to make transportation or heating fuel. The renewable hydrogen is combined with crude oil derived hydrocarbons that have been desulfurized under conditions to hydrogenate the liquid hydrocarbon with the renewable hydrogen or alternatively, the renewable hydrogen can be added to a reactor operated so as to simultaneously desulfurize and hydrogenate the hydrocarbons. The present invention enables a party to receive a renewable fuel credit for the transportation or heating fuel.

Abstract: Fluid containment pressure vessel that eliminates the outer support housing present in certain conventional vessels, and provides an improved cap-to-body interface. In certain embodiments, the cap is threaded and configured to threadingly engage with the body of the pressure vessel, and has sufficient structural integrity to withstand the pressures in the device without the need for a support housing. In certain embodiments, an interlock mechanism is provided that prevents the cap from being opened (e.g., removed from the body) while the device is under pressure. In certain embodiments, a pressure relief valve is provided with a pre-loaded biasing mechanism to achieve the required pressure release rate. The vessel can be used for sample preparation, including purification or concentration of samples, particularly protein samples.

Abstract: A continuous device for culturing mammalian cells in a three-dimensional structure for the transplantation or implantation in vivo is described. The culturing device comprises (a) a scaffold formed by a matrix of interconnected growth surfaces spaced at regular intervals and (b) a fluid distribution means at the inlet and the exit of the growth areas. The device is particularly useful for culturing bone cells for dental implants or bone reconstruction.

Abstract: A device for in-vitro modelling in-vivo tissues of organs that includes a first body portion with at least one access chamber, a second body portion with at least one culturing chamber, and a culturing membrane dividing the at least one access chamber from the culturing chamber. The device further includes a third body portion with at least one actuation chamber having at least one limitation cavity, and an actuation membrane dividing the at least one culturing chamber from the at least one actuation chamber. With the device, a robust actuation system can be provided that does not depend on the mechanical properties of the actuation membrane material, nor on the pressure, and that allows to mimic three-dimensional deformations of the tissue, in particular of lung alveoli.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing hydrogen from a waste material, comprising steps of fermenting 100 a fermentation mixture comprising the waste material in a reactor 1 with a headspace 1a under anaerobic conditions, removing 200 hydrogen from a gas from the headspace 1a during fermentation to produce a hydrogen gas and a remainder gas and recirculating 300 at least a portion of the remainder gas back to the headspace 1a. An apparatus for producing hydrogen and recirculating at least a portion of the remainder gas to the headspace 1a is also provided.

Abstract: A fluidic device for a cartridge for testing biological samples is disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the fluidic device includes a fluidic chamber, at least one microfluidic channel in fluid communication with the fluidic chamber, a venting port configured to apply a pneumatic force to the fluidic chamber, at least one passive valve located within the at least one microfluidic channel and configured to allow or stop fluid flow through the at least one microfluidic channel based on a pressure difference, and a controller configured to control the pneumatic force applied to the fluidic chamber via the venting port.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a port installed in a closed-ended photochemical reactor, and more particularly, to a multi-functional port for microalgae cultivation and harvesting that supplies gas for cultivation for culturing microalgae by connecting to the closed-ended photochemical reactor; supplies gas for prevention of precipitation for lifting microalgae during cultivation; and assembles by taking samples of microalgae or selectively combining a plurality of valves which can harvest microalgae, whose cultivation is completed.

Abstract: A closed loop compost tea brewing system with a hydroponic reservoir and a compost tea brewing assembly configured to brew compost tea. The compost tea brewer assembly includes a tea brewing reservoir. The system includes has a closed loop arrangement fluidly connecting the tea brewing reservoir and the hydroponic reservoir. The closed loop arrangement is configured to provide continuous fluid flow from the tea brewing reservoir to the hydroponic reservoir, which is recirculated back from the hydroponic reservoir to the tea brewing reservoir.

Abstract: A continuous device for culturing mammalian cells in a three-dimensional structure for the transplantation or implantation in vivo is described. The culturing device comprises (a) a scaffold formed by a matrix of interconnected growth surfaces spaced at regular intervals and (b) a fluid distribution means at the inlet and the exit of the growth areas. The device is particularly useful for culturing bone cells for dental implants or bone reconstruction.

Abstract: A process for increasing alcohol yield from biomass (the form or agro- or forest residue, grains, hops, etc.), involving multiple hydrodynamic cavitation treatments of biomass filtrate—both before and after fermentation. Carbohydrates extracted from biomass are subjected to a first cavitation treatment to promote additional conversion into carbohydrates. The carbohydrates are then combined with bacterial species and nutrients, and allowed to ferment. The fermentation product is subjected to a second hydrodynamic cavitation treatment to promote further conversion of carbohydrates into bioalcohol. After distillation, the bioalcohol is subjected to a second hydrodynamic cavitation treatment to increase its purity.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for collection and processing of human biological material containing adipose, such as extracted during a lipoplasty procedure, is useful for multi-step processing to prepare a concentrated product (e.g., stromal vascular fraction) or a fat graft composition. The apparatus has a container with an internal containment volume with a tissue retention volume and a filtrate volume separated by a filter and with a tapered portion to a collection volume for collecting concentrate product. The apparatus has fluid suction features including a suction port and a conduit providing fluid communication from the suction port to a location within the filtrate volume within a tapered portion of the internal containment volume, and optionally including a second suction port and a second conduit to a different location in the filtrate volume with the second conduit being configured to permit elevation adjustment within the filtrate volume.

Abstract: A process for increasing alcohol yield from biomass (the form or agro- or forest residue, grains, hops, etc.), involving multiple hydrodynamic cavitation treatments of biomass filtrate—both before and after fermentation. Carbohydrates extracted from biomass are subjected to a first cavitation treatment to promote additional conversion into carbohydrates. The carbohydrates are then combined with bacterial species and nutrients, and allowed to ferment. The fermentation product is subjected to a second hydrodynamic cavitation treatment to promote further conversion of carbohydrates into bioalcohol. After distillation, the bioalcohol is subjected to a second hydrodynamic cavitation treatment to increase its purity.

Abstract: A method for producing a single-use cell culture container at least partially made of polymer material, wherein the cell culture container is treated with gamma radiation for sterilization, characterized in that the cell culture container is treated with inert gas and/or a defined amount of oxygen before the irradiation in order to prevent the occurrence of an “extended lag phase”.

Abstract: A cell culture device can include: at least 3 distinct chambers between the top wall and bottom wall. The perimeter walls can include: an internal chamber defined by at least one porous internal wall; one or more boundary layer chambers having at least an inner boundary layer chamber defined by the at least one porous internal wall and at least one porous inner boundary layer wall, the at least one porous internal wall having a plurality of pores fluidically coupling the central internal chamber to the one or more boundary layer chamber; and an outer chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of increasing product yield per culture in a population of product-secreting cells bound to a scaffold, for example, a microcarrier, at least partially immersed in a culture medium in a bioreactor. The method comprising: semi-harvesting product by removing a volume of the culture medium with a first-secreted product concentration while leaving the scaffold with the bound cells in the bioreactor; re-feeding the cells by adding a fresh culture medium to increase the culture medium in the bioreactor to approximately the original volume; agitating the culture medium to allow the cells to grow and release a second-secreted product concentration; harvesting product by removing the culture medium with the second-secreted product concentration while leaving the scaffold with the bound cells behind. Also disclosed is a method of increasing virus yield per culture in a population of virus-infected cells bound to a microcarrier suspended in a culture medium.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for collection and processing of human biological material, such as containing adipose extracted during a lipoplasty procedure, is useful for multi-step processing to prepare a concentrated product (e.g., stromal vascular fraction) or a fat graft composition. The apparatus has a container with a containment volume with a tissue retention volume and a filtrate volume separated by a filter and with a tapered portion to a collection volume for collecting concentrate product. The apparatus includes a mixing device disposed at least in part within the tissue retention volume, and wherein the mixing device has a rotatable shaft extending from outside of to inside of the internal containment volume and has at least one mixing member that is disposed in the tissue retention volume with at least a portion disposed in the tapered portion of the internal containment volume and that is connected with the shaft to move through the tissue retention volume when the shaft is rotated.

Abstract: A system for connecting a reagent container to a socket. The container has a cap with an outlet comprising a collar having an opening on its side, the collar surrounding a spout with a movable valve. The valve has a tube surrounded by a disk. A plug is centrally arranged within one end of the tube so the outer walls of the spout form-fit with the inner side of the tube and the inner walls of the spout form-fit with the outer side of the plug for closing the spout. The plug is connected to one end of the tube and a socket for accommodating the outlet of the container's cap. The socket comprises at least two movable levers to engage into openings of the collar and a socket gasket on one side for taking up the tube of the valve and tubing on the opposite side to drain liquids.

Abstract: Overlay processes are disclosed for making ethanol that not only increase ethanol conversion but do so in a cost effective manner with a reduction in energy requirements per unit of ethanol production. The processes can provide, if desired, higher organic compound as a co-product with ethanol.

Abstract: A disposable container, such as a deformable bag, for a fluid, having one or more inlets and one or more outlets and an impeller assembly within the container to cause mixing, dispersing, homogenizing and/or circulation of one or more ingredients contained or added to the container. The region within the container that can contain liquid is funnel shaped, which allows very low fluid level mixing, dispensing while mixing, and a reduction or elimination of vortex formation.

Abstract: The invention provides integrated Organ-on-Chip microphysiological systems representations of living Organs and support structures for such microphysiological systems.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for producing products by photosynthetic organisms. The photosynthetic organisms can be genetically modified to effect production, expression, or both, of products. The methods and compositions are particularly useful in the petrochemical industry.

Abstract: A bioreactor has a reactor bag (12) with a predominantly flexible bag wall (121) that has a rigid bearing area. A stirrer arrangement (14) is in the bearing area and includes rigid profile ring (16) made of a non-magnetic material and fixed in the bearing area. The stirrer arrangement (14) also includes a shaftless stirrer (18) rotatably engaged with the profile ring (16) and having parts that are permanently magnetic. An electric coil arrangement (20) is outside the reactor bag (12) and can produce a rotating magnetic field that interacts with the permanent-magnetic areas of the stirrer (18) to produce a torque that rotates the stirrer (18) and circulates the contents of the bag (12).

Abstract: Individual temperature control in multiple reactions performed simultaneously in a spatial array such as a multi-well plate is achieved by thermoelectric modules with individual control, with each module supplying heat to or drawing heat from a single region within the array, the region containing either a single reaction vessel or a group of reaction vessels.

Abstract: Methods for mimicking a tumor microenvironment in vitro are provided. The methods comprise indirectly applying a shear stress upon at least one tumor cell type plated on a surface within a cell culture container. Methods for mimicking tumor metastasis and methods for testing drugs or compounds in such systems are also provided.

Abstract: A process for extracting carbohydrates from biomass and creating bioalcohol from the extracted carbohydrates. Subjecting the biomass to acid or alkali hydrolysis in a first hydrodynamic cavitation process. Filtering the first cavitated biomass to separate a first filtrate containing extracted carbohydrates. Fermenting the first filtrate to create a bioalcohol and separating the bioalcohol by distillation or similar process. Subjecting the biomass to enzymatic hydrolysis in a second hydrodynamic cavitation process. Filtering the second cavitated biomass to separate a second filtrate containing extracted carbohydrates. Fermenting the second filtrate to create a bioalcohol and separating the bioalcohol by distillation or similar process. The first and second filtrates may be combined and fermented in a single step.

Abstract: A system for applying mechanical stimulation to a biologic sample includes a first biologic sample chamber having a biologic sample holder therein, a support structure for holding the first biologic sample chamber, and a first actuator that can supply a mechanical load to a biologic sample held by the biologic sample holder. The actuator is configured to move into a first position proximate to the chamber in which the actuator can transmit the load to the biologic sample via a first transmission path that includes the biologic sample holder. A controller is configured to automatically move the first actuator into the first position.