Abstract: Polymeric thin-film tube connectors, bioreactors, systems and methods are described, the connectors allowing connection of a polymeric thin-film tube of a bioreactor chamber with a complementary part, typically, rigid port of flange of the bioreactor or bioreactor system. Further, bioreactors having a thin-film reactor chamber and one or more connectors are described. The thin-film reactor chamber can have a thin-film wall for enclosing culture medium and microorganisms. The connector can include a flexible boot. An opening of the thin-film wall couples to the flexible boot. The thin-film wall can extend through a reactor end of the flexible boot and can rest against an interior surface of the flexible boot. The connectors are particularly advantageous for connecting standard utilities in a bioreactor system to thin-film bioreactor chambers or capsules having a thin-film tubular opening.

Abstract: A microfluidic device comprising a first surface portion and a first sample retaining element, which have differing affinities to a fluid, and a method comprising supplying a sample to such a device. In some embodiments, the differing affinity is a result of plasma, ion embedding, surface charging, chemical, optical, electronic and/or electromagnetic treatment. Also, a microfluidic device comprising at least one microcapillary device having a sample retaining element, at least one surface of which exhibits hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, electromagnetic force exertion and electrostatic force exertion. Also, a microfluidic device comprising a first element having a hydrophilic pattern comprising at least a first sample retaining element. Also, a method comprising supplying a sample to a channel between a first element and a second element, and inducing in the first element at least one hydrophilic pattern by electrets or by internal or external electrodes to provide a charged surface.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are provided for the identification of various objects, particularly circulating tumor cells. In one aspect the system includes, but is not limited to, a scanning system, an image storage system, and an analysis system. The analysis system preferably identifies desired objects, such as complete cells, based on various criteria, which may include cell nuclear area or volume, CD-45 negative status, and cytokeratine positive status. Preferably included is a slide for containing the cells during the imaging step, the well including a planar bottom surface, a border at the periphery of the well defining sides for the well, the border being adjacent the bottom surface of the well and providing a fluidic seal there between. The invention herein provides for a single imaging well, providing for substantially a monolayer of objects, e.g., cells.

Abstract: Methods and devices for conducting chemical or biochemical reactions that require multiple reaction temperatures are described. The methods involve moving one or more reaction droplets or reaction volumes through various reaction zones having different temperatures on a microfluidics apparatus. The devices comprise a microfluidics apparatus comprising appropriate actuators capable of moving reaction droplets or reaction volumes through the various reaction zones.

Abstract: A system for digesting biodigestible feed that preferably includes the steps of comminuting the feed, introducing feed, an oxygen-containing gas, an accelerant, and bacteria into a digestion zone, the bacteria being suitable for digesting the feed under aerobic, anaerobic, and anoxic conditions. The contents of the digestion zone can be changed from aerobic operation to either anoxic or anaerobic operation, or vice versa, without changing the bacteria in the digestion zone.

Abstract: Thin parylene C membranes having smooth front sides and ultrathin regions (e.g., 0.01 ?m to 5 ?m thick) interspersed with thicker regions are disclosed. The back sides of the membranes can be rough compared with the smooth front sides. The membranes can be used in vitro to grow monolayers of cells in a laboratory or in vivo as surgically implantable growth layers, such as to replace the Bruch's membrane in the eye. The thin regions of parylene are semipermeable to allow for proteins in serum to pass through, and the thick regions give mechanical support for handling by a surgeon. The smooth front side allows for monolayer cell growth, and the rough back side helps prevents cells from attaching there.

Abstract: A method for determining the amount of pore forming bacterial toxin protein in a sample is provided, the method including the steps of a) forming a membrane comprising a lipid bilayer and a receptor, b) contacting the membrane with an ion solution and the sample, c) measuring ion flow through the membrane, d) comparing the ion flow through the membrane to a standard curve, and e) determining the amount of pore forming bacterial toxin protein in the sample.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a bioreactor coupled to a substrate. The bioreactor includes: a plurality of walls defining a reservoir; a plurality of fluidic channels in at least some of the walls; a fluidic inlet in fluidic communication with the reservoir via, the fluidic channels; a fluidic outlet in fluidic communication with the reservoir via the fluidic channels; and one or more sensors coupled to the reservoir, each sensor being configured to detect one or more of: environmental conditions in the reservoir; and physiological conditions of one or more cells optionally present in the reservoir. In another embodiment, a method includes delivering media to a reservoir of a bioreactor; delivering a, plurality of cells to the reservoir, controlling a reservoir temperature and a reservoir gas composition; using one or more of the sensors to monitor environmental and physiological conditions; and reporting the environmental and/or physiological conditions.

Abstract: Provided is a method of preparing a sample for nucleic acid amplification reaction, including: a procedure of dissolving a solid phase reagent at least containing DNA polymerase, cyclodextrin, and a binder, in a liquid containing a nucleic acid.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include methods of removing carbon dioxide (CO2) from a CO2 containing gas. In some instances, the methods include contacting CO2 containing gas with a bicarbonate buffered aqueous medium under conditions sufficient to produce a bicarbonate rich product. Where desired, the resultant bicarbonate rich product or a component thereof may then be stored or further processed, e.g., combined with a divalent alkaline earth metal cation, under conditions sufficient to produce a solid carbonate composition. Aspects of the invention further include systems for practicing the methods, as well as products produced by the methods.

Abstract: A vacuum assist apparatus can comprise a microplate. The microplate can comprise a first surface and an opposing second surface. A plurality of wells can be formed in the first surface of the microplate. Each of the plurality of wells can be sized to receive an assay therein. A support base can comprise a fluid passage. The microplate can be positioned adjacent and in contact with the support base. A pressure device, in fluid communication with the fluid passage, can exert a vacuum within the fluid passage to actively retain the microplate in the contact with the support base.

Abstract: A spheroid cell culture article including: a frame having a chamber including: an opaque side wall surface; a top aperture; a gas-permeable, transparent bottom; and optionally a chamber annex surface and second bottom, and at least a portion of the transparent bottom includes at least one concave arcuate surface, is disclosed. Methods of making and using the article are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biocompatible scaffold for three dimensional cultivation of cells, said scaffold comprise one or more fibers randomly oriented to form a scaffold with open spaces for cultured cells. The one or more fibers are also coated with a bio-active coating and have a diameter of 100-3000 nm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for patterning a substrate. The method comprises providing at least one magnetic pattern generator configured and operable to modulate the magnetic field to induce varying magnetic properties to a magnetic field according to a desired pattern; applying the modulated magnetic field in the vicinity of the substrate creating a certain pattern of regions of interaction to be obtained on top of the substrate; and; interacting the substrate with magnetic particles, while under the application of the modulated magnetic field, the magnetic particles being attracted to selected regions of interaction defined by the certain pattern while being substantially not attracted to regions outside the regions of interaction, thus creating on top of the substrate the certain pattern of regions interacted with the magnetic particles.

Abstract: A cover member for a substrate supporting a biological sample comprises first and second opposing ends, first and second opposing surfaces, a void in the second surface which, when juxtaposed with a substrate, forms a chamber, and a fluid inlet toward the first end and in fluid communication with the void. The void is bounded by void walls having one or more contoured regions for enhancing fluid movement within the chamber. A treatment module for a biological sample comprises the cover member, a support surface for a substrate bearing the biological sample and clamp means operable to releasably retain the cover member in juxtaposition with the substrate for an incubation period. A method for incubating the biological sample with one or more reagents uses the cover member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the industrialization of the production of recombinant lentiviral vectors in order to manufacture sufficient materials for therapeutic applications such as gene therapy and/or DNA vaccination, for use in clinical trials and/or commercial use.

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: Generally, culturing systems and methods for making and using culturing systems. Specifically, photobioreactor systems and methods for making and using photobioreactor systems to culture photosynthetic organisms, such as algae.

Abstract: Disclosed are multi-chambered cell co-culture systems. The systems can be utilized to encourage the growth and development of isolated cells in a dynamic three-dimensional in vitro environment. The cell chambers (10) of the system can be in biochemical communication with adjacent chambers containing cells of different types, but the different cell types are maintained physically separated from one another. In addition, the local environment of each cell chamber can be independently controlled. For example, fluid flow characteristics through a single cell chamber can be independently controlled and maintained for each separate chamber of the system.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a vessel for culturing cells which includes: a bottom, a top, a tubular neck, and, one or more shelves. The first shelf adjoins the top with the first shelf being located intermediate the bottom and the top. The bottom, the top and the one or more shelves collectively define an enclosed volume for culturing cells with the enclosed volume being accessible by the opening in the tubular neck. Advantageously, this vessel provides high volume cell culture in a manner that increases efficiency and reduces the cost of culturing cells.

Abstract: A microfluidic device, comprising: a semiconductor body, having a first side and a second side, opposite to one another in a first direction; and at least one well, configured for containing a fluid, extending in the semiconductor body starting from the first side and being delimited at the bottom by a bottom surface. The microfluidic device further comprises a stirring structure integrated in the well at the bottom surface, the stirring structure including a first stirring portion coupled to the semiconductor body and provided with at least one first suspended beam configured for being moved in a second direction so as to generate, in use, agitation of the fluid present in said well.

Abstract: An actuator that includes an enclosure having a wall impermeable to a first solute and permeable to a solvent and containing, at least temporarily, a catalyst capable of promoting the transformation of at least one second solute into the first solute to vary the osmotic pressure in the enclosure; and a deformable chamber connected to the enclosure, the chamber being capable of increasing in volume under the action of the solvent moving from the enclosure into the chamber by osmosis or the enclosure being designed to be arranged in contact with the solvent, the chamber being capable of increasing in volume under the action of the solvent penetrating into the enclosure by osmosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for cultivation of algae, extraction of lipids and transesterification of the lipids to obtain biodiesel. The system comprises three sections, that is to say cultivation, extraction and storage and reaction. In the lipid extraction area there is an ultrasonic reactor wherein the external walls of the alga are ruptured together with those of the oil sac to permit the extraction of lipids in the transesterification area there is also an ultrasonic reactor which ruptures the molecules of the fluid which passes therethrough to accelerate the reaction and render it almost immediate.

Abstract: A sensor device has an optical sensor (1), a container (2) and a compartmentalizer (3) that temporarily divides the container into a main space (4) and an adjacent space (5), in which the optical sensor (1) is located. The gas volume in the direct vicinity of the optical sensor (1) is reduced, as are also, consequently, the reactive products generated by radiation sterilization. The adjacent space (5) can be united with the main space (4) after the sterilization as a result of the temporary compartmentalization. The optical sensor is suitable for implementation in containers and laboratory products, such as, for example, disposable bioreactors, that are sterilized by gamma radiation.

Abstract: A self-contained organ-on-a-chip device includes at least one organ growth section comprising at least two organ cavities and a degradable matrix or a micro-channel arranged between the at least two organ cavities. The degradable matrix or the micro-channel is configured to allow for a formation of a capillary network between the at least two organ cavities within the at least one organ growth section.

Abstract: Provided are an enzyme treatment apparatus for proteins using a hollow fiber membrane and an on-line proteomics method using same. The enzyme treatment apparatus for proteins according to the present invention can increase a recovery rate of peptides, which are recovered through an enzyme treatment process, by basically solving the problem of low reproducibility of an enzyme activity which may occur during a conventional enzyme treatment process, and can also reduce a time for purification and provide higher yield by performing separation and purification through a single step. In particular, the present invention can be usefully applied for developing a disease-specific protein biomarker through a statistical analysis method having highly efficient detectability for proteins in research for finding biomarkers related to human diseases.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the amplification of nucleic acids are disclosed. Amplification methods provided herein may be performed under isothermal conditions. Methods and compositions may include reagents such as nucleic acid polymerases, ligases, and primers.

Abstract: Provided is a cell culture container that makes it possible to subculture cells without a dispensing operation using a pipette and also to prevent microbial contamination in the culture container during cell subculture. The cell culture container is provided, within a culture container (1) forming a sealable first culture zone, with a partition member (4) having a wall surface formed lower than the wall surface of the culture container and forming a second culture zone; and has means for raising and lowering the partition member while the culture container is in a sealed state. Magnets (4A, 5A, 6A) are used as the means for raising and lowering the partition member.

Abstract: The disclosure of the present application provides methods and kits for the increase in efficacy of adipose stromal cells. In at least one embodiment, the present disclosure includes disclosure of a method of cell-based therapy, the method comprising the steps of exposing at least one mammalian stem cell expressing mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (c-Met) to a compound operable to phosphorylate c-Met and administering the at least one mammalian stem cell to a patient.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods are provided for growing and maintaining cells. A three-dimensional matrix, such as a hydrogel material, is seeded with cells and placed in a bioreactor having two compartments. The matrix is supported between the two compartments by first and second porous materials, which engage opposing surfaces of the matrix. A first media stream having certain properties is propagated through the first compartment, where it contacts one surface of the matrix via the first porous material. A second media stream having different properties is propagated through the second compartment such that it contacts the opposite surface of the matrix via the second porous material. Through migration of each stream at least partially into the matrix, various controlled gradients may be established within the matrix, encouraging growth of the cells. Such gradients include osmotic pressure, oscillating osmotic pressure, hydrostatic pressure, oxygen tension, and/or nutrient gradients.

Abstract: Described herein is a bioreactor system and modules capable of developing physiologically relevant fluid-induced shear stresses and regionally specific flow patterns to scaffold specimens and which can couple these stresses to cyclic flexure and/or stretch states. Methods of use of the bioreactor system and module also are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to fluid distribution in an exposure device. The exposure device, in some examples, is a device for exposing living cell cultures or cellular tissues to a fluid such as cigarette smoke, air and/or other gases or gas mixtures, for use in studies of the effects on the cell cultures or tissues of their exposure to the fluid. A fluid distribution member is described for distributing the fluid in the exposure device, the member including a plurality of apertures in a surface arranged such that, when the distribution member is fitted to the fluid exposure device, the distribution member receives fluid applied to the surface of the member and distributes the fluid, via the apertures, to samples to be exposed to the fluid in the exposure device.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for capturing and releasing target cells. The system includes a microdevice having a microchamber including surface-patterned aptamers capable of binding with the target cells. A sample including target cells is introduced to the microchamber, where the target cells bind to the aptamers at locally regulated temperatures. The captured target cells can be selectively released when the temperature of a region is changed to a second temperature.

Abstract: A microreactor includes: a substrate (2; 102; 202) made of semiconductor material; a plurality of wells (5; 105; 205) separated by walls (6; 106; 206) in the substrate (2; 102; 202); a dielectric structure (7; 107; 207a, 207b) coating at least the top of the walls (6; 106; 206); a cap (3; 103; 203), bonded to the substrate (2; 102; 202) and defining a chamber (10; 110; 210) above the wells (5; 105; 205); and a biasing structure (2, 8, 13; 102, 108, 113; 202, 208a, 208b, 213), configured for setting up a voltage (VB) between the substrate (2; 102; 202) and the chamber (10; 110; 210).

Abstract: A container for culturing cells having nanostructures according to the present invention comprises a cell culture surface onto which adult stem cells are adhered so as to be proliferated and differentiated, wherein the cell culture surface comprises nanostructures placed thereon at regular intervals, the nanostructures comprise nano-pillars protruded from the cell culture surface, the width of the nano-pillars is 40-500 nm, and the height of the nano-pillars is 10 nm-1 ?m.

Abstract: A method of cultivating cells in a bag is disclosed, which comprises the steps of: a) providing a sterile flexible bag comprising a filter material which is attached to a wall of the culture bag, wherein the filter material delimits a chamber inside the bag and wherein the chamber is fluidically connected to a first port in a wall of the bag, b) providing agitation means for the bag, c) introducing cell culture medium, microcarriers and cells to the bag, d) cultivating cells in the bag with agitation provided by the agitation means, allowing formation of a suspension of microcarriers with immobilized cells and supplying at least one gas via a second port (not shown) in a wall of the bag, e) removing cell debris and/or free cells together with liquid from said suspension of microcarriers through the filter material and the first port.

Abstract: In accordance with the purpose(s) of the present disclosure, as embodied and broadly described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure, in one aspect, relate to a device (or “flow chamber”), methods of making a device, methods of using a device, and the like.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to systems and methods for promoting the expansion of high density non-adherent cells through the use of a cell growth chamber, a mass transfer device, and a fluid circulation loop. Improved cell growth is achieved in the cell growth chamber by using a chamber having a particular orientation and shape, e.g., conical, to create a media-rich reservoir for growing cells. By placing the chamber in a vertical position, the force of media flow along the chamber walls is substantially equal and opposite to the gravitational force on the cells. The interaction of these forces maintains the non-adherent cells in suspension. The use of the cell growth chamber in conjunction with the mass transfer device and fluid circulation loop(s) creates efficiencies by relying on the cumulative and combined features of the devices.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a process for producing isoprene from a starch substrate by saccharification and/or fermentation. The saccharification is effectively catalyzed by a glucoamylase at a pH in the range of 5.0 to 8.0. At a pH of 6.0 or above, the glucoamylase possesses at least 50% activity relative to its maximum activity. The saccharification and fermentation may be performed as a simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) process.

Abstract: A method for deactivating organisms used in fermenting a biomass to produce one or more bioproducts (e.g., ethanol, etc.) generally includes an operation of conveying the organisms from a fermentation chamber to a distillation unit, and then an operation of effecting a positive six-log kill of the organisms in the distillation unit. A system for producing the one or more bioproducts, making use of the method, generally includes the fermentation chamber for holding the organisms during the fermentation operation, and the distillation unit configured to receive the fermented biomass, including the organisms, from the fermentation chamber. The distillation unit is operable to effect the positive six-log kill of the organisms in the distillation unit. In some applications of the method and system, the organisms are genetically modified organisms.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for receiving biological sequence information and activating the synthesis of a biological entity. The system has a receiving unit for receiving a signal encoding biological sequence information transmitted from a transmitting unit. The transmitting unit can be present at a remote location from the receiving unit. The system also has an assembly unit connected to the receiving unit, and the assembly unit assembles the biological entity according to the biological sequence information. Thus, according to the present invention biological sequence information can be digitally transmitted to a remote location and the information converted into a biological entity, for example a protein useful as a vaccine, immediately upon being received by the receiving unit and without further human intervention after preparing the system for receipt of the information.

Abstract: A method for processing a stream of cellulosic fines containing inorganic particles, to increase a hydrolysis yield of polysaccharide degradation enzymes, such fines in a waste stream from a recycled packaging paper mill to produce a stream of fermentable sugars, comprising treating the fines with a surfactant which selectively binds to the inorganic particles and which reduces binding to the inorganic particles by the polysaccharide degradation enzymes, and degrading polysaccharides in the waste stream with the polysaccharide degradation enzymes.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a bioreactor includes a cartridge adapted to deliver growth media to inner and outer surfaces of a tubular organ scaffold, the cartridge having a container that includes a first passage adapted to deliver a first growth medium to the inner surfaces of the tubular organ scaffold and a second passage adapted to deliver a second growth medium to the outer surfaces of the scaffold, wherein the first and second growth media are different media.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for propagating yeast using a feedstock material such as starch and one or more enzymes (e.g., an enzyme cocktail) to break down the feedstock material into one or more monosaccharides at a sufficient rate so that the yeast can use the monosaccharides as a carbon source for producing more yeast cells while not producing an undue amount of alcohol.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices of the present disclosure relate to quick and inexpensive microfluidic manipulation/handling. A number of channels may be provided for supply of fluid ingredients to a number of cavities. A separating material may provide fluid separation between a number of cavities, such as corresponding cavities of a reaction chamber. Once the cavities are supplied with fluid ingredient, channels connecting the cavities may be sealed off; that is, the cavities may be subject to fluid isolation. In some embodiments, a sealing material may be compressed so as to deform into the channels obstructing fluid flow. The separating material may be manipulated so that the initial fluid separation between cavities is removed. Removal of this fluid separation subsequently permits mixing of fluid ingredient(s) contained within previously separated cavities. In some embodiments, the fluid separation may be removed by heating or dissolving portions of the separating material.

Abstract: A method of producing an IgG type monoclonal antibody in vitro is described. The method includes the steps of: (A) providing B-cells obtained from a transgenic non-human mammal whose genome comprises a disruption of an Act1 gene; (B) contacting the B cells with an antigen under conditions which result in formation of an antibody specific to the antigen by the B cells; (C) fusing the B cells with one or more immortal cells, to produce one or more hybridomas which express IgG type monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to the antigen; (D) selecting a hybridoma which expresses an antibody specific to the antigen; and (E) obtaining monoclonal antibody produced by the selected hybridoma. Kits for carrying out the method of producing an IgG type monoclonal antibody are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for carrying out of chemical or biological reactions with a reaction vessel receiving element for receiving a microtiter plate with several reaction vessels, wherein the reaction vessel receiving element has several recesses arranged in a regular pattern to receive the respective reaction vessels, a heating device for heating the reaction vessel receiving element, and a cooling device for cooling the reaction vessel. The invention is characterized by the fact that the reaction vessel receiving element is divided into several segments. The individual segments are thermally decoupled from one another, and each segment is assigned a heating device which may be actuated independently of the others. By means of the segmentation of the reaction vessel receiving element, it is possible for zones to be set and held at different temperatures.

Abstract: Disclosed is micro-device for culturing cells comprising: a plurality of fluid paths through which fluid moves; and at least one inlet port for injecting fluid to the fluid paths, said fluid paths communicating with each other and being different in height from each other. In the cell culture device having a plurality of fluid paths, cells can be cultured by introducing a polymeric material to at least one fluid path having a relatively low height; solidifying the polymeric material to form a 3-dimensional scaffold; and injecting fluid for cell culture to a fluid path in contact with the 3-dimensional scaffold.

Abstract: Provided herein are nanolipoprotein particles that comprise a biosynthetic enzyme more particularly an enzyme capable of catalyzing rubber or other rubbers polymerization, and related assemblies, devices, methods and systems.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for circulating and agitating algae ponds or reservoirs are described. Inflatable or floatable masses resident in the algae ponds are cyclically or rhythmically moved thereby causing propagating waves to advance along ponds. Waves encourage increased equilibrium of oxygen and carbon dioxide between ambient air and growth medium and thereby improved growth of algae and increased production of biomass. With relatively little energy input, large quantities of algae or biomass may be grown in relatively large ponds and on an economically viable commercial scale.