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.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices of the present disclosure relate to quick and inexpensive microfluidic manipulation/handling. A number of channels may be supplied with fluid ingredient(s). In some embodiments, a number of protrusions as well as a sealing material may be disposed adjacent to the channels. When the channels are supplied with fluid ingredient(s), the channels may be partitioned into a number of separate cavities that are fluidly isolated from one another. For instance, a sealing material may be compressed so as to deform into the channels, obstructing fluid flow. In some embodiments, the channels supply fluid ingredients to a number of pre-formed cavities. 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. When appropriate, contents within reaction chambers may be subject to further processing (e.g., thermal cycling, various analyses).

Abstract: System, apparatuses, and methods for performing automated reagent-based analysis are provided. Also provided are methods for automated attachment of a cap to a reaction receptacle, and automated removal of a cap from a capped reaction receptacle.

Abstract: An apparatus to oxygenate and perfuse a bodily tissue for extracorporeal preservation of the bodily tissue. The apparatus may be used to transport donor organs for transplant. The apparatus includes a pneumatic system, a pumping chamber, and an organ chamber. The pneumatic system is configured for the controlled delivery of fluid to and from the pumping chamber based on a predetermined control scheme. The pumping chamber is configured to diffuse a gas into a perfusate and to generate a pulse wave for moving the perfusate through a bodily tissue. The pumping chamber is configured to substantially automatically purge excess fluid from the pumping chamber to an area external to the apparatus.

Abstract: A method for determining the amount of live 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. A kit for determining the amount of live pore forming bacterial toxin protein present in the sample is also provided.

Abstract: A process for the use of peracid compositions to eliminate and/or control the growth of undesirable bacteria, including contaminating bacteria, in the fermentation production of alcohol is disclosed. Beneficially, the peracid compositions and methods of use of the same do not interfere or inhibit the growth or replication of yeast and have low or no adverse environmental impact.

Abstract: A method of assaying wound healing can include: growing cells on the matrix in the first flow channel; introducing an agent that removes the matrix from the junction; introducing a matrix material into the second flow channel so as to form the second matrix in the second flow channel and junction; and detecting cellular migration into the junction onto the second matrix. The agent that removes the matrix can include a biomolecule or chemical agent. The method can include removing cells in the matrix in the junction before introducing the matrix material into the second flow channel. A bioactive agent can be introduced into the junction to determine if it modulates cellular migration and/or clot formation into the intersection openings of tissue and vascular channels.

Abstract: A method of assaying metastasis can include: providing a device of one of the embodiments; introducing the at least one cancer cell into the at least one internal chamber or at least one fluid channel; and studying metastasis of the at least one cancer cell. Optionally: introducing cancer cells into a first internal chamber; detecting escape of the cancer cell from the first internal chamber into the fluid channel; detecting migration of the cancer cell through the fluid channel; detecting adhesion of the cancer cell to a coating on the fluid channel; detecting invasion of the cancer cell into a second internal chamber from the fluid channel; or visualizing metastasis of the cancer cell with a visualization device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fabricating a patterned substrate for a cell culture, comprising the steps of: (1) preparing a substrate; (2) depositing a plasma polymer layer by using a precursor material on the substrate; (3) placing a shadow mask having a predetermined pattern on the plasma polymer layer; (4) treating the substrate, having the shadow mask placed thereon, with a reactive gas using plasma; and (5) removing the shadow mask from the substrate, and a patterned substrate for the cell culture fabricated thereby. The invention also relates to a method for a cell culture with a pattern, comprising the step of culturing cells on the patterned substrate for the cell culture, and a patterned cell chip, and a method of screening a material having an activity of inducing or promoting angiogenesis using the patterned cell chip.

Abstract: A microfluidic capsule (1) comprises a top lid (100), a middle piece (200) and a bottom piece (300) to be assembled to enclose a microfluidic substrate (400) for analysis of cells and biochemical reactions. The middle piece (200) comprises support structures in the form of support pillars (250) and walls (240) around a central light window (220) to provide mechanical support and prevent tension-induced structural deformations. When fully assembled, light windows (120, 220, 230) in the top lid (100), middle piece (200) and bottom piece (300) allows inspection of biological and/or biochemical samples positioned in the enclosed microfluidic substrate (400).

Abstract: The bioreactor is for use in performing biological and/or biochemical reactions and includes a vessel, an agitator, a reaction assembly, and a harvesting outlet. The vessel of the bioreactor includes several ports including a mixing port, a reaction port, and a harvesting port. The agitator extends through the mixing port into the vessel while the harvesting outlet extends through the harvesting port and permits the withdrawal of reaction medium to another vessel. The reaction assembly extends through the reaction port into the vessel and has multiple components including a gas conduit adapted to introduce gas into a reaction medium in the vessel, a sampling device adapted to remove a portion of the reaction medium from the vessel without contamination of the remaining reaction medium, and an introduction conduit permitting the introduction of at least the reaction medium into the vessel.

Abstract: A microfluidic device including a platform and a cartridge is disclosed. The platform includes a chamber containing a fluid. The reagent cartridge is mounted to the platform. and contains a solid reagent for detecting material contained in the fluid.

Abstract: An inlet valve charges an inner chamber of a system or sample container with liquid and has a first pipetting axis, an inlet opening, it supplies liquid by a laboratory pipette that is automatically reclosed and also has a valve body with a blocking element, a pressing part and a throat, a valve space enclosing the valve body at least partly near the throat, a spring mechanism and a sealing element. The throat connects the blocking element to the pressing part and has an open passage region which opens into the liquid passage of the pressing part and into the valve space. The spring mechanism presses a sealing surface of the blocking element against the sealing element in a closed position of the valve body. The valve body can be brought to an open position by pressing the pressing part against the spring mechanism.

Abstract: Provided is a system for hydrolyzing a cellulosic feedstock slurry. The system comprises one or more unmixed reactors for receiving and partially hydrolyzing the cellulosic feedstock slurry so as to produce a mixture of partially hydrolyzed slurry. The unmixed reactors may be plug flow reactors. One or more mixed reactors are downstream of the unmixed reactors for continuing the hydrolysis of the mixture of the partially hydrolyzed slurry. The one or more unmixed and mixed reactors may be connected in series, parallel or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cell culture medium formulation that supports the in vitro cultivation, particularly in suspension, of mammalian cells, particularly epithelial cells and fibroblast cells, and methods for cultivating mammalian cells in suspension in vitro using these media. The present invention also provides chemically defined, protein-free eukaryotic cell culture media comprising an iron chelate and zinc, which is capable of supporting the growth (and particularly the high-density growth of mammalian cells) in suspension culture, increasing the level of expression of recombinant protein in cultured cells, and/or increasing virus production in cultured cells. The invention also provides kits for use in the cultivation of a mammalian epithelial cell that comprise one or more containers, wherein a first container contains the culture medium of the invention. These kits may further comprise one or more additional containers containing one or more supplements.

Abstract: A culture apparatus includes a heat insulating box main body having an inner box; a culture vessel; a duct and a circulation blower forcing convection of a gas in the culture vessel; a humidifying pan disposed on the bottom of the culture vessel and positioned inside the duct; a heat pipe having a heat insulating section, a heat input section disposed at one end of the heat insulating section and a heat dissipation section disposed at the other end of the heat insulating section. The heat pipe is attached to the culture apparatus with the heat dissipation section being disposed outside the culture apparatus, the heat insulating section passing through the heat insulating box main body and the inner box, and the heat input section being disposed in a gas passage in the duct.

Abstract: The invention features methods for producing isoprene from cultured cells using a feedback-resistant mevalonate kinase polypeptide, such as an archaeal mevalonate kinase polypeptide. The resulting isoprene compositions may have increased yields and/or purity of isoprene.

Abstract: The present invention provides a baglike container for centrifugation that is mounted in a centrifuge to thereby allow centrifugation of a dispersion liquid accommodated therein. The baglike container for centrifugation is less likely to tear or break as a result of centrifugation by disposing a container wall surface of the baglike container so as to apply centrifugal force perpendicular to the container wall surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel sialo-sugar chain, a process for producing the sialo-sugar chain, and a device for producing the sialo-sugar chain. A sialo-sugar chain can be easily and efficiently mass-produced by reacting a sugar wherein a hydroxy groups is substituted with an alkynyl group (herein sometimes referred to as “alkynylated sugar”) with a specific sialic acid donor in the presence of a sialic acid-introducing enzyme.

Abstract: There is provided a cell culture device including a cell chip receiving part coupled to a cell chip and having at least one passage through which a liquid-type medium is circulated, and a vortex generation part formed in the passage to generate a vortex in the liquid-type medium.

Abstract: A system and method for rotating a cell growth chamber of a cell expansion system includes a rotatable member for engaging a chamber coupling attached to the cell growth chamber. The rotatable member includes an independently operable mechanism for engaging a rotatable fitting associated with the chamber coupling. In at least one embodiment, the chamber coupling is selectively rotatable by turning the rotatable member, thereby rotating the cell growth chamber around a first axis. The cell growth chamber is also selectively rotatable around a second axis by turning the rotatable fitting associated with the chamber coupling. Other novel aspects include a way of attaching the cell growth chamber to the shaft assembly, and a new tube routing clip.

Abstract: An integrated biological process for cellulosic bioproduct production is provided, which, in one embodiment, results in high ethanol productivity, enzyme recycling and reuse of yeast cells. The integrated process can be an integrated separate hydrolysis and fermentation (SHF) process or an integrated fast simultaneous saccharification and co-fermentation (FSSCF) process. The methods described herein can result in high bioproduct productivity through enzyme recycling and reuse of yeast cells.

Abstract: A device for hypothermic perfusion of a cardiac organ comprising a first sealed tank able to contain a physiological liquid, a second sealed tank communicating, in a sealed manner, with an internal volume of the first tank via a nozzle, a device for refrigerating the first tank and keeping the first tank at a substantially constant temperature and a device for intermittently pressurizing the internal volume of the first tank. The first tank communicates with the pressurizing device by way of a conduit connecting an interior of the first tank to the pressurizing device to permit pressurization of the internal volume of the first tank, and of the physiological liquid inside the first tank, in order to perform perfusion of the organ. The second tank comprises a safety element formed by an overflow outlet duct which communicates with the first tank and includes a non-return valve.

Abstract: Structures and methods for tissue engineering include a multicellular body including a plurality of living cells. A plurality of multicellular bodies can be arranged in a pattern and allowed to fuse to form an engineered tissue. The arrangement can include filler bodies including a biocompatible material that resists migration and ingrowth of cells from the multicellular bodies and that is resistant to adherence of cells to it. Three-dimensional constructs can be assembled by printing or otherwise stacking the multicellular bodies and filler bodies such that there is direct contact between adjoining multicellular bodies, suitably along a contact area that has a substantial length. The direct contact between the multicellular bodies promotes efficient and reliable fusion. The increased contact area between adjoining multicellular bodies also promotes efficient and reliable fusion.

Abstract: The present disclosure is drawn to a device for monitoring and controlling live cells and associated methods. In an example, the device can include a plurality of elongated nanostructures affixed to a substrate. The elongated nanostructures can each have an attachment end and a free end opposite the attachment end. The free end includes a metal and the attachment end is affixed to the substrate. The device can further include a functionalization layer that is coated on the free end of at least a portion of the plurality of elongated nanostructures. The functionalization layer can be formulated to retain live cells, and the device can be configured to be used in conjunction with a detector, such as a Raman spectrometer, in order to monitor growth of live cells.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving stillage are disclosed. Stillage may include either whole stillage or thin stillage. The system includes taking the stillage and placing it within a bioreactor with an inoculation of fungi. The fungi may include any of Aspergillus niger, Phanerochaete chrysosporium and Yarrowia lipolytica. The fungi and stillage broth is then subjected to fermentation which removes solubles and particulates from the stillage. The fungi generate a biomass material that may be collected and dried for use as a nutritional supplement or other purpose. The remaining liquid is a clarified, treated stillage suitable for a variety of downstream applications, including being used as a backset in an ethanol production facility.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatuses, such as small and medium scale processing plants, for conversion of biomass into methane and other high-grade products such as fertiliser. The present invention further relates to methods and uses of the present apparatuses for conversion of biomass into methane and other high-grade products such as fertiliser. Specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus for conversion of biomass, the apparatus comprises: a) an acidification reactor (1) of a mixed fluid type reactor for microbial hydrolysis and acidification of biomass b) a methane synthesis reactor (2) of a solid bed reactor type for the anaerobic microbial conversion of acidified biomass into c) a methane synthesis reactor (3) of a mixed fluid type reactor for anaerobic microbial conversion of acidified liquid biomass d) a nitrification reactor (4) for aerobic microbial conversion of NH4+ into NO3?.

Abstract: A system for devulcanizing rubber by contacting vulcanized rubber with a turpentine liquid in a reaction mixture in the absence of an alkali metal.

Abstract: Biomass feedstocks (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) are processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can convert feedstock materials to a sugar solution, which can then be fermented to produce ethanol. Biomass feedstock is saccharified in a vessel by operation of a jet mixer, the vessel also containing a fluid medium and a saccharifying agent.

Abstract: A bioartificial liver system is described that incorporates a cell reservoir and hepatocyte spheroids to both increase the number of and longevity of cells in the system. Additional methods are also described for forming spheroid aggregates from isolated hepatocytes.

Abstract: Cell expansion systems and methods of use are provided. The cell expansion systems generally include a hollow fiber cell growth chamber, and first and second circulation loops (intracapillary loops and extracapillary loops) associated with the interior of the hollow fibers and exterior of the hollow fibers, respectively. Detachable flow circuits and methods of expanding cells are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for altering neurite growth are generally described. In some embodiments, a system may include a neuron comprising a neurite and electrodes able to generate a physical guidance cue. The physical guidance cue may be used to alter the growth of the neurite and may be temporally and spatially dynamic, such that neurite growth may be altered in a spatial and/or temporal manner. Dynamic control of neurite growth may be used to form directional neural connections, intersections, and/or overlaps.

Abstract: Described herein are microfluidic modules and methods for making the same, wherein the microfluidic modules include a substrate comprising at least one ether-based, aliphatic polyurethane, and at least one fluidic element disposed therein. The ether-based aliphatic polyurethane can be either the substrate of the microfluidic modules or a coating of another substrate material, such that at least a portion of the ether-based, aliphatic polyurethane is in fluid communication. In one embodiment, the ether-based, aliphatic polyurethane includes dicyclohexylmethane-4,4?-diisocyanate. As the ether-based aliphatic polyurethane can decrease absorption of molecules, e.g., hydrophobic molecules, in such microfluidic modules, the microfluidic modules described herein can be used in various applications such as drug screening and fluorescent microscopy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a D-psicose 3-epimerase variant with improved thermostability by substituting an amino acid at a specific position of an amino acid sequence of a wild type D-psicose 3-epimerase. Further, the present invention provides a recombinant expression vector including a gene of the D-psicose 3-epimerase variant, and a recombinant strain transformed with the recombinant expression vector. Furthermore, the present invention provides an immobilized reactor prepared using the D-psicose 3-epimerase variant or the recombinant strain, and a method of continuously producing D-psicose using the immobilized reactor.

Abstract: A method and system to improve anaerobic digestion are disclosed. Simultaneous digestion of dairy manures with various food wastes improves anaerobic process stability and methane production. Co-digestion with blood meal and sweet clover (“BMSC”) at the proper concentrations improves nutrient balance and digestion, equalization of solids by dilution, biogas production, possible gate fees for waste treatment, additional soil amendment products, reclamation, renewable biomass, and increases the potential for production of ammonia-based fertilizer synthesis. Balanced introduction of BMSC with dairy manure increases methane production, reduces or eliminates co-digestion process limitations, and simplifies storage and delivery of the co-substrate. Following digestion, downstream or back-end products can be produced, including methane, fuel cells, and ammonium nitrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modular ethanol production plant constructed of a number of identically sized modules each having a supporting structure main framework to which the components contained in the modules are attached. The plurality of modules includes a fermentation module, a distillation module, a ground grain module, or a sugar source feedstock module, and an optional heating module. Each of the modules are sized to occupy the same approximate space as a standard sized ocean going shipping container. Also, each of the modules has a central walkway including piping and electrical control boxes that are aligned for each connection to the next adjacent module.

Abstract: The invention provides, among other things, methods and compositions for expanding stem cells. The invention further provides methods, devices and systems for directing differentiation of expanded stem cells. The invention further provides methods, devices and systems for treating a subject with differentiated cells in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: New high density microfluidic devices and methods provide precise metering of fluid volumes and efficient mixing of the metered volumes. A first solution is introduced into a segment of a flow channel in fluidic communication with a reaction chamber. A second solution is flowed through the segment so that the first solution is displaced into the reaction chamber, and a volume of the second solution enters the chamber. The chamber can then be isolated and reactions within the chamber can be initiated and/or detected. High throughput methods of genetic analysis can be carried out with greater accuracy than previously available.

Abstract: Biogas is obtained in a solid-state anaerobic digester from a solid organic biomass and a digestion effluent produced in an associated liquid anaerobic digester. The solid organic biomass and digestion effluent are mixed to produce an effluent-biomass mixture. The effluent-biomass mixture is then incubated in the solid state anaerobic digester, producing a biogas and a digestate. The incubation is controlled by adjusting the composition and properties of the effluent-biomass mixture. The solid organic biomass may comprise lignocellulosic biomass, food waste, agricultural waste and the like.

Abstract: A fermentation system for production of biogas from solid organic material, the system including at least one fermentation reactor. The fermentation reactor includes a vessel (37) for housing a feed mixture having liquid and solid particles and an outlet port (44), a strainer assembly (33) at the outlet port for filtering processed feed mixture from the vessel, and a biogasification reactor (37) in fluid communication with another fermentation reactor, the other fermentation reactor configured to produce a biomethane. The strainer assembly further includes a mixture driving member (53) positioned in the strainer body (47) adjacent the drain opening (51), the mixture driving member having a driving surface configured to receive the liquid passing through the filter member (60). The driving surface engages the filter member such that solid particles are driven from a surface of the filter member when the driving member is activated.

Abstract: A carrier for expansion of pluripotent stem cells is provided, wherein the carrier comprises a substrate comprising one or more outer surfaces, wherein the one or more outer surfaces are modified with gas plasma treatment, and one or more structured indentations on one or more of the outer surfaces. The carrier has a length at least about 0.2 mm, a width at least about 0.2 mm, and a height in a range from about 0.05 mm to 1.2 mm and each of the structured indentations has a major axis in a range from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, a minor axis in a range from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm and a depth in a range from about 0.025 mm to about 0.5 mm. A method of making the carrier, and culturing stromal cells using the same carrier are also provided.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and compositions are described that provide for amplification of nucleic acid sequences without reliance upon temperature cycling, thus freeing the methods from conventional benchtop thermal cycling devices. Denaturation of double stranded nucleic acids, primer annealing, and precision control over primer extension by polymerase can be accomplished by applying stress to a nucleic acid. These methods can provide one or more benefits over conventional PCR methods including: precision control over the PCR process; generally improved fidelity; improved accuracy over problematic sequences such as GC-rich or tandem repeat regions; greater sequence length; increased reaction yield; reduced experimental time; greater efficiency; lower cost; greater portability; and, robustness to various environmental parameters, such as temperature, pH, and ionic strengths.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to promote differentiation of pluripotent stem cells to pancreatic endoderm cells expressing PDX1, NKX6.1, and HB9. In particular, the methods encompass culturing Stage 4 to Stage 6 cells with a thyroid hormone (e.g. T3), an ALK5 inhibitor, or both.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cell culture vessel of the present invention, which is composed of a space enclosed by a housing that supports a medium and a cell attachment part, disposed on the bottom surface of the space, that attaches and supports the cells, the cell attachment part having a cell immobilizing mechanism that guides the cells in the space to the cell attachment part to immobilize there and a cell detachment mechanism that detaches the cells attached in the cell attachment part, the cell immobilizing mechanism having a step of applying a voltage to an electrode disposed in the cell attachment part to generate a heterogeneous electric field in the space, and the cell detachment mechanism having a step of applying a voltage to an electrode disposed in the cell attachment part to induce electrolyte in the space.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, cell cultures and differentiation media to promote differentiation of pluripotent stem cells to pancreatic endocrine cells expressing PDX1, NKX6.1, and HB9 by culturing in a culture vessel at the air-liquid interface. The invention also provides for in vivo maturation of cells cultured at the air-liquid interface.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for manipulating biological systems, for example to elicit a more desired biological response from a biological sample, such as a tissue, organ, and/or a cell. In one aspect, the invention operates by efficiently searching through a large parametric space of stimuli and system parameters to manipulate, control, and optimize the response of biological samples sustained in the system. In one aspect, the systems and methods of the invention use at least one optimization algorithm to modify the actuator's control inputs for stimulation, responsive to the sensor's output of response signals. The invention can be used, e.g., to optimize any biological system, e.g., bioreactors for proteins, and the like, small molecules, polysaccharides, lipids, and the like. Another use of the apparatus and methods includes is for the discovery of key parameters in complex biological systems.

Abstract: This invention provides a culture control method and a cell culture apparatus that enable stable cell culture by regulating shear stress to be applied to cells within an adequate range. With the application of such culture control method and cell culture apparatus, cell culture is performed under agitation culture conditions in which the shear stress distribution is 0.5 Pa to 20 Pa in 80% or more of the culture vessel by volume.

Abstract: A method and device structure are provided which enable an archive sample to be collected and detached relative to a device within which a series of processes, such as PCR are being provided. A chamber structure and method of use are provided in which a controlled and precise volume is obtained by control of the relative resistance to flow through various channels.

Abstract: A bioreactor having improved gas yield is described, wherein the necessary residence time of the biomass in the digestion tank is reduced. During the fermentation of dry, i.e. non-pumpable biomass, percolating juices, so-called percolate, is generated as a result of the moisture contained in the biomass, which percolate is withdrawn via a drainage system and, if necessary, recirculated from the top onto the biomass to be fermented. It has now been found that the biomass yield is significantly increased—in the region of between 10% and 40%—when the resultant percolate is not immediately withdrawn by way of the drainage system, but is accumulated in the digestion tank up to a specific level. This is achieved by a technical device wherein the digestion tank is liquid-tight, i.e. also the flap for loading and unloading the digestion tank must be liquid-tight and also be designed in a correspondingly solid manner in order to withstand the resultant liquid pressure.