Abstract: A method is for recovering lipids from algae, which comprises providing a biomass of a lipid-producing algae. The cell wall and/or cell membrane of said algae is ruptured by algal cytotoxin thereby releasing lipid from the cell, and recovering said lipid. An integrated system is for recovering lipids from lipid-producing algae cells.

Abstract: There is provided a cell culture device including a cell chip accommodation unit accommodating a cell chip therein, a drug storage unit storing a drug and having a closed structure, a first pipe connecting the drug storage unit and the cell chip accommodation unit and transferring the drug from the drug storage unit to the cell chip accommodation unit, a second pipe connecting the drug storage unit and the cell chip accommodation unit and transferring the drug from the cell chip accommodation unit to the drug storage unit, and a pump circulating the drug between the cell chip accommodation unit and the drug storage unit.

Abstract: A method has been developed to produce stable cell-matrix microspheres with up to 100% encapsulation efficiency and high cell viability, using matrix or biomaterial systems with poor shape and mechanical stability for applications including cell therapeutics via microinjection or surgical implantation, 3D culture for in vitro expansion without repeated cell splitting using enzymatic digestion or mechanical dissociation and for enhanced production of therapeutic biomolecules, and in vitro modeling for morphogenesis studies. The modified droplet generation method is simple and scalable and enables the production of cell-matrix microspheres when the matrix or biomaterial system used has low concentration, with slow phase transition, with poor shape and mechanical stability.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for extracting lipids and/or producing biofuel from algae in marine and freshwater environments, wherein algae and bivalves are co-cultured in a system of enclosures comprising water that comprises recycled nutrients that are essential for algal growth. The system also include enclosures for culturing fishes which are used to harvest the algae.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically controlling conditions of a process are disclosed. In one example, a controller is programmed with a sequence of steps and parameters required to carry out a bioreactor process. A sensor system interacts with the bioreactor to receive information related to a condition of the bioreactor and/or receive a sample from the bioreactor, which it analyzes. The sensor system sends data signals related to the information and/or the sample to a controller, which determines a control signal based on the received information. The controller sends the control signal to the sensor system which, based on the control signal, performs an action that affects a condition of the bioreactor or affects the sensor system itself.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovering thermal energy from boiler stack exhaust gases and using the thermal energy in biomaterial processing. The apparatus and method include means to improve the boiler's operation and reduce emission of certain regulated compounds.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the need for novel, reliable, fast and inexpensive approaches to diagnosing, including detecting and characterizing microbial infections in humans and animals or methods for detecting and characterizing microbial infections in various environments, such as in a food or feed sample. The present invention provides compositions, platforms, kits and methods for diagnosing, detecting and/or characterizing a microbial infection or contamination. In particular the present invention relates to such compositions, platforms, kits and methods for diagnosing, detecting and/or characterizing a urinary tract infection.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices and methods for generating microfluidic gradients, including an array of unique microfluidic gradients within an array of microchannels. Fluids within conduits are mixed in an intersection region to generate a mixed flow stream in a source reservoir channel that provides a gradient that varies with axial distance from the intersection region. Microchannels having an inlet connected to the source reservoir channel are configured to provide a microfluidic gradient in the microchannel. An outlet end of the microchannel is connected to a sink reservoir channel. By varying the ratio of fluid flow rates from the fluid conduits, the microchannel gradients are tuned. In this manner, a large number of unique gradients or array of microfluidic gradients is provided, wherein the gradient can be any number of physical or chemical parameters, including concentrations and physical fluid properties.

Abstract: The invention generally provides a cell culture vessel having at least one first zone and at least one second zone, wherein the first zone is a transfer zone for a culture medium which essentially contains no cells and the second zone is a cell culture zone. The invention further includes methods utilizing the cell culture vessel.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method of manufacturing a sample chamber, comprising the steps of: providing a first (20) and a second (30) component, the first component (20) comprising an elastomer; treating the elastomer in the region of a contact surface of the first component (20) and/or treating a contact surface of the second component (30) with a plasma, with plasma waste gas, and/or with a reactive gas; and connecting the contact surface of the first component (20) with the contact surface of the second component (30).

Abstract: A microfluidic device for culturing cells, termed a microscale cell culture analog (?CCA), is provided. The microfluidic device allows multiple cell or tissue types to be cultured in a physiologically relevant environment, facilitates high-throughput operation and can be used for drug discovery. The microfluidic device uses gravity-induced fluidic flow, eliminating the need for a pump and preventing formation of air bubbles. Reciprocating motion between a pair of connected reservoirs is used to effect the gravity-induced flow in microfluidic channels. Bacterial contamination is reduced and high throughput enabled by eliminating a pump. The microfluidic device integrates a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) model to enable PK-PD analyses on-chip. This combined in vitro/in silico system enables prediction of drug toxicity in a more realistic manner than conventional in vitro systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heart valve and, more particularly, to a mold and process shaping and securing cells and tissue layers as they are grown in three-dimensions into a heart valve.

Abstract: A scalable process and device for producing a bio molecule, in particular pharmaceutical grade plasmid DNA is described. The process includes the steps of alkaline lysis, neutralization and clarification and can be further extended. For separating the lysate and the precipitate an improved floatation method is disclosed. This method is based on attachment of CO2 bubbles on the precipitate floe. The CO2 is released from a carbonate salt during or after neutralization (acidification). The method of the invention is preferably carried out in an automated continuous mode applying devices for lysis and neutralization and a novel device for completely continuous clarification (separation of flocs and clarified lysate).

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for analyzing a biomaterial. The apparatus includes: a first substrate including a plurality of micro-pillars formed to protrude to a predetermined height, the biomaterial being attached to one surface of the micro-pillar; a second substrate including a plurality of micro-wells, the micro-pillars being insertable into the micro-wells when the first substrate-and the second substrate are combined with each other; and at least one spacer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate when the first substrate and the second substrate are combined with each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for cleaning sample material, in particular nucleic acids. The cleaning process takes place by means of centrifugal microfluidics and the invention provides a simple compact construction and a simple procedure. If necessary, the sample material is easily mixed with a solvent buffer and proteases in the device. The cleaned sample material is in particular transferred directly to a container. Separate containers for the removal of excess liquid are not required.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treatment of biomass comprised of crystalline structures are described that provide a combined mechanical, chemical and thermal effect (i.e., nano-hybrid pretreatment) to synergistically break down the crystalline structures. Such nano-hybrid mixing provides efficient, and cost-effective breakdown which enhances enzymatic accessibility to lignocellulosic materials. Methods and devices shown can be used to produce products such as pulp, chemicals, or biofuels.

Abstract: In various embodiments a system is provided that displays heterologous proteins on the surface of a Gram-positive microorganism. In certain embodiments the system displays proteins using a sortase transpeptidase to covalently anchor proteins to the cell wall of the microbe. Novel bacterial strains are provided to exploit this system to display cellulase enzymes and multi-enzyme complexes on the surface of Gram-positive microorganisms (e.g., Bacillus subtilis) through their non-covalent interaction with a scaffoldin protein that is covalently anchored to the cell wall by the sortase transpeptidase. The surface displayed protein complexes contain enzymes capable of degrading cellulose into its component sugars at accelerated rates as compared to solutions of purified enzymes.

Abstract: A biotip according to an embodiment of the invention moves a reaction mixture along a longitudinal direction under the force of gravity. The biotip includes a chamber formed of a transparent material and filled with a liquid having a smaller specific gravity than the reaction mixture and immiscible with the reaction mixture, and a seal that seals the chamber. The liquid has a volume resistivity of greater than 0 ?·cm and 5×1013 ?·cm or less.

Abstract: Methods and systems for removal and recovery of phosphorus from wastewater and producing inorganic phosphorus complexes with enhanced removal of phosphorus from biosolids.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hepatic lobule-like bioreactor. The bioreactor includes a nanofiber scaffold enclosed within a housing. An intrahepatic fibrous vascular network, a bile capillary network, upper hepatic bile ducts, lower hepatic bile ducts, a common bile duct connecting the upper and the lower hepatic bile ducts, and collagen fibrous microchannels for hepatocytes surrounded by the bile capillary network are distributed throughout the nanofiber scaffold. Bile capillaries in the bile capillary network are provided with two or more inlet ports for biliary epithelial cells. The collagen fibrous microchannels for hepatocytes are provided with two or more inlet ports for hepatocytes. The intrahepatic vascular network is provided with a liquid inlet port and a liquid outlet port. These ports extend through the housing.

Abstract: Provided are a microfluidic platform for cell culturing and a cell culturing method using the same. By applying a structure of a compartment which surrounds at least a portion of an annular reservoir and moving cells to be cultured to a site adjacent to a microchannel via rotation, a probability of observing cells that grew after culturing may increase and a probability of causing cells, particularly neurons, to grow so as to correspond to a signal transfer direction may increase.

Abstract: An article for culturing cells includes (i) a substrate having a surface; (ii) a plurality of pillars extending from the surface of the substrate; and (iii) a polymeric coating disposed on the surface of the substrate between the pillars, forming a plurality of mini-menisci on the surface of the substrate between the plurality of pillars. The mini-menisci may have diameters of from about 20 to about 250 micrometers. The plurality of pillars are spaced apart from one another in a manner to encourage cell growth on the mini-menisci rather than the on top of the pillars. Such articles may effectively address issues associated with the meniscus effect on a global scale.

Abstract: A method for producing recombinant polypeptides, including antibodies, having targeted levels of carboxyl terminal (C-terminal) lysine or arginine residues is presented. The method involves culturing cells expressing said polypeptides in cell culture medium having sufficient levels of lysine, arginine, and/or agents that change intracellular pH. Culturing the cells under such conditions does not affect cell growth, cell viability, or titer.

Abstract: A chemostat is described that includes a growth chamber having a plurality of compartments. Each of the compartments may be fluidly isolated from the rest of the growth chamber by one or more actuatable valves. The chemostat may also include a nutrient supply-line to supply growth medium to the growth chamber, and an output port to remove fluids from the growth chamber. Also, a method of preventing biofilm formation in a growth chamber of a chemostat is described. The method may include the steps of adding a lysis agent to a isolated portion of the growth chamber, and reuniting the isolated portion with the rest of the growth chamber.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and process for treating biomass bearing material including municipal solid waste (MSW). The apparatus includes a reaction vessel configured for rotation and steam injection, with helically arranged auger vanes attached to the internal walls of the vessel, a self aligning door. Embodiments includes various of a heated jacket, modified raised projections on the top edge of the auger vanes, a modified door, modified door sealing assembly, and a process of quick charging the interior of the vessel with steam.

Abstract: There is provided a micro-pump including: a bottom substrate; a flow path forming substrate coupled to the bottom substrate and including an inlet having a fluid introduced therein and an outlet having the fluid ejected therefrom; and a valve substrate coupled to the flow path forming substrate and including at least one valve controlling the fluid to be introduced and ejected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laboratory apparatus, in particular for performing a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in a plurality of PCR-samples, which comprises an arrangement for tempering samples, the arrangement comprising a tempering block for the tempering of samples, the tempering block comprising a reception side, which provides receptacles for receiving sample vessels, and a contact side for the contact of at least one tempering device, at least one tempering device, arranged in an area of said contact side, a pressure device, which comprises a pressure element and an auxiliary element, said at least one tempering device being arranged between said auxiliary element and the tempering block, the pressure element being linked to said auxiliary element and to the tempering block, and being arranged to press said at least one tempering device against the tempering block by pressing said auxiliary element against said at least one tempering device, wherein at least one tempering device is shaped and arranged

Abstract: A photobioreactor assembly, including a first generally horizontal manifold, a second generally horizontal manifold positioned below the first generally horizontal manifold, an array of generally parallel, generally transparent tubes extending between the manifolds, an air supply operationally connected to at least one manifold, a water filter, a water purifier, a water supply operationally connected to the water purifier, a pH sensor positioned to measure the pH in the array, and an electronic controller operationally connected to the pH sensor, the air supply, the water purifier, and the water supply. Each respective tube is connected in fluidic communication with the first horizontal manifold, and each respective tube is connected in fluidic communication with the second horizontal manifold.

Abstract: A bioreactor chamber assembly comprising a cap and a base capable of being coupled together axially to define an internal chamber. The cap and base comprise interengaging formations that are coupled together by a twist-lock rotation of the base and cap to provide a fluid tight seal between the base and cap via respective sealing surfaces.

Abstract: Methods and devices for biological sample preparation and analysis are disclosed. A device may have a linear or circular arrangement of containers, with a connecting structure such as a bar or disk. Fluidics channels between containers allow the performance of different techniques for sample preparation, such as lysing, washing and elution. Different functional elements, such as grinders or mixers, may be attached to the containers.

Abstract: A system for hemodynamic simulation comprises a vessel having properties of a blood vessel, a reservoir containing a quantity of fluid, tubing connecting the vessel and reservoir, and at least one pump for circulating the fluid within the system. Fluid can be tissue culture medium or blood analog fluid, and the vessel may include mammalian cells attached to its inside. A drive system, comprising two reciprocating drive shafts that are coupled by a cam, enables the uncoupling of pulsatile flow and pulsatile pressure to provide independent control over wall shear stress and circumferential strain. The shaft drives two pumps that are 180 degrees out-of-phase and are connected upstream and downstream of the vessel, and effect this uncoupling.

Abstract: A bioreactor chamber assembly comprising a plurality of components interconnected together via interengaging formations to provide a bioreactor chamber that is assembled rapidly and having reliable intercomponent seals. A variety of different biological samples may be cultured within the chamber in vitro. By configuring the chamber with both liquid and a gas inlets and outlets, a controlled gas-liquid interface is created within the chamber to simulate certain in vivo cell and tissue environments.

Abstract: Strategies to control the level of dissolved carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations and/or pH in small volume reactor chambers, and associated articles, systems, and methods, are generally provided. In certain embodiments, the reactor chambers can be configured to contain at least one biological cell.

Abstract: Systems and methods for culturing and monitoring, ex vivo, pharmacologic and metabolic response in a biological sample, including receiving at a fluidic apparatus the biological sample retrieved from the patient, retaining the biological sample within a channel of the fluidic apparatus, providing for the culture of the biological sample within the channel of the fluidic apparatus, flowing a fluid past the biological sample, retrieving and analyzing the fluid to determine a pharmacologic and/or metabolic response of the sample.

Abstract: A photobioreactor system is provided that comprises a bioreactor including at least two bioreactor tubes, each having an end and a hollow interior, the ends being connectively joined by one or more connector units having a hollow portion defined by a circumference, a solar concentrator configured to collect and concentrate solar power, at least one light guide associated with the solar concentrator to illuminate the hollow portion of the one or more connector units, and at least one LED illuminating the one or more connector units.

Abstract: A method is provided for extracting cellular compounds from micro-organisms. The method includes culturing the micro-organisms and extracting the cellular compounds from the micro-organisms. Each step is carried out in a continuous manner, wherein the extraction step is carried out separately from the culture step and in conditions of biocompatibility with the micro-organisms. The method further includes at least one step of recovering the cellular compounds and at least one step of recirculating the micro-organisms towards the culture step.

Abstract: A multi-layered cell culture vessel is provided herein which includes a body enclosing a closed volume. The body includes at least one insert layer located within the closed volume to separate portions thereof, and at least one port allowing communication with the closed volume from exteriorly of the body. At least one grip may be provided which protrudes from the body. Additional features may include the use of a side port which is disposed transversely to a longitudinal axis of the body, including being disposed to intersect a gap located adjacent to each of the insert layers. This arrangement allows for the preparation and removal of cell culture medium without obstruction from the insert layers. Additionally, the end of the body may be formed with tapered portions that channel flow towards an end port thereby allowing for a relatively well-defined stream to be poured from the device as needed.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a multi-layered cell culture vessel having a rectangular shape with a top a bottom sides and ends, where the sides are longer than the ends. The vessel has hand grips and ports at each end of the rectangular vessel. The ports allow fluid entering into the vessel to flow into the multiple cell culture layers through a manifold. The ports may be incorporated into the hand grips.

Abstract: This invention provides immobilized enzymes, fabrication methods thereof, and reaction systems using the immobilized enzymes. In an embodiment, silica is silanized first and then modified by nano-gold particles, an amino acid, and a peptide-bond coupling agent in sequence. Finally, the modified silica is chemically bonded with an enzyme.

Abstract: The present invention discloses protein fragment including a cell binding region of fibronectin and methods of using the same for cell culture. Additionally, surfaces modified with such protein fragment and compositions including the same are provided. Desirably, such surfaces allow various cells to adhere thereto yet avoid issues associated with animal-derived products.

Abstract: A system for producing a tissue-engineered material includes a hollow member and a mechanical stimulating unit. The hollow member is adapted to be implanted in a peritoneal cavity, and is to be positioned in the peritoneal cavity in a manner that a part of the hollow member contacts an inner wall surface of the peritoneal cavity for enabling formation of a biological tissue that encapsulates the hollow member. The mechanical stimulation unit is coupled to the hollow member and configured to provide a periodic mechanical stimulus to the biological tissue by periodically causing the hollow member to expand and contract. A method for producing the aforesaid tissue-engineered material is also disclosed.

Abstract: Three biosynthetic pathways are disclosed for microorganism bio-production of 1,4-Butanediol from various carbon sources. Exemplary methods are provided. The recombinant microorganisms comprising any of these 1,4-Butanediol biosynthesis pathways may also comprise genetic modifications directed to improved tolerance for 1,4-Butanediol.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating a culture container include: (a) forming a parison; (b) introducing flowable (e.g. colorimetric) sensor material into the parison; (c) blow molding the parison into a container body; and (d) curing the sensor material so that it attaches to an inner surface of the container body. The methods can also include adding sterile growth media into the container and sealing the container shut with an elastomeric stopper and crimped seal/cap. The process can be aseptic so that autoclaving the container is not required.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for preparing a body fluid for a bacteriological analysis thereof comprising a container provided with a chamber (4) wherein a piston (5) is mobile between an opening position and a closing position, the chamber (4) including a separation zone (7) and means for introducing (15, 16) a fluid into said chamber and the piston (5) including a closure means (8) co-operating with the separation zone (7) so as to define an upper volume (9) and a lower volume (10) on either side of said zone, the upper volume (9) and the lower volume (10) mutually communicating when the piston (5) is in opening position and being tightly isolated from each other when the piston (5) is in closing position. The invention also concerns a preparation method using such a device (1).

Abstract: The present disclosure refers to a plant (1) for production of biogas (18). The plant (1) comprises a digester (4) including a bag-like casing (5) of flexible material and fluid-tight, wherein the bag-like casing (5) is adapted for the containing a sewage (14). The casing (5) defines, in an internal zone, a digestion chamber (40) adapted for a digestion of the sewage (14). The plant (1) further comprises a heater (45, 68) for heating the sewage (14). The disclosure further refers to a co-generation installation (100) comprising a plant (1) for the production of biogas (18), a co-generator (8) and fuelling means (71, 72) for fuelling the co-generator (8) with biogas (18), said fuelling means comprising a biogas line (71, 72) between the plant (1) and the co-generator (8).

Abstract: An apparatus that provides synchronized chronic electrical stimulation and chronic stretch to a cell culture or tissue. The apparatus includes a programmable controller which synchronizes stretch and electrical stimulation applied to a deformable culture container, such as a silicone rubber culture dish. The apparatus is used to treat cells and retard de-differentiation or promote differentiation and maturation in some applications.

Abstract: There is provided a cell chip including: a first substrate provided with a culture region receiving a bio-material and a humidity control space storing water for maintenance of humidity; a second substrate coupled to the first substrate; and a first wall member surrounding the culture region.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plant for producing microalgae biofuel. The plant includes a plant space part having an internal space, a culture part provided in the internal space of the plant space part to culture microalgae by continuously circulating a fluid, which includes the microalgae and is supplied from an outside, at positions different from each other, and a temperature adjusting part to adjust a temperature value of the internal space in the plant space part to a temperature value in a preset temperature value range.

Abstract: There is provided a cell culture device including: a cell chip receiving part receiving a cell chip; a drug storing part storing a drug; and a circulation part connecting the cell chip receiving part and the drug storing part to one another and circulating the drug therebetween. The cell culture device may allow for the observation or examination of a reaction between a cell and a drug in an environment similar to that of the inside of a body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to automated devices and methods for the amplification of segments of nucleic acid in a convenient and portable manner. A single-use nucleic acid amplification device for producing an amplicon includes a housing and an amplification chamber. The chamber includes an ingress with a first reversible seal, an egress with a second reversible seal, a sealable sample entry orifice, and a first wall forming a portion of the chamber. The first wall includes a thermally conductive material and includes an interior surface and an exterior surface. The exterior surface includes a heating circuit and a temperature sensor. The sample entry orifice permits a sample of nucleic acid to enter the amplification chamber. The ingress is connected to a first conduit along with a pneumatic pump and a fluid pouch. The egress is connected to a second conduit permitting egress of the amplicon from the amplification chamber.