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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cartridge for the detection of the presence, absence and/or amount of a target nucleotide sequence in a sample comprising one or more nucleic acid sequences. The cartridge comprises a first component and a second component being connectable to each other, the first component comprising at least a first fluid opening and a first sealing surface and the second component comprising at least a second fluid opening and a second sealing surface. Upon connection of the first and second component the first and second fluid opening are placeable in fluid communication and the first and second sealing surfaces are placeable against each other to seal the fluid communication between the first and second fluid opening. The invention is characterized in that the cartridge comprises biasing means for biasing the second sealing surface in the direction of the first sealing surface.

Abstract: A method of mixing a fluid includes positioning a flexible bag into the chamber of a support housing, the support housing having a plurality of baffles positioned so that the bag folds around the baffles. A fluid is delivered into a compartment of the flexible bag. A mixing element, such as an impeller, is moved within the compartment of the flexible bag so as to mix the fluid therein.

Abstract: A system is provided for reducing non-specific binding of an enzyme to lignin to enhance an enzymatic processing of a lignocellulosic material. The enhancements provide economic and process advantages to any process that converts a lignocellulosic biomass into a product using an enzyme. Systems are provided comprising a reaction vessel; a lignocellulosic feedstock comprising a component selected from the group consisting of a hardwood, a softwood, or a non-wood material; an enzyme component including a cellulase, a hemicellulase, or a combination thereof; and, water. The reaction vessel can contain a combination of the lignocellulosic feedstock, the water, and the enzyme component at a pH ranging from about 5.2 to about 6.2; and, the lignocellulosic feedstock can be saccharified in the reaction vessel. Moreover, the systems can include a lignosulfonate, with or without a pH of about 5.2 to about 6.2, to also reduce non-specific binding and enhance enzymatic activity.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and compositions for high efficiency transfection of siRNA into a cell population. Such methods and compositions utilize a low voltage pre-conditioning pulse to modulate the efficiency of siRNA transfection. In some embodiments, the methods and compositions permit spatial and temporal control of siRNA transfection efficiency within a population of cells. The disclosed methods and compositions, in some embodiments, are amenable to high throughput applications such as siRNA library-based phenotypic screening.

Abstract: A liquid processing system to process liquid biological material includes: a trunk provided turnable on an axis, set within a predetermined work space; a first arm provided to the trunk and having at least three degrees of freedom or higher degrees of freedom; a second arm provided to the trunk and having at least three degrees of freedom or higher degrees of freedom; a driving mechanism configured to drive each of the trunk, the first arm, and the second arm; and physiochemical equipment situated within the work space and within the range of movement of at least one of the first and the second arm. The driving mechanism is operated by teaching playback based on the positions and shapes of the physiochemical equipment, and the biological material is processed using the physiochemical equipment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transfer unit for receiving in particular a porous disc-shaped medium from a first treatment device, having an upper part, wherein the upper part comprises a fixing edge that can be connected to an edge of the medium for removing the medium from the first treatment device, wherein the upper part comprises an opening closed by a removable cover, by means of which successive treatments in a further treatment device can be performed. The invention further relates to a method wherein an upper part of a transfer unit is placed on a disc-shaped medium disposed in a first lower part of a first treatment device and exposed to the liquid sample and is connected to an edge of the medium, wherein the upper part is lifted off from the first lower part with the disc-shaped medium connected thereto, and is placed on a further lower part of a corresponding treatment device, and is further processed through an opening in the upper part.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tissue-derived biomaterial carrier device (1) comprising a carrier case 810), an arm (125) provided upright on an interior bottom wall surface of the carrier case (10), a mounting part (121), a swing mechanism (122), a temperature control box (20) provided detachably on an exterior wall surface of the carrier case (10), and a heater (201) provided in the temperature control box (20). The mounting part (121) receives the mounting of a housing vessel in which a tissue-derived biomaterial is housed (an opening part (121a)). The swing mechanism (122) swingably supports the mounting part (121) relative to the arm (125). With the temperature control box (20) mounted on the carrier case (10), the heater (201) in the temperature control box (20) receives the supply of electric power from a battery (203) and regulates the temperature within the carrier case (10).

Abstract: Methods and perfusion culture systems are disclosed. The systems and methods relate to decreasing the starting perfusion rate, resulting in increased residence time of the cells in the bioreactor and the cell retention device, and/or concomitantly increasing the starting bioreactor volume or decreasing the starting cell retention device volume, or both. Other method embodiments include increasing the concentrations of individual components of the tissue culture fluid, and adding a stabilizer of the degradation of the recombinant protein.

Abstract: A number of novel improved microfluidic configurations and systems and methods of manufacture and operation for a microfluidic invasion assay system.

Abstract: A bioreactor includes a support structure and a translucent liner. A containing system of bioreactors includes a plurality of bioreactors. A contained bioreactor system includes a plurality of containing systems of interconnected bioreactors, an industrial blower, an air filter, a microbial filter, a gas delivery system, and a harvesting station. A method of reducing carbon dioxide emissions includes delivering carbon dioxide to a bioreactor where the bioreactor includes a support structure and a liner where the bioreactor includes media containing microbes. A method of harvesting microorganisms includes emptying the solution and removing a sieve from the harvesting unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous process for converting carbonaceous material contained in one or more feedstocks into a liquid hydrocarbon product, said feedstocks including the carbonaceous material being in a feed mixture including one or more fluids, said fluids including water and further liquid organic compounds at least partly produced by the process in a concentration of at least 1% by weight, where the process comprises converting at least part of the carbonaceous material by pressurising the feed mixture to a pressure in the range 50-400 bar, heating the feed mixture to a temperature in the range 250-500° C., and maintaining said pressurized and heated feed mixture in the desired pressure and temperature ranges in a reaction zone for a predefined time; cooling the feed mixture to a temperature in the range 25-200° C.

Abstract: A magnetic platform is provided and includes a patterned array of discrete magnetic elements positioned on a substrate, a plurality of first electromagnets for creating a first magnetic field substantially in the plane of the substrate, an electromagnetic coil for creating a second magnetic field substantially perpendicular to the plane of the substrate, and a control device for controlling the application of the magnetic fields. Processes for manipulating, transporting, separating and sorting micro- or nano-scale particles and biomolecules are also described.

Abstract: A non-adherent cell support for use as a substrate in fluidic chambers used for cell culturing and assays. The non-adherent cell support allows for the formation of sphere cultures from single cells, which can better mimic primary tumor-like behavior in the study of cancer stem cells. The non-adherent cell support can allow for adhesive culturing and may include a hydrophobic substrate having a lower body and a raised support structure extending upwardly from an upper surface of the body. The support structure comprises one or more vertically extending support members that extend from a proximal portion at the upper surface of the body to a distal end spaced from the upper surface of the body. The support structure may be formed from a biocompatible material such as poly-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, polydimethylsiloxane, polymethyl methacrylate, polystyrene, or a polyethylene glycol diacrylate-based hydrogel.

Abstract: A method for biologically producing methanol is disclosed. In some embodiments, the method includes the following: providing a biomass including ammonia oxidizing bacteria having ammonia monooxygenase enzymes and hydroxylamine oxidoreductase enzymes; feeding ammonia to the ammonia oxidizing bacteria; feeding a non-substrate-organic compound including methane to the ammonia oxidizing bacteria; feeding oxygen and reducing equivalents (in the form of hydroxylamine) to the ammonia oxidizing bacteria; oxidizing the ammonia using the ammonia monooxygenase enzymes in the ammonia oxidizing bacteria to generate hydroxylamine and oxidizing the hydroxylamine using the hydroxylamine oxidoreductase enzymes to form nitrite; and partially oxidizing the methane in the compound using the ammonia monooxygenase enzymes in the ammonia oxidizing bacteria to generate methanol.

Abstract: A method for culturing algae comprising, forming an emulsion comprising a gaseous stream and a media utilizing a high shear device, wherein the emulsion comprises gas bubbles, and wherein the high shear device comprises at least one toothed rotor and at least one stator; introducing the emulsion into a bioreactor; and introducing an algae into the bioreactor for growing the algae culture. Additionally, a method for producing liquids from an algae culture, the method comprising forming an emulsion comprising a buffer and algal components, wherein the emulsion comprises algal component globules; separating algal hydrocarbons; and processing algal hydrocarbons to form liquid hydrocarbons. Additionally, a system for producing liquids from an algae culture comprising at least one high shear device.

Abstract: Crude bio-based organic acid-producing feedstock is used to produce a bio-based organic acid. Related systems and methods are also described such as an integrated method including a step of producing a crude polyol product and then processing the crude polyol product to produce a bio-based organic acid.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes use of filamentous algae to form insulating construction materials which provide thermal and noise insulation. Algae from the order Zygnematales, the Cladophorales, or the Ulotrichales can be dried and formed for use as insulating material. Algae mass can be combined into several layers, using a binder to attach the layers to each other. A composite material of algae mass and an additive can be used and form the body of insulation panels having honeycomb-shaped chambers, which are sealed by a foil that is laminated onto the body. Various plants for cultivating algae for use in construction material are disclosed. Plants utilizing gravity harvest comprise cultivation ponds located at a slope, wherein the ponds can be opened to allow algae and water to flow downhill through a collector grill. Plants utilizing net harvest, overflow harvest or rake harvest are described.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a preservation apparatus is described that includes a storage compartment. The storage compartment is configured to hold an organ or tissue and a preservation fluid. A cover assembly is configured to engage the storage compartment. The cover assembly includes a support element, wherein the support element together with the storage compartment define a storage chamber. The cover assembly also includes a lid and a gas permeable membrane disposed between the lid and the support element. The gas permeable membrane and the support element together define a perfusion chamber configured to hold preservation fluid and an organ or tissue during use.

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.

Abstract: Provided is a means suitable for mass culture of adherent cells and which allows easy and safe collection of the cultured adherent cells. A cell culture kit has a culture bag having flexibility, such a level of hydrophilicity that the culture of adherent cells can be achieved, and permeability into a bag shape and which is filled with a culture medium; a dissociation solution bag filled with a dissociation solution containing a metal chelating agent or ornithine or a derivative thereof, and a solution sending circuit or a derivative thereof, and a solution sending circuit which connects the culture bag and the dissociation solution bag to each other and can send the dissociation solution from the dissociation solution bag to the culture bag.

Abstract: A culture apparatus and method for growing cells and tissue in a three-dimensional configuration harnesses magnetic, paramagnetic, ferromagnetic and diamagnetic forces. The cells or tissue are grown with magnetized core particles and are suspended via magnetic forces in a native, non-restricted, three-dimensional configuration while being maintained in a normal gravity (1 g) growth environment in the absence of rotational alteration of the gravity vector.

Abstract: A method for improving productivity in microbial fermentations and mammalian cell culture bioreactors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cytokine-based culture method for ex vivo expansion of NK cells from postembryonic hematopoietic stem cells into a fully closed, large-scale, cell culture bioprocess. We optimized enrichment of CD34+ cells followed by efficient expansion in gas-permeable cell culture bags. Thereafter, expanded CD34+ cells could be reproducibly amplified and differentiated into CD56+CD3? NK cell products with a mean expansion of more than 2,000 fold and a purity of >90%. Also provided are collections of cultured cells having specific properties.

Abstract: The invention provides a process and reactor system for the production of biodiesel from lamb fats using enzymatic catalysis. Preferably the process comprises two advantageously integrated stages, first of removing fat from the animal meat and second of reacting the removed fat in an enzymatic biodiesel production stage.

Abstract: This invention relates to non-radioactive markers that facilitate the detection and analysis of nascent proteins translated within cellular or cell-free translation systems. Nascent proteins containing these markers can be rapidly and efficiently detected, isolated and analyzed without the handling and disposal problems associated with radioactive reagents. Preferred markers are dipyrrometheneboron difluoride (4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene) dyes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a calibratable sensor unit for a reaction vessel, such as for example a fermenter (48), in particular a disposable fermenter, comprising at least one sensor device (14) to be calibrated and at least one compartment (26, 28, 30) containing a calibrating agent, the at least one sensor device and the at least one compartment (26, 28, 30) being accommodated movably relative to one another in a housing (12) that is connected to or can be connected to the reaction vessel (48), wherein the calibrating unit (10) is arranged to calibrate the at least one sensor device (14) by contact with the calibrating agent before chemical and/or physical parameters of a measurement substance are measured with the at least one sensor device (14). According to the invention it is proposed that the sensor device (10) is configured in such a way that the relative movement between the at least one sensor device (14) and the at least one compartment (26, 28, 30) can be carried out irreversibly.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a method for enzymatic treatment, including the steps of forming a closed space on a local tissue area with a device and infusing an enzyme solution into the closed space for enzymatic treatment. The method according to the embodiment is capable of treating the local tissue area with enzymes for enhancing cell proliferation in the treated tissue area and preventing damage of the adjacent normal tissues. A device and kit used for the method are also provided.

Abstract: A process utilizing enhanced photosynthesis and photocatalysis to purify water and/or utilize CO2 on a large scale by growing biomass in reduced time and space in a closed, continuous-flow system. Added CO2 and balanced nutrients combine with light to increase the growth rate of autotrophic microalgae which require CO2 for growth and produce oxygen. Organic and inorganic compounds and chemical toxins are mineralized in photocatalysis using such produced oxygen, which are then absorbed (metabolized) in the microalgal biomass that is harvested.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of fermentation products such as alcohols including ethanol and butanol, and processes employing in situ product removal methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the fermentative production of alcohols including ethanol and butanol, and processes for improving alcohol fermentation employing in situ product removal methods.

Abstract: In a process, a portion of a liquid mixture flow is vaporized to produce a vapor and a depleted flow of liquid. The vapor is introduced to a brine which is adapted to exothermically absorb one or more components therefrom, and heat is withdrawn, to produce at least a flow of heat and a flow of brine which is enriched in the one or more components. The heat previously withdrawn is transferred, to drive the vaporization. This transfer can be associated with the change of a working fluid from a gaseous into a liquid state. In this case, the heat withdrawal involves the change of the working fluid from the liquid to the gaseous state. In the liquid state, the working fluid flows only by one or more of gravity, convection and wicking. In the gaseous state, the working fluid flows only by one or more of diffusion and convection.

Abstract: This disclosure provides thermal cyclers, systems, and methods of thermally cycling a sample.

Abstract: A fluidic device in which a first member and a second member are connected by an expanding member is provided. The fluidic device includes a first member having a fluid channel communicating with an opening; and a second member having a supply channel supplying a fluid to the fluid channel through the opening. An expanding member having a through-hole is fit into the opening, the fluid channel and the supply channel communicate with each other through the through-hole in the expanding member, and the first member and the second member are connected to each other with at least the expanding member being in an expanded state.

Abstract: Bioreactors are provided that include a vessel and a jet mixer disposed in the vessel. Methods that utilize the bioreactors are provided, involving placing a microorganism or cells and a fluid medium in the bioreactor.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing life-based organic particles, including particles selected from the list comprising cells, cellular spheroids, tissues, eukaryotes, micro-organisms, organs or embryos, comprises a hollow volume (10) that (a) is internally divided into at least first (14), second (16) and third (17) sub-volumes by at least two phaseguides (12, 13) formed inside the volume and (b) includes parts that are relatively upstream and relatively downstream when judged with reference to the movement of a meniscus or a bulk liquid in the volume (10). The apparatus includes at least first, second and third fluid conduits (19, 21, 22) connected to permit fluid communication between the upstream exterior of the volume (10) and a respective said sub-volume (14, 16, 17); and at least one further conduit (24) connected to permit fluid communication between the downstream exterior of the volume (10) and a said sub-volume.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip, device, system, the use thereof and method for the generation of aqueous droplets in emulsion oil for nucleic acid amplification.

Abstract: A bioreactor system for growing commercial volumes of algae or other biomass in an enclosed, biosecure reactor vessel, the system having internal artificial growth light production as well as exterior solar energy capturing devices or the like designed to facilitate enhanced sunlight exposure for photosynthesis organism production. Magnetic and electromagnetic field generation systems and/or millimeter wave generating devices are integrated with the bioreactor system and its operation to substantially enhance growth rate and overall productivity.

Abstract: A method of and system for producing oil and valuable byproducts from grains, such as corn, in dry mills are disclosed. The method and system include dewater milling process after fermenting. Further, the method and system are able to produce oil without evaporating. Moreover, the method and system include one or more of the germ processing units, emulsion processing units, fiber processing units, high value protein producing units, and glycerol and inorganic salt producing units, such that high value byproducts are able to be generated.

Abstract: A process for the utilization of the methane produced by enteric fermentation, specifically to a process that utilizes methane produced by ruminant animals through enteric fermentation as a source of carbon and/or energy for the directed production of methane-based goods or processes is provided.

Abstract: Separating apparatus, comprising a sedimentation settler and a collection vessel disposed underneath and being in fluid communication with the sedimentation settler, the collection vessel forming a receiving chamber having an outlet at or adjacent to the chamber bottom and having an inlet opening, wherein the collection vessel is arranged such the flow direction of the fluid in the area underneath the sedimentation settler is substantially in line with the direction of the channels of the sedimentation settler.

Abstract: A circulatory photobioreactor is provided. The circulatory photobioreactor comprises a first cultivating part, a second cultivating part and a pump part connecting the first cultivating part and the second cultivating part. The first cultivating part comprises a culture tank in which culture media are supplied and a first light source coupled to the culture tank, which illuminates the inside of the culture tank. The second cultivating part comprises a culture pipe placed outside of the culture tank and supplied with cultures from the culture tank and a second light source coupled to the culture pipe, which illuminates the inside of the culture pipe. The pump part is connected to both the first cultivating part and the second cultivating part in order to circulate the culture solution between them.

Abstract: A biomass processing system is disclosed, with an algae biomass growth container and a pyrolysis reactor for pyrolysis processing of the algae biomass. A conveying apparatus links the pyrolysis reactor and the biomass growth container for conveying at least part of at least one of the pyrolysis products from the reactor to the biomass growth container for promoting algae biomass growth. The pyrolysis product is a nutrient-rich aqueous phase produced directly or indirectly through pyrolysis processing to the biomass growth container, e.g. an aqueous phase derived from the vapor products of the pyrolysis, or a char wash obtained by washing the char product of the pyrolysis.

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: A chip having a substrate for amplifying genetic material includes a substrate heater having a plurality of substrate heating resistors. The heating resistors define a first temperature zone for maintaining a first temperature, a second temperature zone for maintaining a second temperature below the first temperature, and a third temperature zone for maintaining a third temperature between the first and second temperatures, on the substrate. A flow path formed on the substrate allows conveying of reactions to the first temperature zone, the third temperature zone, and the second temperature zone so as to undergo denaturing, annealing, and extension, respectively, according to a polymerase chain reaction process, for at least one cycle.

Abstract: A novel UDP-Gal regeneration process and its combined use with a galactosyltransferase to add galactose to a suitable acceptor substrate. Also described herein are synthetic methods for generating Globo-series oligosaccharides in large scale, wherein the methods may involve the combination of a glycosyltransferase reaction and a nucleotide sugar regeneration process.

Abstract: Disclosed are DNA polymerases having increased reverse transcriptase efficiency relative to a corresponding, unmodified polymerase. The polymerases are useful in a variety of disclosed primer extension methods. Also disclosed are related compositions, including recombinant nucleic acids, vectors, and host cells, which are useful, e.g., for production of the DNA polymerases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a systems and methods of using expression of one or two luminescent proteins in a plant root cell to visualize plant root structure as well as to determine how stressors affect gene expression in plant roots while maintaining the natural soil habitat

Abstract: Micro droplets are accurately placed in a reaction well. The reaction well (5) is formed in one surface of a well base (3). A channel base (11) is placed on the well base (3). The channel base (11) has, in its surface joined to the well base (3), a liquid introduction channel (12a) and a reaction well air vent channel (18a). The channel base (11) also has a recess (27) formed opposite to the reaction well (5) and recessed upward from the upper surface of the liquid introduction channel (12a). When viewed from above, a shoulder part (26) of the recess (27) is placed near the connection part between the reaction well (5) and the liquid introduction channel (12a) and is closer to the center of the reaction well (5) than a shoulder part (16) of the reaction well (5).

Abstract: Herein is reported a feed mixing device for adding feed solutions with a non-physiologically pH value to a cell cultivation vessel comprising a chamber for mixing the feed solutions prior to their addition to the cell cultivation vessel as well as its use. With the feed mixing device as reported herein feed components can be provided in solution at a pH value at which they have good solubility and/or good stability whereby the pH value can be clearly different from the pH value of the cultivation medium, i.e. different from the physiological pH value. This allows performing the cultivation with more flexibility compared to a cultivation in which the pH value of the feed solution is limited to a small range around the pH value of the cultivation.