Tubular Or Plug Flow Bioreactor Patents (Class 435/293.1)
  • Patent number: 11939567
    Abstract: Reactors, systems and processes for the production of biomass by culturing microorganisms in aqueous liquid culture medium circulating inner loop reactor which utilize nonvertical pressure reduction zones are described. Recovery and processing of the culture microorganisms to obtain products, such as proteins or hydrocarbons is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Calysta, Inc.
    Inventors: Luan Thanh Nguyen, Joshua A. Silverman, Graham Ian Aylen
  • Patent number: 11912972
    Abstract: A system for culturing cells includes a bioreactor including a scaffold on which the cells tend to adhere. The system further includes a circulatory system that intermittently flows fluid over the scaffold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Ark Biotech Inc.
    Inventors: Zheng Huang, Natalie Rose Rubio, Orianna Elysse Kane
  • Patent number: 11898135
    Abstract: A closed-loop perfusion system may include a sealed biological culture container configured to house a biological cell culture, and a filtering unit that permits passage of waste products from an output of the sealed biological cell culture container, permits passage of nutrients from a nutrient media solution, and blocks passage of beneficial molecules from the output of the sealed biological cell culture container. The system may further include a first fluid path between an output of the sealed biological cell culture container and an input of the filtering unit, a second fluid path between an output of the filtering unit and an input of the sealed biological cell culture, and a pump to control the flow of media through the first fluid path and the second fluid path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: CCLabs Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Hon Weng Chong, Chew Ling Lau, Andrew Doherty
  • Patent number: 11884909
    Abstract: A bioreactor includes a plurality of spargers and a plurality of vertical circulation loops. A first vertical circulation loop of the plurality of vertical circulation loops includes a first sparging region and a first return region. The first vertical circulation loop is in liquid communication with one or more other loops of the plurality of vertical circulation loops. The first vertical circulation loop is characterized by an individual loop mass transfer coefficient. A controller is coupled to the plurality of spargers and configured to control the plurality of spargers together such that a cumulative mass transfer coefficient of the plurality of vertical circulation loops is within a threshold of the individual loop mass transfer coefficient associated with the first vertical circulation loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Ark Biotech Inc.
    Inventors: Zheng Huang, Kai Hoeffner, Orianna Elysse Kane
  • Patent number: 11866681
    Abstract: A bioreactor including a containment structure containing a liquid culture medium for cultivating seaweed. The containment structure includes a sidewall extending vertically between a top and bottom section where the bottom section has an effluent arranged to allow extraction of cultivated seaweed. A spiral liner is positioned adjacent to an inside surface of the sidewall. The recirculator includes a pump arranged to continuously receive a portion of the liquid culture medium via an inlet from the bottom section and output the liquid culture medium via the outlet at the top section. Sensors monitor environmental conditions within the bioreactor. Light emitters are arranged along a surface of the spiral liner. Flow generators, positioned within the containment structure in a spiral configuration between the top section and bottom section, are configured to direct a flow of the liquid culture medium from the top section toward the bottom section of the containment structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: PREMIUM OCEANIC INC.
    Inventor: Beau G. Perry
  • Patent number: 11859278
    Abstract: Methods of forming carbon polymer films are disclosed. Some methods are advantageously performed at lower temperatures. The substrate is exposed to a first carbon precursor to form a substrate surface with terminations based on the reactive functional groups of the first carbon precursor and exposed to a second carbon precursor to react with the surface terminations and form a carbon polymer film. Processing tools and non-transitory memories to perform the process are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Bhaskar Jyoti Bhuyan, Mark Saly, Ahbijit Basu Mallick, Eugene Yu Jin Kong, Bo Qi
  • Patent number: 11708552
    Abstract: A multi-chamber single-use bioreactor for cell culture expansion has bag assembly and a rigid support structure defining a bag receiving space. The bag assembly disposed in the bag receiving space of the rigid support structure and supported by the rigid support structure. The bag assembly has at least a first flexible bag and a second flexible bag. The first bag defines a first reaction chamber, and the second bag defines a second reaction chamber. The first reaction chamber has a first volume, a first inlet, and a first outlet, and the second reaction chamber has a second volume different from the first volume, a second inlet, and a second outlet. The second inlet of the second bag is fluidically connected to the first outlet of the first bag so liquid in first reaction chamber can be transferred to the second reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: The Board of Regents for Oklahoma State University
    Inventors: Momen Mohsen Ahmed Amer, Joshua D. Ramsey
  • Patent number: 11709160
    Abstract: A skin sample culture apparatus which has a base frame, with a skin sample receiving surface upon which at least part of the skin sample may be placed and which extends across an area defined by the shape of the frame. A securing member which is releasably connectable to the base frame and a grip which holds the skin sample under tension. The apparatus may include a tensioner to hold the sample under tension and means for introducing a fluid to the upper or lower surface of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: The University of Dundee
    Inventors: Robyn Patricia Hickerson, Michael John Conneely
  • Patent number: 11566218
    Abstract: Cell culture apparatus is disclosed comprising: a cell culture container comprising a flexible tube; a support table; and a pair of opposed holders for holding opposed portions of the tube in a fluid tight manner such that fluid cannot pass through the respective portion inside the tube, the spacing between the said pair being adjustable to provide an adjustable sealed volume in the tube between the holder pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Global Life Sciences Solutions USA LLC
    Inventors: Nagaraju Konduru, Manoj Ramakrishna, Haresh Digambar Patil
  • Patent number: 11536710
    Abstract: A method of determining the result of an assay in a microfluidic device includes the steps of: dispensing a sample droplet onto a first portion of an electrode array of the microfluidic device; dispensing a reagent droplet onto a second portion of the electrode array of the microfluidic device; controlling actuation voltages applied to the electrode array to mix the sample droplet and the reagent droplet into a product droplet; sensing a dynamic property of the product droplet; and determining an assay of the sample droplet based on the sensed dynamic property. The dynamic property is a physical property of the product droplet that influences a transport property of the product droplet on the electrode array. Example dynamic properties of the product droplet include the moveable state, split-able state, and viscosity based on droplet properties. The method may be used to perform an amoebocyte lysate (LAL) assay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Sharp Life Science (EU) Limited
    Inventors: Benjamin James Hadwen, Adrian Marc Simon Jacobs, Jason Roderick Hector, Michael James Brownlow, Masahiro Adachi, Alison Mary Skinner, Mark Childs
  • Patent number: 11518970
    Abstract: This invention is a system for the production of biomass from photosynthesizing microorganisms that includes a photobioreactor comprising a transparent panel made from two transparent sheets with a separation between them, with top and bottom openings and with transparent, parallel subdivisions that form a panel of vertically arranged, transparent cells, where each transparent cell has a top opening and a bottom opening; a lower recirculation chamber in fluid contact with the bottom openings of the transparent panel; an upper recirculation chamber in fluid contact with the top openings of the transparent panel; a gas distribution tube externally arranged along the edge of said transparent panel; where said gas distribution tube comprises gas injectors arranged in fluid contact with the interior of a plurality of transparent cells; and a supporting structure that supports the transparent panel, the lower recirculation chamber, the upper recirculation chamber and the air distribution tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Inventors: Juan Carlos Naviero Sanchez, Christian Nelson Cruzat Hernandez, Andrea Pilar Irarrazaval Olavarria
  • Patent number: 11419957
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an automated device for tissue and organ engineering. The device comprises a main chamber for performing decellularization, tissue sterilization, and recellularization and a set of solution and medium chambers, which provide solutions and medium for the decellularization and recellularization processes, respectively, in a continuous closed circuit. The device further comprises a sterilizing system for self-sterilization of the automated device. The device further comprises a user interface to input steps of protocols for tissue or organ engineering. The device further comprises a controller configured to control valves and pumps, which control and direct the flow of solutions and medium based on the steps of protocols, thereby automating the processes of decellularization, tissue sterilization, recellularization and self-sterilization. All parts of the device are installed in one single body in a fully integrated manner, in one example, which makes the device ready to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Inventors: Ghassem Amoabediny, Seyed Hossein Mahfouzi Mousavi, Seyed Hamid Safiabadi Tali, Mostafa Ghanei
  • Patent number: 11261417
    Abstract: A bioreaction container including a culture chamber configured to contain a culture solution and a life form in an inner space, the culture chamber having an open upper end; a chamber cover portion coupled to the upper end of the culture chamber, the chamber cover portion having a protruding tube provided on one side thereof so as to communicate with the inner space; a filter cap coupled to the protruding tube in an attachable/detachable manner so as to open/close the protruding tube; a gas introduction portion configured to penetrate the chamber cover portion and to communicate with the inner space so as to supply a predetermined gas into the inner space; and an acidity/basicity adjustment portion installed on the chamber cover portion while containing an adjustment solution that adjusts pH of the culture solution such that the adjustment solution is discharged into the inner space by pneumatic pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignees: SPL Co., Ltd., E-Cell CD., Ltd., Industry Academy Cooperation Foundation of Sejona University
    Inventors: Sang Oh Heo, Dong Hoon Kim, Doo Hyun Kim, Duk Jae Oh
  • Patent number: 11156547
    Abstract: A photoacoustic gas sensor is provided. The photoacoustic gas sensor includes a hermetically sealed housing filled with a reference gas. Further, the photoacoustic gas sensor includes a microphone system arranged inside the housing. The microphone system is configured to generate a first microphone signal comprising a first signal component related to a photoacoustic excitation of the reference gas and a second microphone signal comprising a second signal component related to the photoacoustic excitation. The photoacoustic gas sensor additionally includes a circuit configured to generate an output signal based on the first microphone signal and the second microphone signal by destructively superimposing a third signal component of the first microphone signal related to mechanical vibrations of the photoacoustic gas sensor and a fourth signal component of the second microphone signal related to the mechanical vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Matthias Eberl, Franz Jost, Ilie Poenaru
  • Patent number: 10814534
    Abstract: A discharge apparatus includes a discharge unit and a detection unit. The discharge unit is configured to discharge liquid containing a volatile compound from a discharge port. The detection unit is configured to detect discharge of the liquid by detecting, using light, a volatile component volatilizing from the liquid when the liquid is discharged from the discharge port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shinichi Shudo, Yuichi Fujita
  • Patent number: 10577576
    Abstract: One or more embodiments are described directed to a method and system for loading and distributing cells in a bioreactor of a cell expansion system. Accordingly, embodiments include methods and systems that may provide for adding a plurality of cells to a fluid within a bioreactor of the cell expansion system. A first percentage of the plurality of cells is allowed to settle in the bioreactor and a second percentage of the plurality of cells is allowed to settle outside of the bioreactor. The first percentage of cells is then expanded in the bioreactor. The second percentage of cells is wasted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian J. Nankervis
  • Patent number: 10538730
    Abstract: Reactors, systems and processes for the production of biomass by culturing microorganisms in aqueous liquid culture medium circulating inner loop reactor which utilize nonvertical pressure reduction zones are described. Recovery and processing of the culture microorganisms to obtain products, such as proteins or hydrocarbons is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: CALYSTA, INC.
    Inventors: Luan Thanh Nguyen, Arild Johannessen, Graham Ian Aylen, Joshua A. Silverman
  • Patent number: 10336975
    Abstract: There is provided a cell culture bag including: plural tubular portions having gas permeability in which a tube axis direction is directed to a first direction and which are arranged side by side in a second direction intersecting with the first direction and are separated from each other using a partition wall; and communication portions having gas permeability which allow communication between two mutually adjacent tubular portions of the plural tubular portions in an intermediate region R between one end and the other end of the tubular portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hideaki Kagawa, Soichi Kohashi, Hidekazu Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 10285428
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device integrating crushing, pulping and enzyme deactivation of fruits, comprising a spiral feeder, a crushing cavity and a drive motor. The spiral feeder is disposed above the crushing cavity. The crushing cavity consists of an inner crushing cavity and an outer crushing cavity. The inner crushing cavity is internally provided with crushing blades and a comb-like cylindrical stator. The crushing blades are formed with a plurality of steam outlets. The outer crushing cavity is internally provided with a ring steam pipe. The ring steam pipe is also formed with steam outlets on the lower side. The outer crushing cavity is provided with a discharge hole. The device integrating crushing, pulping and enzyme deactivation of fruits completes enzyme deactivation and pulping at the same time, has a large production capacity and a high efficiency, and can meet requirements of industrial production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: JIANGNAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Zhengwei Cui, Jianfeng Yu, Haiying Chen, Liangfeng Wang
  • Patent number: 10001471
    Abstract: A kit and method for evaluating in vitro the effect of a xenobiotic (e.g., a biologic drug) on drug metabolism in hepatocytes. The kit comprises a first culture of hepatocytes, a portion of in vitro xenobiotic-stimulated biological sample, and instructions for incubating the first culture of hepatocytes with the portion of in vitro xenobiotic-stimulated biological sample, and analyzing the activity, expression, or a combination thereof of a biomarker in the hepatocytes to evaluate the effect of the xenobiotic on drug metabolism in the hepatocytes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: XENOTECH LLC
    Inventors: Maciej Czerwinski, David Benjamin Buckley, Faraz Kazmi
  • Patent number: 9975121
    Abstract: A microfluidic device for evaluating a tissue sample can include a tissue chamber, a liquid inlet channel, a liquid outlet channel, and at least one of components (1)-(3). The tissue chamber can be defined by a plurality of walls, at least one of which is transparent. The liquid inlet and outlet channels can be in fluid communication with the tissue chamber. Components (1)-(3) can include: (1) a deformable membrane disposed within the tissue chamber and being configured to oscillate, upon application of pressure thereto, to mechanically compress the tissue sample; (2) first and second electrodes disposed about the tissue chamber and being configured such that delivery of electrical energy thereto creates an electrical gradient across the tissue chamber; and (3) at least one deformable wall, which partially defines the tissue chamber and is configured to stretch either uniaxially or biaxially upon application of negative pressure to the tissue chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: University of Notre Dame
    Inventors: Siyuan Zhang, Jeremiah Zartman, David Hoelzle, Cody Narciso
  • Patent number: 9670451
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to methods and systems for using an air removal chamber as a control for a process in a cell expansion system. The air removal chamber may be mounted on a fluid conveyance assembly for use with the system. Fluid is pumped into a fluid containment chamber of the air removal chamber, in which the level of fluid in the fluid containment chamber may be monitored through the use of one or more sensors. The sensors are capable of detecting air, a lack of fluid, fluid, and/or a gas/fluid interface, e.g., an air/fluid interface, at measuring positions within the air removal chamber. Protocols for use with the system may include one or more stop conditions. In an embodiment, the stopping of a process is automated based on the detection of air, a lack of fluid, and/or a gas/fluid interface in the air removal chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Dilorenzo, Edward Allan Stanton, IV, Glen Delbert Antwiler, Michael E. Kinzie, Brian J. Nankervis, Monique Givens, Casey V. Medina, Jon A. Dodd
  • Patent number: 9261496
    Abstract: Provided herein are microfluidic devices that can be used as a 3D bioassay, e.g., for drug screening, personalized medicine, tissue engineering, wound healing, and other applications. The device has a series of channels {e.g., small fluid channels) in a small polymer block wherein one or more of the channels can be filled with a biologically relevant gel, such as collagen, which is held in place by posts. As shown herein, when the device is plated with cells such as endothelial cells, new blood vessels grow in the gel, which is thick enough for the cells to grow in three dimensions. Other channels, e.g., fluid channels, allow drugs or biological material to be exposed to the 3D cell growth. Cells, such as endothelial cells, can be cultured and observed as they grow on the surface of a 3D gel scaffold, where e.g., rates of angiogenesis can be measured, as well as intervascularization and extravascularization of cancerous cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignees: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, The General Hospital Corporation, The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc., Children's Medical Center, Corp.
    Inventors: Roger Dale Kamm, Haruhiko Harry Asada, Waleed Ahmed Farahat, Ioannis K. Zervantonakis, Levi B. Wood, Chandrasekhar Kothapalli, Seok Chung, Jeffrey D. Macklis, Suzanne Tharin, Johanna Varner, Young Kum Park, Kwang Ho Lee, Le Thanh Tu Nguyen, Choong Kim
  • Patent number: 9249387
    Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein are generally related to a cell culture system. More particularly, the systems and methods enable the culturing and interconnecting of a plurality of tissue types in a biomimetic environment. By culturing organ specific tissue types within a biomimetic environment and interconnecting each of the organ systems in a physiologically meaningful way, experiments can be conducted on in vitro cells that substantially mimic the responses of in vivo cell populations. In some implementations, the organ systems are fluidically connected with a constant-volume pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignees: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc., The Massachusettes Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Joseph Cuiffi, Mark Joseph Mescher, Jonathan Robert Coppeta, Samuel Walker Inman, Abigail June Spencer, Transon Van Nguyen, Jeffrey T. Borenstein
  • Patent number: 9217926
    Abstract: A method of making a structure having a patterned a base layer and useful in the fabrication of optical and electronic devices including bioelectronic devices includes, in one embodiment, the steps of: a) providing a layer of a radiation-sensitive resin; b) exposing the layer of radiation-sensitive resin to patterned radiation to form a base layer precursor having a first pattern of exposed radiation-sensitive resin and a second pattern of unexposed radiation-sensitive resin; c) providing a layer of fluoropolymer in a third pattern over the base layer precursor to form a first intermediate structure; d) treating the first intermediate structure to form a second intermediate structure; and e) selectively removing either the first or second pattern of resin by contacting the second intermediate structure with a resin developing agent, thereby forming the patterned base layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Orthogonal, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Ferro, George Malliaras
  • Publication number: 20150140649
    Abstract: A nucleic acid extraction device includes: a tube section in which are disposed in this order a first plug formed of oil, a second plug formed of a washing liquid immiscible with oil and for washing a substance adsorbing a nucleic acid, a third plug formed of oil, a fourth plug formed of an elution liquid immiscible with oil and for eluting the nucleic acid from the substance, and a fifth plug formed of oil; and a cover section disposed around the tube section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Masato HANAMURA, Kotaro IDEGAMI, Yuji SAITO, Kiyohito YAMADA
  • Publication number: 20150132845
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for continuous cell culture and other reactions are generally described. In some embodiments, chambers (e.g., cell growth chambers) including at least a portion of a wall formed of a flexible member are provided. A retaining structure can be incorporated outside and proximate to the chamber such that when liquid is added to the chamber, the flexible member is consistently and predictably deformed, and a consistent volume of liquid is added. The flexible member can be formed of, in some embodiments, a gas-permeable medium. In some embodiments, reaction chambers can be arranged in a fluidic loop, and a bypass channel can be used to introduce and/or extract fluid from the loop without affecting loop operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Rajeev Jagga Ram, Kevin Shao-Kwan Lee
  • Publication number: 20150118743
    Abstract: A nucleic acid extraction device has: a tube extending in a longitudinal direction in which a first plug formed of a wax or an oil, a second plug formed of a first washing liquid, a third plug formed of a wax, a fourth plug formed of an eluate, and a fifth plug formed of a wax or an oil are arranged in this order.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Masato HANAMURA, Kotaro IDEGAMI
  • Patent number: 9012203
    Abstract: A microfluidic device for controlled encapsulation of particles of sub-millimetric dimensions, or clusters of such particles, the device comprising: a first duct for delivering a first liquid phase containing particles for encapsulating in suspension; a second duct for conveying a flow of a second liquid phase that is immiscible with said first liquid phase; the first duct opening out into the second duct and forming a fluidic junction therewith; at least one microfluidic duct for discharging the first liquid phase flowing in said first duct and provided with a mouth located upstream from said junction and liable to be obstructed, at least in part, by a particle in suspension, thereby causing pressure to rise in the first duct. The invention also provides a microfluidic system including such a device, and a method of encapsulation based on using such a device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Florence Rivera, Jean Berthier, Sophie Le Vot
  • Publication number: 20150093829
    Abstract: A system for harvesting totipotent plant tissue culture can include a sterile enclosure, a plurality of bioreactors in the sterile enclosure, at least one agitator in the sterile enclosure, and a culture harvest system. The at least one agitator can be configured to agitate culture within the plurality of bioreactors. The culture harvest system can include tubing configured to connect to a port of one of the plurality of bioreactors in the sterile enclosure, a culture harvest container, and a pump configured to pump culture from the one of the plurality of bioreactors into the culture harvest container via the tubing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: WEYERHAEUSER NR COMPANY
    Inventors: Anthony P. Swanda, Patrick M. Brownell
  • Patent number: 8993314
    Abstract: A system for culturing photosynthesizing microorganisms includes a source of a gaseous fluid a mixer that creates micron bubbles within an aqueous medium using the gaseous fluid. The mixing chamber holds the aqueous medium including the micron bubbles before the micron bubbles and aqueous medium are mixed with a culture of photosynthesizing microorganism in a reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Ennesys SAS
    Inventors: Nicholas Eckelberry, T. Riggs Eckelberry
  • Publication number: 20150072409
    Abstract: A cartridge for nucleic acid amplification reaction includes a tube including, on the inside, in order, a first plug formed by first oil, a second plug formed by a cleaning solution, which causes phase separation when mixed with oil, a third plug formed by second oil, a fourth plug formed by an eluate, which causes phase separation when mixed with oil, and a fifth plug formed by the third oil, a container for nucleic acid amplification reaction communicating with the fifth plug side of the tube and including fourth oil, and a plunger attached to an opening section on the first plug side of the tube and configured to push out liquid from the fifth plug side of the tube to the container for nucleic acid amplification reaction. All of the first to third oils have specific gravities different from the specific gravity of the fourth oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Yuji SAITO, Fumio TAKAGI
  • Publication number: 20150031099
    Abstract: A reactor system is provided for improved fermentation of a gaseous substrate through the introduction of a secondary loop to a forced-circulation loop reactor. The reactor comprises a primary loop through which fermentation broth comprising a gaseous substrate is circulated through a riser segment and a downcomer section by a loop pump. Downstream of the loop pump a portion of fermentation broth is withdrawn from the downcomer section and is directed to the top of the reactor via a secondary loop. Further provided is a method for improving the mass transfer of a gaseous substrate to a fermentation broth in a fermentation vessel comprising a secondary loop. Further provided is a method for reducing foam in the headspace of a fermentation vessel comprising a secondary loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Xueliang Li, Benjamin James Cossey, Simon Richard Trevethick
  • Publication number: 20140363884
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cell culture tube, having in opposite end walls two respective eccentric openings which communicate with each other through an inner straight passage formed in the cell culture tube, in which the inner straight passage is tilted at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the cell culture tube to allow a culture medium to smoothly flow into and out of the inner passage through the openings. Also, provided is a multiple cell culture system using a plurality of the culture tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Sung Ho SHIN, Jung Gyu WOO, Jai Myung YANG, Jai Jun CHOUNG, Kyung Suk KIM, Mi Ran CHOI
  • Patent number: 8900854
    Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid reflux reaction control device comprising: a reaction vessel having one or a plurality of wells configured to accommodate a sample; a heat exchange vessel provided in contact with the reaction vessel so as to conduct heat to the reaction vessel, and comprising an inlet and an outlet respectively for introducing and draining a liquid of a predetermined temperature; a plurality of liquid reservoir tanks provided with a temperature-controllable heat source for maintaining liquids of predetermined temperatures; a tubular flow channel that connects the inlet and the outlet of the heat exchange vessel with the liquid reservoir tanks; a pump disposed on the tubular flow channel, and configured to circulate the liquid between the heat exchange vessel and the liquid reservoir tank; and a switching valve disposed on the tubular flow channel, and configured to control the flow of the circulating liquid, which controls the temperature of the reaction vessel to keep a desired tem
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignees: Kanagawa Academy of Science and Technology, National University Corporation Tokyo Medical and Dental University
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Takei, Hideyuki Terazono, Kenji Yasuda
  • Patent number: 8865427
    Abstract: A perifusion device includes at least one sample container for cells, the sample container having an inlet and an outlet. The container receives test liquid through the inlet and discharges the liquid through the outlet. A manifold having a plurality of liquid inlets, control valves, and liquid outlets can be provided. A receptacle housing has a plurality of receptacles. A drive is connected to the receptacle housing for moving the receptacle housing. A programmable controller can be provided to control movement of the receptacle housing. The test liquid includes at least one stimuli for the cells. The liquid collected in the receptacles is analyzed to determine the response of the cells to the stimuli.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignees: Biorep Technologies, Inc., University of Miami
    Inventors: Ramon E. Poo, Camillo Ricordi, Felipe Echeverri, Over Cabrera, Per-Olof Berggren
  • Patent number: 8852435
    Abstract: An assembly capable of capturing and purifying expressed biological products during or at the end of a bioreaction cycle is disclosed wherein a binding resin is kept separated from the contents of the bioreactor allowing capturing, harvesting and purification of biological products in a bioreactor; the invention additionally provides means of removing undesirable metabolic products as well as provides for efficient loading of chromatography columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Therapeutics Proteins International, LLC
    Inventor: Sarfaraz Niazi
  • Publication number: 20140273198
    Abstract: A cartridge for nucleic acid amplification reaction includes a tube that has a first plug, a second plug formed of a second washing solution washes nucleic acid-binding solid-phase carriers having bound to a nucleic acid, a third plug, a fourth plug formed of a reverse transcription reaction solution which undergoes phase separation when being mixed with oil and in which a reverse transcription reaction occurs, a fifth plug formed of a third oil, a sixth plug formed of an eluate which causes the nucleic acid to be eluted from the nucleic acid-binding solid-phase carriers having bound to the nucleic acid, and a seventh plug in this order in the inside of the tube; a container for nucleic acid amplification reaction that is in communication with the tube and contains oil; and a plunger that pushes liquid to the container for nucleic acid amplification reaction out of the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Yuji Saito, Fumio Takagi
  • Publication number: 20140273222
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: GEORGIA REGENTS RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventors: Paul Weinberger, Hunter Faircloth, Donald Mettenburg, Frederick Rueggeberg
  • Publication number: 20140274739
    Abstract: Flow chambers are provided. In some embodiments, the flow chambers include an inner panel having at least one flow channel having an inlet/outlet opening on each end thereof formed therein, wherein the inlet/outlet openings are adapted to releasably receive a septum; one or more ports adapted to releasably receive a plug and for at least liquid communication with the at least one flow channel, and an outer frame that defines an outer portion of the at least one flow channel and that defines a perimeter of the flow chamber. In some embodiments, the flow chamber has overall dimensions of a standard multiwell plate and the at least one flow channel is located in a position that corresponds to a column location of the standard multiwell plate. Also provided are methods for producing the presently disclosed flow chambers and employing the same to assay biological features of cultured cells and/or tissues.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
    Inventors: Kristina D. Rinker, Robert D. Shepherd
  • Publication number: 20140273143
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and compositions for growing high density cultures of dechlorinating microorganisms, such as the bacteria Dehalococcoides. Dechlorinating cultures are grown in continuous flow stirred-tank reactors at short hydraulic retention time, resulting in improved batch production. For some cultures, a culture medium including chlorine containing compounds, bicarbonate, and HEPES utilized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown, Cesar Torres, Anca Delgado, Sudeep Popat, Devyn Fajardo-Williams
  • Publication number: 20140248601
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for supporting the growth of algae cells. Initially, an inoculum of algae cells are grown in a closed bioreactor. Thereafter, the inoculum is passed into an open Expanding Plug Flow Reactor (EPFR). Growth medium is added at a plurality of locations along the EPFR. This addition is controlled in response to the growth rate of the algae cells to maintain a substantially same concentration of cells at each location in the EPFR. At all times, the medium provides sufficient nutrients to support growth and maintain a high concentration of algae cells, i.e., at least 0.5 grams per liter of medium, in the EPFR. After the desired level of growth is reached, the algae cells are transferred from the EPFR to a standard plug flow reactor wherein oil production is activated in the algae cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: General Atomics
    Inventors: David A. Hazlebeck, Xiaoxi Wu
  • Patent number: 8809042
    Abstract: The present invention is generally related to systems and methods to permit the growth of anaerobic, ethanol-producing bacteria using pretreated biomass such as cellulose in a manner to facilitate the efficient conversion of cellulose to ethanol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Steven P. Harvey
  • Patent number: 8785178
    Abstract: A perifusion device includes at least one sample container for cells, the sample container having an inlet and an outlet. The container receives test liquid through the inlet and discharges the liquid through the outlet. A receptacle housing has a plurality of receptacles for receiving fluid from the outlet of the sample container. A drive is connected to the receptacle housing for moving the receptacle housing such that liquid samples are collected sequentially from the outlet of the sample containers. A computer can be provided to control movement of the receptacle housing at predetermined times, and to record data identifying liquid samples in the receptacles. The test liquid includes at least one stimuli for the cells, which can be the presence, absence, or concentration of a compound in the liquid, or a physical property of the liquid such as temperature. The liquid collected in the receptacles is analyzed to determine the response of the cells to the stimuli.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignees: Biorep Technologies, Inc., University of Miami
    Inventors: Ramon E. Poo, Camillo Ricordi, Felipe Echeverri, Over Cabrera, Per-Olof Berggren
  • Patent number: 8785181
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventor: Glen Delbert Antwiler
  • Patent number: 8759068
    Abstract: The system for fermentation using algae of the present invention includes a first reactor and a second reactor being in fluid communication with each other. A first valve placed between the first reactor and the second reactor controls the fluid connection between the reactors. A gas inlet, in fluid connection to the first reactor, is located at an end opposite the second reactor. A devolatization unit or cell lysis chamber is connected to the second reactor by a second valve. A biomass stream having gas, liquid and biosolids contents passes through the first reactor with gas. The biomass stream mixes and dissolves the gas in the reactors. The cellular structure of the biomass stream ruptures in the devolatization unit, allowing the processed materials, such as oil, gas, and biosolids, to be harvested for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Missing Link Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Samuel L. Shepherd, Jerry McCall
  • Patent number: 8759096
    Abstract: Disclosed is a microfluidic chip and method using the same. The microfluidic chip comprises a substrate having a surface, and at least a tissue culture area formed on the surface of the substrate. The tissue culture area has a microfluidic channel formed by a plurality of connected geometrical structures (nozzle-type channels) having a predetermined depth. The microfluidic channel has an inlet and an outlet, which are at two ends of the microfluidic channel, for medium inputting and outputting, respectively. Additionally, at least an air-exchange hole is formed on the bottom of the microfluidic channel. By using the microfluidic chip for tissue culture, lateral flow speed and stress can be decreased, so as to prolong survival time of tissues (e.g. liver tissues).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: National Tsing Hua University
    Inventors: Chen-Wei Wu, Cheng-Hsien Liu, Chau-Ting Yeh, Hui-Ling Lin, Hsin-Yu Lai, Tzu-Chi Yu
  • Patent number: 8748166
    Abstract: A system (10) for forming and maintaining a biological tissue by which a biological tissue can be artificially formed by culturing cells, which comprises a pulse pump (12), a circulation pathway (13) having such a circuit structure as allowing a liquid cell culture medium discharged from the pulse pump (12) to return into the pulse pump (12), and a cell culture section (14A) and a gas exchange section (14B) provided along the circulation pathway (13). The cell culture section (14A) holds a cell holder (H) in such a manner to form a first channel wherein the liquid cell culture medium flowing in the circulation pathway (13) passes through the cell holder (H) and returns into the circulation pathway (13) and a second channel wherein the liquid cell culture medium flowing in the circulation pathway (13) passes outside the cell holder (H) and returns into the circulation pathway thereby bringing about a difference in pressure between the liquid cell culture medium passing through the respective channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Waseda University
    Inventors: Kiyotaka Iwasaki, Mitsuo Umezu, Koji Kojima, Charles Alfred Vacanti
  • Patent number: 8735144
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a bioreactor chamber assembly comprising: a bioreactor chamber comprising first and second portions arranged to be coupled to one another thereby to provide a liquid-tight seal therebetween; a pair of clamp members; and a pair of resilient loop elements, wherein the clamp members are arranged to sandwich the chamber between the clamp members and the loop elements are arranged to apply a force between the clamp members to urge the first and second portions together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Kirstall Limited
    Inventors: Arti Ahluwalia, Daniele Mazzei, Bruna Vinci
  • Patent number: 8722396
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Algaeon, Inc
    Inventors: William R. Kassebaum, John A. Kassebaum