Abstract: A multi-layer device suitable for thermal cycling is set forth. The device is particularly suitable for performing a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). One embodiment includes a first layer (18), a second layer (20) adjacent to the first layer, and a third layer (22) adjacent to the second layer opposite the first layer. A continuous channel (54) is formed within the first layer (18), the second layer (20), and the third layer (22). The continuous channel (54) has a plurality of cycle segments, each of the cycle segments comprises a first portion (58) disposed within the first layer (18), a second portion (62) disposed within the third layer (22), and a third portion (66) disposed within the second layer (20). An integral or separate temperature source or sources (14), (16) may be provided to maintain the first layer (18) at a first temperature and the third layer (22) at a second temperature.

Abstract: A device provides a hybridization chamber for hybridizing nucleic acid samples, proteins or tissue sections on a slide, and is an essentially rectangular body movable opposite the slide. The device includes a surface, lines for supplying and/or removing media, a specimen supply line and an agitating device. The agitation device includes at least one membrane which separates a pressure chamer to be fillable with a pressure fluid via one of the lines, from at least one agitation chamber connected via an agitation line to the hybridization chamber. The lines are continuously open so the media therein can permanently flow unhindered. Four such devices can be combined into a process unit for providing a hybridization chamber. Such unit is pivotable around an axis and has a holder with four seats, which is lockable in relation to a baseplate, one device being insertable into each one of the seats.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide bio-reactor circuits for in vitro research applications. One embodiment provides a bio-reactor circuit comprising at least one bio-reactor and a pump fluidically coupled to the at-least-one bio-reactor. The bio-reactor comprises a housing having inlet and outlet ports and first and second chambers. The chambers are separated by a porous membrane with the first chamber providing a flow path for a fluid. The membrane includes a coating having a cell binding affinity for the attachment and proliferation of cells to cover the surface of the membrane. The second chamber provides a volume for maintaining the viability of cells disposed in the chamber. The cells can be selected to produce a biochemical compound. The membrane is configured to allow for diffusion of the compound from the second chamber into the flow path as well as allow for diffusion of gases, nutrients and other biochemical compounds.

Abstract: Packed bed reactors that have a series of alternating layers of packing. A first packing layer has open body packing elements randomly packed in a layer up to about 10 packing elements deep; and a second packing layer has porous support elements of hydrophobic foam. The porous support elements are randomly packed up to about 10 porous support elements deep. Further, the packing elements of the first layer include substantially cylindrical shapes and the porous support elements of the second layer include substantially rectilinear shapes. In some embodiments, the second layer supports microbial organisms in a biological reactor, and the first layer of open body packing provides fluid flow spaces to facilitate fluid flow and distribution, mass transfer, and to minimize channeling.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for amplifying a nucleic acid sequence by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The method comprises placing a PCR sample in a container which is heated by only a single heat source that provides a high temperature for denaturation in the bottom of the PCR sample, while annealing and extension automatically occur in different regions of the PCR sample due to the convection induced by a temperature gradient descending from the bottom of the PCR sample to the surface of the PCR sample.

Abstract: A biochemical reaction cassette comprises a housing member, a reaction chamber arranged in the housing member and having a bottom section and a ceiling facing the bottom section, an injection port arranged at the ceiling of the reaction chamber, a discharge port arranged at the ceiling of the reaction chamber and a probe carrier arranged at the bottom section of the reaction chamber, the ceiling having an inclination with the highest part located at the discharge port in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A tubular plug flow digester system assembled from manufactured components, including a holding/heating tank (15) connected to a manifold (14) that feeds a single or multiple parallel injection pumps (12). These pumps force feedstock though check valves (13) and into single or parallel digester hulls. This hulls are composed of manufactured parts including tapered end sections (11) and hull sections (10) that can be assembled onsite to a configuration that accommodates operational needs. Biogas produced by this digester is pressurized due to a liquid column created by an elevated effluent outlet (25). Feedstock is inoculated with relevant microorganisms that promote the generation of methane-rich biogas. Inoculation members (26) positioned within the hulls shelter biofilms containing these microbes while allowing regions of the biofilm to slough or naturally release microbes into the flowing feedstock stream. Biogas is collected through a manifold (22) and its release is controlled by a regulator or a valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for propagating benthic marine invertebrates in water. The apparatus comprises (a) a culture cell, (b) a sedimentation chamber in fluid connection with the culture cell, and (c) a pump in fluid connection with the culture cell and with the sedimentation chamber capable of pumping water from the sedimentation chamber to the culture cell. Also disclosed is a method for propagating benthic marine invertebrates comprising culturing the invertebrates in a water environment in the apparatus.

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.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices are disclosed for carrying out cyclic or iterated reactions such as PCR, LDR, and other cyclic or iterated reactions. A microchannel forms a closed loop, through which a reaction mixture may be thermally cycled an arbitrary number of times. Flow is preferably mediated primarily by electrokinetics. Multiple temperature zones may be employed along the course of a single microchannel loop, for example for PCR. Embodiments may be compact, automated, fast, and operable in continuous-flow mode. Real-time reaction monitoring may optionally be used.

Abstract: A cell/tissue culture apparatus for applying a desired tensile stress to a material to be cultivated such as a cell or tissue as a physical stimulation, thereby enhancing acceleration of culture of the material to be cultivated. The cell/tissue culture apparatus comprises a chamber (a culture chamber 8) for circulating a culture fluid (24), a material to be cultivated (a matrix 32) that is placed and cultivated in the chamber, stress generation means (an electromagnetic stretcher 38, an actuator 56) for causing a tensile stress to act on the material to be cultivated from an outside of the chamber, and control means (controllers 50, 60) for causing the tensile stress generated by the stress generation means to intermit as well as undergo gradual increase or gradual decrease. The material to be cultivated can be caused to undergo expansion or contraction by applying and relieving the tensile stress, thereby applying a physical stimulation necessary for the proliferation to the material to be cultivated.

Abstract: A cell/tissue culture apparatus is suitable for a culture of a cultivated object of a cell or tissue adapted for a prescribed portion of a living body of a breast and so on, a culture chamber (18, a culture vessel 10) which accommodates a cell or tissue to be cultivated and also makes a culture fluid (34) circulate is formed by a flexible material (flexible films 12, 14), and the culture chamber is immersed in a fluid (water 8). A pressure or an oscillation is given to the culture chamber installed in the fluid, and a physical stimulation due to the pressure from the fluid or the oscillation of the fluid is given to a cell or tissue under a culture.

Abstract: Provided are tubular structures of a biocompatible, triggerably-dissolvable material such as cellulose or a copolymer having an LCST below physiological temperatures. The structures may be embedded within a cell growth scaffold. The tubular structures are useful in growing 3-dimensional tissue structures because nutrients, cytokines or other cell growth and/or differentiation compounds, as well as drugs, such as antibiotics and steroids, can be administered over time, and the tubular structures can be dissolved non-invasively.

Abstract: A culturing apparatus for photosynthesis microorganism provided by the present invention comprises a outer vessel, inner vessel, culture solution circulating portion and a heat transfer medium feeding portion. Culture solution containing photosynthesis microorganism is put into the outer vessel which is transparent and configured like a cylinder extending in a predetermined axis-direction. The inner vessel is disposed in the outer vessel, being configured like a cylinder extending in the above axis-direction. The culture solution circulating portion draws culture solution from one side along the axis-direction in the outer vessel, supplying that to the other side of the axis-direction. The heat transfer medium feeding portion supplies heat transfer medium into the inner vessel.

Abstract: A waste treatment system comprising an impermeable container adapted to accommodate waste, and presenting at least an opening for introducing waste and a plurality of preferential breaking lines for creating respective openings; air-tight closing element of the opening; percolate introduction element within the impermeable container; collector for the formed biogas; a covering layer arranged so as to close the openings; and an air circulation system comprising in turn, within the permeable container a plurality of intake tubes and a plurality of air intakes.

Abstract: A cell lysis device for lysing cells or viruses, comprising a cell lysis tube having a sample inlet; a pump connected to the cell lysis tube for transferring a sample into the tube; a sealing unit for reversibly sealing a specific region of the tube; and a laser source for generating a laser is provided. Further, a method of lysing cells or viruses using the cell lysis device is provided. The method comprises introducing a sample containing cells or viruses and optionally magnetic beads to the cell lysis tube through the sample inlet; transferring the sample to a specific region in the cell lysis tube by means of the pump; temporarily sealing the region of the cell lysis tube where the sample is placed with the sealing unit; irradiating the sample with the laser; removing the sealing unit from the cell lysis tube; and discharging the sample from the cell lysis tube by means of the pump.

Abstract: A diffusion controlling bioreactor that selectively controls the molecular diffusion between fluids through a microchannel in fluid communication with a reaction reservoir. The length and cross-sectional area are selected to obtain a predetermined rate of molecular diffusion between fluids. When the fluids are liquids, flow through the microchannel is laminar and the capillary action of the microchannel and fluid is such that the fluid does not flow into the reaction reservoir unless the pressure of the fluid is increased by an external source, thereby minimizing contamination of the bioreactor. The instant invention may also utilize at least one microchannel and reagent reservoir to regulate, rather than prevent, the passage of various molecules into the bioreactor. A pressure equalizing vent operating on similar principles to the microchannel may have a structure configured to minimize the chances of fluid leakage from the bioreactor, even if the bioreactor is turned in various directions.

Abstract: A portable system and method for producing biofuel from algae are disclosed. In the portable system, a chemostat and a plug flow reactor formed from plastic bladders are interconnected. Further, an algae separator is in fluid communication with the plug flow reactor for removing algae cells. Also, the system includes a device for processing biofuel from the algae cells. Importantly, the system includes a temperature controller to maintain desired temperatures in the chemostat and plug flow reactor for algae growth and intracellular algae production. In order to further support algae cell growth, the system includes a device for capturing carbon dioxide and delivering the carbon dioxide to the chemostat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a treatment system of high concentration organic sewage treatment. The system mainly comprises a chemical settling device, an anoxic biochemical treatment fluidized bed, an anaerobic biochemical treatment fluidized bed and an aerobic biochemical treatment fluidized bed. The said primary filter device, chemical settling device, anoxic biochemical treatment fluidized bed, anaerobic biochemical treatment fluidized bed and aerobic biochemical treatment fluidized bed are connected in sequence. The said primary filter device is composed of several filter modules. The said chemical settling device is composed of several chemical settling units. The said anoxic biochemical treatment fluidized bed unit is equipped with several anoxic biochemical treatment modules.

Abstract: Hybrid synthetic grafts and embodiments of systems and methods for producing hybrid vascular grafts that can yield implantable grafts that combine synthetic grafts with living cells. Embodiments of systems can include a pressure/flow loop subsystem having an external flow loop system coupled to a specimen holder, where the pressure/flow loop subsystem is capable of adjusting at least two dynamic conditions in the specimen holder or a diameter of a specimen in the specimen holder. Embodiments of methods can promote engraftment of a hybrid lower limb artery bypass vascular graft following implantation into a mammal's body by placing the hybrid lower limb artery bypass vascular graft in a system embodiment according to the invention prior to implantation of the hybrid lower limb artery bypass vascular graft into the mammal's body.

Abstract: A micro-organism production system having at least one micro-organism growth unit for maintaining therein micro-organisms in solution. Upon the receipt of a predetermined amount of live organisms, liquid and nutrients within the at least one micro-organism growth unit and the application of radiation thereto, the system produces the rapid growth of micro-organisms within the at least one micro-organism growth unit.

Abstract: The present invention is an anaerobic reactor and preferably a vertically oriented plug flow anaerobic reactor for producing methane from various organic materials. The organic materials preferably have a high organic content. The reactor includes cutting members for cutting bridged or agglomerated material within the reactor. The present invention also includes a process for producing methane from an organic feed stock by continuously charging an organic material into the top portion of a vertically oriented vessel and rotating one or more cutting members at a sufficiently slow rate so that the cutting members cut through bridged or agglomerated material but do not substantially mix contents within the reactor, anaerobically digesting the organic material under mesophilic or thermophilic conditions to produce methane while allowing the organic material to propagate downward through the vessel in a plug flow-like manner and collecting methane gas produced from the anaerobic digestion of the organic material.

Abstract: A microscale biosensor for use in the detection of target biological substances includes a detection chamber disposed on the substrate and defining a volume between 1 pico-liter and 1 micro-liter. The detection chamber is adapted to confine a composition containing microorganisms. Specimen concentration componentry is connected to the detection chamber for rapidly concentrating the microorganisms in the detection chamber. A heater is operatively connected to the substrate to heat the composition in the detection chamber. Electrodes are mounted on the substrate in communication with the detection chamber to identify AC impedance changes within the detection chamber from bacterial metabolism of the microorganisms of the composition over time.

Abstract: Method and device that increases the rate of reproduction (through increased speed of reproduction and/or increased reproductive yield) of living cells in suspension or of any culturable organisms through the process of natural selection, said device comprising: a) a flexible, sterile tube (7) containing culture medium, b) a system of movable gates (clamps) (3, 4, 5) that divide the tube (97) into separate regions containing spent culture (downstream region), growing culture (growth chamber), and fresh growth medium (upstream region), c) a means of moving the gates and the tubing (13) such that a portion of the growth chamber and the associated culture can be clamped off and separated from the growth chamber, and such that a portion of fresh tubing containing unused medium can be joined with a portion of the culture and associated medium already present in the growth chamber.

Abstract: A bioreactor and methods of using same for making tissue constructs and for conditioning tissue-engineered constructs and harvested tissues such as cryopreserved tissues. The bioreactor allows for static and dynamic culture/conditioning. The bioreactor is dual chambered (one chamber above and one below the cells or construct) to allow for application of biochemical and/or biomechanical stimuli to each side of the cells/construct.

Abstract: The invention provides a cell/tissue culture apparatus capable of applying an optional physical stimulation to a material to be cultivated serving as a cell or tissue to be cultivated and of protecting the material to be cultivated from contamination of various bacteria and so forth.

Abstract: A sensing element for measuring extracellular potential including a substrate, a well provided in a substrate, a guide section provided on the wall of the well, and a detective electrode formed at a lower surface of the substrate. The guide section is for guiding drug. The well is provided at the bottom with a depression, and a first throughhole penetrating through the depression and the lower surface of the substrate. The well is for mixing a subject cell, a culture solution and the drug together. The above-configured sensing element accurately measures a change generated by a subject cell.

Abstract: A method and system for the enzymatic treatment of a lipid containing feedstock comprises contacting the feedstock with a processing aid, then causing the feedstock to pass at a substantially constant flow rate through a treatment system comprising a plurality of enzyme-containing fixed bed reactors connected to one another in series. The fixed bed reactors can be individually serviceable, the flow rate of the feedstock remaining substantially constant through the system when one of the fixed bed reactors is taken off line for servicing. In the most preferred embodiment, the processing aid is a substantially moisture-free silica. The processing aid can be placed in one or more of the fixed bed reactors, disposed above the enzyme in the reactor, or it can be in a pre-treatment system which can comprise one or more reactors.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to construct a culture device optimized for culturing animal cells. The present invention provides a device for culturing cells which comprises at least one water-containing polymer gel film for adhering animal cells onto at least one surface of the film, and has a structure capable of supplying different liquids to both sides of the film.

Abstract: An auto microfluidic hybridization chip platform is disclosed to provide a hybrid reaction test system with the features of fast reactions, automatic operations, and a convenient platform. The platform includes a flow control system with a platform base, a microfluidic hybridization chip, a microfluidic hybridization chip support, a test agent support of the microfluidic hybridization chip; and a signal detection system. Using a microfluidic pipeline to connect various parts does not only realize automation and a small volume, but also increases the reaction speed.

Abstract: Devices, in vitro cell cultures, systems, and methods are provided for microscale cell culture analogous (CCA) device.

Abstract: A collection and detection system is configured as a detect to warn system in which the presence of specific types of particles are detected, and may or may not be identified. An air collection module intakes ambient air, detect the presence of one or more different types of airborne particles within the ambient air, and collect the airborne particles, such as within a fluid. A triggering mechanism is positioned to continuously monitor the airflow, to determine one or more characteristics of the airborne particles. If those measured characteristics match specific known characteristics, a trigger signal is generated. In response, a confirmation device performs a detection method on a fluid solution including the airflow particles to determine the presence of one or more different types of specific biological particles.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a flow system includes a medical device mount, fluid and a conduit containing the fluid and medical device mount. The conduit is mounted on an assembly that moves the conduit along with the medical device mount to induce relative motion of the fluid relative to the medical device mount. In preferred embodiments, pulsatile fluid motion is generated. In some embodiments, the fluid includes viable cells. In alternative embodiments, a flow system includes a continuous flow pump connected to a conduit loop having multiple branch conduits downstream from the pump providing alternative paths over a section of the conduit loop. Each branch conduit has a valve controlling flow through the branch. In some embodiments, at least one branch includes a medical device mount.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for analyzing and/or sorting biological materials (e.g., molecules such as polynucleotides and polypeptides, including proteins and enzymes; viruses and cells) and methods for its use are provided. The device and methods of the invention are useful for sorting particles, e.g. virions. The invention is also useful for high throughput screening, e.g. combinatorial screening. The microfluidic device comprises a main channel and an inlet region in communication with the main channel at a droplet extrusion region. Droplets of solution containing the biological material are deposited into the main channel through the droplet extrusion region. A fluid different from and incompatible with the solution containing the biological material flows through the main channel so that the droplets containing the biological material do not diffuse or mix.

Abstract: Devices, in vitro cell cultures, systems, and methods are provided for microscale cell culture analogous (CCA) device.

Abstract: A cell co-culture apparatus and a method of co-culturing and isolating cells using the cell co-culture apparatus to research interactions between cells by direct contact between the cells are provided. The cell co-culture apparatus includes a first substrate including a substrate portion and a plurality of projections provided on a surface of the substrate portion, each of the projections having a top surface for culturing cells, a second substrate including a same number of first channels as a number of the projections such that the channels fit with the projections and substrate surfaces formed between the first channels, and a third substrate including a plurality of second channels corresponding with the top surfaces and a plurality of third channels corresponding with the substrate surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides a feedback controlled bioculture platform for use as a precision cell biology research tool and for clinical cell growth and maintenance applications. The system provides individual closed-loop flowpath cartridges, with integrated, aseptic sampling and routing to collection vials or analysis systems. The system can operate in a standard laboratory or other incubator for provision of requisite gas and thermal environment. System cartridges are modular and can be operated independently or under a unified system controlling architecture, and provide for scale-up production of cell and cell products for research and clinical applications. Multiple replicates of the flowpath cartridges allow for individual, yet replicate cell culture growth and multiples of the experiment models that can be varied according to the experiment design, or modulated to desired cell development of cell culture end-points.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for continuously converting sucrose to ?-D-glucose. The method comprises a three stage enzymatic reactor in which an aqueous solution of sucrose is first converted into a solution of fructose and ?-D-glucose by passing it through a porous, packed column containing an inert media on which invertase is immobilized. This solution is then sent through a second packed column containing glucose isomerase and finally a third packed column containing mutarotase. Solution temperature and pH are adjusted to maximize glucose output.

Abstract: System for thermocycling of fluids in cartridges comprising a thermocycling unit in thermal contact with a first substantially planar and heat conducting wall of a cartridge, a light source for transmitting light into the interior of said cartridge through a second light transparent wall of said cartridge which is arranged substantially perpendicular to said first wall, a light detector for detecting light emerging from the interior of the cartridge through said second wall and a fluid providing unit coupled to an inlet of the cartridge for providing the cartridge with fluid and an outlet of the cartridge to drain gas when the cartridge is filled with fluid. The invention further concerns a cartridge for conducting the thermal cycling of fluids.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring nitric oxide production and oxygen consumption in cultures of adherent cells continuously and without destroying the cells. The method involves flowing growth media through a tube having adherent cells are adhered to the inner surface thereof and then contacting the growth media with an NO or O2 sensor to detect the concentration of NO or O2 in the growth media.

Abstract: A method and system for culturing cells, having a substantially airtight enclosure configured to culture cells. The method and system also have a first conduit configured to provide a reduced pressure to the substantially airtight enclosure and a second conduit configured to provide a culture media to the substantially airtight enclosure.

Abstract: A device for forming a low volume reaction chamber on a substrate such as a microarray slide and its method of use is disclosed. The reaction chamber forming device has an adhesive laminate design that permits it to be manufactured as a disposable device. A preferred embodiment of the device includes pneumatically actuatable mixing bladders, which can be inflated or deflated to produce deflection of a wall of the reaction chamber in and out with respect to the reaction chamber to generate movement and mixing of fluid within the reaction chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for high-throughput analysis of compound absorption in a controlled environment that closely resembles in-vivo conditions. The apparatus includes at least one tissue-receiving enclosure that is capable of interfacing (e.g., via transfer of fluids, electronically, etc.) with a variety of preparative devices and analytical instrumentation. In some variations, the tissue-receiving enclosure is formed from two housings, which, when engaged, have a capsular shape. The enclosure receives a tissue sample in the form of an un-everted or everted intestinal segment or tubular artificial membrane. The tissue sample is coupled to a generally cylindrical tissue support. The tissue support and the enclosure are axially aligned, and openings at the ends of the enclosure align with openings at the ends of the tissue support. Two feed fittings, one for each end of the enclosure, forcefully mate with the aligned openings in the housing and the tissue support.

Abstract: Featured is a long-term cell culture system being configured and arranged so as to be capable of monitoring the dynamic processes that occur during proliferation and differentiation of stem cells such as central nervous system (CNS) stem cells/embryonic stem cells. In particular aspects, the system allows monitoring of such dynamic processes continually and to focally manipulate the cells by focal application of growth factors such as BMP, CNTF and other growth factors. Preferred systems are capable of electrical recording from the cells.

Abstract: A vegetable alga and microbe photosynthetic reaction system and method for the same is used for vegetable algae and microbe cultivation liquid and algae seeds infused herein to circularly conduct photosynthesis and discharge oxygen; the vegetable alga and microbe photosynthetic reaction system comprises a photosynthetic reaction unit, a pressure liquid infusion unit, and an oxygen discharge and regulation unit; the photosynthetic reaction unit is a light permeable pipeline; the oxygen discharge and regulation unit is assembled with an oxygen discharge can, a liquid collection can, and a regulation can for facilitating production and assembly, and many oxygen discharge points so that oxygen formed in the cultivation liquid can be quickly evaporated.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for forming a vascular graft in vitro by axially distending a blood vessel to induce growth. The apparatus comprises a chamber containing a tissue culture medium, an inlet cannula, an outlet cannula, and a means for moving the inlet cannula, the outlet cannula, or both, to axially stretch a donor blood vessel secured between the inlet cannula and the outlet cannula in a submerged position in the tissue culture medium, wherein the inlet cannula, the outlet cannula, and the donor blood vessel are secured together to form a conduit through which the tissue culture medium can flow.

Abstract: A device (1) is disclosed for providing a hybridization chamber (2), for hybridizing nucleic acid samples, proteins, or tissue sections on a slide (3), which is implemented so that it is movable in relation to this slide (3) and includes an annular sealing surface (4) for sealing the hybridization chamber (2) by being applied to a surface (5) of this slide (3), lines (6) for supplying and/or removing media to and/or from the hybridization chamber (2), and a specimen supply line (7). The devices according to the invention include a media-separating agitation device (8) for moving liquids in relation to samples immobilized on the surface (5) of the slide (3). Furthermore, process units (18) for hybridizing nucleic acid samples, proteins, or tissue sections and corresponding automatable systems including such process units (18) are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that allows the visualization of leakage of cell culture media through a conduit wall of a tissue-engineered biological construct such as a semilunar heart valve or valve graft under controlled physiologic conditions. The apparatus and method also allows for the assessment of valve function and intraluminal flow using conventional imaging modalities such as ultrasonic and magnetic resonance imaging. The apparatus allows the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of structural and functional characteristics of a condition tissue engineered construct prior to implantation using a valve housing and chamber and a flow-pressure simulator.

Abstract: A method for floating at least one substance for growing a tissue part in a bioreactor. The method includes providing at least one substance consisting of one of a tissue part, a scaffold having cells deposited thereon, and a scaffold including a tissue part thereon. The method further includes further acting upon the substance with fluid, wherein the fluid holds the substance in free floatation. The fluid flows in a direction counter to gravity when a density of the substance is greater than a density of the fluid, and in a direction counter to buoyancy when a density of the substance is less than a density of the fluid. The bioreactor for floating at least one substance for growing a tissue part includes a container including a first flow chamber and at least one substance consisting of one of a tissue part, a scaffold having cells deposited thereon, and a scaffold including a tissue part thereon. The substance is acted upon with fluid. The bioreactor further includes an apparatus for conveying the fluid.

Abstract: A device and a method for the cultivation of cells is disclosed that utilizes external pneumatic pressure responsive to liquid level sensors to gently recirculate and cause turbulence in cell growth medium to promote cell growth without any shearing action and without a stir motor or mechanical manipulation means.