Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus that can be used for co-culturing bacteria and eukaryotic cells. The apparatus allows the bacteria to be grown under steady state conditions and then perfused over the eukaryotic cells. The invention also includes a variety of methods for studying the attachment and invasion of host eukaryotic cells by bacteria.

Abstract: A non-disruptive three-dimensional culture system allows cell growth and proliferation in three dimensions, permitting cell splitting without subjecting cells to disruptive conditions that affect cell structure and functions. An extracellular matrix provides a good environment for culturing or co-culturing anchorage-dependent cells. The cells cultured this manner can be readily used in such applications as cell transplantation, tissue engineering seeding of cells on scaffolds, and other applications that require immediate availability of functioning cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for selecting accelerated proliferation of living cells in suspension. The culture apparatus (2) of the present invention enables cells to proliferate in suspension over unlimited periods of time. Natural selection results in the accumulation of genetic variants which are increasingly better adapted to the chosen culture conditions. The organisms used can be prokaryotic or eukaryotic. The organisms used can be naturally occurring organisms or genetically modified organisms. The culture apparatus of the present invention is also suitable for using continuous, periodical or conditional culture conditions. The physical and chemical characteristics of the culture media used can be chosen by the user. The requirement that a population of cells proliferates exclusively in suspension in continuous culture conditions is satisfied by the periodical transfer of the organism suspension from a first culture vessel into a second culture vessel.

Abstract: A method for deodorizing a storage tank having mercaptan residue disposed therein includes the steps of delivering a cleaning material to the storage tank, and absorbing the mercaptan residue from the walls of the tank into the cleaning material. The cleaning material having absorbed the mercaptan is transferred to a recovery vessel. The mercaptan is continuously sparged from the cleaning material with natural gas for continuously and repeated using the cleaning material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved solid state fermentation device that combines all of the operations of microorganism cultivation (sterilization, inoculation, cultivation, extraction, and post extraction treatment). This solid state fermentation device is modular in nature and operates in a contained manner so that the live microorganisms from the reactor cannot come into contact with the environment and pollute the environment and also so that the environment inside the bioreactor is aseptic. Another aspect of this invention allows fermentation of microorganisms without inhibiting the growth of the microorganism. Specifically, the bioreactor is designed to remove heat that accumulates inside the bioreactor during fermentation by conduction. Additionally, there is a mechanism to add fluid to the interior of the bioreactor that permits equal distribution and precise control of a variety of environmental parameters.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cell culture device for inducing shear stress and/or strain on cells. The device includes a cell culture membrane and a flow pathway for moving fluid across cells growing on the membrane to apply shear stress on the cells. Another embodiment of the device includes a body having flow shafts into which slides are placed. Fluid flows through the flow shafts over the slides to apply shear stress to cells growing on the slides.

Abstract: The invention concerns a solid state fermenter in particular for large volumes as well as a procedure for solid state fermentation. The task of the present invention was the development of a solid state fermenter for large volumes and of a procedure for solid state fermentation, that allows an economic application of the solid state fermentation for little competitive micro-organisms in large fermenters. The solid state fermenter according to the invention is characterized by representing a module fermenter, where at least two module bases, that are permeable for air and water, are arranged on top of each other, which are connected with the wall of the vessel in such a manner, that neither air nor water can pass laterally, the existence of a cultivation substrate for the micro-organisms, which have to be cultivated, on the module bases, a cooling device below every module base and the fermenter being closed with a lid.

Abstract: The configurable microreactor network of the invention comprises a substrate in which a plurality of overpassing channels are arranged. Said channels are optionally interconnectable via connecting channel arrangements. Between said channels, microreactors are arranged which are connected with the channels. Here, too, channel-connecting arrangements are employed. Said channel-connecting arrangements comprise a plurality of connecting channels in which blocking elements can be positioned or inserted in any other way or activated. The arrangement and/or state of the blocking elements allows the highest possible integration density to be reached respectively for each of a series of specified degrees of (re-) configuration flexibility (the necessity of which depends on the application type).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing organic acid by high-efficiency fermentation, which comprises the steps of continuous culture of organic acid bacteria and collection of organic acid produced from the culture employing a cell-recycle multiple-stage continuous fermentor with serially connected fermentors, each of which comprises a fermentor containing a ferment container, temperature controller, stirrer, and pH controller; pumps for efflux-circulation of media from the fermentor; and, cell separator for separation and circulation of media from the pumps. According to the present method, the high-concentration lactic acid of 90 g/L can be produced with the high productivity of 50 g/L/h, which can reduce the facility cost and production cost in the bulk manufacturing process.

Abstract: A chamber has a lid that permits opening and closing of the chamber for inserting or removing a cell culture from the chamber while the chamber is in a stack of chambers without removing any of the chambers from the stack. The lid of the chamber may have one or more ports which enable substances to be introduced into or removed from the chamber when the chamber is sealed by the lid. In one embodiment, the lid is a side wall of a rectangular chamber in a stack of rectangular chambers. Spacers may be provided between the chambers of the stack to provide space between the chambers and restrict horizontal movement of the chambers relative to each other. A flexible container containing an atmosphere may be connected to a port of the chamber, and the atmosphere may be transferred to the chamber by compressing the flexible container. After a cell culture is introduced into the chamber, the stack of chambers may be placed into an incubator.

Abstract: The present invention includes a cell cultivating flask and a method for growing cells within the cell cultivating flask which is configured such that a user can directly access the individual trays or cell growing areas within the cell cultivating flask. Basically, the cell cultivating flask includes a cover located on top of an intermediate tray which is located on top of a bottom tray. The intermediate tray and bottom tray each have a bottom plate and side walls that define a cell growth area. And, the cover and intermediate tray each have a neck with an opening formed therein which enables a user to directly add or remove a cell cultivating media to or from each of the cell growth areas in the intermediate tray and the bottom tray. The cell cultivating flask may have more than one intermediate tray.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.

Abstract: A system for producing a library of oligomer comprising at least two monomers in a positionally determined array comprise a plurality of synthesis supports, a first plurality of support carriers wherein each carrier has a uniform array of distinct support holding positions for the synthesis supports; means for contacting each array of synthesis supports with a different monomer to provide a first chemical transformation of the synthesis supports; a second plurality of support carriers wherein each carrier has a uniform array of distinct support holding positions for receiving the chemically transformed synthesis supports contained in the first plurality of support carriers; transfer apparatus for transferring a selected row or column of synthesis supports from each of the first plurality of carriers to each of the second plurality of carriers to enable the supports in the second to undergo at least a second chemical transformation; and whereby each support position in each carrier identifies the chemical comp

Abstract: The present invention is directed to microbiological processes for the oxidative treatment of refractory gold and base metal ores and concentrates, and particularly, an apparatus for testing refractory gold and sulfidic base metal ores for their suitability to heap biooxidation or bioleaching processes. The invention can be used to simulate heap biooxidation. This apparatus incorporates features of heap biooxidation and may be used to generate engineering data for creating detailed process and engineering designs. The invention can be used to develop a select population of bacteria geared to optimize biooxidation of a specific refractory ore.

Abstract: A loading system for providing a cell suitable for delivery of an agent to a vertebrate, the system comprise a loading module for loading a cell with an agent; and a sensitisation module in fluid communication with the loading module, the sensitisation module for sensitising a cell to an energy field, such that said cell is induced to release the agent upon exposure to said energy field. The system can be used to transform a cell, such as a red blood cell, into a delivery vehicle for delivering a therapeutic agent and/or an imaging agent to a vertebrate, and in particular, to a mammal, such as a human being.

Abstract: Air laden with biodegradable volatile organic compounds is passed sequentially through a first filter bed containing a biologically inert filter media and a second filter bed containing a biologically active filter media. Water is present in the biologically active filter media and the biologically inert filter media. Water that drains from the second filter bed is collected and supplied to the first filter bed.

Abstract: It is biological deodorizing apparatus that has an inlet portion (1), a treating portion (2) and an outlet portion (3) in a series, and biologically deodorizes gas in said treating portion. Each of frames of said portions is composed of one or more rectangular hexahedron box-like frame units (6) constructed by connecting frame members (4) and joints (5). Said treating portion is constructed containing cartridges (11) being set by several porous plastic sheets (10) in parallel with each other at a distance can be pulled out free in horizontal direction. Said treating portion's blow-off surfaces (13) is connected to lower located blow-in surfaces (14) of said outlet portion in airtight condition, and open surfaces (15) are sealed with seal panels (16). Water is supplied to upper portion of said treating portion, and drained off through bottom portion.

Abstract: A method for photoeluting photocleavable linker-attached chemical compounds, and an apparatus suitable for implementing the method, are disclosed. According to the method, photocleavable linker-attached library compounds are photoeluted from solid support media under conditions of controlled light exposure and controlled temperature. An apparatus suitable for carrying out the present photoelution method includes means for substantially evenly illuminating the photocleavable linker, means for controlling illumination time and intensity, and means for controlling sample temperature.

Abstract: A fermentation apparatus is constructed to produce a known and repeatable amount of untainted fermentation product using multiple fermentation vessels. To facilitate further processing compatible with other product processing steps, the fermentation apparatus has an array of sample vessels arranged in a container frame. The container frame is configured to hold the sample vessels during fermentation and to transport the vessel array to or from another processing station. Corresponding to the number of sample vessels in the sample vessel array, a cannula array is configured such that each cannula may be placed inside a sample vessel. The cannula array is attached to a gas distributor that delivers oxygen and/or one or more other gases from a gas source through the cannula into the sample vessel. Because the fermentation volume for each individual sample vessel is smaller than a bulk fermentation apparatus, the fermentation product yields are predictable and cell growth rates can be effectively optimized.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus that can be used for co-culturing bacteria and eukaryotic cells. The apparatus allows the bacteria to be grown under steady state conditions and then perfused over the eukaryotic cells. The invention also includes a variety of methods for studying the attachment and invasion of host eukaryotic cells by bacteria.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for making a designer disease is disclosed. The apparatus comprises first, second, and third containers, each having two sections, I and II, separated by a semipermeable material through which a microbe can pass but cells from target and non-target populations cannot pass, and an entrance and an exit to each section. The entrance to section I of the first and second containers are circulation entrances, the exits from section II of the first and second containers are circulation exits, and the entrance to and exit from section I of the third container is a circulation entrance and a circulation exit, respectively. Conduits form a loop by connecting the circulation exit of each container to the circulation entrance to another container. A pump moves fluid around the loop and microbes in the fluid are mutated. A method of making a designer disease using that apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: An in vitro system for perfusion of cultured cells comprising one or more cell culture devices, one or more reservoirs, and a perfusion mechanism for providing a fluid flow between the one or more cell culture devices and the one or more reservoirs. Also provided is a method of using the in vitro system to contact cultured cells, contained in the one or more cell culture devices, with a biological substance. The biological substance may be mixed with medium, and then the medium may be circulated through the one or more cell culture devices so that the biological substance contacts cultured cells contained in the one or more cell culture devices.

Abstract: A composite bioreactor and a method of using same is described. The bioreactor (10) comprises a combination of a sulfur oxidizing bacteria (SOB) bioreactor (12) directly on top of a sulphate reducing bacteria (SRB) bioreactor (14); the SOB bioreactor (12) comprising a heap of said soil to be rernediated and having suitable microorganisms therein to react with degrade contained contaminants; said SRB bioreactor comprising trough means (18) having support means to support said soil heap associated with an opening thereof, said support means having permeable membrane (16) associated therewith to allow passage of liquid but substantially no soil and sulfur reducing bacteria within said trough means (18); and liquid and nutrient supply means to promote growth of said sulfur oxidizing bacteria and said sulphate reducing bacteria within said composite bioreactor.

Abstract: An enzyme membrane reactor is designed to enhance the production efficiency of foods, pharmaceutical products, and other bioproducts. The reactor is formed of a cap and a container in which a plurality of the biocatalyst-immobilized sheets are located at an interval. The reactor works in such a way that a liquid reaction mixture is introduced into the container via an inlet of the container, thereby resulting in the synthesis of a bioproduct mixture which is collected via an outlet of the reactor. The immobilized biocatalyst is prepared by entrapping a biocatalyst with a gluten matrix. The immobilized biocatalyst is deposited on supporting meshes contained by a plurality of frames that are inserted in a plurality of pairs of grooves contained by two opposite side walls of the container. Deactivated biocatalyst-immobilized sheets are replaceable and recyclable.

Abstract: A mixing and pouring apparatus for computer controlled processing of mixing and pouring operations includes a rotatable arm capable of holding vessels therein, the arm rotatable at programmable speeds and time lengths to perform automated moving and pouring processes. The present invention further provides a cap and vessel positioning system that securely locks a vessel in place and realigns the cap in essentially the identical position in relation to the vessel every time the vessel is capped. In one embodiment, both the cap and vessel have flanges that are aligned when the cap is properly secured to the vessel.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and applications for use of a stacked, reconfigurable system for electrophoretic transport are provided. In one embodiment, a system having a first chamber including at least a bottom support and an intermediate support, and a second chamber, said second chamber including a bottom support and a top member, the first and second chambers being coupled through a via. Electrophoretic, and optional electro-osmotic and thermal, transport is effected. In another aspect of this invention, three or more chambers are coupled by an electrophoretic buss. The electrophoretic buss includes driving electrodes and is adapted to receive fluid containing materials for transport. The chambers are coupled to the electrophoretic buss and serve as a tap from the buss for delivery of charged materials. In one embodiment, certain functions are performed in different chambers.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of and an apparatus for cultivating a cell or tissue capable of preventing the cell or tissue from being contaminated and realizing an efficient in vitro culture. The method of and the apparatus for cultivating a cell or tissue comprise installing a culture position (culture chamber) under an environment that is arbitrarily controlled such as an environment mimicking the living body, supplying a culture medium to the cell or tissue while the cell or tissue is held at the culture position, and cultivating the cell or tissue at the culture position that is under the ideal environment, thereby preventing the cell or tissue from being contaminated and realizing an efficient in vitro culture.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and devices are provided for the growth of hematopoietic cells in culture. Bioreactors are provided in which diverse cell types are simultaneously cultured in the presence of appropriate levels of nutrients and growth factors substantially continuously maintained in the bioreactor while removing undesirable metabolic products. This simultaneous culture of multiple cell types is required for the successful reconstruction of hematopoietic tissue ex vivo. At least one growth factor is provided through excretion by transfected stromal cells, particularly heterologous cells. Means are provided for maintaining the stromal cells and hematopoietic cells separately, to allow for early removal of the hematopoietic cells.

Abstract: The present invention includes a cell cultivating flask and a method for growing cells within the cell cultivating flask which is configured such that a user can directly access the individual trays or cell growing areas within the cell cultivating flask. Basically, the cell cultivating flask includes a cover located on top of an intermediate tray which is located on top of a bottom tray. The intermediate tray and bottom tray each have a bottom plate and side walls that define a cell growth area. And, the cover and intermediate tray each have a neck with an opening formed therein which enables a user to directly add or remove a cell cultivating media to or from each of the cell growth areas in the intermediate tray and the bottom tray. The cell cultivating flask may have more than one intermediate tray.

Abstract: A cell-cultivating device includes a plurality of culture tanks and a driving device. The culture tanks communicate with each other and have culture medium inside. The driving device forces the culture medium to flow between the culture tanks so as to vertically oscillate medium levels in the culture tanks.

Abstract: An apparatus for automated preparation of DNA samples which comprises a reactor for preparing DNA samples and adjacent thereto an enzyme supply section, a plate holding section, a nozzle sealing section and a cleaning tank section, and wherein plates are loaded onto or unloaded from said plate holding section by means of a transport robot.

Abstract: A process and device are disclosed for simultaneously cultivating different mammal cells, for separately obtaining different mammal cell products and for simulating organic interactions on the humoral plane. Essentially, the invention consists of arranging several culture vessels in a common supply circuit and or cultivating different mammal cells in separate vessels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aseptic biological production of cells and/or microorganisms is provided. The apparatus includes a support housing having an interior chamber, a disposable liner lining the interior chamber and a head plate attached to the liner forming a sealed chamber with the liner. After use the liner can be thrown away and the apparatus can be reused with a new liner. In this way, the apparatus simplifies cleaning and ensuring validation required by pharmaceutical and food industry standards.

Abstract: An integrated treatment process and apparatus is provided for removing selected contaminants from both liquid and gaseous waste streams. A multistage separation and bio-oxidation substrate is provided in a column through which the contaminants are passed. The substrate components provide absorption, adsorption, ion exchange, solubility, and bio-degradation qualities to the column to effectively separate and destroy a wide range of contaminants in industrial waste streams.

Abstract: A photosynthetic culture system has a culture bath holding an fluid containing plant microorganisms, carbon dioxide supplying means for supplying carbon dioxide to the fluid in the culture bath, light-conducting plate in the form of a flat plate placed oppositely to a light-receiving culture surface existing on the side of said culture bath, and light-receiving panel mounted on the upper end surface of the light-conducting plate. Further said light-conducting plate has the function of turning incident light from said light-receiving panel by right angles to conduct the light uniformly to said light-receiving culture surface of said culture bath.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a novel process and bioreactor for enhancing the bioleaching of metals from sulfide mineral concentrations.

Abstract: A method for continuously processing organic material includes the steps of: (1) jointly disposing at least two fermenting tanks in series with at least one stirring apparatus and at least one temperature detector; (2) supplying a certain amount of processing material into the first fermenting tank; (3) detecting temperature in each of the fermenting tanks and controlling amount of half fermented material to be transferred from a fermenting tank positioned at upper stream to a fermenting tank positioned at lower stream such that the temperature in each of the fermenting tanks maintains at temperature of “final phase of fermentation heat rising period” or “constant temperature period”; and (4) discharging composted organic material from the last fermenting tank properly when the processing material has been composted.

Abstract: A commercial and institutional kitchen retrofit system for 1. the automatic daily cleaning of commercial kitchen exhaust hoods and flues, 2. a low pressure, low volume, recirculating cleaning system designed for the removal of oily residue from hard surfaces and the accelerated bioremediation of the resulting collective hydrocarbon waste, 3. the collection and elimination of roof-top grease accumulations, 4. the systematic on site incubation and enhanced propagation of cultured, hydrocarbon specific, bacterial microorganisms in an automatically mixed aqueous solution containing PH neutral oxidizers and hydrocarbon base emulsifiers altogether, producing a regenerative, recyclable cleaning solution specifically developed for use in 5.

Abstract: A cell and tissue culture device comprises several culture wells (18-i) accommodating cells and tissues to be grown, of first (2) and second (25) tanks, and connecting means (20,23,24) coupled to wells and tanks so as to enable a culture fluid to flow from one tank to another via the wells. Each tank (20,25) accommodates at least a flexible pocket (6,7;27,29), at least one of which is able to receive the culture fluid. The device further comprises at least a controller module (50,150) providing first and/or second sequences of external pressures to be applied, on the pockets of first and second tanks, respectively, and pressurization means (41,46-49) configured for applying to the pockets, pressures defined by said first and second sequences provided by the controller module.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of treating mammalian diseases using myoblasts, and/or their physical, genetic, chemical derivatives. Myogenic cells that are normal, or genetically or phenotypically altered are cultured and transplanted into malfunctioning and/or degenerative tissues or organs to alleviate conditions that are hereditary, degenerative, debilitating, undesirable, and/or fatal. Treatment of these conditions is not limited to the usage of mechanical, electrical or physical properties of these myogenic cells, but includes the usage of biochemicals secreted/released by the latter. The present invention discloses the use of normal myoblasts to deliver the complete normal genome to effect genetic repair, or to augment the size, or the function of tissues or organs. Certain conditions may be better served with genetically altered myogenic cells derived from gene transduction, whereas others may be better served with cytoclimes converter cells.

Abstract: A modular biofiltration support system is quickly erectable in virtually any size and shape using plastic modules that are interconnected at the site. Included in the system are bed platform modules which assemble together to form a bed platform to support the weight of the biofilter medium within the area defined by the frame, and a multiplicity of bed support legs which are assembled into the bed platform modules to hold the bed platform at a raised position above the ground, defining a plenum for entering gases, between the ground and the bed platform. In one embodiment, at least some of the legs include air directing vanes which can be oriented in positions to cause generally even distribution of the gases within the plenum. The bed platform modules have openings to direct the gases to flow upwardly through the biofilter medium.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aseptic biological production or processing of cells, tissues and/or microorganisms is provided. The apparatus includes a support housing having an interior chamber, a disposable liner lining the interior chamber and a head plate attached to the liner forming a sealed chamber with the liner. After use the liner can be disposed and the apparatus can be reused with a new liner. In this way, the apparatus simplifies cleaning and ensuring validation required by pharmaceutical and food industry standards.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved solid state fermentation device that combines all of the operations of microorganism cultivation (sterilization, inoculation, cultivation, extraction, and post extraction treatment). This solid state fermentation device is modular in nature and operates in a contained manner so that the live microorganisms from the reactor cannot come into contact with the environment and pollute the environment and also so that the environment inside the bioreactor is aseptic. Another aspect of this invention allows fermentation of microorganisms without inhibiting the growth of the microorganism. Specifically, the bioreactor is designed to remove heat that accumulates inside the bioreactor during fermentation by conduction. Additionally, there is a mechanism to add fluid to the interior of the bioreactor that permits equal distribution and precise control of a variety of environmental parameters.

Abstract: The invention concerns a solid-phase determination method and equipment and an adapter for use in these. In the method a sample is allowed to react with a separating reagent bound to the outer surface of a separate solid phase body, whereafter the body is removed from the vessel and is taken to a measurement vessel, if required through one or several intermediate step vessels. At least one vessel contains a medium needed in a determination step to be performed therein when the phase body is brought into this vessel. The invention is especially suitable for use in automatic immunodetermination systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water supply and drainage type microorganic deodorizing system, by which a clogging of deodorizer can be effectively prevented in order to decrease a deodorizing capacity, wherein deodorization chambers are provided in two stages in the tower main body, offensive odor constituents are gradually adsorbed by filters of the deodorization chambers as ordered by decomposing action of microorganisms, and decomposed in order to completely deodorize. Furthermore, by providing a water sprinkling system of replenishing water in relation to the filters the performance of the filters can be restored, and furthermore, by providing a water diluting system WC which dilutes cleansing water of the filters, drainage can be prevented from being contaminated, in accordance with drainage standards.