Abstract: The subject technology relates to a cell retention device and method for use in a perfusion cell culture system where the cell retention device includes a hollow-fiber filter having an average pore size ranging from about 0.5 to about 20 ?m and having the ability to operate under perfusion cell culture conditions for up to 35 days without being clogged or losing its product sieving ability by more than 20%.

Abstract: A bioreactor configured to contain a volume of liquid is provided. The bioreactor includes a collapsible bag able to contain the volume of liquid, a first sparger connected to the collapsible bag, and a second sparger connected to the collapsible bag.

Abstract: A method includes containing an algae media within a contactor, introducing a stream of natural gas comprising up to 80 wt % carbon dioxide (CO2) into the contactor, contacting the natural gas on the algae media and thereby allowing the algae media to consume CO2 from the natural gas, and discharging a stream of natural gas comprising 2 wt % or less CO2 from the contactor.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a carbon capture adapter that may attach to high air flow systems. A carbon capture adapter may utilize the air flow foundations of a high air flow system to allow for capture of unfiltered ambient air, allowing for carbon removal and the scrubbing of the unfiltered ambient air. The carbon capture adapter may comprise of carbon sensors that may detect carbon levels of the air before and after the carbon has been scrubbed or removed from the ambient air. The carbon capture adapter may capture and transform the carbon into secondary substances that may be useful unto itself, even further limiting waste and environmental damage. The carbon capture adapter will have all inputs, outputs, processes, and flows that meet all aspects of a closed loop system that is specifically designed for CCS.

Abstract: A gas supply device for operation in an incubator allowing treatment of a culture within a shaker flask with gas independently of the composition and humidity of the gas atmosphere within the incubator individually supplies each shaker flask of the incubator with gas using a gas supply clamp detachably connected to the closure cap of each flask. The gas supply clamp has at least two elastic clamping jaws and a web connecting the clamping jaws to one another. The clamping jaws exert a clamping force on the side wall of the closure cap. The clamp is held in place by the elastic clamping jaws. Above a sterile filter in the closure cap, an individual gas atmosphere for treatment of the culture in the shaker flask is produced in a recess of the web above a gas passage in the closure cap.

Abstract: Described and claimed is a novel system and method for monitoring the metabolic rate of a cellular population in an industrial process. The invention includes obtaining a sample of the cellular population and initiating a reaction between a metabolic component of the cellular population and a bioreporter. The reaction produces a detectable metabolic signal which is measured and analyzed to determine a metabolic rate of the cellular population. In preferred embodiments, a controller is operable to provide prompts to a user and/or automate various steps of the invention.

Abstract: A mixing vessel (10) for containing a liquid, comprises a chamber having a lower chamber portion and an upper chamber portion wider than the lower portion, gas inlet means (14) for supplying gas to the lower portion and means for redirecting rising gas (24), such that, in use, rising gas in the form of bubbles, initially rises substantially vertically and is redirected in a substantially horizontal direction by the means for redirecting rising gas.

Abstract: A container system includes a bag having of one or more sheets of flexible polymeric material, the bag having an interior surface at least partially bounding a chamber that is adapted to hold a fluid. A sparger is secured to the interior surface of the bag so that a compartment is formed between the interior surface of the bag and the sparger. At least a portion of the sparger includes a sparging sheet formed from a flexible sheet of a gas permeable material. A tubular port or tube is coupled with the bag so that a passage bounded by the tubular port or tube communicates with the compartment.

Abstract: A mixing vessel (10) for containing a liquid, comprises a chamber having a lower chamber portion and an upper chamber portion wider than the lower portion, gas inlet means (14) for supplying gas to the lower portion and means for redirecting rising gas (24), such that, in use, rising gas in the form of bubbles, initially rises substantially vertically and is redirected in a substantially horizontal direction by the means for redirecting rising gas.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for bioprocessing using a liquid comprises an at least partially flexible vessel for receiving the liquid, and a filter adapted for moving within the liquid. An agitator may also be provided for agitating the liquid, and may be connected to the mixer. The mixer may spin or may not spin about an axis of rotation.

Abstract: Photochemical process and device adapted to breed, produce, or hydrocultivate microorganisms. The process includes conveying a reaction medium in a reactor in a meander-shaped way that includes moving the reaction medium along a direction that perpendicularly or inclined at an angle to an imaginary horizontal plane, wherein, during the conveying, the reaction medium moves in the reactor at least once along a first direction defined as one of a top down direction and a direction of gravity, moves in the reactor at least once along a second direction defined as one of a bottom up direction and against the direction of gravity, and moves in the reactor one of freely under atmospheric pressure and while exposed to the atmosphere. The process also includes introducing into and removing from the reactor the reaction medium in a continuous manner.

Abstract: A photobioreactor apparatus in which a reaction chamber contains a slurry of water, nutrients and photosynthetic organisms. The sidewall of the reaction chamber is constructed of translucent material, thereby permitting light to be conveyed into the slurry to promote photosynthesis. The interior of the reaction chamber is in fluid communication with a gas dispenser. A lift member is disposed in the reaction chamber and gas is introduced in the slurry beneath the lift member, thereby providing buoyancy to lift the lift member, thereby providing agitation and movement of the slurry within the photobioreactor and enhancing growth of photosynthetic organisms.

Abstract: The bioreactor is for use in performing biological and/or biochemical reactions and includes a vessel, an agitator, a reaction assembly, and a harvesting outlet. The vessel of the bioreactor includes several ports including a mixing port, a reaction port, and a harvesting port. The agitator extends through the mixing port into the vessel while the harvesting outlet extends through the harvesting port and permits the withdrawal of reaction medium to another vessel. The reaction assembly extends through the reaction port into the vessel and has multiple components including a gas conduit adapted to introduce gas into a reaction medium in the vessel, a sampling device adapted to remove a portion of the reaction medium from the vessel without contamination of the remaining reaction medium, and an introduction conduit permitting the introduction of at least the reaction medium into the vessel.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a bioreactor for producing a bioproduct comprising a housing; and one or more catalytically active zones located in the housing and adapted to keep two incompatible gaseous reactants separated when in a gas phase, wherein each of said catalytically active zone comprises a catalytic component retainer and a catalytic component retained within and/or on the catalytic component retainer. Each of said catalytically active zones may additionally or alternatively comprise a liquid medium located on either side of the catalytic component retainer and the catalytic component may additionally or alternatively be a suspended catalytic component suspended in a liquid medium located on either side of the catalytic component retainer. Methods of using various embodiments of the bioreactor to produce a bioproduct, such as isobutanol, are also provided.

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

Abstract: A composting apparatus and method is described. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical drum which is horizontally rotatably supported. A hopper is disposed at a feed end of the drum for receiving organic waste material in soft or hard form. A material shredding mechanism and a grinding mechanism are rotatably secured in the hopper and driven in counter-rotation for shredding and grinding the organic waste material and feeding it into an inlet opening of the drum. A series of material mixing and conveying vane assemblies are secured spaced-apart inside the drum and define sub-composting compartments therebetween. The material mixing and conveying vane assemblies have a plurality of vanes secured in spaced-apart relationship and project interiorly towards a central longitudinal axis of the drum and are oriented at a common angle to mix, further shred and displace shredded and ground material from the inlet opening towards the rear discharge end of the drum.

Abstract: A sparger includes a body bounding a compartment. A tubular port or tube is coupled with the body. The tubular port or tub bounds a passage that communicates with the compartment of the body. At least a portion of the body includes of a first sparging sheet. The first sparging sheet includes a flexible sheet of a gas permeable material such that a gas passing into the compartment of the body through the passage can exit the compartment by permeating through the first sparging sheet.

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

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses herein provide a unique and novel process to remove H2S from biogas. Methods, systems and apparatuses herein provide a unique and novel process to remove H2S from biogas with ease of operation and reduced operating and capital costs. Methods, systems and apparatuses herein provide a unique and novel process to remove H2S over CO2 from biogas.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for growing genetically enhanced aquatic photoautotrophic organisms in a stable culture, causing the organisms to produce ethanol, and then separating, collecting, and removing the ethanol in situ.

Abstract: The invention features methods for producing isoprene from cultured cells. The invention also provides compositions that include these cultured cells. The invention provides isoprene compositions, such as compositions with increased amount of isoprene or increased purity. Additionally, the invention provides methods of producing isoprene by culturing cells under conditions suitable for isoprene production while maintaining cell viability and/or metabolic activity.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of cell bioreactors, and specifically in the field of disposable bioreactors.

Abstract: A photobioreactor (100) for use in treating polluted air and producing biomass may comprise, at least in part, a generally vertical tube or fluidic pathway (102), a generally vertical helical tube or fluidic pathway (104) having a light source (106) partially positioned within the helical fluidic pathway (104), a head cap assembly (108), and a base assembly (110). In one illustrative example, the light source (106) may be a light emitting diode (LED) or a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs). By one approach, a gas diffusion apparatus (112) is located at the base assembly (110) adjacent the generally vertical fluidic pathway (102).

Abstract: A system for mixing a liquid solution or suspension includes a support housing bounding a compartment and a collapsible bag disposed within the compartment. A mixer is disposed within the collapsible bag while a sparger delivers a gas to the lower end of the collapsible bag. A gas outlet line extends from an upper end of the collapsible bag to a condenser assembly. A gas exhaust line and a fluid collection line both extend from the condenser assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for growing algae for sequestering carbon dioxide and then harvesting the algae includes a container for a suspension of algae in a liquid and a bioreactor having a translucent channel in fluid communication with the container to absorb CO2 and grow the algae. A monitor determines the growth of the algae in the channel. A separator separates the grown algae from the suspension and an extractor extracts biomaterials from the grown algae.

Abstract: A bioactive filter is provided which comprises a transparent canister having gas permeable membranes as entry and exit ports. A source of carbon dioxide in gaseous form is allowed to enter the entry membrane and pass through a solution contained in the canister which supports a live colony of algae. The algae carries out photosynthesis thereby altering the carbon dioxide to oxygen and sugar. The oxygen is released through the exit port.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sequestering CO2 using algae comprises a plurality of vertically suspended bioreactors, each bioreactor being translucent and including a flow channel formed by a plurality of baffles. A culture tank contains a suspension of water and at least one algae and includes a plurality of gas jets for introducing a CO2-containing gas into the suspension. The culture tank is in fluid communication with an inlet in each channel for flowing the suspension through the channel in the presence of light. A pump pumps the suspension into the channel inlet.

Abstract: A bioreactor is provided that includes a main reactor having a configuration selected from the group consisting of stirred and unstirred tank reactor, trickle bed reactor (TBR), cocurrent contactor (CCC), moving bed bioreactor (MBBR), and a bubble column reactor. The bioreactor also includes a growth reactor continuous with the main reactor and having a configuration selected from the group consisting of stirred and unstirred tank reactor, trickle bed reactor (TBR), cocurrent contactor (CCC), moving bed bioreactor (MBBR), and a bubble column reactor. A method is also provided where acetogenic bacteria are contacted with syngas in a growth fermentor section of a reactor vessel that is continuous with a main fermentor section of a reactor vessel.

Abstract: A triphasic bioreactor for physico-chemically treating a gas is disclosed. The triphasic bioreactor comprises a reaction chamber with a liquid and biocatalysts in suspension in the liquid, for catalyzing a reaction between the gas and the liquid to obtain a treated gas and a solution containing a reaction product. A gas bubbling means is provided in the reaction chamber for bubbling the gas to be treated into the liquid thereby dissolving the gas into the liquid and increasing a pressure inside the reaction chamber. The bioreactor further comprises a liquid inlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber for receiving the liquid and filling the reaction chamber, a liquid outlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber for releasing the solution and a gas outlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber to release the treated gas. The bioreactor further comprises a retention device to retain the biocatalysts in the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A triphasic bioreactor for physico-chemically treating a gas is disclosed. The triphasic bioreactor comprises a reaction chamber with a liquid and biocatalysts in suspension in the liquid, for catalyzing a reaction between the gas and the liquid to obtain a treated gas and a solution containing a reaction product. A gas bubbling means is provided in the reaction chamber for bubbling the gas to be treated into the liquid thereby dissolving the gas into the liquid and increasing a pressure inside the reaction chamber. The bioreactor further comprises a liquid inlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber for receiving the liquid and filling the reaction chamber, a liquid outlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber for releasing the solution and a gas outlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber to release the treated gas. The bioreactor further comprises a retention device to retain the biocatalysts in the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A triphasic bioreactor for physico-chemically treating a gas is disclosed. The triphasic bioreactor comprises a reaction chamber with a liquid and biocatalysts in suspension in the liquid, for catalyzing a reaction between the gas and the liquid to obtain a treated gas and a solution containing a reaction product. A gas bubbling means is provided in the reaction chamber for bubbling the gas to be treated into the liquid thereby dissolving the gas into the liquid and increasing a pressure inside the reaction chamber. The bioreactor further comprises a liquid inlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber for receiving the liquid and filling the reaction chamber, a liquid outlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber for releasing the solution and a gas outlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber to release the treated gas. The bioreactor further comprises a retention device to retain the biocatalysts in the reaction chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for growing genetically enhanced aquatic photoautotrophic organisms in a stable culture, causing said organisms to produce ethanol, and then separating, collecting, and removing the ethanol in situ.

Abstract: Oxygen is delivered into a liquid contained within a vessel. Oxygen-rich gas is introduced at an inner mixing region of a vessel toward an agitating element for dissolving some of the oxygen into the liquid. Air is introduced to the liquid at a location different from where the oxygen-rich gas is introduced, minimizing coalescing of bubbles of the oxygen-rich gas and air bubbles. Running the agitating element in the vessel may induce mixing of the liquid and improve oxygen dissolution. Movement of the air bubbles can also generate a mixing effect on the liquid, yet independent from mixing caused by the agitating element. In some embodiments, currents produced by the agitating element are asymmetric with respect to a vertical axis of the vessel. Air bubbles may also form an asymmetric configuration of bubbles about the vertical axis.

Abstract: Biological liquid substances in a disposable bioreactor or a disposable fermentor is enriched with a dissolved gas such as oxygen. The gas is provided to the liquid in meeting growth needs of biomass within the disposable vessel. The liquid is processed through a bubble forming element such as a supersonic mixer, a membrane sparger, or the like, to form a gas-liquid dispersion. The dispersion has a high interfacial surface area for facilitating gas dissolution in the liquid. Receptacles of the disposable vessel may be coupled (e.g., magnetically) to one or more processing devices (e.g., motors, pumps, gas sources) outside of the disposable vessel so that components within the disposable vessel are able to perform functions suitable for furthering reaction and/or fermentation processes.

Abstract: A method of making a molded part, including forming a liquid aggregate from a mixture of finely ground aggregate and a fluid. A mixture of a fungal inoculum and the liquid aggregate is formed. Nanoparticles are homogenously distributed throughout the mixture. The mixture is inserted into a mold cavity. Live mycelium is grown to fill the mold cavity. The live mycelium is heated to terminate further growth and develop a formed part.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing biological products in a single container from the growth of cells to purification of the product is performed in a flexible disposable bioreactor that uses only a compressed gas for mixing and gasification. A porous septum is used to create the gasification and mixing as well as to separate a chromatography media used to harvest and purify a biological product in the same container. The closed container can be used in any environment without the risk of contamination to the product or the risk of contamination of environment with the product. This allows large manufacturing of hazardous substances, drugs and vaccines anywhere at the lowest cost possible. Numerous applications can be found in counter-terrorism and biodefense operations as well in managing epidemic illnesses.

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

Abstract: A gas-introduction system useful, for example, in biotechnology for supplying cells or microorganisms with oxygen. The gas-introduction system has a bubble column and a distributor. In the vessel there is situated a liquid medium which is to be supplied with gas. A vector is used as transport medium for the gas. The gas is introduced into the bubble column and here taken up by the vector. The vector is applied to the liquid surface via the distributor in droplet form, falls downward in the medium and releases to the medium some of the gas that has been taken up. At the bottom of the vessel is situated a collecting device in which the vector droplets coalesce and pass back into the bubble column. Disclosed are a bioreactor comprising the gas-introduction system and a method for introducing gas into a liquid medium, preferably an aqueous suspension containing cells or microorganisms.

Abstract: A mixing bag for use in bioprocessing in which a fluid is received and agitated using an internal fluid-agitating element driven by an external motive device is disclosed. The bag may include an integral sparger and sensor receiver. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a bioreactor, a culture solution derived from a cultivation tank is separated into bacteria cells and filtrate by a bacteria cell filter. The filtrate is introduced from the bacteria cell filter into a micro-nano bubble generation tank where micro-nano-bubbles are mixed with the filtrate. The filtrate containing micro-nano-bubbles is returned to the cultivation tank to activate the microorganisms therein, so that a biological reaction time is reduced by the activated microorganisms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bioreactor, to the use of the bioreactor for culturing microorganisms or cell cultures, and also to a method for culturing microorganisms or cell cultures.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in part, methods for recombinantly expressing proteins at a high level along with cell culture media for doing the same.

Abstract: A system for mixing a liquid solution or suspension includes a support housing bounding a compartment and a collapsible bag disposed within the compartment. A mixer is disposed within the collapsible bag while a sparger delivers a gas to the lower end of the collapsible bag. A gas outlet line extends from an upper end of the collapsible bag to a condenser assembly. A gas exhaust line and a fluid collection line both extend from the condenser assembly.

Abstract: A device, system and method for axenically culturing and harvesting cells and/or tissues, including bioreactors and fermentors. The device is preferably disposable but nevertheless may be used continuously for a plurality of consecutive culturing/harvesting cycles prior to disposal of same. This invention also relates to batteries of such devices which may be used for large-scale production of cells and tissues. According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the present invention is adapted for use with plant cell culture.

Abstract: Systems, methods and media for carbonation of fluid in an algae cultivation pond via the use of backward-facing steps are disclosed. In a first aspect, a method for initiating carbonation of a fluid flow in an algae cultivation pond is disclosed. Fluid flow is initiated over a backward-facing step in the algae cultivation pond. A backflow region is generated in the fluid flow downstream of the backward-facing step. Carbon dioxide is provided to the backflow region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting CO2 from air comprising an anion exchange material formed in a matrix exposed to a flow of the air, and for delivering that extracted CO2 to controlled environments. The present invention contemplates the extraction of CO2 from air using conventional extraction methods or by using one of the extraction methods disclosed; e.g., humidity swing or electro dialysis. The present invention also provides delivery of the CO2 to greenhouses where increased levels of CO2 will improve conditions for growth. Alternatively, the CO2 is fed to an algae culture.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a cell culture vessel which is simple in structure and easy to handle, and is capable of preventing damage to the cells when separated, promoting transport of nutrients and excretion of effete matter, and elevating the culturing efficiency improving effect by the structural features. In order to attain the above object, there is provided a cell culture vessel including a culture section provided with a plurality of projections having an equivalent diameter smaller than the cells to be cultured and the culture section side walls enclosing the culture section, wherein the distance between an arbitrary position on the culture section/side wall boundary line and the nearest projection is smaller than the diameter of the cells to be cultured. The effect of the projections in the vessel given to the cultured cells is enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of cell bioreactors, and specifically in the field of disposable bioreactors.

Abstract: Novel bioreactor systems, adapted to provide continuous batch incubation of microbes, especially bacteria, are provided. Bioreactor bags are preloaded with inert microbes prior to being shipped to the user. The inert microbes may be substantially dry or in other inert forms, and are stored in soluble containers within the bioreactor bags. Multiple sterile, preloaded, disposable bioreactor bags are used in a self-contained housing. The bags are automatically incubated in the housing and dispensed, preferably into an irrigation system. The system provides serial batch production of useful microbes for a week or more, without further supervision or intervention. Methods of manufacture, methods of use, methods of sales, and methods of farming are also provided.

Abstract: A device for circulating a liquid media in a vessel includes a gas infusion tube having a leading end immersed in the liquid media and a trailing end in fluid communication with a remote air pump. A diffuser is secured to the leading end of the gas infusion tube. The lumen of an outer tube receives the gas infusion tube and the diffuser. The outer tube has a leading end disposed in spaced relation to a bottom wall of the vessel and has a trailing end substantially flush with a level of the liquid media. A plurality of circumferentially spaced openings are formed in the trailing end of the outer tube or in a cap secured to the trailing end. Bubbles are emitted from the diffuser, entraining the liquid media so that it follows a toroidal path of travel that maximizes cell growth.