Abstract: A bioreactor for bioartificial organs, comprising a closed and substantially tubular body inside which there is a containment cavity; an animal and/or human cell culture and support structure, accommodated in the cavity and suitable to be crossed by a fluid to be processed; a port for the inflow of the fluid to be processed, which is formed in the body upstream of the structure; a port for the outflow of the processed fluid, which is formed in the body downstream of the structure; a first chamber for collecting the fluid to be processed, which is formed in the cavity upstream of the structure and is connected to the outside of the body by means of the inflow port; a second chamber for collecting the processed fluid, which is formed in the cavity downstream of the structure and is connected to the outside of the body by means of the outflow port; a first bundle of hollow capillary fibers for the inflow of the fluid to be processed, which is accommodated in the cavity and is interposed between the first collect

Abstract: A cell culture insert including a body having a grip extending sideways from the body, and a locking ring adapted to be fitted around the body. The grip is able to retract elastically inwards so that the body can be inserted inside a cell culture vessel with its grip in friction contact against interior sidewalls of a cavity of the cell culture vessel. The cell culture insert is kept in place by the friction contact and its height position can be adjusted inside the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bioreactor for sewage and wastewater treatment, which is capable of agitating and supplying oxygen simultaneously. A bioreactor of the present invention, comprises a culture drum in which microorganisms are cultured; a supplier for supplying a culture solution, and organic and inorganic media to the culture drum, the supplier including a supply tube connected to an upper side of the culture drum, and a pump connected to the supply tube for supplying the culture solution to the culture drum; an agitator for agitating the culture solution by spraying air into the culture solution in the culture drum, the air being supplied from an air blower; and a thermostatic controller for controlling a temperature of the culture solution and disinfecting the interior of the culture drum.

Abstract: A co-culture apparatus and method for, among other things, converting a progenitor cell line into a target cell line. The apparatus comprises an exterior receptacle, a removable cartridge that fits into the exterior receptacle, and a closure member to seal the apparatus. The invention is also directed to a method for transforming a progenitor cell line into a target cell line. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the steps of: establishing a progenitor cell line; establishing a support cell line; co-culturing said progenitor and support cell lines; establishing a transformation cell line; and co-culturing said progenitor and transformation cell lines, wherein the transformation cell line supports the transformation of the progenitor cell line into a target cell line.

Abstract: A cell-culture apparatus forms an extra-capillary space between at least one hollow fiber and an enclosed chamber. Cells are placed in the extra-capillary space to grow. A media reservoir holds a cell-culture medium. The cell-culture medium is allowed to pass through a lumen of the at least one hollow fiber and to pass nutrients through the walls of the at least one hollow fiber to the cells in the extra-capillary space. Flow through the at least one hollow fiber is produced by action of gravity when a rocking or rotating motion is imparted to the media reservoir.

Abstract: The invention provides a cell/tissue culture apparatus for applying a physical stimulation necessary for the proliferation and growth of a cell or tissue to a material to be cultivated serving as a cell or tissue to be cultivated, thereby realizing the culture as desired and protecting the material to be cultivated from contamination of various bacteria and so forth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reactor module constructed of hollow fibers and cells as well as to reactors comprising this reactor module.

Abstract: A membrane supported biofilm reactor uses modules having fine, hollow fibres, for example, made from dense wall Poly methylpentene (PMP) used in tows or formed into a fabric. In one module, one or more sheets of the fabric are potted into a module to enable oxygen containing gas to be supplied to the lumens of the hollow fibres. Various reactors and processes, for example to treat wastewater, using such modules are described. Mechanical, chemical and biological methods are used to control the thickness of the biofilm.

Abstract: A method and structure for growing living organic tissue in which a scaffold is provided on which cells of the tissue may be seeded and on which the tissue may be grown and a plurality of membrane capillaries are provided for conveying a nutrient fluid, the plurality of membrane capillaries being interspersed through the scaffold and having membranes which are permeable to nutrients and oxygen such that the tissue may be grown throughout the scaffold and whereby upon in vivo implantation a supporting nutrient tissue supply rapidly establishes.

Abstract: A bioreactor for three-dimensional culture of liver cells is disclosed. The device is characterized by the use of textile vasculatures. A model and method for optimizing vasculature parameters is also disclosed. Liver acinar structure and physiological parameters are mimicked by sandwiching cells in the space between the two innermost woven textile hollow fibers, and creating radial flow of media from an outer compartment, through the cell mass compartment, and to an inner compartment. The theoretical optimum hydraulic permeability for the two innermost semi-permeable membranes is determined based on physiological hepatic sinusoidal blood flow and pressures. Experimental studies using a flow rate and pressure monitoring systems in conjunction with phase-contrast velocity-encoded MRI confirm theoretical results. Novel woven vascular tubes with optimum hydraulic permeability are disclosed for culturing hepatocytes in the multi-coaxial bioreactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reactor module constructed of hollow fibers and cells as well as to reactors comprising this reactor module.

Abstract: A cell and tissue culture modeling device comprising a housing having an interior chamber, an inlet port in fluid communication with the internal chamber, an outlet port in fluid communication with the internal chamber, a plurality of hollow fibers disposed within the interior chamber and traversing the length of the housing between the inlet port and the outlet port. Each of the plurality of hollow fibers has an interior defining an intracapillary space and the interior chamber defines an extracapillary space unoccupied by the plurality of hollow fibers. To access the extracapillary space of the device, a portion of the housing is removable. The device can be used to conduct permeability, drug efficacy, and gene expression studies.

Abstract: A cell-culture apparatus forms an extra-capillary space between at least one hollow fiber and an enclosed chamber. Cells are placed in the extra-capillary space to grow. A media reservoir holds a cell-culture medium. The cell-culture medium is allowed to pass through a lumen of the at least one hollow fiber and to pass nutrients through the walls of the at least one hollow fiber to the cells in the extra-capillary space. Flow through the at least one hollow fiber is produced by action of gravity when a rocking or rotating motion is imparted to the media reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing micro and nano-porous polymeric articles with well-defined pore structures.

Abstract: A bioreactor having an outer shell compartment containing many coaxial pairs of hollow microporous fibers. An annular compartment exists between an outer surface of the inner hollow microporous fiver and the inner surface of the outer hollow microporous fiber. The annular compartment preferably contains blood or plasma. The blood or plasma is, thus, exposed to two microporous hollow fibers which have fluids which can purify or otherwise affect the blood through the walls of two different microporous hollow fibers. An artificial liver or kidney can result when liver or kidney cells are placed in the shell compartment.

Abstract: A cell-culture apparatus forms an extra-capillary space between at least one hollow fiber and an enclosed chamber. Cells are placed in the extra-capillary space to grow. A media reservoir holds a cell-culture medium. The cell-culture medium is allowed to pass through a lumen of the at least one hollow fiber and to pass nutrients through the walls of the at least one hollow fiber to the cells in the extra-capillary space. Flow through the at least one hollow fiber is produced by action of gravity when a rocking or rotating motion is imparted to the media reservoir.

Abstract: A cell and tissue culture modeling device comprising a housing having an interior chamber, an inlet port in fluid communication with the internal chamber, an outlet port in fluid communication with the internal chamber, a plurality of hollow fibers disposed within the interior chamber and traversing the length of the housing between the inlet port and the outlet port. Each of the plurality of hollow fibers has an interior defining an intracapillary space and the interior chamber defines an extracapillary space unoccupied by the plurality of hollow fibers. To access the extracapillary space of the device, a portion of the housing is removable. The device can be used to conduct permeability, drug efficacy, and gene expression studies.

Abstract: The present invention includes a bioreactor support system that provides an improved way to culture large quantities of mammalian cells. Mammalian cells are extremely sensitive to their environment, undergoing a programmed cell death in response to nutrient deprivation, growth factor withdrawal, oxygen starvation and excess shear levels. The present invention includes a bioreactor support system which permits the culture of cells at high density and prevents cell death by providing enhanced oxygen delivery to the cells without excessive shear; maintaining cell secreted or exogenously added low molecular weight products (e.g., growth, differentiation and maintenance factors) in the culture space during perfusion culture; and provides the ability to feed the cultures without dilution of the conditioned media. The improved bioreactor support system features two flow paths emanating from a central integrating chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for synthesis polypeptides in a cell-free system by which products of synthesis are branched in a low molecular weight fraction and a fraction which contains high molecular weight components with the target polypeptide, the main part of the low molecular weight fraction is removed via at least one part of the second porous barrier, the ratio of the volume of the fractions of feed solution and expendable components to the volume of the fraction containing the target polypeptide is chosen, modes of supply of the feed solution and expendable components of the fraction are realized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices, systems and methods for treating tumors. In particular, the present invention relates to enclosures housing cell-coated supports for promoting regression of tumors, such as cancerous tumors, papillomas, and warts. In preferred embodiments, the present invention provides methods of promoting tumor regression employing enclosures secreting therapeutic proteins.

Abstract: A cell-culture apparatus forms an extra-capillary space between at least one hollow fiber and an enclosed chamber. Cells are placed in the extra-capillary space to grow. A media reservoir holds a cell-culture medium. The cell-culture medium is allowed to pass through a lumen of the at least one hollow fiber and to pass nutrients through the walls of the at least one hollow fiber to the cells in the extra-capillary space. Flow through the at least one hollow fiber is produced by action of gravity when a rocking or rotating motion is imparted to the media reservoir.

Abstract: A bioreactor (10) supports the viability, function(s) and/or growth of a cell or enzyme, or synthesis or biotransformation (metabolism) of a composition or compound using a cell or enzyme. The bioreactor includes a housing (12) having perfusion ports (20, 24) for perfusion. A bundle of elongated elements (26) can be contained within the housing. The elongated elements can be made of a foamy polymer such that cells loaded aggregate within the pores of the elongated elements. Furthermore, the elongated elements can be a bundle of thin solid sticks (30), rod-reinforced sticks (30, 32), or thin hollow tubes (28). Optionally, the housing can include a removable cap (18, 22) configured to allow the insertion and removal of the bundle of elongated elements into and out of the housing and the bundle of elongated elements can be removably affixed within the housing.

Abstract: A bioreactor having an outer shell compartment containing many coaxial pairs of hollow microporous fibers. An annular compartment exists between an outer surface of the inner hollow microporous fiver and the inner surface of the outer hollow microporous fiber. The annular compartment preferably contains blood or plasma. The blood or plasma is, thus, exposed to two microporous hollow fibers which have fluids which can purify or otherwise affect the blood through the walls of two different microporous hollow fibers. An artificial liver or kidney can result when liver or kidney cells are placed in the shell compartment.

Abstract: Membrane module for testing active substances in cells with an interior chamber (2) which is limited by a lid (3), a bottom (4), and a side wall (5) and a system of first capillary membranes (6) and a system of second capillary membranes (11) located therein and possibly additional systems of capillary membranes, whereby the capillary membranes in interior chamber (2) are arranged in at least one flat layer parallel to bottom (4) and in interior chamber (2) in the extracapillary space a cell culture chamber is formed around the capillary membranes, whereby the capillary membranes have a lumen that can be filled with a fluid, are passing with at least one of its ends through the side wall (5) of interior chamber (2) and are embedded at this end separated by systems in a casting material (9, 10) so that interior chamber (2) is sealed fluid-tight from the outside, and whereby the capillary membranes of each system are in a fluid connection with their lumens with an inlet device (7) and/or an outlet device (8), a

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: A process to remedy a polluted medium includes contacting a first medium containing a pollutant with a second medium containing a microorganism which is capable of decomposing the pollutant. A membrane permeable to the pollutant and impermeable to the microorganism is spaced between the first and second media. The first medium and the second medium may flow in opposite directions to each other.

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: Membrane module and process for its manufacture, wherein the membrane module contains at least two groups of hollow-fiber membranes, the groups arranged in layers and capable of being fed independently by fluids. The membrane module has a housing shell comprising a channel-shaped housing middle section, open at the top, and adjoining end pieces, also open at the top and with a number of arms corresponding to the number of groups. The groups of hollow-fiber membranes are inserted as layers over one another such that they are arranged in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the housing middle section and substantially parallel to each other. The ends of hollow-fiber membranes of different groups are arranged in respectively different arms of the end pieces and embedded with a sealing compound such that at least one end of the hollow-fiber membranes is open.

Abstract: A bioreactor (10) has arranged within its internal chamber (14) a bundle of liquid-impermeable hollow tubes (16), which are used to freeze or vitrify a biologically active material seeded within the internal chamber. When the bioreactor is ready for use, the biologically active material may be thawed by perfusing the liquid-impermeable hollow tubes with a heated solution or heated vapor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bioreactor for a cell treatment of a medium. Said bioreactor comprises an element defining a chamber in which cells for treating the medium are located, a liquid permeable membrane separating the said chamber from a first channel in which flows the medium to be treated, and a gas permeable membrane separating the said chamber from a second channel in which flows a gas containing oxygen.

Abstract: A culturing system and method particularly useful for producing cellular products such as viral pathogens of cells. It includes a mass transfer culture segment, stacked filter plates to adjust the medium composition, and a product removal and concentration segment. The mass transfer culture segment utilizes changed directional flow of the medium to maximize cell growth and production of product. The stacked filter plates allow addition of sterile fresh medium and removal of growth inhibitory substances.

Abstract: A bioreactor (10) comprises an elastic housing (12) and a plurality of hollow, porous fibers (14) disposed within the housing. The lumens of the fibers define an intrafiber compartment, and the outer surfaces of the fibers and the housing define an extrafiber compartment. A variable flow device (34) varies the flow of the perfusate through the intrafiber compartment. The variable flow device can include a flow restrictor (34) that variably restricts the discharge of a perfusate (26) from the intrafiber compartment or a pump for increasing the flow of the perfusate into the intrafiber compartment. The elastic housing can include a wall (28) with perforations (30) extending therethrough and an elastic membrane (32) tightly surrounding the wall or a wall with at least one expansion port extending therethrough and at least one extrafiber space expander 38 coupled to a one of the at least one expansion port.