Abstract: The present invention is directed to materials and reactor systems having humidity and/or gas control. The material may have high oxygen permeability and/or low water vapor permeability. In some cases, the material may have sufficient permeance and/or permeability to allow cell culture to occur in a chip or other reactor system using the material. In certain embodiments, the material may be positioned adjacent to or abut a reaction site within a chip or reactor; in other embodiments, the material may be positioned such that it is in fluidic communication with the reaction site. The material may also be porous and/or transparent in some cases. In one set of embodiments, the material include a polymer that is branched, and/or contains bulky side groups that allow the polymer to have a more open structure. In some cases, the material may include two or more layers.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for performing cell growth and cell based assays in a liquid medium. The apparatus comprises a base plate supporting a plurality of micro-channel elements, each micro-channel element comprising a cell growth chamber, an inlet channel and an outlet channel, a cover plate positioned over the base plate to define the chambers and connecting channels. Means are incorporated in the cell growth chambers, for cell attachment and cell growth. In particular, the invention provides a rotatable disc microfabricated for performing cell growth and cell based assays. The apparatus and method can be used for the growth of cells and the detection and measurement of a variety of biochemical processes and products using non-invasive techniques, that is techniques which do not compromise the integrity or viability of cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and methods to evaluate invasive potential of tumor cells. The apparatus permits culturing, staining and analysis of test samples to be performed on the same test plate to facilitate cell invasiveness tests. Methods for testing cell invasiveness in vitro are described.

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 cell culture device (100, 830) incorporating confronting planar anterior and posterior shells or walls (110, 140, 834, 836) that are joined about peripheral edges to define a media reservoir or cistern (170, 850). At least one of the shells and walls and edges is optionally formed with an aperture or respirator (180, 873). At least one fluid transfer port (220, 870) with a resealable elastomeric septum (230, 872) compatible for use with a small needle or needleless connector or pipetter tip (T, T′) is preferably formed in least one of the shells and walls (110, 140, 834, 836) and edges and that is in fluid communication with the media reservoir or cistern or chamber (170, 850). The device (100, 830) also includes at least one gas valvule (320, 875) that is formed in one or more of the shells and walls (110, 140, 834, 836) and edges and is in fluid communication with the media reservoir (170, 850) to vent gas from and supply gas to the reservoir (170, 850).

Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising a support (11) in the thickness of which is produced a supply chamber (12) with an inlet duct (13) for nutrient liquid and a discharge duct (14) for said liquid. A capsule (22) capable of receiving organic cells is provided on the support (11). The supply chamber (12) and the support (11) are separated by a porous membrane (16) comprising an array of electrodes (17) arranged so as to be in contact with different zones of the group of cells, thereby enabling their electrophysiological activity to be analyzed. The device enables to increase the life span of cells and to carry out analyses simply and without affecting the cell organization.

Abstract: A bioreactor has a base for defining a well, a dish with a membrane suspended in the base, and a lid with gas permeable membranes and self-sealing ports.

Abstract: A cell culture bag for culturing cells, cellular aggregates, particles, tissues and organoids is disclosed. The cell culture bag is a flexible and disposable culture bag that fits within a bag support chamber of a bioreactor. The cell culture bag has an inlet means and an outlet means for the introduction and removal of media. Certain embodiments of the culture bag have an inlet and outlet fluid coupling swivel joint and/or perforated perfusion tubes extending from the inlet means into the interior of the bag to assist in mass transfer and mixing the media to maintain an even temperature throughout the culture bag.

Abstract: A bioreaction module for biochemical reactions, in particular for cell-free polypeptide biosynthesis, having a housing (1) including a system chamber (12) and a supply chamber (10), wherein the system chamber (12) contains a producing system during the biochemical reaction and the supply chamber (10) contains a supply liquid during the biochemical reaction, and the system chamber (12) and the supply chamber (10) are separated by a semi-permeable membrane (7). The housing (1) comprises a system chamber element (5) and at least one supply chamber element (3) between which the semi-permeable membrane (7) is mounted in such a manner that the system chamber (12) is defined by the system chamber element (5) and the semi-permeable membrane (7) and the supply chamber (10) is defined by the supply chamber element (3) and the semi-permeable membrane (7).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for performing cell growth and cell based assays in a liquid medium. The apparatus comprises a base plate supporting a plurality of micro-channel elements, each micro-channel element comprising a cell growth chamber, an inlet channel for supplying liquid sample thereto and an outlet channel for removal of liquid sample therefrom, a cover plate positioned over the base plate to define the chambers and connecting channels, the cover plate being supplied with holes to provide access to the channels. Means are incorporated in the cell growth chambers, for cell attachment and cell growth. In particular, the invention provides a rotatable disc microfabricated for performing cell growth and cell based assays. The apparatus and method can be used for the growth of cells and the detection and measurement of a variety of biochemical processes and products using non-invasive techniques, that is techniques which do not compromise the integrity or viability of cells.

Abstract: A device for depositing cells on an analytical plate includes a reception chamber which is to be placed above the analytical plate and whose bottom is open, and a material for absorbing a fixative in a cell suspension in the reception chamber. The absorbent material has a hole therein whose interior wall forms an extension of the reception chamber that defines a gap between the reception chamber and the analytical plate through which the cell fixative is absorbed.

Abstract: In order to separate individual, in particular biological, objects from a, in particular biological, preparation the use of a support device is proposed in which a laser light absorbent membrane (1), for example of polyester or polyethylene-naphthalene, to which the biological preparation for processing is to be applied is retained and tensioned, preferably together with carrier means (2) located thereunder, for example, a glass object carrier or a thicker membrane, by means of a retaining device (3, 4) configured in particular as a frame, so that a compact unit is provided. The support device according to the invention is particularly suitable for isolating individual biological objects from a surrounding biological material by means of laser irradiation and for catapulting said biological objects into a collecting device. The combination of a laser light absorbent membrane (1) and a laser light transparent membrane (2) as support for the laser light absorbent membrane (1) is particularly advantageous.

Abstract: The present invention relates to high-throughput systems and methods to prepare a large number of component combinations, at varying concentrations and identities, at the same time, and high-throughput methods to test tissue barrier transfer, such as transdermal transfer, of components in each combination. The methods of the present invention allow determination of the effects of inactive components, such as solvents, excipients, enhancers, adhesives and additives, on tissue barrier transfer of active components, such as pharmaceuticals. The invention thus encompasses the high-throughput testing of pharmaceutical compositions or formulations in order to determine the overall optimal composition or formulation for improved tissue transport, such as transdermal transport.

Abstract: A cell culture device for inducing shear stress and on substrate 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.

Abstract: A cell and tissue culture device comprises a closed pressurization circuit (2) able to deliver a selected gas under a selected pressure, at least a culture chamber (6) accommodating means (13) for supporting at least a deformable membrane (14) forming in chamber (6) an interface between first (17) and second (16) portions with variable complementary volumes, wherein the first portion (17) is configured for receiving cells and/or tissues to be grown for being supplied with culture fluid by a first tank (8), and said second portion (16) is configured for being supplied with gas by the pressurization circuit (2) and for discharging at least a portion of this gas.

Abstract: A disposable bioreactor for perfusion cell culture. Cells are grown in a plastic bag that is rocked and aerated on a mechanical platform. The bioreactor bag contains a filter that allows liquid to be removed from the bioreactor-without losing cells. Nutrients may be added through another port. The perfusion filter is constructed such that it can move freely on the liquid surface. The filter is flicked rapidly across the surface as a result of the rocking motion of the bioreactor and this tangential motion of the filter keeps it from clogging. A weight-based control system regulates feed and harvest rates and allows weeks of continuous operation. This invention has numerous applications in biotechnology and medicine.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and methods to evaluate invasive potential of tumor cells. The apparatus permits culturing, staining and analysis of test samples to be performed on the same test plate to facilitate cell invasiveness tests. Methods for testing cell invasiveness in vitro are described.

Abstract: A gas permeable cover for a cell culture or medium storing container which comprises a solid support sized to fit the opening of the container to be covered and has at least one hole which is covered with a permeable section. The permeable section is sufficiently permeable to oxygen and carbon dioxide that live cells can be sustained, and is substantially impermeable to water and water vapor such that the covered containers can be stored in non-humidified chambers without substantial evaporation of water. The cover further has a seal portion which forms a water-and gas-tight seal between the cover and the container when the cover is placed upon the container as configured for use.

Abstract: A plant propagation apparatus is disclosed which comprises a flexible transparent enclosure. The enclosure is disposable, and could be formed of a polymer such as polyethylene. The enclosure would have at least two walls, formed of flexible material that facilitates transmission of light through the walls. Plant material is sealed within the enclosure, and nutrient solution is made available within the sealed enclosure for the plant. The enclosure is a low cost and effective method for propagating young plants and transporting them between the laboratory environment and a greenhouse or field. The enclosure may be configured to receive gas or carbon dioxide on its inner surface to a predetermined level of pressure, thereby affording the enclosure a flexible but stiff mechanical resistance that protects the young plant while it is growing.

Abstract: A feeding tray for retaining a nutrient medium is provided for use with a multiwell filter plate. The feeding tray includes an inclined support surface surrounded by walls that retain nutrient medium on the support surface. The support surface is inclined away from an area for introducing nutrient medium into the feeding tray toward an area for draining the feeding tray of nutrient medium.

Abstract: Provided is a cell culture apparatus for culturing cells, and optionally, for performing magnetic separation of cells desired to be cultured. The cell culture apparatus preferably comprises a frame; at least one gas permeable membrane securedly sealed in a leak-proof sealing to a frame and an opposing surface comprising a rigid surface in forming a culture chamber therebetween; and at least one resealable aperture to allow substances to be introduced into, or withdrawn from, the culture chamber.

Abstract: A feeding tray for retaining a liquid nutrient liquid is provided for use with a multiwell filter plate. The feeding tray includes a flat support surface surrounded by walls which retain liquid on the support surface. The flat support surface includes protrusions positioned to contact the membrane portion of a multiplicity of wells of the multiwell filter plate when the multiwell filter plate is removed from the feeding tray. These protrusions remove residual liquids from the bottom of each filter well thereby minimizing cross contamination in subsequent processing steps. Additionally, it may contain one or more baffles, in lieu of or in addition to the protrusions for controlling liquid movement during handling.

Abstract: Provided is a cell culture apparatus for culturing cells, and optionally, for performing magnetic separation of cells desired to be cultured. The cell culture apparatus preferably comprises a frame; two membranes, preferably each being gas permeable, which are securedly sealed in a leak-proof selaing to a frame in forming a culture chamber there-between; and at least one resealable aperture to allow substances to be introduced into, or withdrawn from, the culture chamber.

Abstract: A cell and tissue culture unit comprises a base (1) equipped with access means (7,8) for being connected to a culture medium feed device and delimiting at least side-walls (5) of a culture chamber (6) and at least side-walls of at least a well (3-i ) communicating through at least one of its upper and lower portions with chamber (6), as well as removable closing means (10,15-i,17i) able to provide access to chamber (6) and to well (3-i).

Abstract: A cell activity assay apparatus (“CAAA”) and method using electromagnetic radiation detection beams to measure the cell activity, e.g, chemotactic response, includes an opaque membrane having a plurality of off-axis pores which prevent experimentally significant amounts of the electromagnetic radiation from traversing the membrane. The membrane is fabricated from opaque films that have been either ablated with substantially off axis excimer laser electromagnetic radiation to form pores, or bombarded by substantially off-axis charged particles and then etched to form pores.

Abstract: Provided is a cell culture apparatus for culturing cells, and optionally, for performing magnetic separation of cells desired to be cultured. The cell culture apparatus preferably comprises a frame; two membranes, preferably each being gas permeable, which are securedly sealed in a leak-proof selaing to a frame in forming a culture chamber therebetween; and at least one resealable aperture to allow substances to be introduced into, or withdrawn from, the culture chamber.

Abstract: An embryo culturing method and apparatus enables a plurality of embryos to be grown in communal clusters in a culturing container. The embryos are kept separate from each other in open interconnected compartments that are disposed in the culture container. Each compartment is contained in a structure having a plurality of interconnected compartments, and each compartment is sized to contain a single embryo. The culturing container will contain a plurality of the compartmentalized structures. The method and apparatus of this invention includes a culturing container, such as a Petrie dish, in which the embryos are grown. The Petrie dish preferably contains a plurality of the embryo-culturing compartmentalized structures which can be positioned in the Petrie dish in a predetermined pattern. For example, the compartmentalized structuress can be positioned in the Petrie dish at the 12 O'Clock, 2 O'Clock, 4 O'Clock, 8 O'Clock and 10 O'clock positions, or in any other planned deployment.

Abstract: An experimental apparatus for performing observations of and experimental operations on a sliced specimen of a biological tissue is disclosed. The apparatus provides a high freedom for experimental operations and maintains the physiological activity of the sliced specimen. The experimental apparatus includes an experimental vessel for holding saline solution, the vessel is comparatively shallow, open at top, and transparent at least on a bottom. The apparatus also includes a specimen holder holding member for holding a specimen holder with a membrane filter at the bottom, taken out of a cultivator, a solution introduction tube for feeding fresh saline solution into the experimental vessel, and a solution discharge tube for sucking saline solution from the experimental vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a membrane filter system comprising an integral plastic holder (1, 23) having a filter receiving section (2, 24) for receiving a membrane filter (3, 30) that collects target microorganism contained in sample solution, a funnel mount (9, 25) positioned at a level higher than the filter receiving section for carrying thereon a cup-shaped paper funnel (12, 33) adapted to receive the sample solution, and a drainage (7, 28) communicated with the filter receiving section. The funnel has a bottom sheet or a paper filter (14, 35) and a bottom peripheral flange (15, 36) surrounding the bottom sheet. Resin seal means (11, 22) is fitted to the funnel mount to provide liquid-tight engagement between the funnel and the holder. The bottom sheet of the funnel is positioned above the membrane filter and serves as a primary filter for collecting particles in the sample solution larger than the target microorganism before the sample solution reaches the membrane filter.

Abstract: A plant propagation apparatus is disclosed which comprises a flexible transparent enclosure. The enclosure is disposable, and could be formed of a polymer such as polyethylene. The enclosure would have at least two walls, formed of flexible material that facilitates transmission of light through the walls. Plant material is sealed within the enclosure, and nutrient solution is made available within the sealed enclosure for the plant. The enclosure is a low cost and effective method for propagating young plants and transporting them between the laboratory environment and a greenhouse or field. The enclosure may be configured to receive gas or carbon dioxide on its inner surface to a predetermined level of pressure, thereby affording the enclosure a flexible but stiff mechanical resistance that protects the young plant while it is growing.

Abstract: Provided is a cell culture apparatus for culturing cells, and optionally, for performing magnetic separation of cells desired to be cultured. The cell culture apparatus preferably comprises a frame; at least one gas permeable membrane securedly sealed in a leak-proof sealing to a frame and an opposing surface comprising a rigid surface in forming a culture chamber therebetween; and at least one resealable aperture to allow substances to be introduced into, or withdrawn from, the culture chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and system are provided for simultaneously analyzing a plurality of analytes anchored to microparticles. Microparticles each having a uniform population of a single kind of analyte attached are disposed as a substantially immobilized planar array inside of a flow chamber where steps of an analytical process are carried out by delivering a sequence of processing reagents to the microparticles by a fluidic system under microprocessor control. In response to such process steps, an optical signal is generated at the surface of each microparticle which is characteristic of the interaction between the analyte carried by the microparticle and the delivered processing reagent. The plurality of analytes are simultaneously analyzed by collecting and recording images of the optical signals generated by all the microparticles in the planar array.

Abstract: Provided for heating cultured cells is a controlled heater device comprising a cell culture apparatus, a transparent heater in thermal contact with the cell culture apparatus, and may further comprise one or more of a transparent filter provided to prevent a predetermined spectral range of light from passing through the transparent filter, and a power source for controlling the amount of heat generated by the transparent heater of the controlled heater device.

Abstract: Cartilage tissue and implants comprising tissue are produced in vitro starting from cells having the ability to form an extracellular cartilage matrix. Such cells are brought into a cell space (1) and are left in this cell space for producing an extracellular cartilage matrix. The cells are brought into the cell space to have a cell density of ca. 5×107 to 109 cells per cm3 of cell space. The cell space (1) is at least partly separated from a culture medium space (2) surrounding the cell space by means of a semi-permeable wall (3) or by an open-pore wall acting as convection barrier. The open-pore wall can be designed as a plate (7) made of a bone substitute material and constituting the bottom of the cell space (1). The cells settle on such a plate (7) and the cartilage tissue growing in the cell space (1).

Abstract: The invention is a prefilled culture medium bag with a gusseted base that is capable of standing in an upright position. The prefilled culture medium bag can be sterilized by irradiation. Or alternatively, the culture medium can be sterilized apart from the bag and subsequently placed inside the bag after the bag has been sterilized. In either case, the end product is a pre-sterilized and prefilled culture medium bag delivered to a laboratory for use. The culture medium bag is self-supporting and takes on the characteristics of a rigid container when filled. The culture medium bag is easy to open and reseal for introduction of a culture sample at the laboratory. After introduction, a sample can be incubated within the culture medium bag.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices used for digesting small amounts of protein in tiny cut gel pieces and for extracting the peptides resulting from the digestion in preparation for analysis by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: An improved tissue culture flask vessel includes an access port that is more amenable to an automated removal and delivery of fluid. A second lid is located on the top side of the flask toward the conventional side cap location such that a slight tilt of the flask locates the fluid in the front corner of the flask which can easily be accessed by a top-down pipette of much shorter length, on the order of two inches. This greatly reduces the angular tolerances for pipette access as well as significantly reduces the amount of tilt manipulation required to locate the fluid for pipette access. The lid access is preferably recessed on the flask, so that the flasks can also be stacked on top of one another as is common practice in storage. The existing lid is preferably preserved to maintain proper gas exchange. To take advantage of the fact that the cells do not require much height, alternative embodiments feature a multi-layer surface within a given flask.

Abstract: A sterilizable cultivation system is provided for growing selected organisms for use in biological applications and the cultivation edible fungi. A sealable, sterilizable container holds a growth substrate in a sterile condition. A separate, adhesive vent filter is provided, which is adhereable to a vent opening in the container. The vent filter is gas permeable and allows gas exchange between the interior of the container and the ambient environment, but prevents the passage of microbes and other organisms into or out of the container. This gas exchange prevents excess carbon dioxide from accumulating in the container and allows necessary oxygen into the container in order to maintain an appropriate growth environment for the selected organisms. The vent filter may be combined with the container (a) during manufacture of new containers, or (b) in the field by the end-user on new containers or on re-cycled containers.

Abstract: A filtration assembly can comprise a chamber for holding a fluid sample to be filtered and a cover assembly defining a petri dish into which a filter element can be placed for cultivating microorganisms present on the filter element. A filtration assembly can also comprise a sample reservoir for holding a fluid sample and a base for supporting the sample reservoir detachably connected to the sample reservoir. One of the sample reservoir and the base can have a projection extending around its periphery and the other of the sample reservoir and the base can have a groove extending around its periphery and detachably engaging the projection in a fluid-type manner around its periphery. A filtration assembly can also comprise a sample reservoir for holding a fluid sample to be filtered and a base for supporting the sample reservoir. The base can include a fluid port and communication with an interior of the sample reservoir and a skirt surrounding the fluid port for contact with a vacuum manifold.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the ability of ameboidally mobile cells to migrate has a deposit of active substance in the form of a plate, a membrane filter disposed on the deposit and one or more vessels on the filter. The vessel or vessels have a base opening, for a liquid which contains ameboidally mobile cells. The base opening in the vessel bears against the membrane filter. A surface area of the membrane filter is at least 1.6 times as large as the area of the base opening in the vessel.

Abstract: A container for a culture medium having a dish and a lid, and having an integrated geometry for air suction and air conduction. The container being adapted for analysis of air bacteria according to the impaction method. An adapted cascade connecting hood, which can be disposed between two successive containers, makes possible a cascade-like serial arrangement of a plurality of culture medium containers, which, with suction apertures of differing size, allows a differentiation according to particle size when analyzing air bacteria.

Abstract: A cell activity assay apparatus (“CAAA”) and method using electromagnetic radiation detection beams to measure the cell activity, e.g., chemotactic response, includes an opaque membrane having a plurality of off-axis pores which prevent experimentally significant amounts of the electromagnetic radiation from traversing the membrane. The membrane is fabricated from opaque films that have been either ablated with substantially off axis excimer laser electromagnetic radiation to form pores, or bombarded by substantially off-axis charged particles and then etched to form pores.

Abstract: A cell culture apparatus includes at least one growth support for cells which borders on at least one side to a culture medium compartment which is suppliable, preferably continuously, with liquid culture media via inflow and outflow openings. The cell culture apparatus includes at least one gas compartment which is suppliable with a defined gas or mixture of gases, wherein said gas compartment borders to the culture medium compartment via a gas permeable but liquid impermeable membrane.

Abstract: The invention provides exemplary devices and methods to facilitate the performance of assays. In one embodiment, one such device comprises a holding member having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of holding locations that are adapted to hold at least one article, such as a solid support and/or a cell. When within the holding locations, the articles are preferably disposed below the top surface. A membrane is positioned above the top surface of the holding member, and a pressure system is provided to apply positive pressure to the membrane to force the membrane against the top surface of the holding member. In this way, a seal may be provided between the holding locations.

Abstract: An improved device, in the form of a container, for propagating explant cultures under sterile conditions while facilitating gas exchange with an outside environment, methods for employing the device, a process of manufacture to produce the device, a mold for use as part of the process of manufacture, and an apparatus for conducting the process of manufacture employing the mold.

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: The present invention relates to an apparatus for automatic measuring of water toxicity. More specifically, the present invention provides an apparatus for automatic and continuous measuring of water toxicity and/or contamination using luminescent microorganisms living in freshwater.

Abstract: A multi-layer, flexible, gas-permeable film (10) suitable for forming a cell culture container (20), the film (10) comprising a first layer (12) composed of a polystyrene having a thickness within the range of 0.0001 inches to about 0.0010 inches and, a second layer (14) adhered to the first layer (12) composed of a polyolefin having a thickness within the range of 0.004 inches to about 0.015 inches.

Abstract: A gas permeable cover for a cell culture or medium storing container which comprises a solid support sized to fit the opening of the container to be covered and has at least one hole which is covered with a permeable section. The permeable section is sufficiently permeable to oxygen and carbon dioxide that live cells can be sustained, and is substantially impermeable to water and water vapor such that the covered containers can be stored in non-humidified chambers without substantial evaporation of water. The cover further has a seal portion which forms a water- and gas-tight seal between the cover and the container when the cover is placed upon the container as configured for use.

Abstract: A monitoring system such as a drug dosage modeling system is disclosed. In preferred embodiments, the system provides mixing without the need for mechanical stirring.