Abstract: An inverted conical bioreactor is provided for growing cells or microorganisms. The bioreactor has an internal space and a perforated barrier within the vessel, through which a liquid may flow, where cells or microorganisms cannot pass through the perforated barrier. The perforated barrier divides the internal space of the bioreactor into a first chamber and a second chamber. Cells are grown within the second chamber and can be perfused by re-circulating the liquid, for example a growth medium, through the bioreactor. Various inlet ports and outlet ports allow controlling the parameters of flow of the growth medium.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a microfluidic platforms or “chips” for testing and conducting experiments on the International Space Station (ISS). More specifically, microfluidic Brain-On-Chip, comprising neuronal and vascular endothelial cells, will be analyzed in both healthy and inflamed states to assess how the circumstances of space travel affect the human brain.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, apparatuses, and methods for preparing cell-based meat products (i.e., comestible meat products). In particular, a pipe-based bioreactor is disclosed having one or more substrates disposed therein. In one or more embodiments, the one or more substrates comprise a plurality of nominally spaced substrates conforming to an interior profile of an elongated enclosure of the pipe-based bioreactor. In some embodiments, multiple pipe-based bioreactors are interconnected a fluid source for preparing cell-based meat products. In addition, various methods and procedures for utilizing embodiments of pipe-based bioreactors are disclosed.

Abstract: An inverted conical bioreactor is provided for growing cells or microorganisms. The bioreactor has an internal space and a perforated barrier within the vessel, through which a liquid may flow, where cells or microorganisms cannot pass through the perforated barrier. The perforated barrier divides the internal space of the bioreactor into a first chamber and a second chamber. Cells are grown within the second chamber and can be perfused by re-circulating the liquid, for example a growth medium, through the bioreactor. Various inlet ports and outlet ports allow controlling the parameters of flow of the growth medium.

Abstract: A glomerulus on a chip (GOAC) to recapitulate the human glomerular filtration barrier, the structure responsible for filtering the blood and preventing the loss of proteins, is provided using human podocytes and glomerular endothelial cells seeded into microfluidic chips. In long-term cultures, cells maintain their morphology, form capillary-like structures and express slit diaphragm proteins. This system recapitulates functions and structure of the glomerulus, including permselectivity. When exposed to sera from patients with anti-podocyte autoantibodies, the chips show albuminuria proportional to patients' proteinuria, phenomenon not observed with sera from healthy controls or individuals with primary podocyte defects. Also shown is its applicability for renal disease modeling and drug testing.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a microfluidic platforms or “chips” for testing and conducting experiments on the International Space Station (ISS). More specifically, microfluidic Brain-On-Chip, comprising neuronal and vascular endothelial cells, will be analyzed in both healthy and inflamed states to assess how the circumstances of space travel affect the human brain.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip is provided for self-sorting highly motile, morphologically normal sperm cell with high DNA integrity from a fresh semen sample. The sperm self-sorting microfluidic chip has one or more inlet chambers, and sperm collection outlet chamber(s), and the middle of the channel features various micro-fabricated structures in different geometrical shapes and orientations, with varying periodicities and patterns, such as an array of micro-fabricated pillars that facilitate the transport of the active and healthy sperm into the outlet chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to medicine and concerns the treatment of diseases related to the aberrant activity of fractalkine and monocyte chemoattractant proteins 1-4 (CCL2, CCL7, CCL8, CCL13), preferably the treatment of pain, fever, pneumonia, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, alveolitis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and other diseases, using the compound 1-(2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)ethyl)piperidine-2,6-dione or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions that contain a therapeutically effective amount of the claimed compound according to the invention. The present compound and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof are highly effective in inhibiting the activity of the glutaminyl cyclase enzyme, which is involved in particular in processes of post-translational modification of the above-mentioned cytokines.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to tissue container systems that find use in the transport of tissues and methods of using the tissue container systems. In particular the present invention relates to systems that support the transport, thawing and use of cryopreserved human skin equivalents, and methods of their use by a health care provider.

Abstract: A belt for an algal growth system includes a flexible sheet material configured to facilitate growth of a biofilm. The flexible sheet material is mounted on a first frame in a first mounted geometry, the flexible sheet material having a substantially vertical orientation when mounted on the first frame such that a first height of the first mounted geometry is greater than a first width of the first mounted geometry, the flexible sheet material being in contact with a contacting liquid.

Abstract: A three-dimensional cell culture scaffold and preparation method thereof. The preparation method comprises the following steps: designing, according to a shape of a cell culture device, a shape of the three-dimensional cell culture scaffold; printing once by a 3D printer to form the three-dimensional cell culture scaffold; performing a surface treatment, by a surface treating agent, on the three-dimensional cell culture scaffold manufactured by 3D printing to obtain a resultant three-dimensional cell culture scaffold. By adopting a three-dimensional printing technology to manufacture a three-dimensional fibrous cell culture scaffold having a three-dimensional fibrous network structure, raw materials and a manufacturing time can be saved, reducing production costs, increasing production efficiency, decreasing power consumption, preventing a flaw in the conventional manufacturing technique, and facilitating large-scale intelligent manufacturing.

Abstract: A disposable material processing apparatus, useable as a bioreactor or fermenter, includes a hollow tank (101) and a mixing paddle (110) disposed within the interior of the tank and adapted to mix contents therein. The paddle may be isolated within a flexible sleeve (140). Various functional elements, such as a sparger, sensor, material extraction conduit, material addition conduit, and/or heat exchange element may be provided, and optionally arranged to travel with the paddle within the tank interior. Baffles may protrude into a mixing tank to enhance mixing. A tank and/or sleeve may comprise polymeric film materials.

Abstract: Methods for recovering manganese etchant solutions are provided wherein a process solution used to rinse or neutralize a nonconductive substrate after etching the substrate is collected and evaporated to provide a concentrated process solution that is fed back into the manganese etchant solution or acid rinse.

Abstract: Methods for recovering manganese etchant solutions are provided wherein a process solution used to rinse or neutralize a nonconductive substrate after etching the substrate is collected and evaporated to provide a concentrated process solution that is fed back into the manganese etchant solution or acid rinse.

Abstract: A process includes microbially degrading harvested polyculture plant material to form a concentrated microbial biomass and providing the concentrated microbial biomass to an intermediary animal for consumption. The process may also be directed to producing a product animal which includes providing a growth area having an outlet for waste and providing a harvested plant material collection area having an outlet for degradation products. The process may also include providing a microbial growth system for producing a bacterial biomass and directing at least some waste from the outlet of the product animal growth area to the harvested plant material collection area. The process may also include directing at least some degradation products to the microbial growth system, directing some of the microbial biomass produced in the microbial growth system to an intermediary animal for consumption, and directing the intermediary animal to a product animal growth area.

Abstract: The present invention provides a connective tissue body formation substrate which can form a film connective tissue having a desired thickness and both surfaces in a desired surface condition without prolonging the time required for formation of the connective tissue. Specifically, two tissue formation surfaces 2a and 2b are faced with each other with a tissue formation space 3 being interposed therebetween. A slit 9 is formed in the tissue formation surface 2b so that the tissue formation space 3 communicates with an outside of the substrate. A connective tissue body formation substrate 1 is installed in an environment where a biological tissue material is present. A connective tissue intrudes into the tissue formation space 3 from the slit 9. Both surfaces of the film connective tissue are formed so as to match the substrate surface.

Abstract: A composting facility includes: a floor for receiving compostable material thereon, wherein the floor is constructed above-grade; a dovetail extending from the floor to allow ingress of a vehicle from a grade level to the floor; one or more channels defined within the floor and extending through the dovetail; a covering extending over the one or more channels to maintain the compostable material away from the channel, the covering defining at least one aperture extending from above the covering into the one or more channels for allowing flowthrough of gases; and an air source for providing air through the channels to provide cooling characteristics to the compostable material or oxygen to aid an aerobic process associated with composting. In operation, liquids draining from the composting material pass through the at least one aperture into the channel and out through a portion of the channel extending through the dovetail.

Abstract: A modular biofiltration support system for a bed of organic filter medium, formed of a multiplicity of rectangular bed platform modules or floor tiles, provides for bridging across an air/gas supply trench which can be up to 36 inches or even 48 inches wide. The bridging sections, formed of a mix of recycled plastic materials in a high-pressure molding operation, interconnect with edges of the floor tile assemblies on each side of the trench, and also engage with one another at sides. Each module is a high strength beam.

Abstract: The development and function of living tissues depends largely on interactions between cells that can vary in both time and space; however, temporal control of cell-cell interaction is experimentally challenging. By employing a micromachined silicon substrate with moving parts, herein is disclosed the dynamic regulation of cell-cell interactions via direct manipulation of adherent cells with micron-scale precision. The inventive devices and methods allow mechanical control of both tissue composition and spatial organization. The inventive device and methods enable the investigation of dynamic cell-cell interaction in a multitude of applications, such as intercellular communication, spanning embryogenesis, homeostasis, and pathogenic processes.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a treatment of diabetes, a scaffold and a method of preparing a scaffold. In a first aspect, this object is met by providing a scaffold comprising beta cell aggregates, wherein the aggregates are distributed over the scaffold in a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: A bioreactor (1) having a container (2), a shaft housing (3) for guiding a shaft (5) through a wall (7), a stirrer (6) connected to the shaft (5) in the interior (9) of the container (2), and a drive (4) arranged outside the container (2) and connectable to the shaft (5). The shaft (5) is mounted in the shaft housing (3) via at least one ball bearing (23) and is sealed in relation to the shaft housing (3) by at least one seal (11, 20). The seal (11, 20) is configured as a radial shaft seal (28) having two sealing lips (30, 31) that are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the shaft (5) and are able to run on the shaft (5) without lubricant.

Abstract: A method for removing sulfur-comprising compounds from a hydrocarbonaceous gas mixture, in which an adsorber material is brought into contact with the hydrocarbonaceous gas mixture, wherein the adsorber material comprises a material that adsorbs sulfur-comprising compounds and, in addition, comprises at least one transition metal compound which changes color thereof by reaction with the sulfur-comprising compounds.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-tube biofilter system for treating waste gas. The multi-tube biofilter system includes a multi-tube biofilter and a nutrient solution supply system. The multi-tube biofilter includes an outer casing, at least two reticulated tubes disposed in the outer casing, a packing medium portion, and a nutrient solution spraying system. The outer casing is opened to define a gas inlet, a gas outlet, and a water outlet therein. The packing medium portion is attached to an outer surface of each of the reticulated tubes, wherein a liquid entering end of the nutrient solution spraying system is in communication with the nutrient solution supply system via a pipeline, and solution spraying ends of the nutrient solution spraying system face the reticulated tubes.

Abstract: A suction cleaner and an operation method thereof are provided. The suction cleaner includes a housing, a holding part, an impeller module, at least one sensing device, and a controller. An end of the housing has a dust-suction opening. The impeller module is located inside the housing, and a channel is located between the impeller module and the dust-suction opening. The controller is electrically connected to the sensing device to drive and adjust the rotation rate and the suction force of the impeller module, and thus the power consumption of the suction cleaner can be reduced.

Abstract: A rapid and efficient method and apparatus for detecting electrophysiologic, proarrhythmic, contractile, and other effects of substances such as compounds and drugs in native cellular cardiac preparations, the preparations representing an integrated cell-based pharmacologic response is disclosed. More specifically, a method to (1) rapidly and efficiently detect and verify the effects of chemicals, compounds and drugs on cardiac repolarization, contractility, and excitability using optically based techniques and customized simulation protocols, and (2) rapidly and efficiently screen and select compounds for electrophysiologic and proarrhythmic effects on cardiac myocytes is disclosed.

Abstract: A biological odor control system includes a vessel and a nutrient tank mounted and attached to an outer surface of the vessel such that the nutrient tank does not extend into a housing of the vessel. The vessel can include a housing, a gas inlet, a gas outlet, a first media bed positioned within the housing of the vessel, and an irrigation system adapted to provide moisture, nutrients, and/or mixtures thereof to the first media bed within the housing of the vessel. A vessel and method for treating odorous gas are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bioreactor and method that permits continuous and simultaneous short, moderate, or long term cell culturing of one or more cell types or tissue in a laminar flow configuration is disclosed, where the bioreactor supports at least two laminar flow zones, which are isolated by laminar flow without the need for physical barriers between the zones. The bioreactors of this invention are ideally suited for studying short, moderate and long term studies of cell cultures and the response of cell cultures to one or more stressors such as pharmaceuticals, hypoxia, pathogens, or any other stressor. The bioreactors of this invention are also ideally suited for short, moderate or long term cell culturing with periodic cell harvesting and/or medium processing for secreted cellular components.

Abstract: The subject invention provides advantageous systems and processes for anaerobic digestion of organic waste streams, particularly agricultural waste streams. According to this invention, a new process is provided in which a liquid fraction from an organic waste stream comprising soluble compounds is segregated and incubated in a reactor separate from the solids fraction of the organic waste stream. Digestion of waste in both reactors occurs substantially simultaneously and both reactors produce biogas (thus both reactors function essentially like single stage reactors but allow for continuous or intermittent loading). According to one aspect of the invention, at least one cross-flow baffle is provided for use in an anaerobic digester to collect biogas and break up clumped solids in the reactor. In another aspect of the invention, packing media for use in an anaerobic digester is provided.

Abstract: A novel enhanced surface area conico-cylindrical flask (ES-CCF) providing increased surface area by virtue of its' inner arrangement and useful in routine small-scale studies of bioactives production by any biofilm-forming marine as well as terrestrial microorganisms. Compared to corresponding Erlenmeyer flask of similar volume the ES-CCF provides more than 80% additional surface for biofilm attachment and growth. The ES-CCF does not require steam sterilization and is durable as the device is constructed of polymethyl methacrylate or any other such hydrophobic material and offers possibility of altering the nature of the growth surface (hydrophilic and hydrophobic). The ES-CCF also provides external aeration like a bioreactor, thus increasing the versatility of applications. Further, the device can be operated as a cylindrical flask, that is without the inner arrangement.

Abstract: Processes, as well as associated systems, are disclosed for the biological conversion of CO into desired end products such as ethanol. The use of a plurality of perforated plates, for example in the riser section of a bioreactor, which are positioned substantially horizontally and normal to the upward flow of both a CO-containing substrate and liquid culture medium, can significantly improve CO utilization of the bacteria and consequently the overall process economics. The geometry of apertures in the perforated plates is an important determinant of their performance, with fractal patterns and other multi-edged shapes leading to particularly advantageous results.

Abstract: A carrier for expansion of induced pluripotent stem cells is provided, wherein the carrier comprises a substrate comprising one or more outer surfaces, wherein the one or more outer surfaces are modified with gas plasma treatment, and one or more structured indentations on one or more of the outer surfaces. The carrier has a length at least about 0.2 mm, a width at least about 0.2 mm, and a height in a range from about 0.05 mm to 1.2 mm and each of the structured indentations has a major axis in a range from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, a minor axis in a range from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm and a depth in a range from about 0.025 mm to about 0.5 mm. A method of making the carrier, and culturing induced pluripotent stem cells using the same carrier are also provided.

Abstract: A nucleic acid amplification reaction vessel has a substrate, a cavity formed in the substrate, a cover plate for sealing the cavity, and a sample-injection inlet formed in the cover plate. The cavity includes a columnar structure connected to the cover plate or the substrate. The nucleic acid amplification reaction vessel allows fast temperature increase or decrease of sample liquid.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to improvements in enzyme immobilization, particularly for use in the field of carbon dioxide capture and sequestering. It has been discovered that the utilization of sol-gel processes to immobilize enzymes in polysilicate-polysilicone copolymer coatings and particles, and the deposition of these coatings on solid state supports or use of suspensions of these particles, provides significant benefits for use in industrial applications involving enzymatic catalysts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fermenter for generating biogas from pumpable organic material with a low content of organic dry matter (oTS), comprising at least one inlet for the pumpable organic material, at least one fixed bed reactor for the pumpable organic material with at least one primary and one secondary section and at least one outlet the remaining fermentation residue. Furthermore, the fermenter can optionally comprises at least one sedimentation chamber for the pumpable organic material, arranged between the primary and secondary sections and at least one recycling section connected to the sedimentation chamber and designed such that specific lighter fractions of the pumpable organic material can be recovered and reintroduced to the rising (primary) section of the fixed bed reactor or a preceding or subsequent conventional fermenter.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to cell culture vessels comprising fabricated cell culture surfaces providing means for efficient corneal endothelial cell growth and the use of the cultured cells in the repair of corneal tissue damage.

Abstract: Disclosed are multi-chambered cell co-culture systems. The systems can be utilized to encourage the growth and development of isolated cells in a dynamic three-dimensional in vitro environment. The cell chambers (10) of the system can be in biochemical communication with adjacent chambers containing cells of different types, but the different cell types are maintained physically separated from one another. In addition, the local environment of each cell chamber can be independently controlled. For example, fluid flow characteristics through a single cell chamber can be independently controlled and maintained for each separate chamber of the system.

Abstract: Biochemical decomposition of undesirable gaseous contaminants, including nitrogen oxides, VOC's, carbon monoxide and sulfur oxides, and malodorous contaminants, is achieved by passing a gas stream through a managed landfill providing microbiological activity capable of degrading the contaminants. Gases suitable for treatment include fuel combustor exhaust, landfill gases, putrescent gases and the like. The landfill functions as a biological reactor (bioreactor), where water is added if or as necessary to achieve concentrations between about 20% and about 65% by weight, and desired microbial contaminant abatement action. By a permeation of the polluted gas through the landfill, there is a consumption of polluting gases by microorganisms present in the landfill. The process enables increased combustion of fuels, such as landfill gases, whose energy values are currently wasted or are not available due to emissions problems.

Abstract: A process for capturing CO2 includes contacting a CO2-containing gas with an absorption mixture optionally within a packed reactor is provided. The absorption mixture includes a liquid solution and micro-particles. The micro-particles include a support material and biocatalyst supported by the support material and are sized and provided in a concentration such that the absorption mixture flows through the packed reactor and that the micro-particles are carried with the liquid solution to promote dissolution and transformation of CO2 into bicarbonate and hydrogen ions. The absorption mixture and micro-particles may be provided in an absorption reactor so as to be pumpable. Furthermore, a process for desorbing CO2 gas from an ion-rich aqueous mixture includes providing biocatalytic micro-particles and feeding the mixture to a desorption reactor, to promote transformation of the bicarbonate and hydrogen ions into CO2 gas and water.

Abstract: A biogas desulfurization device comprises an anaerobic system, a desulfurization liquid circulating system, an oxygen supply device and a desulfurization system, wherein the anaerobic system is used for generating biogas and filling the generated biogas into the desulfurization system, the desulfurization liquid circulating system is used for filling the desulfurization liquid into the desulfurization system and recycling the desulfurization liquid that has undergone the desulfurization operation, the oxygen supply device is used for filling air into the desulfurization system, and the desulfurization system which comprises at least one stage desulfurization tower group is used for carrying out the desulfurization operation on the biogas from the anaerobic system, the desulfurization operation is conducted by the desulfurization liquid received from the desulfurization liquid circulating system in an aerobic environment.

Abstract: Disclosed is micro-device for culturing cells comprising: a plurality of fluid paths through which fluid moves; and at least one inlet port for injecting fluid to the fluid paths, said fluid paths communicating with each other and being different in height from each other. In the cell culture device having a plurality of fluid paths, cells can be cultured by introducing a polymeric material to at least one fluid path having a relatively low height; solidifying the polymeric material to form a 3-dimensional scaffold; and injecting fluid for cell culture to a fluid path in contact with the 3-dimensional scaffold.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cell culture tube, having in opposite end walls two respective eccentric openings which communicate with each other through an inner straight passage formed in the cell culture tube, in which the inner straight passage is tilted at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the cell culture tube to allow a culture medium to smoothly flow into and out of the inner passage through the openings. Also, provided is a multiple cell culture system using a plurality of the culture tubes.

Abstract: A compact, high-yield, bio-reactor for use as small, medium and large-scale production unit for hosting and culturing of stem cells or living cells or micro organism and producing by multiplication or expression one or more biologic compounds for medical and biological applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunoaffinity device for capturing one or more analytes present at high or low concentrations in simple or complex matrices. The device is designed as an integrated modular unit and connected to capillary electrophoresis or liquid chromatography for the isolation, enrichment, separation and identification of polymeric macromolecules, primarily protein biomarkers. The integrated modular unit includes an analyte-concentrator-microreaction device connected to a modified cartridge-cassette.

Abstract: A system and method for compartmentalizing micro-carriers in a bioreactor includes a container configured to store micro-carriers and a vessel configured to contain a fluid so as to prevent the micro-carriers from entering the vessel during sterilization, shipping, storage, or other pre-use handling of the system. One or more addition lines connect the container and the vessel such that the vessel is in fluid communication with the vessel. The one or more addition lines are contactable by at least one blocking element configured to reversibly block fluid flow between the container and the vessel. The container, addition lines, and vessel are configured to allow the micro-carriers to be injected into the vessel at any point during a cell culture run. The vessel may also include a rotatable wheel, a harvest port configured to allow for the removal of the micro-carriers from the vessel, and a media removal port comprising a retention screen for removing spent medium.

Abstract: A fermentation system for production of biogas from solid organic material, the system including at least one fermentation reactor. The fermentation reactor includes a vessel (37) for housing a feed mixture having liquid and solid particles and an outlet port (44), a strainer assembly (33) at the outlet port for filtering processed feed mixture from the vessel, and a biogasification reactor (37) in fluid communication with another fermentation reactor, the other fermentation reactor configured to produce a biomethane. The strainer assembly further includes a mixture driving member (53) positioned in the strainer body (47) adjacent the drain opening (51), the mixture driving member having a driving surface configured to receive the liquid passing through the filter member (60). The driving surface engages the filter member such that solid particles are driven from a surface of the filter member when the driving member is activated.

Abstract: A biofilter media has one or more of a set of desired physical characteristics. The set of physical characteristics includes a sphericity of 0.75 to 1, a particle size of 1 to 16 or 4 to 8 mm, a uniformity coefficient of 2 or less and a surface area of 800 to 2000 m2/m3 of media. The media is coated, supports microorganisms and is used to treat a waste gas stream.

Abstract: An air purifier with a tub capable of containing a liquid. Reactor plates are in the tub wherein the reactor plates provide a curvilinear path for air flow with abrupt directional change. A pump is situated to distribute the liquid onto the reactor plates to form a moist surface. An air inlet brings contaminated air into contact with biocatalyst on the moist surface thereby forming purified air. An air outlet discharges said purified air from the air purifier.

Abstract: A device for biological purposes such as cell culturing, enzymatic reactions or filtering of fluid has a body with first and second surfaces. The body is delimited by a rim and an aperture in the center of the body. The aperture is covered at the first and second surface by first and second plates. The first and/or second plate has an inlet orifice allowing liquid medium into the aperture. Rotating means are arranged in the aperture between the first and second plate. At least one recessed portion is a cavity in the rim of the body having a first outlet orifice allowing the liquid medium to flow out of the body. At least one outlet channel connects the circular aperture with the recessed portion. Liquid is pumped into the aperture of the device and pumped through at least one outlet channel.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for preparing a body fluid for a bacteriological analysis thereof comprising a container provided with a chamber (4) wherein a piston (5) is mobile between an opening position and a closing position, the chamber (4) including a separation zone (7) and means for introducing (15, 16) a fluid into said chamber and the piston (5) including a closure means (8) co-operating with the separation zone (7) so as to define an upper volume (9) and a lower volume (10) on either side of said zone, the upper volume (9) and the lower volume (10) mutually communicating when the piston (5) is in opening position and being tightly isolated from each other when the piston (5) is in closing position. The invention also concerns a preparation method using such a device (1).

Abstract: A non-adherent cell support for use as a substrate in fluidic chambers used for cell culturing and assays. The non-adherent cell support allows for the formation of sphere cultures from single cells, which can better mimic primary tumor-like behavior in the study of cancer stem cells. The non-adherent cell support can allow for adhesive culturing and may include a hydrophobic substrate having a lower body and a raised support structure extending upwardly from an upper surface of the body. The support structure comprises one or more vertically extending support members that extend from a proximal portion at the upper surface of the body to a distal end spaced from the upper surface of the body. The support structure may be formed from a biocompatible material such as poly-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, polydimethylsiloxane, polymethyl methacrylate, polystyrene, or a polyethylene glycol diacrylate-based hydrogel.