Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for producing biosynthetic products in a cascade of bioreactors. In particular the present invention relates to methods and a cascade of bioreactor systems comprising at least two bioreactors and at least one concentration unit.

Abstract: Processes, as well as associated systems and computer program (software) products, are disclosed for the biological conversion of CO into desired end products such as ethanol. The control methodologies used for these processes can advantageously result in a reduced time required for a batch operation or other initial operating period, prior to achieving a continuous operation, which may be demarcated either by the addition of fresh culture medium at a defined flow rate or by another process initiation target. The control methodologies may alternatively, or in combination, improve a process performance parameter, such as productivity of the desired end product or bacterial growth rate, during this batch operation or other initial operating period.

Abstract: A process of growing a phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone, including a reaction mixture that is operative for effecting photosynthesis upon exposure to photosynthetically active light radiation, is provided. The reaction mixture includes phototrophic biomass that is operative for growth within the reaction zone. In one aspect, the carbon dioxide supply is modulated in response to detected process parameters. In another aspect, inputs to the reaction zone are modulated based on changes to the carbon dioxide supply. In another aspect, dilution of the carbon dioxide-comprising supply is effected. In another aspect, pressure of the carbon dioxide-comprising supply is increased. In another aspect, water is condensed from the carbon dioxide-comprising supply and recovered for re-use. In another aspect, the produced phototrophic biomass is harvested at a rate which approximates a predetermined mass growth rate of the phototrophic biomass.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems for continuously measuring oxygen and carbon dioxide gas levels inside a cell culture incubator, comprising an oxygen sensor that uses LED based fluorescence technology to determine the amount of oxygen in the surrounding atmosphere, a carbon dioxide sensor that uses LED based Non-dispersive Infra-Red (NDIR) technology to determine the amount of carbon dioxide in the surrounding atmosphere, and electronics to wirelessly monitor the output from the oxygen sensor and carbon dioxide sensor. Most preferably, the system can be placed inside a cell culture incubator, and sensor readings are pre-compensated for temperature, pressure, and humidity. Also provided herein are methods of using the same.

Abstract: Multifocal photoacoustic imaging systems and methods that implement an ergodic relay to encode photoacoustic signals detected from a plurality of illuminated optical foci regions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cell culture system comprising a first cell culture bioreactor system (10) for culturing cells to a predetermined cell density or quantity, the system including a bioreactor volume (20), a process controller (30), process control devices (32) which provide inputs (16) for the culture volume and culture parameter measurement devices (14), wherein the process controller is operable according to plural control program steps to control the process devices to provide inputs for a suitable cell culture environment in the bioreactor volume, and is further operable according to control program steps modified by feedback values from the culture parameter measurement devices, and comprises a memory (36) operable to record data indicative of the progress of the control program steps.

Abstract: A process of growing a phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone, including a reaction mixture that is operative for effecting photosynthesis upon exposure to photosynthetically active light radiation, is provided. The reaction mixture includes phototrophic biomass that is operative for growth within the reaction zone. In one aspect, the carbon dioxide supply is modulated in response to detected process parameters. In another aspect, inputs to the reaction zone are modulated based on changes to the carbon dioxide supply. In another aspect, dilution of the carbon dioxide-comprising supply is effected. In another aspect, pressure of the carbon dioxide-comprising supply is increased. In another aspect, water is condensed from the carbon dioxide-comprising supply and recovered for re-use. In another aspect, the produced phototrophic biomass is harvested at a rate which approximates a predetermined growth rate of the phototrophic biomass.

Abstract: A method, and an installation thereof, for recovering phosphorus from sludge to be treated, said method including: a stage of pre-acidification of said sludge to be treated including a step of adding an acid, preferably carbon dioxide into said sludge to be treated; a stage of bio-acidification including a step of acidogenesis and carried out in a reactor having a hydraulic retention time comprised between 1 day to 8 days and, wherein the acidified sludge has a pH comprised between 3.5 to 5.5; and a stage of treatment including: a step of solid/liquid separation; and a step of recovery of phosphates in liquid phase by sorption and/or crystallization, giving a phosphorus depleted water.

Abstract: An additive dispensing device for dispensing of additives into a pressurised vessel, more particularly a fermentation vessel of a brewing system, is disclosed. The device has a vessel body including a chamber, the chamber having a closed end and an open end. A pressure release means is provided between the chamber and atmosphere. A controllable valve positioned between the closed end and the open end, configured to selectively open and close a flow path between the closed end and the open end.

Abstract: Disclosed is an internally illuminated bioreactor, and related algae production methods, that employ integrated in-water grow light assemblies configured to manage the heat generated by lighting elements, such as light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) on the in-water grow lights. The bioreactor includes an outer shell and one or more in-water grow light fixtures positioned within the outer shell that are positioned around the perimeter of a hollow, internal tube. The lighting elements and internal tube are themselves contained within a preferably clear, exterior tube of the light fixture that allows light generated by the lighting elements to pass through to the algae culture inside of the growth chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method of second generation ethanol production from a lignocellulosic biomass. The process comprises subjecting a slurry of pre-treated lignocellulosic biomass comprising C5 and C6 sugars in a fermentor; preferentially fermenting mainly C5 sugars by incubating the pretreated lignocellulosic biomass of step (i) with first cellulase enzyme, co-fermenting microorganism, nutrient in the fermentor at 30-37° C. for a period of 16 to 24 hours; adding second cellulase enzyme to the fermentation broth of step (ii) and increasing the temperature to 45-55° C. for hydrolysis; allowing the fermentation broth of step (iii) to cool to a temperature of 35-38° C.; and preferentially fermenting C6 sugars by incubating the broth of step (iv) with a second dose of co-fermenting microorganism for a period of 6-8 hours to obtain ethanol. The process results in high ethanol productivity in shortest duration of time.

Abstract: A purpose is to provide a monitoring system to monitor whether there is a substance to be monitored in the air, and a detecting device used in the monitoring system. The monitoring system includes a detecting device, an analyzing device, and an abnormality notification system. The detecting device determines whether the air is in an abnormal state on the basis of an output signal from an abnormality detection sensor, pours liquid to be inspected, into which the air is sucked and liquefied, into a previously-installed reagent container when determining the abnormal state, generates mixed liquid in which a reactant in the reagent container and the poured liquid to be inspected are mixed, and drops the generated mixed liquid to an electrode of the analyzing device.

Abstract: A method for identifying fragmented red blood cells comprising: acquiring side scatter light signals and fluorescence signals of cell particles in a sample liquid; and distinguishing and identifying a fragmented red blood cell population from the cell particles according to the side scatter light signals and the fluorescence signals of the cell particles. The fragmented red blood cell population can be identified from the cell particles by processing and analyzing the side scatter light signals and fluorescence signals of the sample liquid. The present application further provides a device for identifying fragmented red blood cells, a blood cell analyzer and an analysis method. Fragmented red blood cells can be identified according to the fluorescence that characterizes a nucleic acid content in a cell particle and the side scatter light, thus reducing errors in identification and counting.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a flow-through electroporation device configured for use in an automated multi-module cell processing environment and configured to decrease cell processing time and the risk of clogging.

Abstract: Methods of detecting or quantifying short RNA or DNA molecules using split cycle amplification are provided.

Abstract: A system is provided to automatically monitor and control the operation of a microfluidic device using machine learning technology. The system receives images of a channel of a microfluidic device collected by a camera during operation of the microfluidic device. Upon receiving an image, the system applies a classifier to the image to classify the operation of the microfluidic device as normal, in which no adjustment to the operation is needed, or as abnormal, in which an adjustment to the operation is needed. When an image is classified as normal, the system may make no adjustment to the microfluidic device. If, however, an image is classified as abnormal, the system may output an indication that the operation is abnormal, output an indication of a needed adjustment, or control the microfluidic device to make the needed adjustment.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a flow-through electroporation device configured for use in an automated multi-module cell processing environment and configured to decrease cell processing time and the risk of clogging.

Abstract: A testing device and method for floating rate of floating agent for fracture height control are provided. The test device includes a support frame, a glass tube vertically fixed on the support frame, a floating agent storage container, a control valve, and a liquid storage tank, wherein multiple circular holes are uniformly distributed along an axial direction of the glass tube, and multiple turbidimeters for measuring liquid turbidity are sequentially mounted on the circular holes. The liquid storage tank communicates with an inner cavity of an upper end of the glass tube through a pipeline, and the floating agent storage container is connected to an inner cavity of a lower end of the glass tube through a control valve. The present invention increases accuracy of measured floating rate of the floating agent, and provides reliable floating data of the floating agent for oil and gas reservoir reconstruction.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a flow-through electroporation device configured for use in an automated multi-module cell processing environment and configured to decrease cell processing time and the risk of clogging.

Abstract: A method for pre-positioning a coaxial sample and sheath combination includes calculating a load shape profile including a plurality of layers of substantially equal volume. The calculated load shape profile is incrementally divided into cross-sectional slices at a first set of distance coordinates along a first axis. Each cross-sectional slice transects the plurality of layers. A sample includes a number of objects residing in solution. A sample chamber is loaded with the sample by incrementally dispensing the sample in a plurality of portions along a vertical axis divided into a second set of distance coordinates proportional to the first set of distance coordinates, where each portion has a volume proportional to the cross-sectional slice at the first distance coordinate nearest in value to the second distance coordinate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photobioreactor for treatment of the waste water. The photobioreactor comprises a treatment chamber for receiving a culture of algae, a water inlet for supplying waste water to said chamber, at least one light source provided within said chamber for providing light to said culture and at least one water outlet for removal of treated water. The at least one water outlet is further arranged in use to selectively remove a proportion of the biomass produced within said chamber when said biomass reaches a predetermined maximum level so as to maintain a continuous or substantially continuous culture of algae within said chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process and a facility for recovering phosphorus present in an effluent to be treated, including the following steps: a step of biological removal of phosphorus from the effluent to be treated, a step of separating the treated water from step i and the sludge, a step of anaerobic hydrolysis of at least one portion of the sludge from step ii, a step of liquid/solid separation of the effluents from step iii, a step of advanced treatment of at least one portion of the sludge from step iv, a step of recirculation to step iii of at least one portion of the effluent from step v, and a step of recovering the phosphorus present in the effluent from step iv.

Abstract: A main isolator 2 (main aseptic device) includes a main connection part 6 having an opening O through which a work space W is externally opened, and an internal opening and closing member 22 configured to open and close an internal opening 21a of the main connection part 6 on the work space W side. A manual incubator 3 (first auxiliary aseptic device) includes a first auxiliary connection part 7 connectable with the main connection part 6 of the main isolator 2, and an automatic incubator 4 and a housing container 5 (second auxiliary aseptic devices) each include a second auxiliary connection part 8 smaller than the first auxiliary connection part 7. In addition, an external blockage member 9 configured to externally block the opening O of the main connection part 6 is provided.

Abstract: Provided herein is a system for optimizing the fed-batch hydrolysis of biomass.

Abstract: Algae harvesting and cultivating systems and methods for producing high concentrations of algae product with minimal energy. In an embodiment, a dead-end filtration system and method includes at least one tank and a plurality hollow fiber membranes positioned in the at least one tank. An algae medium is pulled through the hollow fiber membranes such that a retentate and a permeate are produced.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a wireless sensor that combines semiconductor technology with chemical diffusion in order to measure specific chemical and physical properties such as pH, acid level, SO2, temperature and liquid level of a target liquid in a container, and wirelessly delivers all the data to an internet-based computing network where the data can be accessed by an end user using a device connected to the internet, and a method to measure and analyze the chemical and physical properties of a target liquid using the wireless sensor, the method comprising immerging the wireless sensor into the target liquid in the container, measuring the chemical and physical properties of the target liquid, obtaining and analyzing data wirelessly through an internet-based computing network, wherein the target liquid can be an aqueous solution such as wine, spirits and beer.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for calibrating a deposition rate in an aerosol jet printer. The method includes providing a substrate defining an array of wells, each defining a volume. The method also includes defining a toolpath such that a dispensing nozzle passes over the wells. The method also includes defining a dwell time such that the nozzle remains centered above each well for an amount of time equal to the dwell time, after which the nozzle follows the toolpath to be centered over the following well. The dwell time defines a deposition rate based on the volume of the wells. The method also includes causing the nozzle to move along the toolpath, depositing material into the wells. The method also includes observing one of overfilling and underfilling and adjusting dispensing parameters to effect a modified deposition rate, until the wells are being filled to within a tolerance of exactly full.

Abstract: The application relates to a computer-implemented method for creating a model of a bioreaction—fermentation process or whole-cell catalysis process—with an organism on the basis of measured data.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hydrolysate of a mixture of lignocellulosic biomass and seaweed biomass. By mixing seaweed biomass with lignocellulosic biomass and then preparing a hydrolysate, lignocellulosic biomass-derived acetic acid is consumed together with seaweed biomass-derived mannitol. As a result, high sugar productivity can be maintained while reducing fermentation inhibitors. Because the present disclosure can solve the problem of lignocellulosic biomass of decreased fermentation efficiency due to lignocellulose-derived fermentation inhibitors and the problem of seaweed biomass of very low productivity in spite of long fermentation time, the hydrolysate according to the present disclosure may be used to produce biofuels and biochemicals economically.

Abstract: An apparatus for automated determining of at least two different process parameters of a process liquid of a process, especially a bioprocess, comprising: a first measuring cell, which is embodied to provide a first measurement signal dependent on a first process parameter of a first sample of the process liquid; a second measuring cell, which is embodied to provide a second measurement signal dependent on a second process parameter of a second sample of the process liquid; and a control and evaluation system, which serves for monitoring and/or controlling the process, and which is embodied to receive and to process the first and second measurement signals, especially based on the first measurement signal to determine a measured value of the first process parameter and based on the second measurement signal to determine a measured value of the second process parameter; wherein the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal serve different functions in the context of the monitoring and/or contr

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for stimulating cells using a 3D clinostat and ultrasonic waves in experiment equipment for studying adverse influences on a human body under microgravity and taking a countermeasure against the influences. Further, provided is a method of stimulating cells using a 3D clinostat and ultrasonic waves to study adverse influences on a human body under microgravity and to take a countermeasure against the influences.

Abstract: A method of determining the position of at least one fixed cartography token (10) of an automaton, the token (10) including a base (11) having a lateral surface and an end face (14a), a stud (15) of smaller cross section than the base (11) projecting from the end face (14a) of the base (11), the stud (15) including an end face (16) opposite the base (11). The method is aimed in particular at deducing the coordinates (XO, YO, ZO) of at least one point (O) of the cartography token (10) with respect to a movable member.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a system of delivering particles of nano-scale into mammalian cells with a diameter of 50 ?m or less. The system has a container containing the mammalian cells, the particles, a pressure-exerting member for generating transient apertures of substantially 1-200 nm on surface of the cells, a magnetic mechanism configured to generate a magnetic force to act on the pressure-exerting member thus to move the pressure exerting member, a control mechanism for effecting movement of the pressure-exerting member in a predetermined motion pattern, a measuring mechanism configured to indicate magnitude of pressure exerted on surface of the mammalian cells, and a monitoring mechanism.

Abstract: A polynucleotide expression system is provided that is capable of alternative splicing of RNA transcripts of a polynucleotide sequence to be expressed in an organism.

Abstract: A sample test method, microfluidic device, and test device efficiently and accurately compensates for interference of an interfering substance present in a sample using optical measurement without addition of a separate reagent for detecting the interfering substance. The sample test method includes: measuring an optical characteristic value of a target substance present in a sample; measuring an optical characteristic value of an interfering substance present in the sample; and determining a concentration of the target substance for which interference of the interfering substance is compensated for based on the optical characteristic value of the interfering substance.

Abstract: There is provided a system for automated handling of live organisms for studying biological development of the organisms. The system has a reservoir for containing a plurality of the organisms, a module for automatically trapping and orienting the organisms in desired positions for imaging purpose, a module for automatically controlling orientation of the organisms leaving the reservoir and entering the trapping and orienting module, and a module for automatically loading the organisms from the reservoir into the orientation control module. The trapping and orienting module may include an array of channels configured to allow flow of fluid and travel of the organisms in the system.

Abstract: TREK-1 agonist comprising composition that reduces perceived oral discomfort sensation and a method for measuring TREK-1 potassium channel activation.

Abstract: A cell culture apparatus is provided which can continuously and accurately measure turbidity of a cell culture solution and culture a cell, without inserting a turbidity sensor from outside into a sterile bag. The cell culture apparatus includes: a flexible and transparent sterile bag that is installed at a prescribed position in the cell culture apparatus and in which a cell contained in a cell culture solution is cultured; and a turbidity sensor that includes a light emitter which emits light to the cell culture solution in the sterile bag via a portion of the sterile bag, a light receiver which receives the light transmitted through the cell culture solution via another portion of the sterile bag, and that is configured to place the light emitter, the portion of the sterile bag, another portion of the sterile bag, and the light receiver, optically on a same straight line.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to in vitro methods for mimicking in vivo pathological or physiologic conditions. The methods comprise applying shear forces to a cell type or cell type plated on a surface within a cell culture container. Methods for testing drugs or compounds in such systems are also described.

Abstract: A process, method, and devices thereof for the rapid destruction of cancer tumor(s) which are made up of thousands to millions of living malignant cancer cells. Such an approach seeks to kill said tumor(s) by causing apoptosis or excitotoxicity and/or osmotic-shock within a human or animal for medical treatment.

Abstract: Processes, as well as associated systems and computer program (software) products, are disclosed for the biological conversion of CO into desired end products such as ethanol. The control methodologies used for these processes can advantageously result in a reduced time required for a batch operation or other initial operating period, prior to achieving a continuous operation, which may be demarcated either by the addition of fresh culture medium at a defined flow rate or by another process initiation target. The control methodologies may alternatively, or in combination, improve a process performance parameter, such as productivity of the desired end product or bacterial growth rate, during this batch operation or other initial operating period.

Abstract: The invention described below relates to an enclosed cell sorting device and methods of using the device. The device is constructed so that the entire process of cell sorting can be conducted under fully anaerobic conditions to retain viability of anaerobic cells before, during, and after cell sorting. This is accomplished by creating an anaerobic atmosphere for the high speed cell sorter and all its components and by the use of airlocks that allow the introduction of anaerobic containers into the chamber containing the sample.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling a fermenting process, wherein the method comprises collecting samples of biological cells from a fermenting tank, obtaining the state information of the current biological cells based on the collected samples, comparing the state information of the current biological cells with preset target status information to obtain the difference between the state information of the current biological cells and preset target state information, and controlling the feed rate of nutritional solution into the fermenting tank. Real time control of biological fermenting process is thus accomplished based on the state information of the biological cells during fermentation, and the consistency during fermentation is improved. Complicated mathematical modeling and man-made data analysis are not required for the method and device.

Abstract: The current invention is directed to the velocity factor. Based on the velocity factor antibodies can be classified, i.e. antibodies can be characterized on their binding properties as e.g. entropic or enthalpic antigen binder. A velocity factor based classification does not require detailed thermodynamic determinations and/or calculations. The velocity factor is the ratio of the antigen-antibody complex association rate constants ka determined at 37° C. and 13° C. As only two experimental determinations are required to calculate the velocity factor this is a fast and high-throughput suited method.

Abstract: There is provided an incubator for an isolator, which is capable of reliably sterilizing a cultivation room of the incubator, a gas supply pipe and a sampling pipe. An incubator 1 for an isolator 40 includes a gas concentration control pipe 16 provided to communicate to a cultivation room 4 for control of concentration of cultivation gas in the cultivation room 4, a sterile gas circulation pipe 26 for circulating sterile gas from the cultivation room 4 to the gas concentration control pipe 16, and a circulation pump 24 provided in the sterile gas circulation pipe 26.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling quality and quantity of posttranslational modification of a recombinantly produced polypeptide/protein (glycoprotein), wherein the posttranslational modification affects the glycosylation profile and/or the acidic variants profile, as manifested in CEX profiles, wherein the polypeptide/protein (glycoprotein) production is in eukaryotic host cells, the method comprising the following steps: a) cultivating the eukaryotic cells in a suitable medium under conditions which allow the expression of the polypeptide/protein, wherein the content of the dissolved CO2 (pCO2) in the medium is at a first value during the initial growth phase of the eukaryotic cells, allowing the eukaryotic cells to grow, and b) increasing or decreasing the content of the dissolved CO2 (pCO2) in the medium during the production phase of the eukaryotic cells to a second value.

Abstract: A viable particle counting apparatus 77 includes devices 10, 70, 2. The device 10 radiates a light with a predetermined wavelength toward a liquid containing a detection target. The device 70 reduces a Raman-scattered light emitted from the liquid out of lights emitted due to an interaction of the light radiated by the device 10 with the target or the liquid and selects an autofluorescence light emitted from the target. The device 2 determines whether or not the target contained in the liquid is a viable particle, based on a light obtained after the Raman-scattered light is reduced by the device 70. The device 10 radiates the light with a wavelength that causes the autofluorescence light and the Raman-scattered light to be different in peak wavelength.

Abstract: A viewport assembly may allow viewing of a retort chamber while protecting the viewer from heat of the retort chamber through a high-temperature-resistant window in an end wall of the viewport assembly. An access port in the end wall may allow use of tools, such as a welding device. An insulated door between the viewport assembly and the retort chamber may enhance protection and heat retention. The assembly may enhance retention of inert atmosphere in the retort chamber as well as heat, facilitating work on superalloy articles.

Abstract: A method of high throughput growth and quantitative analysis of microorganisms is provided that includes providing a microtiter plate growth and gas delivery system having well plates disposed for growth of the microorganisms, and providing a spectroscopic screening system disposed to analyze lipid inclusions of the microorganisms.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for the delivery of carbon to photoautotrophs. The invention utilizes low energy regeneration of adsorbent for CO2 capture and provides for effective CO2 loading into liquids useful for photoautotroph growth and/or production of photosynthetic products, such as biofuels, via photoautotrophic culture media. The inventive system comprises a fluid/membrane/fluid contactor that provides selective transfer of molecular CO2 via a dense (non-porous) membrane from a carbonate-based CO2 snipping solution to a culture medium where the CO2 is consumed by a photoautotroph for the production of biofuels, biofuel precursors or other commercial products.