Abstract: A random access, high-throughput system and method for preparing a biological sample for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing are disclosed. The system includes a nucleic acid isolation/purification apparatus and a PCR apparatus. The nucleic acid isolation/purification apparatus magnetically captures nucleic acid (NA) solids from the biological sample and then suspends the NA in elution buffer solution. The PCR testing apparatus provides multiple cycles of the denaturing, annealing, and elongating thermal cycles. More particularly, the PCR testing apparatus includes a multi-vessel thermal cycler array that has a plurality of single-vessel thermal cyclers that is each individually-thermally-controllable so that adjacent single-vessel thermal cyclers can be heated or cooled to different temperatures corresponding to the different thermal cycles of the respective PCR testing process.

Abstract: Methods of producing renewable materials may include consuming a fermentation feedstock with a fermentation organism to produce a renewable material in fermentation broth; water may then be separated from the feedstock or broth using one or more phase separations, or the renewable material may be concentrated from the feedstock or broth using one or more phase separations. Methods of producing biofuel components may include consuming a lignocellulosic or sugar fermentation feedstock with a fermentation organism to produce either ethanol or butanol in fermentation broth; cooling the feedstock or broth to solidify at least some water therein; and separating the solidified water from the feedstock or broth using a solid-liquid phase separation.

Abstract: The invention describes a novel spouted bed bioreactor system (SBBS) for the removal of Benzene, Toluene, Ethyl-benzene, o-,m-,p-Xylene (BTEX) from a contaminated air stream. Organic-degrading bacteria, Pseudomonas Putida, were immobilized in Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) matrices and utilized to degrade the BTEX in a specially-designed bioreactor system. The performance of the reactor system for the continuous biodegradation of BTEX in a contaminated air stream at different conditions was optimized.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the conversion into biogas of fermentation stillage arising as a waste product of ethanol production. This apparatus comprises a separation unit for the separation of the fermentation stillage into a thin fraction and a thick fraction, at least one biogas reactor for fermenting the thin fraction and/or the thick fraction, and a storage tank. According to a first aspect of the present invention, two biogas reactors are provided, to separate the thin fraction and the thick fraction independently of one another. According to a second aspect of the present invention, a nitrogen sink is provided downstream of the storage tank to provide, from the reactor effluent, process water with low or no nitrogen content which may then be fed to the reactor and/or the bioethanol plant. According to a third aspect the invention is characterized by a combination of a single-stage separation unit and a heavy-duty biogas reactor with a pore-free flow path.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for thermal cycling of biological samples, a heat sink used in such a device and a method. The heat sink comprises a base plate designed to fit in a good thermal contact against a generally planar thermoelectric element included in the device, and a plurality of heat transfer elements projecting away from the base plate. According to the invention the heat transfer elements of the heat sink and arranged in a non-parallel configuration with respect to each other for keeping the temperature of the base plate of the heat sink spatially uniform during thermal cycling.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing and analyzing samples are disclosed. The system may process samples, such as biological fluids, using assay cartridges which can be processed at different processing locations. In some cases, the system can be used for PCR processing. The different processing locations may include a preparation location where samples can be prepared and an analysis location where samples can be analyzed. To assist with the preparation of samples, the system may also include a number of processing stations which may include processing lanes. During the analysis of samples, in some cases, thermal cycler modules and an appropriate optical detection system can be used to detect the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences in the samples. The system can be used to accurately and rapidly process samples.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laboratory incubator, more particularly, a gassing incubator, comprising an outer housing incorporating a door and an inner housing surrounding an internal chamber, which comprises a floor, a ceiling, three side walls and a lateral surface that is capable of being closed by said door or by an additional, inner door, and in which a flow channel is present, which comprises at least one air inlet opening in an end region and at least one air outlet opening in a different end region, wherein said at least one air outlet opening is formed such that effluent air is guided along at least one of the side walls and/or the lateral surface in the peripheral region of the internal chamber, and wherein a water reservoir capable of being heated is disposed within the flow channel such that air flowing in the flow channel is passed across or through said water reservoir.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to a device for controlling thermal convection velocity of a biochemical reaction. The thermal convection velocity controlling device includes a base body for disposing a tube which is movable, wherein the tube is filled with a buffer of the biochemical reaction; a heating source located at a bottom of the tube or at a side of the tube to heat the buffer; and a flow rate adjusting apparatus for controlling a thermal convection flow direction of the buffer in the tube, whereby the flow rate adjusting apparatus changes a flow velocity and a flow time of the buffer. The present disclosure is also related to a method for controlling thermal convection velocity of a biochemical reaction using the device.

Abstract: A thermal cycler includes a holder to which a biotip having a longitudinal direction is attached in such a manner that one end portion of the biotip is at a higher level than the other end portion, and that the distance between one end portion of the biotip and the rotational axis is shorter than the distance between the other end portion of the biotip and the rotational axis, a heating unit heats a first end portion of the biotip, a rotating unit rotates the holder, and a controller that controls the rotation speed of the rotating unit. The controller has a first mode a rotation speed at which the magnitude of the centrifugal force acting on the reaction mixture becomes smaller than the gravity, and a second mode a rotation speed at which the magnitude of the centrifugal force acting on the reaction mixture becomes greater than the gravity.

Abstract: A microwell device is provided. The device includes a plate having a upper surface. The upper surface has first and second recesses formed therein. Each recess has an outer periphery. First and second portions of microwells are formed in upper surface of the plate. The first portion of microwells are spaced about the outer periphery of the first recess and the second portion of microwells spaced about the outer periphery of the first recess. A first barrier is about a first portions of the microwells for fluidicly isolating the first portion of the microwells and a second barrier about a second portions of microwells for fluidicly isolating the second portion of the microwells.

Abstract: Devices, containers, and methods are provided for performing biological analysis in a closed environment. Illustrative biological analyzes include nucleic acid amplification and detection and immuno-PCR.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal cycler device for carrying reaction slides for assays with thermal cycling reactions. The thermal cycler device includes a conveyer with a plurality of slide holders for conveying slide plates through more than one temperature zones for thermal cycling reactions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rapid thermal cycling including a thermal diffusivity plate. The thermal diffusivity plate can provide substantial temperature uniformity throughout the thermal block assembly during thermal cycling by a thermoelectric module. An edge heater can provide substantial temperature uniformity throughout the thermal block assembly during thermal cycling.

Abstract: A bioreactor assembly, including: a housing internally defining a plurality of reaction chambers; a medium flow supply line associated with each of the plurality of reaction chambers, wherein the medium flow supply line associated with each of the plurality of reaction chambers is operable for delivering a medium flow to each of the plurality of reaction chambers; and one or more framed membrane cartridges selectively disposed within each of the plurality of reaction chambers, wherein each of the one or more framed membrane cartridges disposed within each of the plurality of reaction chambers is operable for holding a biochemically active material that is reacted when exposed to the medium flow.

Abstract: Provided is a small-scale cell culture apparatus having a culture medium replacement function for culturing cells in a small number of Petri dishes, the cell culture apparatus being capable of performing automatic replacement of the culture medium and cell culture within the same cavity and significantly reducing the apparatus cost. At least one set of upper and lower discs is arranged inside an incubator chamber 1. Petri dishes 4, 6 in each of which cells and a culture medium are put are held on lower discs 18, 19, and top lids 5, 7 are held on upper discs 19, 30. The lower side of each of the top lids is open.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement (a measurement device) for on-line measurements on cells, in particular for measuring soluble analytes and dissolved gases on samples in a sample area.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microfluidic biochip, which comprises: a fluid transportation unit having a fluid transportation reservoir and a fluid transportation air chamber; a first fluid storage reservoir; a second fluid storage reservoir; a first valve unit having a first valve and a first valve control air chamber; and a second valve unit having a second valve and a second valve control air chamber; wherein the first valve unit is located between the first fluid storage reservoir and the fluid transportation unit, the second valve unit is located between the second fluid storage reservoir and the fluid transportation unit, and the top portion of the fluid transportation reservoir and the valves are made of a flexible material. The structure of the present microfluidic biochip allows fluids to be transported and/or mixed therein.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a waste-bio-fermenter device based on temperature control by means of heating and cooling an added liquid or gaseous solution, for energy-use optimization. The device makes it possible to utilize, for energy purposes, biomass and gases that result from anaerobic biodigestion in the thermophilic phase, said device differing from biodigesters currently offered in the market in that its temperature control is monitored, resulting in a shorter fermentation time, better quality, for energy-use purposes, of the produced dry material, and a high yield. The waste bio-fermenter has an elongate form and is built in a metallic structure comprising double partition lateral walls, sloping bottom to allow the solution runoff, and a ceiling with a hatchway. In the space between the partition walls heating of the liquid or gaseous solution placed therein occurs and then the heat present in the solution is transmitted to the internal cell.

Abstract: A thermocycling device includes a sample holder, a thermal reference and a heating and cooling device which is arranged between the sample holder and thermal reference. The heating and cooling device is in thermally conductive contact with the sample holder and with the thermal reference. The thermocycling device further includes a reference heating and cooling device for maintaining the temperature of the thermal reference at a predetermined temperature level during cycling, and a heat sink which is in thermally conductive contact with the reference heating and/or cooling device.

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: A cell culture kit for cultivating cells in a closed system that comprises at least one or more of each of: a culture container for cultivating cells; a culture medium storage container for storing a culture medium or the like; a cell injection container for injecting cells; and a cell collecting container for collecting a suspension of cells after cultivation; wherein the culture medium storage container is also used as a waste liquid container for collecting a culture medium after cultivation, and the culture container, the culture medium storage container, the cell injection container and the cell collecting container are linked to one another through a conduit. Also provided is a cell culture kit including at least one or more of a sampling container that is capable of sampling part of a suspension of cells during cultivation, wherein the sampling container is linked to the culture container through a conduit.

Abstract: Methods and devices for conducting chemical or biochemical reactions that require multiple reaction temperatures are described. The methods involve moving one or more reaction droplets or reaction volumes through various reaction zones having different temperatures on a microfluidics apparatus. The devices comprise a microfluidics apparatus comprising appropriate actuators capable of moving reaction droplets or reaction volumes through the various reaction zones.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a bioreactor coupled to a substrate. The bioreactor includes: a plurality of walls defining a reservoir; a plurality of fluidic channels in at least some of the walls; a fluidic inlet in fluidic communication with the reservoir via, the fluidic channels; a fluidic outlet in fluidic communication with the reservoir via the fluidic channels; and one or more sensors coupled to the reservoir, each sensor being configured to detect one or more of: environmental conditions in the reservoir; and physiological conditions of one or more cells optionally present in the reservoir. In another embodiment, a method includes delivering media to a reservoir of a bioreactor; delivering a, plurality of cells to the reservoir, controlling a reservoir temperature and a reservoir gas composition; using one or more of the sensors to monitor environmental and physiological conditions; and reporting the environmental and/or physiological conditions.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus for holding cells. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for incubating cells having a dynamically controlled environment in which the cells are grown, which are maintained in a desired condition and in which cells can be examined while the environment is dynamically controlled and maintained in the desired condition. The apparatus also comprises a mechanism for determining the state of the cells. The determining mechanism is in communication with the incubating mechanism. The present invention pertains to a method for holding cells. The method comprises the steps of incubating the cells in a dynamically controlled environment which is maintained in a desired condition and in which the cells can be examined while the environment is dynamically controlled and maintained in the desired condition. Additionally, there is the step of determining the state of the cells.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rapid thermal cycling including a thermal diffusivity plate. The thermal diffusivity plate can provide substantial temperature uniformity throughout the thermal block assembly during thermal cycling by a thermoelectric module. An edge heater can provide substantial temperature uniformity throughout the thermal block assembly during thermal cycling.

Abstract: Provided herein is a microplate for polymerase chain reaction (PCR), comprising a substrate formed of a material that is susceptible to heating PCR samples upon the application of an electromagnetic field and/or electromagnetic energy to said substrate. The substrate provides a PCR ramp rate of at least 5° C./second upon the application of an electromagnetic field and/or electromagnetic energy to said substrate.

Abstract: Techniques for isolating, enriching, and/or amplifying target DNA molecules using MEMS-based microdevices are disclosed. The techniques can be used for detecting single nucleotide polymorphism, and for isolating and enriching desired DNA molecules, such as aptamers.

Abstract: A micro-incubator manifold for improved microfluidic configurations and systems and methods of manufacture and operation for a manifold and automated microfluidic systems.

Abstract: An apparatus designed to be placed inside of variety of enclosures to control the temperature inside of the enclosure to create optimal fermentation conditions, consisting of: heater, controller, temperature sensor and optionally a fan. The apparatus fits inside of an independent enclosures of various sizes and types, typically thermally insulated such as existing coolers. Such apparatus placed inside an enclosure can create optimal temperature inside the enclosure for fermentation of various yeast and bacteria as would be used for example in preparation of foods such as yogurt, kimchi, kefir and proofing of baked goods.

Abstract: A cell incubation system and methods for using a cell incubation system are described. The incubator system comprises an incubation compartment for receiving a microplate for processing samples. The microplate comprises a plurality of wells, each of the plurality of wells including a collection chamber, and a plurality of fluidic structures coupled to the plurality of wells. The microplate further comprises a plurality of sensors coupled to the plurality of wells.

Abstract: The sterilizing effect of particle irradiation on microorganisms for the sterilizing treatment thereof can be evaluated. The evaluation can be done by supplying microorganisms in the space inside a container (8), allowing particles (7) for the sterilizing treatment of microorganisms to irradiate the microorganisms, sampling the microorganisms by a sampling means (6) after the irradiation of the particles (7) and measuring the sampled microorganisms. The microorganisms as the subject for the sterilizing treatment can be a combination of one or more members selected from the group consisting of bacteria, mycete, viruses and allergens. As the particles, for example, positive ions, negative ions, and gases of positive ions and negative ions in mixture, charged particles such as ? rays and ? rays, various plasma gas particles, particles such as ozone and radical particles, and particles of chemical agent can be used.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a liquid reflux reaction control device comprising: a reaction vessel having one or a plurality of wells configured to accommodate a sample; a heat exchange vessel provided in contact with the reaction vessel so as to conduct heat to the reaction vessel, and comprising an inlet and an outlet respectively for introducing and draining a liquid of a predetermined temperature; a plurality of liquid reservoir tanks provided with a temperature-controllable heat source for maintaining liquids of predetermined temperatures; a tubular flow channel that connects the inlet and the outlet of the heat exchange vessel with the liquid reservoir tanks; a pump disposed on the tubular flow channel, and configured to circulate the liquid between the heat exchange vessel and the liquid reservoir tank; and a switching valve disposed on the tubular flow channel, and configured to control the flow of the circulating liquid.

Abstract: A culture apparatus for microscopic viewing enables effective microscopic viewing at high magnification of samples such as cells suspended in a culture solution while the samples are maintained at a uniform temperature. The apparatus is used to microscopically view a sample placed on a microscope stage, and is provided with a housing unit that houses the vessel containing a culture solution and the sample; a lid that closes the aperture on the upper surface side of the housing unit; a transparent sheet top heater provided in the portion of the lid that corresponds to the viewing area; and a temperature detecting means where a thin wire detection unit penetrates into the interiors of the housing unit and a well plate to directly measure the temperature of the culture solution. Based on the temperature information, a controller controls the temperature of the transparent sheet top heater using a feedback method.

Abstract: An incubator (1) has an incubation chamber (2) and a shaking device (4) to shake receptacles (5) placed in the incubation chamber (2). A device chamber (3) adjoins the incubation chamber (2) and accommodates at least parts of the shaking device (4). The shaking device (4) has a base plate (8) that seals off the incubation chamber (2) from the device chamber 3. A shaking table (11) is on the inner face (9) of the base plate (8) and can be moved in a horizontal plane by a drive arm (10). A motor (34) is arranged on the outer face (37) of the base plate (8). The motor (34) drives a drive shaft (14) that is rotatably mounted in the base plate (8) and that is operatively connected to the drive arm (10).

Abstract: A culture apparatus includes a heat insulating box main body having an inner box; a culture vessel; a duct and a circulation blower forcing convection of a gas in the culture vessel; a humidifying pan disposed on the bottom of the culture vessel and positioned inside the duct; a heat pipe having a heat insulating section, a heat input section disposed at one end of the heat insulating section and a heat dissipation section disposed at the other end of the heat insulating section. The heat pipe is attached to the culture apparatus with the heat dissipation section being disposed outside the culture apparatus, the heat insulating section passing through the heat insulating box main body and the inner box, and the heat input section being disposed in a gas passage in the duct.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and devices that improve cell culture efficiency. They include the use of gas permeable culture compartments that reduce the use of space while maintaining uniform culture conditions, and are more suitable for automated liquid handling. They include the integration of gas permeable materials into the traditional multiple shelf format to resolve the problem of non-uniform culture conditions. They include culture devices that use surfaces comprised of gas permeable, plasma charged silicone and can integrate traditional attachment surfaces, such as those comprised of traditional tissue culture treated polystyrene. They include culture devices that integrate gas permeable, liquid permeable membranes. A variety of benefits accrue, including more optimal culture conditions during scale up and more efficient use of inventory space, incubator space, and disposal space. Furthermore, labor and contamination risk are reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for differentiating multiple detectable signals by excitation wavelength. The apparatus can include a light source that can emit respective excitation light wavelengths or wavelength ranges towards a sample in a sample retaining region, for example, in a well. The sample can contain two or more detectable markers, for example, fluorescent dyes, each of which can be capable of generating increased detectable emissions when excited in the presence of a target component. The detectable markers can have excitation wavelength ranges and/or emission wavelength ranges that overlap with the ranges of the other detectable markers. A detector can be arranged for detecting an emission wavelength or wavelength range emitted from a first marker within the overlapping wavelength range of at least one of the other markers.

Abstract: To provide a microfluidic device which does not apply a meandering reaction channel and thus can be reduced in size, the microfluidic device comprising a reaction channel is characterized in that a plurality of thermal cycle regions which respectively comprise at least two thermal regions with different temperatures are repeatedly provided and the reaction channel passes through the plurality of thermal cycle regions.

Abstract: An isolator for cultivating cells including a working chamber having a plurality of gloves arranged side by side into which operator's hands are inserted to operate cells, the working chamber being sectioned into at least an operation area for operating the cells, and an auxiliary working area for opening a packaged auxiliary instrument used to operate the cells, a gas supply unit that supplies gas into the working chamber so that the gas flows downwardly from an upper side in the working chamber, and a gas flow control unit for controlling the flow of the downwardly flowing gas so that the gas flows from the operation area to the auxiliary working area around the gloves, wherein the gas flow control unit has an exhaust hole portion that has an opened area for passing the gas therethrough and is provided at a lower portion of at least the auxiliary working area, and through which the gas in the auxiliary working area is exhausted.

Abstract: An infant care system and apparatus includes a horizontal surface to support an infant. A microenvironment region is defined around the horizontal surface by at least one wall. A graphical display is disposed within the microenvironment region. A diagnostic imaging device is at least partially disposed within the microenvironment region to obtain diagnostic images of an infant disposed within the microenvironment region.

Abstract: A sample processing apparatus includes a sample carrier receiving region configured to receive sample carrier carrying one or more samples for processing by the sample processing apparatus, and a thermal control system that controls a thermal cycling of the one or more samples for processing by the sample processing apparatus by selectively varying a pressure over a fluid in substantial thermal communication with the sample carrier, thereby varying a boiling point temperature of the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system arranged for assisting secure handling of cells in order to minimize the risk of handling mistakes resulting in mix-up of cell samples. The system allows for one to one identification of cells during a whole culturing period. This is obtained by providing a culturing system with loading/exit control means which ensures that only one device is capable of being loaded/removed at a time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for obtaining algal biomass, a system for obtaining algal biomass and a cultivation medium for cultivating algae. The method comprises the step of culturing algae in a culturing medium having a pH above 8 such that lipid accumulation and/or carbohydrate accumulation is increased, wherein the medium is a saline medium. Preferably, the pH of the medium is in the range of 8-11, preferably 8.5-11, more preferably 9-11 and most preferably 10-11.

Abstract: Fabrication of a microfluidic multi-temperature reaction device (MMR) and the design and fabrication of the equipment to drive various molecular biological methods on the device are provided. The device can be applicable, for example, to nucleic acid (DNA, RNA, cDNA, etc) amplification, cell lysis, reverse transcription and other enzymatic temperature sensitive and also temperature cycling reactions.

Abstract: A method for producing a biogas is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a polyculture of aquatic plants to a growth system; continuously providing water, carbon dioxide, air and nutrients to the polyculture contained within the growth system; growing the polyculture for a time sufficient to produce an aquatic plant-based biomass; withdrawing a portion of the aquatic plant-based biomass contained within the growth system; and treating the withdrawn aquatic plant-based biomass to produce a biogas.

Abstract: The invention provides systems, modules, bioreactor and methods for the automated culture, proliferation, differentiation, production and maintenance of tissue engineered products. In one aspect is an automated tissue engineering system comprising a housing, at least one bioreactor supported by the housing, the bioreactor facilitating physiological cellular functions and/or the generation of one or more tissue constructs from cell and/or tissue sources. A fluid containment system is supported by the housing and is in fluid communication with the bioreactor. One or more sensors are associated with one or more of the housing, bioreactor or fluid containment system for monitoring parameters related to the physiological cellular functions and/or generation of tissue constructs; and a microprocessor linked to one or more of the sensors. The systems, methods and products of the invention find use in various clinical and laboratory settings.

Abstract: Multiplex binding assay assemblies are disclosed. The assemblies generally include at least one assay bar that includes a top side, a bottom side, and at least one well accessible from the top side of the assay bar. Each well includes a side surface, a bottom surface, an open top end, and at least one secondary container, with each secondary container including a capillary tube that (i) begins at a location within an interior volume of the well and (ii) ends at a location beneath the bottom surface of the assay bar. The assemblies further include a dispenser bar that is adapted to be positioned adjacent to the top side of the assay bar, which includes one or more reservoirs that are configured to provide one or more reagents to the at least one secondary container located in each well of the assay bar.

Abstract: A method and system for self-sterilizing an automated incubator is disclosed. The internal temperature of the automated incubator is elevated by forcing hot air to flow into the internal incubation chamber, wherein all mechanics and electronics associated with the automated plate mover are outside the internal incubation chamber. During sterilization, the heating system of the automated incubator will force hot air to flow over the internal surfaces of the incubator, thereby reducing contaminating microorganism resistance by inducing dehydration.

Abstract: A device for controlling temperature in a reaction chamber is disclosed. The device comprises: a bladder assembly comprising a housing dimensioned to hold a reaction chamber disposed within an interior volume of the housing; and a first temperature-control bladder disposed within the housing, the first temperature-control bladder is configured to receive a temperature-control fluid and comprises a flexible, heat conductive surface that comes in contact with at least a portion of an exterior surface of the reaction chamber after receiving the temperature-control fluid. Also disclosed are a bladder thermal cycler, a temperature-control bladder assembly and methods for producing a thermal cycle in a reaction chamber.

Abstract: A heating mechanism for use in DNA applications such as DNA amplification, extraction and sterilization is provided. Nanoparticles having photo-thermal properties are put in contact with a reaction mixture and irradiated with an activation light beam to activate these photo-thermal properties, thereby releasing heat. Nanoparticles of several types may be used. Use of the same nanoparticles or of different one to monitor the reaction using a different light beam is also presented.