Abstract: A pressure controllable incubation system is provided for constantly maintaining a concentration of carbon dioxide while keeping a pressure chamber, in which living organisms to be cultured are placed, at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure. The pressure controllable incubation system comprise a cylinder that stores air containing high-concentration carbon dioxide to be injected into a pressure chamber and supplies the air into the pressure chamber, and a heat controller that constantly maintains temperature in the pressure chamber. The pressure controllable incubation system constantly maintains culture conditions such as pressure, temperature, and concentration of carbon dioxide which the user wants for a long time, so that it can be effectively applied to the culture of various living organisms.

Abstract: Provided are disposable, moisture-activated, self-heating cartridges useful for, e.g., isothermal nucleic acid amplification, incubation, and thermal actuation, and visual fluorescent detection of the amplification products. These devices may be self-contained and do not require any special instruments to operate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for amplifying a nucleic acid sequence by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The method comprises placing a PCR sample in a container which is heated by only a single heat source that provides a high temperature for denaturation in the bottom of the PCR sample, while annealing and extension automatically occur in different regions of the PCR sample due to the convection induced by a temperature gradient descending from the bottom of the PCR sample to the surface of the PCR sample.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for growing genetically enhanced aquatic photoautotrophic organisms in a stable culture, causing said organisms to produce ethanol, and then separating, collecting, and removing the ethanol in situ.

Abstract: A thermal treatment apparatus includes a fluidic device including at least one channel, a first temperature-changing unit that changes the temperature of a fluid in part of the channel, and a second temperature-changing unit that changes the temperature of the fluid in another part of the channel. The temperature changes by the first and second temperature-changing units cause at least any one of the expansion and contraction of the fluid in the respective parts of the channel, and the at least any one of the expansion and contraction of the fluid due to the first temperature-changing unit is offset by the at least any one of the expansion and contraction of the fluid due to the second temperature-changing unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a surface reservoir to hold a sample for a desirable period of time is described. The apparatus contains a platform, a solid surface disposed onto the platform, and an assembly of a bottomless vessel mounted on the solid surface. Also described is an apparatus that forms an array of surface reservoirs on a solid surface when multiple bottomless vessels are used, which can be used for high throughput applications. The apparatus can be used in applications on a solid surface, such as immunohistochemistry (IHC), oligo synthesis, peptide synthesis, ELISA, DNA array, peptide array, protein array, antibody array, tissue array, cell culturing, etc.

Abstract: An isolator capable of having a culture apparatus demountably mounted thereto, the isolator includes: a working chamber; a storage chamber; a first opening configured to allow a culture chamber of the culture apparatus and the working chamber to communicate with each other, when the culture apparatus has been mounted; a second opening configured to allow the working chamber and the storage chamber to communicate with each other; a first door configured to close the second opening so as to hermetically seal the storage chamber; and a temperature adjusting device configured to, when culture taken out of the culture chamber has been stored in the storage chamber, and the storage chamber has been hermetically sealed, and thereafter the culture apparatus has been demounted, adjust temperature of the culture stored in the storage chamber.

Abstract: A microfluidic system for a polymerase chain reaction is disclosed. The system includes a substrate having three chambers fluidically connected to one another in series, which chambers are held at different temperature levels. An elastic film on the substrate closes the chambers, wherein the chambers connected to one another in series are fluidically closable at the ends of the serial connection. The film above a chamber is movable into the chamber for emptying of the chamber. Thus, without a separate pump, it is possible for a PCR solution to be pumped through the chambers or temperature levels, with the PCR solution in a chamber acquiring the temperature thereof very rapidly.

Abstract: Systems and methods of sample processing and temperature control are disclosed. The invention may especially relate to temperature control, and may in some embodiments be methods of temperature control of an automated sample processing system and methods of automated sample processing. Specifically, the present invention provides temperature control in relation to sample processing systems and methods of processing samples, and in some embodiments provides temperature control in relation to sample carriers and processing materials such as reagents. Corresponding systems and devices are disclosed, including sample processing systems (1), sample carrier temperature regulation systems (60), reagent temperature regulation systems, sample processing control systems, and temperature regulation devices, among other embodiments.

Abstract: A thermal cycler for incubating reaction mixture, the thermal cycler including:(1) a heat block for holding and heating reaction containers which contain the reaction mixture, the heat block being a double-layered structure of a lower layer heat block and an upper layer heat block; and (2) a thermal control means for controlling a temperature of the lower layer heat block and a temperature of the upper layer heat block independently and respectively and keeping the temperature of the upper layer heat block higher than the temperature of the lower layer heat block while incubating the reaction mixture. Since the thermal cycler prevents the occurrence of the condensation of water or other components of the reaction mixture in the reaction container and the thermal differences based on the installation positions of the reaction containers, the PCR method and the other enzyme reaction can be performed in a good repeatability.

Abstract: A thermal cycle system and method suitable for mass production of DNA comprising a temperature control body having at least two sectors. Each sector has at least one heater, cooler, or other means for changing temperature. A path traverses the sectors in a cyclical fashion. In use, a piece of tubing or other means for conveying is placed along the path and a reaction mixture is pumped or otherwise moved along the path such that the reaction mixture is repetitively heated or cooled to varying temperatures as the reaction mixture cyclically traverses the sectors. The reaction mixture thereby reacts to form a product. In particular, polymerase chain reaction reactants may continuously be pumped through the tubing to amplify DNA. The temperature control body is preferably a single aluminum cylinder with a grooved channel circling around its exterior surface, and preferably has wedge-shaped or pie-shaped sectors separated by a thermal barrier.

Abstract: A method for expanding and/or preserving cells inside a culture vessel containing a culture medium provides for the renewal of the culture medium by a culture medium stream, at least a portion of which comes from a culture medium volume contained in a gas-enrichment vessel of the culture medium, the enrichment-vessel further containing a gas volume which is separated from the culture medium volume by a free interface, the gas volume being renewed by a gas stream that is introduced into the enrichment vessel directly into the gas volume, the flow of the stream being arranged so as to enable a gas exchange between the culture medium volume and the gas volume at the interface thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for performing biological reactions in a nucleic acid sample. The device can comprise a reaction vessel receiving element that includes a plurality of reaction vessel holders and a gastight jacket or equalization plate containing a fluid changeable between liquid and gaseous states. The gastight jacket or equalization plate can be configured to provide temperature equalisation among the reaction vessel holders. The reaction vessel receiving element can also include at least one Peltier element, a cooling element, and a controller configured to cycle the device through a predetermined time-temperature profile via heating and cooling.

Abstract: A culture apparatus comprising: a fan configured to circulate air inside a culture chamber in a predetermined direction in the culture chamber; a duct configured to guide air circulating inside the culture chamber along a wall face inside the culture chamber from an upper part to a lower part of the culture chamber; and a gas generator detachable from a predetermined position at a lower part of the duct, the gas generator being configured to take in air discharged from a lower part of the duct and discharge together with the air taken in a hydrogen peroxide gas to sterilize the inside of the culture chamber generated from a hydrogen peroxide solution into the culture chamber.

Abstract: A cell culture apparatus includes: an isolator in which a sterile space accommodating a cell incubator filled with a culture solution containing cells to be cultured is disposed; a sampling unit configured to sample the culture solution in the cell incubator; a delivery flow path through which an inside of the sterile space and an outside of the sterile space communicate with each other, the delivery flow path configured to limit a flow in the delivery flow path to a direction that is directed from the inside of the sterile space toward the outside of the sterile space; and a culture solution delivering section configured to deliver the sampled culture solution to the outside of the sterile space via the delivery flow path.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for energetically efficient and economically viable temperature regulation of the environment within commercial scale enclosed microalgae cultivators.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of processing analyte using a portable incubator apparatus. The incubator apparatus 10 has a plurality of cavities 20 each configured to receive analyte to be incubated. The method comprises: receiving analyte in each of the plurality of cavities; incubating the analyte in the plurality of cavities, the incubator apparatus being operable to control temperatures of analyte contained in the plurality of cavities independently of each other; and moving the incubator apparatus from a first location to a second location while the analyte is being incubated, the incubator apparatus being configured to maintain desired incubation conditions independently of a supply of electrical power and apparatus external to the incubator apparatus as the incubator apparatus is being moved.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system includes a mixture chamber, a denature chamber, an annealing chamber, an extension chamber, and a product chamber, that are fluidically coupled to one another through a plurality of microfluidic channels. An inertial pump is associated with each microfluidic channel, and each inertial pump includes a fluid actuator integrated asymmetrically within its associated microfluidic channel. The fluid actuators are capable of selective activation to circulate fluid between the chambers in a controlled cycle.

Abstract: A method for culturing cells or microorganisms by dissolving oxygen or carbon dioxide in a culture solution containing a nutrient including: supplying gas containing oxygen or carbon dioxide into inside of a glass porous body being configured to have cylindrical shape and a large number of uniformly fine pores in the outer surface and being configured to seal the end of the glass porous body; generating bubbles that have a 50% diameter of 200 ?m or less in a volume-based particle size distribution from the outer surface of the porous body by using gas containing oxygen or carbon dioxide that is supplied from an unsealed end of the glass porous body; suppressing aggregation of the bubbles by at least one of a cell-protecting agent for protecting the cells and a protein hydrolysate included in the culture solution; and dissolving oxygen or carbon dioxide in the culture solution.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for the containment and culture of worms, and the preparation of composts, vermicomposts, and castings from organic and inorganic wastes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fast a simple coating procedure for coating of cell culture and/or handling surfaces to prevent cell adhesion and growth. The invention relates to a cell culture/handling product coated with phenyl dextran, as well as methods of producing and using it.

Abstract: A thermal cycling instrument for PCR and other reactions performed on multiple samples with temperature changes between sequential stages in the reaction procedure is supplied with a thermal block to provide rapid changes and close control over the temperature in each sample vessel and a pressure plate incorporated into a motorized lid that detects anomalies in the reaction vessels or in their positioning over the thermal block, and automatically adjusts the plate position to achieve an even force distribution over the sample vessels.

Abstract: A thermal cycling device for thermally cycling samples of biological material contained in a microcard having a top and bottom surface. The thermal cycling device can include a sample block having an upper surface configured for engaging the bottom surface of a microcard, a vacuum device, and a temperature control system operatively connected with the sample block. The upper surface of the sample block may include a plurality of channels, the channels defining spaces between the sample block and the bottom surface of a microcard that may be positioned thereon. The vacuum device may be in fluid communication with the sample block for drawing gas out of the spaces defined by the channels in the sample block. The vacuum device may be configured for substantially maintaining a vacuum between the sample block and microcard so that a retention force is imparted on the microcard to urge the microcard toward the sample block.

Abstract: The present invention provides thermocycling devices useful for amplification of nucleic acids in droplets. The thermocycling device utilizes the flow of one or more fluids through a main compartment at temperatures sufficient to conduct a polymerase chain reaction. Methods of amplifying nucleic acids in droplets are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a carbon supply device for supplying carbon dioxide during large scale cultivation of micro-algae in open pond, and its application method and use. The device comprises a trap container in which a partition plate is installed vertically and has a 10-50 cm gap from the container bottom, and the partition plate is higher than the wall of the trap container; and a gas distributor is positioned at the bottom of the container. In use, the trap carbon supply device is embedded in bottom of an open pond, wherein the partition plate is above the liquid level of the culture solution in the open pond such that the culture solution driven by a stirrer flows into the trap carbon supply device from one side thereof, and flows out of the device from the other side thereof, wherein the culture solution is mixed with carbon dioxide at the bottom of the container.

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: A thermal cycler includes a bearing element, a heating element, a first cooling element, and a temperature controller. The bearing element carries at least one reaction mixture. The heating element raises the temperature of the reaction mixture. The heating element includes a housing, at least one carbon nanotube structure and a pair of electrodes. The carbon nanotube structure and the pair of electrodes are accommodated in the housing. The pair of electrodes is electrically connected to the carbon nanotube structure. The first cooling element cools the temperature of the reaction mixture. The temperature controller is electrically connected to the heating element and the first cooling element. The temperature controller controls the operation of the heating element and the first cooling element.

Abstract: A culture apparatus comprising: a housing including a culture chamber inside, culture being cultured in the culture chamber; a door configured to seal the culture chamber; an ultraviolet lamp configured to generate an ultraviolet ray for disinfecting air in the culture chamber; a lighting device configured to allow the ultraviolet lamp to be on for a predetermined time period, when the air in the culture chamber is disinfected; a detecting device configured to detect deterioration of disinfection capability of the ultraviolet lamp; and a controller configured to correct the predetermined time period, during which the ultraviolet lamp is on, so as to be longer according to the deterioration of the disinfection capability of the ultraviolet lamp detected by the detecting device.

Abstract: A micro IVF chamber that enables rapid filling, hermetic sealing, and custom gas environment control for secure cell extraction, fertilization, culturing, insemination, macro and microscopic content examination, post examination rapid refilling, return to optimal gas levels and pH values, with direct view of cell in conventional microscopes while maintaining culture environment, designed for use in any incubator and multiple devices per shelf for optimum efficiency while maintaining integrity of individual devices and patient-culture identity in a simple one-sample clamp-and-go device is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and device for creating hanging drop cell aggregates. The method and device includes a plurality of pegs that allow for high throughput culture of aggregates. Also disclosed are means of transferring formed aggregates to various destinations, such as well plates, scaffolding, tissues, or wounds. Use of the device permits aggregates to be prepared or created in larger quantities than current methods, and allows for them to be transferred more efficiently.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device intended for the culture of cells or micro-organisms, characterised by the fact that it comprises a chamber (100) composed of a tank (110) and a lid (150), adapted so that when in the closed state, it defines a sealed volume under a controlled pressure, and an assembly (200) designed to be placed inside the chamber (100), while being removable from it when the lid (150) is opened, said assembly comprising (200) a support frame (210) and a plurality of plates (250) carried by the support frame (210), the chamber (100) also comprising means designed to successively sterilise its content, for seeding a culture medium placed in the trays (250) and a means for controlling the atmosphere in the chamber (100), to enable the culture of cells or micro-organisms.

Abstract: A culture apparatus includes a culture chamber in which culture is cultured, a shelf plate included in the culture chamber, on which the culture is placed, and shelf rests in a left-and-right pair configured to support the shelf plate and a plurality of shelf supports configured to support the shelf rests. The shelf rests each include one piece supporting the shelf plate and the other piece supported by the shelf supports. The shelf rests are in an L-shape in a cross-sectional manner whose angle between the one piece and the other piece is an acute angle. The one piece is in line contact with a lower face of the shelf plate at an end of the one piece extending obliquely upward from a side face of the culture chamber toward the inside of the culture chamber. The culture chamber is supplied with sterilizing gas to be sterilized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable device (100) for amplifying at least one target nucleic acid present in a liquid and biological sample of interest, which consists of a solid body (2), at least one fluid channel (3) connecting an inlet (4), via which all or part of the sample of interest can be drawn up and/or discharged, and an outlet (5), which is itself connected to a means for the drawing up/discharging of the said sample of interest, the fluid channel (3) further comprising from the inlet (4) to the outlet (5): a first compartment (8) containing all or part of the thermostable constituents, a means (15) for mixing the constituents with the sample of interest, a second compartment (9) containing all or part of the non-thermostable constituents, and in addition, at least one zone intended for heating the said sample of interest (6) mixed with the said amplification constituents in order to allow the amplification of the target nucleic acid.

Abstract: Climate control unit with an interior section containing a storage space and with a closable access opening to the storage section whereby at least one part of the interior section is separated and sealed against the rest of the interior section thus forming a separate germ-proof section. The division takes place at least in part by a membrane that is permeable for water vapor and gas but impermeable for microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention enables to keep the culture vessel clean with the clean air without touching the open air in which floating bacteria exist, and to culture cells with taking in and out the culture apparatus under the environment with low damages for the cells in constant temperature. The present invention is the culture vessel box which has one or more culture vessels, has the heater, and has the door outside which the good adhesive resin film is stuck, the culture apparatus which has various apparatuses including a heater and culture cells, and has the door outside which the resin film is stuck similarly to the culture vessel box and has its storing chamber.

Abstract: For heating or cooling a sample contained in a vessel portion through a heat transfer member held in contact with the vessel portion, there is used the vessel portion, which has a part formed of an elastic member, expands and contracts for injection and discharge of the sample, is closed other than a connecting port with a channel connected to the vessel, and expands and contracts for injection and discharge of the sample. The vessel portion expands correspondingly to the injection when the sample is injected through an inflow path serving as the channel into the vessel portion contracting in a non-contacting state with the heat transfer member. A predetermined amount of sample is injected into the vessel portion so as to expand the vessel portion, and the vessel portion comes into contact with the heat transfer member. The vessel portion is heated or cooled through the heat transfer member.

Abstract: A tissue culture microscope apparatus includes a culture unit that includes a chamber in which a specimen is put, and maintains the chamber at a predetermined temperature to culture the specimen; an observation unit that forms an observation image of the specimen put in the chamber; and a liquid supply unit that stores a liquid in a protrusion portion penetrating into a wall of the chamber and protruding to an inside of the chamber, matches a temperature of the liquid with the temperature of the chamber, and injects the liquid from the protrusion portion to the specimen.

Abstract: An incubator including a temperature-controlled room adjusted to a predetermined environment condition for culturing a sample of an incubation container at inside of the temperature-controlled room, the incubator including a shifting mechanism for moving a position of the incubation container at inside of the temperature-controlled room by a motor, a temperature adjusting section for adjusting a temperature at inside of the temperature-controlled room, an operating information generating section for generating operating information with regard to a position of operating and a time period of operating the motor prior to operating the motor, an estimated variation outputting section for outputting an estimation variation of a temperature state by operating the motor based on the operating information, and a controlling section for controlling the temperature adjusting section to cancel a temperature change of an amount of the estimated variation in synchronism with operating the motor.

Abstract: An arm portal for ingress and egress within an enclosed, controlled environment, such as an incubator, employs asymmetric orifices to obtain superior arm mobility. The hand/arm portals along with the pass box can be manufactured into a one-piece injection molded assembly that is easily attached to the front face of an enclosed anaerobic environment.

Abstract: An incubator (10) comprising an incubator housing (14), at least one sealable incubation chamber (16) in the housing (14), means for controlling temperature, humidity and gas composition within the incubation chamber (16), a liquid container (26), and a window (24) for observing the gas flow rate and liquid level of said a liquid container (26), said container having at least one light transmissible side wall (38), at least one gas inlet conduit (28) having a gas outlet at or adjacent to the said at least one light transmissible side wall (38), a gas outlet conduit (32) having a gas inlet which is spaced above the gas outlet of the said at least one gas inlet conduit (28), and a light emitting device (34) for directing a beam of light to be incident with or adjacent to an interior surface (46) of the said at least one light transmissible side wall (38) so as to in use illuminate at least one gas bubble (44) discharged from the gas outlet.

Abstract: An assembly for culturing cells includes a housing defining a reservoir for containing cell culture media and an opening in fluid communication with the reservoir. The cell culture assembly further includes a filter valve assembly configured to sealingly engage the opening. The filter valve assembly includes a flexible membrane, a contiguous side wall, an end wall, and a microbial filter. The end wall has an opening and extends across one end of the side wall to form a major cavity within the side wall and the end wall. The flexible membrane has a slit spanning the membrane and is disposable within the major cavity such that the membrane sealingly divides the major cavity into (i) a chamber formed between the end wall and the membrane and (ii) a minor cavity formed by the membrane and a portion of the side wall. The minor cavity is in fluid communication with the reservoir.

Abstract: A DNA amplification device utilizing a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and silicon substrate coated with spin-on glass (SOG) is provided. This PDMS layer is irreversibly bonded to the SOG layer of the silicon substrate using oxygen plasma. The amplification device is an inexpensive, microfluidic device, which can be utilized as a portable thermo-cycler to perform PCR amplification of DNA in the field.

Abstract: A climate cabinet is provided. The climate cabinet includes an object storage device, a first intake and output station for the intake and output of objects and an associated first transport device for positioning objects in the object storage device, and has a second intake and output station for the intake and output of objects and an associated second transport device for positioning objects in the object storage device. A system is also provided. The system includes the climate cabinet and multiple workstations, which can each be situated adjacent to the intake and output stations of the climate cabinet, so that the transport devices of the climate cabinet, which are associated with the intake and output stations, can serve the workstations.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a system for culturing cells comprising a culturing bag and a continuous flow centrifuge wherein the cells are continuously separated from the supernatant and are recycled into the culturing bag. Further provided are methods for culturing cells and for producing a biological substance using the device for culturing cells, and the use of a bag for culturing cells in said device or said methods. In particular, a perfusion system for culturing cells is provided wherein the wave technology for culturing cells is combined with continuous flow centrifugation for separating the medium from the cells.

Abstract: An automated micro-well plate handling device for removing a micro-well plate from within a vertically stacked plurality of micro-well plates and transferring the removable micro-well plate to a receiving area. A vertical storage device for storing the vertically stacked plurality of micro-well plates creates a vertical clearance space between the vertically stacked micro-well plates. A shovel slides into the vertical clearance space underneath the micro-well plate that is being removed. The shovel then removes the micro-well plate from the vertical storage device and places the micro-well plate at a transfer station. A gripper then grabs the micro-well plate from the transfer station and transfers the micro-well plate to a receiving area. In a preferred embodiment, the automated micro-well plate handling device is controlled via a computer network.

Abstract: A cell culture apparatus is provided in which a plurality of culture vessels can be mounted and removed in a set, which has a regulation mechanism that can fix each culture vessel in the correct position, and which enables suppression of production costs. The cell culture apparatus has one or a plurality of concave portions, and can arrange and accommodate one or a plurality of culture vessels in the concave portions. Spring-type fixing devices are provided in the depth direction and the width direction, respectively, in each concave portion. The two spring-type fixing devices press against side surfaces of the culture vessel to fix the culture vessel in the culture vessel set. At this time, by pressing against the culture vessel at two points, the position of the culture vessel at the time of fixing can be maintained with good accuracy.

Abstract: An incubator comprising: a culture chamber configured to accommodate culture; a dish structure configured to contain a liquid; an ultrasonic vibrator provided in a part of the dish structure, the ultrasonic vibrator configured to atomize the liquid; and a gas-liquid contact structure configured to bring the atomized liquid into contact with air in the chamber to be cultured.

Abstract: A sample processing device may include an opening, a sample pretreatment unit, a thermal cycling reaction unit, and a detection unit.

Abstract: An apparatus 20 for biological or chemical reactions, in particular PCR, includes a heat removal module 22 adapted to receive snugly a reaction vessel 24 in such a manner as to create good thermal conductivity contact between the module and the vessel. The heat removal module 22 is formed of a thermally conductive material having therein a channel 64 adapted for the flow of a coolant liquid. The heat removal module 22 is constructed with an array of receiving stations 62 for the reception of a corresponding array of reaction vessels 24.

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.