Abstract: The invention provides an incubation device, comprising an incubator chamber (12), a specimen carrier (15), which is designed to accommodate a specimen (14) and position it in the interior of the incubator chamber (12) at a specimen position (P), a heating arrangement (38, 40) with at least one heating element (38, 40), which is arranged inside the incubator chamber (12) and releases heat to the interior of the incubator chamber (12), a humidifier (16) for producing a humidifying fluid, and a passage opening (30) arranged between the humidifier (16) and the interior of the incubator chamber (12), through which the humidifying fluid may pass into the interior of the incubator chamber (12), wherein the interior of the incubator chamber (12) is substantially free of directed fluid flow at least at the specimen position (P).

Abstract: Multi-layer devices suitable for thermal cycling processes. The devices are particularly suitable for performing polymerase chain reactions (PCR). One embodiment includes a first conducting layer, a second conducting layer adjacent to the first layer, and a third conducting layer adjacent to the second layer opposite the first layer. Insulating layers are positioned between said three conducting layers. Continuous channels are formed within the layers. The channels can be formed in either the conducting layer or the insulating layers, or both. Other embodiments include two conducting layers. At least one integral or separate temperature source may be provided to maintain the conducting layers at various desired temperatures.

Abstract: A robotic microfluidic incubator system has a thin transparent sidewall and close proximity of the embryo/oocyte/cultured cells to the sidewall allow close approach of a side view microscope with adequate focal length for mid to high power. This arrangement permits microscopic examination of multiple culture wells when arranged in rows (linear or along the circumference of a carousel). Manual or automated side to side movement of the linear well row, or rotation of the carousel, allows rapid inspection of the contents each well. Automated systems with video capability also allow remote inspection of wells by video connection or Internet connection, and automated video systems can record oft-hours inspections or time lapse development in culture (i.e. embryo cell division progression, or axon growth in neuron cell cultures).

Abstract: In a method of cultivating multipotent stem cells, the multipotent stem cells are cultivated while suppressing differentiation of the multipotent stem cells sealed in a first cultivating container. Then, the cultivated multipotent stem cells are cultivated while applying a force to the cultivated multipotent stem cells sealed in a second cultivating container to promote the differentiation of the cultivated multipotent stem cells.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns a perfusion bioreactor device and methods of using the same. A bioreactor device of the invention can be used to grow cells and tissue in a controlled in vitro environment. A perfusion bioreactor device of the invention can have multiple perfusion chambers that can be controlled individually. Transverse or parallel flow of a fluid can be provided to each chamber. Cells can be seeded on a hydrogel and/or 3D scaffold to provide a 3D environment in the bioreactor device where the cells can adhere, proliferate, migrate, secrete growth and/or differentiation factors, and/or undergo differentiation, etc. The subject invention also concerns hydrogels and 3D scaffolds that can be used to grow and/or differentiate cells thereon.

Abstract: A solution temperature control device in a biological cell observing chamber (30) used for the detection of chemotaxis and chemotactic cell separator, comprising a first temperature controller (62) and a second temperature controller (63). The first temperature controller (62) measures the temperature of a solution filled in a pair of wells and a flow passage in the chamber and controls the temperature to a specified temperature, and the second temperature controller (63) measures the temperature of a heating part (64) which heats the chamber (30) from the outside to indirectly heat the solution filled in the pair of wells and the flow passage and controls the temperature to a specified preheat temperature. Since the state and quantity of cells moving from one well to the other through the flow passage while holding the temperature of the solution at a specified temperature can be accurately observed and measured, accuracy for controlling the temperature of the solution can be remarkably increased.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods to synthesize polynucleotides and libraries of polynucleotides such as libraries of oligonucleotides. In exemplary embodiments, the device includes a support having a plurality of features. Each feature contains a plurality of oligonucleotides. Within each feature, each of the plurality of oligonucleotides includes an identical predetermined subunit sequence of X nucleosides and a degenerate sequence of Y nucleosides. A predetermined combination of a subset of the features can be used to produce a polynucleotide having a predetermined sequence of Z nucleosides.

Abstract: A zero-discharge landfill process is disclosed herein. The process described in the present invention recycles the exhaust gases from a combustion engine which reheats the landfill and provides moisture. Additionally, the CO2 from the exhaust gases releases additional methane. Methane production in landfills can thus be enhanced by the method of the present invention. Furthermore, a portion of the exhaust gas can be used to cultivate algae in a cultivation tank. The cultivation of the algal species is enhanced in the presence of water, CO2, CO, and the elevated temperatures.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, performing an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.

Abstract: Thermocycling system, including methods and apparatus, for performing a flow-based reaction on a sample in fluid. The system may include a plurality of segments defining at least two temperature regions, and also may include a plurality of heating elements configured to maintain each temperature region at a different desired temperature. At least one of the heating elements may be a thermoelectric cooler operatively disposed to transfer heat to and/or from a temperature region The system further may include a fluid channel extending along a helical path that passes through the temperature regions multiple times such that fluid flowing in the channel is heated and cooled cyclically.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in sample vessels. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, incubating the sample, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, ascertaining the presence of a target analyte, and analyzing the amount of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the sample vessels from one station to the next. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte, and, in one embodiment, a method for real-time monitoring of the amplification process.

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: Culture systems, devices and related methods and articles may automate the culturing or incubation process according to defined culturing protocols. Such may employ removable multi-well growth cassette. Wells may be subdivided into subwells. Such may employ removable media and waste cartridges and/or gas canisters to supply consumables, which may be supplied in kits, for example with processor executable culturing protocols. Direct fluidic coupling between growth cassettes and the removable cartridges or canisters may be employed. Operational and/or environmental conditions may be sensed or monitored, and may be used to adjust or alter operation. A microscopy subsystem may capture images which may be stored and/or analyzed. Analysis may be used to adjust or alter operation.

Abstract: A bioreactor and bioreactor system are suitable for the growth of materials from algae. More specifically, the system preferred embodiments use concentrated sunlight in a solo- or co-generation system to produce algae and products therefrom as well as solar thermal energy.

Abstract: An incubator including a cultivating chamber for cultivating cultures, a water supply control unit for supplying water into the cultivating chamber through a water supply passage and adjusting the humidity of the inside of the cultivating chamber, and a filter provided in the water supply passage.

Abstract: An automated biological sample collection system and method are disclosed. The system comprises an incubator, an applicator and a sampler. The incubator is configured to control the environment of a plurality of eggs, the applicator is configured to deliver exogenous material to the plurality of eggs and at least one sampler is configured to collect samples from the plurality of eggs, invasively or non-invasively.

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: This invention provides systems and methods for the production of compounds by C. phytofermentans. C. phytofermentans is genetically-engineered for hydrolysis and fermentation of carbonaceous biomass to synthesize compounds of commercial value.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and devices/systems for amplifying genetic material and may include providing a water-in-oil emulsion in a continuous flow. The emulsion may include a plurality of water droplets comprising microreactors. Each of the plurality of microreactors may include a single bead capable of capturing a nucleic acid template, a single species nucleic acid template and sufficient reagents to amplify the copy number of the nucleic acid template. The method also includes flowing the emulsion across a first temperature zone and a second lower temperature zone to thermally process the microreactors to amplify the nucleic acid template by polymerase chain reaction.

Abstract: An integrated instrument for oligonucleotide synthesis and PCR, and a system and method thereof are disclosed. The integrated instrument is basically composed of two independent modules. The first module is a unit for chemical de novo synthesis of oligonucleotides such as oligonucleotide primers and/or oligonucleotide hybridization probes. The second module is a unit for performing an analytical polymerase chain reaction amplification in real time, i.e. a qPCR. The two modules are operatively linked to each other in such a way that a user can load a nucleic sample to be analyzed into the integrated instrument and perform a PCR reaction by programming the instrument without a previous external synthesis of oligonucleotide amplification primers.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the production of an alcohol which comprises cleaving polysaccharides in a cellulosic material in an aqueous medium at a temperature of at least 45° C. using a thermophilic microorganism to yield fermentable sugars, fermenting an aqueous solution of said sugars at a temperature of at least 45° C. with a thermophilic microorganism to yield an alcohol or an alkanoate, if necessary reducing said alkanoate to yield an alcohol, and removing said alcohol from said aqueous solution.

Abstract: A platform for a devise for wetting objects, especially for an incubation/hybridization chamber is defined by an object support. The platform is arranged at a distance to the object support. The platform comprises a base provided with a least one spacer and a frame carrying the base. The inventive platform is characterized in that the base is moveably mounted relative to the frame by a bearing device. In a first function position, the bearing device maintains the base such that the base projects from the frame and/or the bearing device. In a second functional position, the base projects in some areas beyond an imaginary plane in which the surface of the base is disposed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a primer extension reaction method, such as a PCR method, for structure-independent amplification of DNA containing CG-rich repeat sequences wherein in the extension step the temperature fluctuates between a first extension temperature and a second extension temperature. The present invention also provides methods for diagnosing disorders. The present invention also provides a thermal cycler programmed to perform the method of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a thermocycling device (10), comprising at least one sample holder (11), at least one thermal reference (12) and at least one heating and/or cooling device (13), which is arranged between said sample holder(s) and said thermal reference. Said heating and/or cooling device is in thermally conductive contact with said sample holder(s) and with the thermal reference. Furthermore, the device comprises at least one reference heating and/or cooling device (14) for maintaining the temperature of the thermal reference at a predetermined temperature level during cycling and a heat sink (15) which is in thermally conductive contact with said reference heating and/or cooling device (14).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device, a system and a method for performing monitoring and/or cultivation of microscopic objects. Microscopic objects are in particular microscopic organisms like bacteria and cell cultures, such as cultivation objects like tissue samples and embryos, providing optimal and safe cultivation conditions for incubation during embryo development and for facilitating the selection of optimal embryos to be used in in vitro fertilization (IVF) by facilitating embryo handling for automated digital imaging and time-lapse microscopy.

Abstract: The invention relates to an Apparatus for the growth of artificial organic items, particularly human or animal skin. The growth of skin is possible if a slowly stretched piece of skin or skin substitute is in contact with the nutrient fluid only on its inner side, and in contact with a gas, especially with air, on its outer side.

Abstract: Disclosed is real-time monitoring apparatus comprising a thermal cycling reaction block having heating block which is formed of a hollow part and divided by an insulating layer, and a capillary tube through which a sample is flowed in and/or out and which is wound on the heating block so that the different temperatures are transferred and thus reaction cycle is repeatedly performed; a light source; a band pass filter; a condensing lens; a beam splitter; a reflecting mirror which is rotatably connected with a motor so as to transfer the excitation light reflected from the beam splitter to the capillary tube and reflect the fluorescence generated from the sample in the capillary tube; and a fluorescence detecting part.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention relates to methods (processes) of syngas fermentation involving an integral gasification process, and to corresponding systems for carrying out or implementing such methods. In such methods and systems of the present invention, carbon dioxide (CO2) produced during the fermentation of syngas is directed into the gasifier (e.g., as a motive gas or component thereof) where it enhances carbon monoxide (CO) production and mitigates char production.

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: 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: Methods and devices for performing chemical reactions under controlled temperatures are described. In one embodiment, the devices provided by the invention comprise a housing dimensioned to hold a reaction chamber disposed within an interior volume of the housing. The reaction chamber has thermally conductive interior and exterior surfaces defining an internal volume therein at a first temperature. The device also includes at least one thermally conductive temperature-control bladder disposed therein, which bladder is configured to receive a temperature-control substance at a second temperature into said bladder and expel said temperature-control substance from said bladder. The bladder is further configured such that upon receiving the temperature-control substance, the bladder expands to abut substantially at least a portion of said exterior surfaces of said reaction chamber to enable thermal exchange between said temperature-control substance the said internal volume of reaction chamber.

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: The present invention relates to the field of high throughput analysis of samples. In particular, the present invention is directed to a device, a system and a method for simultaneous tempering of multiple samples. More particular, the invention relates to the simultaneous thermocycling of multiple samples to perform PCR in a microtiter plate format.

Abstract: In the invention, a fluid cell, used for sequencing reaction between DNA fragments and reagents, comprises: a reaction chamber, one inner side of which is fixed with multiple DNA fragments; a reagent inlet and a reagent outlet, which are separately located at each end of the other inner side of the reaction chamber and used for reagents flowing into and out from the reaction chamber. Multiple DNA fragments are fixed on the reaction chamber with the small capacity as short tag arrays in sequence and make the reaction go on at the condition of the reagents without diffusion barriers, which improves the contacts of reagents and DNA fragments so as to shorten the reaction time. At the same time, the demands to the concentration and dosage of reagents are low, which reduces the consumption of reagents. As the result, the sequencing cost cut down. Multiple DNA fragments are fixed on the fluid cell at the same time, which provides a way for parallel reaction of various fragments.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and automated loading mechanism for loading an apparatus. The apparatus of the present invention may include a means for automated loading, a means for automated transfer and/or a means for automated unloading of a container (e.g., a specimen container). In one embodiment, the apparatus can be an automated detection apparatus for rapid non-invasive detection of a microbial agent in a test sample. The detection system also including a heated enclosure, a holding means or rack, and/or a detection unit for monitoring and/or interrogating the specimen container to detect whether the container is positive for the presence of a microbial agent. In other embodiment, the automated instrument may include one or more, bar code readers, scanners, cameras, and/or weighing stations to aid in scanning, reading, imaging and weighing of specimen containers within the system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing sample processing devices. The system can include a base plate adapted to rotate about a rotation axis. The base plate can include at least one first magnetic element. The system can further include an annular cover, and a sample processing device comprising at least one thermal process chamber. The annular cover can include an inner edge, an outer edge, and at least one second magnetic element. The method can include positioning the sample processing device between the base plate and the annular cover, such that the inner edge of the annular cover is positioned inwardly of the at least one thermal process chamber, and such that the at least one first magnetic element attracts the at least one second magnetic element to force the annular cover in a first direction along the z-axis, urging the sample processing device into contact with the base plate.

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: Method and device that increases the rate of reproduction (through increased speed of reproduction and/or increased reproductive yield) of living cells in suspension or of any culturable organisms through the process of natural selection, said device comprising: a) a flexible, sterile tube (7) containing culture medium, b) a system of movable gates (clamps) (3, 4, 5) that divide the tube (97) into separate regions containing spent culture (downstream region), growing culture (growth chamber), and fresh growth medium (upstream region), c) a means of moving the gates and the tubing (13) such that a portion of the growth chamber and the associated culture can be clamped off and separated from the growth chamber, and such that a portion of fresh tubing containing unused medium can be joined with a portion of the culture and associated medium already present in the growth chamber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving the fermentation process by controlling the temperature of the fermentation tanks. Waste byproduct carbon dioxide from the fermentation process is recycled and used as a coolant medium for the fermentation process. These methods and apparatus are particularly useful for maintaining temperatures of the fermentation process when applied to production of green ethanol from sugarcane.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for thermal cycling including a pasting edge heater. The pasting edge heater can provide substantial temperature uniformity throughout the retaining elements during thermal cycling by a thermoelectric module.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in sample vessels. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, incubating the sample, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, ascertaining the presence of a target analyte, and analyzing the amount of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the sample vessels from one station to the next. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte, and, in one embodiment, a method for real-time monitoring of the amplification process.

Abstract: A support apparatus for maintaining, storing, and transporting biological materials, such as cells. In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the biologic materials may be integrated to an electronic component to form a biological chip device, which may be supported, transported, and adapted for interconnection with other such devices through the use of a support apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the invention. In certain embodiments, the support apparatus can generate signals and/or translate signals received for processing and/or relaying to another device or module (e.g., another support apparatus). A plurality of biological chip devices and associated support apparatuses can be supported and linked in a network to perform various desired functions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and an apparatus for the fermentational production of biologically active materials, wherein a fermenter is located in an insulator which, in turn, is located within a working chamber or is adjacent to it. A pressure gradient in relation to ambient pressure prevails in both the insulator and in the working chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus useful for feeding a particulate starter material comprising nutrient and bacteria to a mixing tank, for solubilizing the starter material inside the mixing tank, for promoting growth of the bacteria and for discharging an aqueous slurry comprising the bacteria from the mixing tank. The apparatus preferably has a gravity-flow feeder and discharge port, does not require a pump, and comprises disposable parts.

Abstract: The present application relates generally to a novel microfluidic device for the in it propagation of neoplastic cellagregates under conditions that mimic the physiological microenvironment found in tumors. The invention also describes methods of screening for therapeutic test agents and protocols that target proliferating and quiescent neoplastic cells within tumors.

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.

Abstract: A culture observation apparatus, which is used for observing a cultured cell while culturing the cell, includes a culture device that cultures the cultured cell, and a microscope used for observing the cultured cell. The culture device includes a first space that is controlled to an environment suitable for culture of the cell, and a second space that is controlled to a lower humidity condition in comparison with the first space. The microscope includes an objective optical unit including an objective lens; the objective optical unit having at least one portion located in the second space, and another portion extending into the first space through an opening formed in a partition wall that separates the first space and the second space, with a gap between the objective optical unit and the partition wall being sealed by a sealing member, and the objective lens includes a plurality of lens groups, with mutual spaces among the lens groups vented to the second space.

Abstract: A device and method for providing portable biological testing capabilities free from biological contamination from an environment outside the device are provided. The device includes a portable housing. The device further includes a volume surrounded by the housing and sealed against passage of biological materials between the volume and the environment outside the device. The device further includes a culture medium within the volume. The device further includes one or more ports configured to provide access to the volume while avoiding biological contamination of the volume. The device further includes a valve in fluidic communication with the volume and the environment. The valve has an open state in which the valve allows gas to flow from within the volume to the environment outside the device and a closed state in which the valve inhibits gas from flowing between the volume and the environment.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained incubation apparatus has a cell container in which a cell culture can grow. The cell container resides on a base along with other components that maintain the environmental conditions inside of the container within a desired range. The self-contained incubation apparatus is portable allowing the conditions within the cell container to be precisely controlled even as it is being moved from one location to another. Further, at least one transparent surface of the cell container enables observation of the cell culture. Thus, the culture can be observed while the environmental conditions within the container are being controlled by components of the incubation apparatus. Since the cells can be observed without breaking the air-tight seal of the container, observation of the cells can be performed as often as is desired without introducing contaminants to the culture or otherwise significantly affecting the growth environment within the container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a feedback controlled bioculture platform for use as a precision cell biology research tool and for clinical cell growth and maintenance applications. The system provides individual closed-loop flowpath cartridges, with integrated, aseptic sampling and routing to collection vials or analysis systems. The system can operate in a standard laboratory or other incubator for provision of requisite gas and thermal environment. System cartridges are modular and can be operated independently or under a unified system controlling architecture, and provide for scale-up production of cell and cell products for research and clinical applications. Multiple replicates of the flowpath cartridges allow for individual, yet replicate cell culture growth and multiples of the experiment models that can be varied according to the experiment design, or modulated to desired cell development of cell culture end-points.