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: Device for the incubation of cells comprising a sterile or sterilisable, portable receptacle for enclosing in a contamination-proof manner at least one integrated and/or insertable culture vessel for accommodating cells with at least one closable opening for introducing and/or removing cells and/or culture medium and/or a culture vessel into and/or from the receptacle and at least one device for creating culture conditions in the receptacle.

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: A lactic acid component (e.g., lactic acid or oligo (lactic acid)) can be obtained by extraction from a lactic acid fermentation liquor with a pH of 4.8 or less, using at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of toluene, xylene, mesitylene, ethylbenzene, methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, and mineral spirit. Furthermore, oligo (lactic acid) can be obtained, by heating a lactic acid fermentation liquor with a pH of 4.8 or less under reduced pressure, and washing, with water, the fermentation liquor containing a produced oligo (lactic acid). Hence, a method is provided for separating a lactic acid component from a lactic acid fermentation liquor, which is free from incorporation of impurities and which includes simple steps.

Abstract: A hybrid bioreactor for cell culture is disclosed. To simultaneously apply compressive strain for cell differentiation and shear strain for cell proliferation to cells, the hybrid bioreactor includes a plurality of reactor tube assemblies (100), a compressive strain motor (5), a shear strain motor (25), a lower anchor mount (20) having a plurality of toothed anchors (70) to respectively anchor the lower ends of the reactor tube assemblies (100) to the lower anchor mount (20), a ball screw (90) operated in conjunction with the compressive strain motor (5), an upper anchor mount (60) which engages with the ball screw (90) to vertically move upward and downward and having a plurality of compressive strain anchors (80) to anchor the upper ends of the reactor tube assemblies (100) to the upper anchor mount (60), a power transmission unit to transmit the rotating force of the shear strain motor (25) to the toothed anchors (70).

Abstract: The present invention achieves a smaller difference between a dissolved oxygen concentration in an upper part of a culture tank and a dissolved oxygen concentration in a lower part of the culture tank. The present invention comprises: a culture tank; a sparger means arranged in a lower part of the culture tank; and multiple impellers being arranged in multiple stages in a vertical direction of the culture tank and having a larger mass transfer capacity coefficient KLa per unit number of revolutions in an upper stage than in a lower stage.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods for automated culture of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) such as human ESCs. In some aspects, methods of the invention employ optimized culture media and limited proteolytic treatment of cells to separate cell clusters for expansion. Automated systems for passage and expansion of ESCs are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for ethanol production use pulsed electric fields to increase the conversion of starch and/or cellulosic material into sugar. The pulsed electric fields may also control bacteria levels in the ethanol production facility. The pulsed electric fields may be generated by a pulsed electric field generator such as a Marx generator, which may have one or more semiconductor switches.

Abstract: An apparatus for shaking a plurality of vessels, for example in an incubator, has at least one rotatable support 10 (101,102) defining a plurality of support locations for vessels 50 at predefined positions 12 around an upright axis and the support or supports 10 are rotatable around the upright axis to move the vessels between a number of positions about the axis for insertion and removal of the vessels onto and from the support(s) respectively. A drive transmission system 38,381 (39,391) connects the support to a drive motor 382 (392), whereby the support can be rotated to a desired position for loading or unloading of a vessel to or from a respective support location 12. A drive mechanism 33, 36 (37). 35 is operable to move each support location eccentrically about an axis independently of the rotation of the support about the upright axis, so that vessels disposed on the support can be shaken.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for the investigation of sludge deposition on materials for coating endoprostheses. At least one endoprosthesis is placed in an incubation chamber which is at least partly filled with infected bile. The incubation chamber is rocked gently on a rocking platform for a period of about 35 days. The bile fluid is regularly partly exchanged. The endoprosthesis is embodied in a coated plastic. The coating comprises 70 to 80% by weight of hydrophobic components and 30% to 20% by weight of hydrophilic components. The coating may particularly have a sol-gel embodiment. An application in bile duct prostheses is possible.

Abstract: The invention publishes a reactor and method for the culture, biooxidation of cations in solution and/or large-scale propagation of jointly isolated microorganisms, with or without native microorganisms that are useful in sulfide metal ore bioleaching. The invention particularly publishes a reactor for the large-scale culture and/or propagation of an association of Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans Licanantay DSM 17318 isolated microorganisms jointly with Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans Wenelen DSM 16786 with or without the presence of other microorganisms.

Abstract: Aerobic fermentation processes and systems establish, via sensing and regulating, a particular dissolved oxygen (DO) profile throughout fermentation to improve the fermentation processes. For some embodiments, the DO profile may follow one cycle of increasing and decreasing DO level in a fermentation media from lag to stationary phases of microorganisms during the fermentation process. As one example for controlling the DO level in the media, the DO level may increase during growth phase of the microorganisms to a set maximum controlled level and then at about when a maximum growth rate of the microorganisms occurs may decrease to reach a set minimum controlled level at about when growing stops.

Abstract: A bioreactor apparatus and cell culturing system is provided for the automated cultivation and processing of living cells remotely both on earth and in low gravity which utilizes a generally cylindrical reactor vessel that may be optionally rotated about its cylindrical axis while allowing the entrance of fresh or recycled fluid and the removal, optionally, of spent medium, medium to be recycled or filtered or unfiltered medium for the collection of samples. A method of exchanging gases between the culture medium and ambient gases is provided. A fresh-medium storage bag and peristaltic pump is used for batch feeding, perfusion or sample collection. An enclosure and manifold representing an additional level of chemical containment and a series of pinch valves for the periodic collection of samples of suspended cells or cell-free medium is disposed therein together with a humidity control system.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing fluids comprises a housing having at least a portion of its interior, for example, a channel, with capillary dimensions and at least one structural member in the interior adjacent an end of the channel. The dimensions of and placement of the structural member are sufficient such that intermittent application of centrifugal force to the interior of the housing causes movement of the fluid therein. The housing may comprise a mixing chamber or area that is in fluid communication with the interior. The apparatus may comprise a mechanism adapted to generate centrifugal force within the housing to cause movement of fluid in the interior of the housing without exit of fluid therefrom.

Abstract: The invention provides exemplary devices, systems and methods for mixing of fluids, such as biological fluids. One exemplary device comprises is particularly adapted for holding at least one cartridge having a chamber containing a biological fluid, with the chamber having a generally planar face. The device comprises a rotatable body having a rotational axis. The rotatable body includes at least one mounting element which is adapted to mount the rotatable body such that the face of the chamber is generally perpendicular to the rotational axis.

Abstract: A device and method for seed-train expansion of a source of mammalian cells and their use in production of proteins expressed by the cells comprising the use of a dedicated inoculation bioreactor for expanding the cells prior to the transfer to a production bioreactor is disclosed. The novel inoculation bioreactor is designed to facilitate an improved method of mammalian cell seed-train expansion, and is distinguished by the presence of an “inoculation well” which communicates with the interior of the bioreactor and which facilitates the growth of mammalian cells for commercial seed-train expansion. The method comprises adding the cryopreserved cells to media within the inoculation well of the inoculation bioreactor, enabling the cells to grow to a predetermined concentration within the inoculation well by monitoring and adjusting the condition of the media and environment, and thereafter incrementally increasing the volume of the media within the reactor so that optimal cell growth is maintained.

Abstract: A cover slip mixing apparatus having a support and a flexible cover slip positioned over and forming a chamber between the support and the cover slip. A device is positioned with respect to the support and cover slip for applying a force on the cover slip and flexing the cover slip toward the support, the flexing cover slip providing a mixing action of a material located in the chamber. A microfluidic device includes a substrate with a fluid path disposed in the substrate. A flexible cover is positioned over the substrate and the fluid path, and a device is positioned with respect to the substrate and the cover. The device is operable to apply forces to the cover and flex the cover to act on fluid in the fluid path.

Abstract: An assay device incubator comprises a housing (46) defining a region within which at least one assay device is located in use, the housing defining laterally opposed sidewalls (48, 50) of at least one bay (33) in which an assay device can be located. The housing (46) includes one or more guides (49, 51) for supporting the assay device and enabling the assay device to undergo to and fro movement therealong. A vibration system (40, 60) is coupled to the at least one tray in use for vibrating the tray to and fro along the or each guide. A heating system (70) heats the region within the housing.

Abstract: The invention provides exemplary devices, systems and methods for mixing of fluids, such as biological fluids. One exemplary device comprises is particularly adapted for holding at least one cartridge having a chamber containing a biological fluid, with the chamber having a generally planar face. The device comprises a rotatable body having a rotational axis. The rotatable body includes at least one mounting element which is adapted to mount the rotatable body such that the face of the chamber is generally perpendicular to the rotational axis.

Abstract: The invention provides exemplary devices, systems and methods for mixing of fluids, such as biological fluids. One exemplary device comprises is particularly adapted for holding at least one cartridge having a chamber containing a biological fluid, with the chamber having a generally planar face. The device comprises a rotatable body having a rotational axis. The rotatable body includes at least one mounting element which is adapted to mount the rotatable body such that the face of the chamber is generally perpendicular to the rotational axis.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for selective exposure of a biological sample, preferably biological cell material, to sound waves. The device is provided with a receptacle for the sample, in which the biological sample is in a suspended form, and having an electroacoustic transducer device, which generates sound waves and which is disposed outside the receptacle of the sample in such a manner that sound-wave coupling into said sample occurs through the wall of said receptacle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mount for a container, e.g., a cell culture flask or a reactor with supply connections, for instance a bioreactor, that is chiefly designed for treatment in a rolling cabinet or in a chamber having rolling devices. The device has one or several locating elements for containers or reactors and an outlet form capable of rolling. This makes it possible to treat a container or reactors not capable of rolling in the rolling cabinet. An appropriate form of the mount makes it possible to rotate the mount in additional spatial directions during treatment in the rolling cabinet. The reactor can be supplied with liquid media and the temperature can be adjusted inside the mount.

Abstract: A device and method for seed-train expansion of a source of mammalian cells and their use in production of proteins expressed by the cells comprising the use of a dedicated inoculation bioreactor for expanding the cells prior to the transfer to a production bioreactor is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hybridization oven or incubator, and more particularly to a rotisserie and carousel/retainer system for use therein. The rotisserie includes a spindle that is readily removable from the oven, having a first end received in an annular bracket and a second end received annular bracket with an upper slot for passage of the spindle into the bracket. The carousel clip system includes a thin metal carousel plate preferably formed of a stainless steel and having a plurality of ears bent perpendicular to the carousel plate and having a detent aperture therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for incubating a liquid reagent with target spots on a microarray substrate. A deformable cover is placed over the surface of the microarray substrate having the target spots with the liquid reagent between the microarray substrate and the deformable cover, and a device is used to apply a force to the deformable cover.

Abstract: Even in a case of an incubator having a sample rack of complicated shape, the internal environmental condition in the incubator is maintained uniformly, so that the reliability of biochemical treatment can be assured. It includes a storage box, the sample rack movably disposed in the storage box, a moving device for moving the sample rack, and a controller for controlling the moving device. The controller has a function of selectively controlling the positioning operation for positioning the sample rack at specified positions, and the agitating operation for moving the sample rack, and by the agitating operation for moving the sample rack, the atmosphere in the storage box is agitated to be uniform. Preferably, the sample rack has a plurality of sample tables coupled in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a specific methanogenic activity measuring apparatus, in which a carbon dioxide gas absorbing container 6 is removably accommodated in a pressure vessel 4 with a cover 3 removably set thereon, the pressure vessel 4 is removably accommodated in a thermostatic water bath 7 with a pressure transducer 8 based on the pressure-electricity converting system connected to a recorder 5 attached to the cover 3, and further a supporting member for supporting a carbon dioxide gas absorbing container and a generated gas piping 16 are attached to an external bottom surface and an internal bottom surface of the carbon dioxide gas absorbing container 6 respectively, and gas piping 12 with valves for gas phase replacement to the cover 3 of the pressure vessel 4.

Abstract: Bacteria are incubated to form a biofilm on projections by providing a flow of liquid growth medium across projections, the direction of the flow of liquid being repeatedly changed, and an assay made of the resulting biofilm. Bacteria are incubated to form a biofilm on projections arranged in rows, with several projections in each row, while providing a flow of liquid growth medium across each row of projections, and an assay made of the resulting biofilm. Sensitivity of the biofilm to antibacterial reagent may be determined by treating the projections with antibacterial reagent before carrying out the assay, by treating each row of projections with a different antibacterial reagent, and each of the projections in a row with a different concentration of antibacterial reagent.

Abstract: In a mastitis progression data memory 80 there is previously recorded data on the corresponding relationship between the state of progression of mastitis caused by bacteria and the trace light intensity chemically emitted by phagocytic leukocytes in milk when they phagocytose the bacteria, the trace light intensity chemically emitted by the phagocytic leukocytes in the milk is detected by a photodetector 41a, the state of progression of mastitis corresponding to the light intensity is diagnosed by an extractor/converter 13 with reference to the mastitis progression data memory 80 based on the detected trace light intensity, and the diagnosed state of progression of mastitis is outputted by output means 30. It is possible to conveniently and reliably diagnose the state of progression of mastitis from invasion of bacteria up to severe mastitis.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of treating mammalian diseases using myoblasts, and/or their physical, genetic, chemical derivatives. Myogenic cells that are normal, or genetically or phenotypically altered are cultured and transplanted into malfunctioning and/or degenerative tissues or organs to alleviate conditions that are hereditary, degenerative, debilitating, undesirable, and/or fatal. Treatment of these conditions is not limited to the usage of mechanical, electrical or physical properties of these myogenic cells, but includes the usage of biochemicals secreted/released by the latter. The present invention discloses the use of normal myoblasts to deliver the complete normal genome to effect genetic repair, or to augment the size, or the function of tissues or organs. Certain conditions may be better served with genetically altered myogenic cells derived from gene transduction, whereas others may be better served with cytoclimes converter cells.