Abstract: Hybrid synthetic grafts and embodiments of systems and methods for producing hybrid vascular grafts that can yield implantable grafts that combine synthetic grafts with living cells. Embodiments of systems can include a pressure/flow loop subsystem having an external flow loop system coupled to a specimen holder, where the pressure/flow loop subsystem is capable of adjusting at least two dynamic conditions in the specimen holder or a diameter of a specimen in the specimen holder. Embodiments of methods can coat a hybrid graft with a confluent monolayer of endothelial cells by immobilizing stem cells on a hybrid hemodialysis access graft or a hybrid femoral artery bypass graft, and placing the hybrid graft in a system embodiment according to the invention under conditions effective to promote the stem cells to form a confluent monolayer on the hybrid graft and in an environment to promote the stem cells to differentiate into endothelial cells.

Abstract: Methods of removing undesired compounds such as antibiotics from a biological sample are provided. The methods use Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (“MIPs”) to remove or inactivate antibiotics in a sample. The methods use MIPS to remove or inactivate compounds such as antibiotics in a cell culture.

Abstract: The invention generally provides a cell culture vessel having at least one first zone and at least one second zone, wherein the first zone is a transfer zone for a culture medium which essentially contains no cells and the second zone is a cell culture zone. The invention further includes methods utilizing the cell culture vessel.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention include compositions, materials and methods for maintaining and propagating mammalian mesenchymal stem cells in an undifferentiated state in the absence of feeder cells and applications of the same.

Abstract: The present invention provided cell culture compositions capable of producing fusion polypeptides that bind vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The cell culture compositions of the invention comprise cells which contain an expression vector comprising a nucleic acid molecule encoding a fusion polypeptide that binds VEGF. The fusion polypeptides may comprise a VEGF receptor component having immunoglobulin-like (Ig) domain 2 of a first VEGF receptor, an Ig domain 3 of a second VEGF receptor, and a multimerizing component.

Abstract: A tube port includes a tubular first stem having an interior surface and an exterior surface extending between a first end and a longitudinally spaced apart second end. The interior surface bounds a passage that longitudinally extends through the first stem. The tube port also includes a flange encircling and radially outwardly projecting from the first end of the first stem. The flange and the first stem are integrally formed as a unitary member comprised of a flexible elastomeric material having a durometer on a Shore A scale with a value of less than 90.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention preferably relate to a method and apparatus for a two-stage membrane-based production of gas, preferably hydrogen gas or the like, from solid biological materials, preferably organic waste materials or the like, comprising anaerobic hydrolysis and fermentation and photofermentation using microorganisms.

Abstract: Device for processing effluents includes: a container for cultivating algae and/or microorganisms in an aqueous medium; supply elements for the algae and/or microorganism culture; elements for injecting an effluent into the algae and/or microorganisms, the effluent coming from a building; elements for adjusting the temperature of the algae and/or microorganism culture; effluent recovery elements for recovering the effluent from a building and for injecting the same into the algae and/or microorganism culture; and optionally a lighting system for promoting the growth of the algae and/or microorganism culture. The device can be used for producing biofuel, organic molecules, chemical compounds and proteins. The biofuel thus obtained may consist of oleaginous biomass, for example, which can directly be used in a thermal power plant or be converted by pyrolysis into coal or biopetroleum.

Abstract: A system for mixing a bioprocessing fluid includes a container receiving the bioprocessing fluid and a support member supporting the container in an interior of a housing. A first channel is bounded by a first stationary arm and a second stationary arm with the first channel receiving the container. A first mixing arm and a second mixing arm are located in the interior. The first mixing arm is connected to the second mixing arm by a connecting member. The first mixing arm is located in the first channel and the second mixing arm is located in a second channel. The connecting member is movable to cause the first mixing arm to contact a first outer surface of the container to cause mixing of the bioprocessing fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed are a syringe-shaped culture tube which has a wide surface area and is changeable by a user to a desired size, and a cell culture apparatus in which a plurality of the culture tubes are mounted. The cell culture apparatus allows a culture medium to constantly and smoothly contact the entire inner circumference of the culture tube and rotate by a rotation unit at a preset speed when the culture tube is filled with the culture medium. Thus, the cell culture apparatus can promote stirring and gas supply and increase the gas exchange rate. Also, it can reduce consumption of the culture medium.

Abstract: The instant invention employs an array of rods packed into a suitable chamber to support the culture, e.g., maintenance and/or growth of anchorage-dependent cells that effectively increases the surface area available for cell culture. Adherent cells are seeded and propagated on the surface of the rods. Each rod is accommodated with spacer devices that serve to make it immobile and ensure uniform access to liquid growth medium while minimizing abrasive damage to shear-sensitive cells. Spacer devices of various designs allow the rods to be packed and anchored into bioreactors, e.g., perfusion chambers with flow-through ports or into closed roller bottle-type chambers.

Abstract: Method for providing a substrate with an anti-biofouling coating the method comprising: a. obtaining a coating composition comprising nanoparticles being grafted with reactive groups and hydrophilic polymer chains and a solvent; b. applying the coating composition to the substrate; and c. optionally curing the coating composition herein the surface tension of the coating composition at 25° C. is below 40 mN/m.

Abstract: A multi-chamber cell culture assembly has provisions for the distribution of nutrient culture medium and gasses throughout each of the chambers. A device is constructed to provide a large surface area for the growth and cultivation of hybridomas, mammalian and insect cells. The device may incorporate macro, micro or nano structures on the growth surfaces to promote or enhance distribution of nutrients, cell product, gasses or growth area. Cell growth, nutrient addition and cell product withdrawal may be carried out automatically.

Abstract: Hybrid synthetic grafts and embodiments of systems and methods for producing hybrid vascular grafts that can yield implantable grafts that combine synthetic grafts with living cells. Embodiments of systems can include a pressure/flow loop subsystem having an external flow loop system coupled to a specimen holder, where the pressure/flow loop subsystem is capable of adjusting at least two dynamic conditions in the specimen holder or a diameter of a specimen in the specimen holder. Embodiments of methods can promote endothelialization of a hybrid hemodialysis access graft or a hybrid femoral artery bypass graft by placing the hybrid hemodialysis access graft or the hybrid femoral artery bypass graft in a system embodiment according to the invention under conditions effective to promote endothelial cells to form a confluent monolayer on the surface of the hybrid graft.

Abstract: Hybrid synthetic grafts and embodiments of systems and methods for producing hybrid vascular grafts that can yield implantable grafts that combine synthetic grafts with living cells. Embodiments of systems can include a pressure/flow loop subsystem having an external flow loop system coupled to a specimen holder, where the pressure/flow loop subsystem is capable of adjusting at least two dynamic conditions in the specimen holder or a diameter of a specimen in the specimen holder. Embodiments of methods can promote endothelialization of a hybrid hemodialysis access graft or a hybrid femoral artery bypass graft by placing the hybrid hemodialysis access graft or the hybrid femoral artery bypass graft in a system embodiment according to the invention under conditions effective to promote stem cells to form a confluent monolayer on the hybrid graft.

Abstract: A reaction vessel for carrying out a chemical or biochemical reaction, such as a polymerase chain reaction, said vessel having a coating of parylene or a derivative thereof, on at least the surface which contacts reactants.

Abstract: A method and system for culturing cells, having a substantially airtight enclosure configured to culture cells. The method and system also have a first conduit configured to provide a reduced pressure to the substantially airtight enclosure and a second conduit configured to provide a culture media to the substantially airtight enclosure.

Abstract: A method of yielding a functional human hybrid coronary bypass graft is provided. The method includes conditioning a hybrid synthetic tubular structure having stem cells and/or endothelial cells on at least one surface to yield the functional human hybrid coronary bypass graft. Specifically, the method includes placing the hybrid synthetic tubular structure in a system capable of producing three dimensional dynamic conditions for a sufficient time to yield said functional human hybrid coronary bypass graft.

Abstract: A method of yielding a functional human hybrid hemodialysis access graft is provided. The method includes conditioning a hybrid synthetic tubular structure having stem cells and/or endothelial cells on at least one surface to yield the functional human hybrid hemodialysis access graft. Specifically, the method includes placing the hybrid synthetic tubular structure in a system capable of producing three dimensional dynamic conditions for a sufficient time to yield said functional human hybrid hemodialysis access graft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bioreactor (1) for cell and tissue culture for the mechanical stimulation and for perfusion of tissue or cell cultures, comprising an upper part (3) and a lower part (4) which is connected to said upper part (4) and which comprises a tissue culture chamber (8), wherein at least one distributor plate (12) is arranged in the tissue culture chamber (8), and a method for cultivating cells and tissues in the bioreactor (1).

Abstract: A device is disclosed for extracting a smear sample. The device includes a cavity, into which a sample carrier carrying a smear sample can be introduced. Liquid can be introduced into the cavity through at least one liquid feed connected to the cavity, and the liquid can be removed from the cavity through at least one liquid discharge connected to the cavity.

Abstract: A bottle for culturing a test sample, e.g., blood, includes a plastic vessel made from a single layer of plastic material. The bottle features a gas barrier. In one embodiment the gas barrier is in the form of a plastic shrink-wrap partially or alternatively completely enveloping the plastic vessel. Other embodiments feature a silica or glass coating to the bottle to provide the gas barrier. Other embodiments are made from a gas barrier plastic which is also autoclavable and possesses sufficient strength characteristics. Another embodiment features a single layer plastic bottle and a gas barrier adhesive label covering the cylindrical side wall of the bottle. Kits comprising two or more of such bottles and methods of manufacturing the bottles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bottle for culturing a test sample, e.g., blood, includes a plastic vessel made from a single layer of plastic material. The bottle features a glass barrier coating applied to the bottle, such as a silica or glass coating. An alternative embodiment features a single layer plastic bottle and a gas barrier adhesive label covering the cylindrical side wall of the bottle. Kits comprising two or more of such bottles and methods of manufacturing the bottles are also disclosed.

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 reaction vessel for conducting a chemical or biochemical reaction, such as a polymerase chain reaction wherein electrically conducting polymer is arranged to act as a heating element. The profile of the electrically conductive polymer differs in different regions of the vessel so as to control thermal gradients. The profile of the electrically conductive polymer may be arranged to either increase or reduce the thermal gradient. Reaction systems comprising combinations of vessels of the invention and apparatus for heating them, as well as particular reactions vessels are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A culture chamber which cultivates a culture object by using a culture liquid has a culture space part which houses the culture object together with the culture liquid, an introducing part (an introducing port) which introduces the culture liquid into the culture space part, a discharging part (a discharging port) which discharges the culture liquid from the culture space part, and a flow arrangement part (a vertical wall, a small space part). The flow arrangement part is formed in a side of the introducing part of the culture space part, and causes a liquid flow, which reaches to the discharging part, to the culture liquid introduced into the culture space part from the introducing part by diffusing from inner wall surfaces of the culture space part toward a direction which intersects a virtual line connecting the introducing part and the discharging part.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a cell culture vessel which is simple in structure and easy to handle, and is capable of preventing damage to the cells when separated, promoting transport of nutrients and excretion of effete matter, and elevating the culturing efficiency improving effect by the structural features. In order to attain the above object, there is provided a cell culture vessel including a culture section provided with a plurality of projections having an equivalent diameter smaller than the cells to be cultured and the culture section side walls enclosing the culture section, wherein the distance between an arbitrary position on the culture section/side wall boundary line and the nearest projection is smaller than the diameter of the cells to be cultured. The effect of the projections in the vessel given to the cultured cells is enhanced.

Abstract: A tube port includes a tubular first stem having an interior surface and an exterior surface extending between a first end and a longitudinally spaced apart second end. The interior surface bounds a passage that longitudinally extends through the first stem. The tube port also includes a flange encircling and radially outwardly projecting from the first end of the first stem. The flange and the first stem are integrally formed as a unitary member comprised of a flexible elastomeric material having a durometer on a Shore A scale with a value of less than 90.

Abstract: A technique for producing microbial cellulose is provided, including: preparing a liquid medium for microbial cultivation in a container; horizontally rotating multiple hollow tubes that are fitted together or separated from one another, so that each of the hollow tubes is alternately partially immersed in the liquid medium and partially exposed above the horizontal surface of the liquid medium; wherein each of the hollow tubes has a rough outer surface and a smooth inner surface, so as to allow microorganisms to form microbial cellulose on the outer surface of each hollow tube, as well as forming sheets of microbial cellulose on the horizontal surface of the liquid medium not being disturbed by the hollow tubes, and removing the microbial cellulose from the outer surfaces of the hollow tubes in order to obtain tubular microbial cellulose. In addition, the sheets of microbial cellulose are also harvested from the liquid medium.

Abstract: An alga microbe photosynthetic reaction system is used to circularly cultivate alga microbes and a culture medium infused in the system. The system comprises a photosynthetic reaction unit, a communicating unit, a pressure liquid infusion unit, an injection and oxygen discharging device, and a regulation area. The photosynthetic reaction unit is a light permeable pipeline. The injection and oxygen discharging device is assembled with an oxygen discharge can and a liquid collection can. By the connection and the functioning of the photosynthetic reaction unit, the communicating unit, the pressure liquid infusion unit, the injection and oxygen discharging device, and the regulation area, the alga microbe culture solution can circularly cultivate good quality algae in the system. The system further comprises a heating unit, a watering unit, and a light complement unit to control the ambient temperature and the light source to suit all kinds of algae.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell culture apparatus and a mass automatic cell culture device having it.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided for cultivating microorganisms. In one example, a system may include a plurality of containers for cultivating microorganisms therein. Each container may be adapted to contain water and may include media disposed therein and at least partially submerged in the water. The media may be adapted to support microorganisms during cultivation and a concentration of microorganisms supported by the media may be higher than a concentration of microorganisms suspended in the water.

Abstract: A device for trapping extraneous gas or bubbles is disclosed. The device is defined as having a gas collection area in a tapered neck portion such that when used as a cell culturing apparatus, extraneous gas or bubbles are trapped and isolated from the cell growth areas where cells or media reside.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for the production of macroalgae in a manner to provide a sustained, economical source of biomass that may be used in various end-use processes, including energy production. The invention provides specific combinations of macroalgae types, saltwater growth medium compositions, and open pond water containers that results in biomass production beyond what may occur naturally without the required manipulation. Specifically, macroalgae that produce an exoskeleton in the presence of brackish water (e.g., stoneworts) have been found to provide excellent biomass production under the conditions of the invention.

Abstract: A stackable flask for the culturing of cells is disclosed. The cell culture chamber is defined by a top plate and a rigid bottom tray of substantially rectangular shape connected by side and end walls, the body of the flask has imparted therein an opening connected to an angled neck, the neck being hydrophobic to keep fluid out. The neck is also modified to accept a snap-fit cap with a modified stepped skirt. The stepped skirt further prevents contamination by protecting the inner mating surface from contacting a surface. The size of the flask and location of an optional separate neck and cap section allows for flask manipulation by standard automated assay equipment, making the flask ideal for high throughput applications.

Abstract: The present technology provides for a cell-synthesized biological thread, processes for making a cell-synthesized thread, and an apparatus for carrying out a process used to engineer the cell-synthesized thread. The thread is produced from living cells in culture and can be grown around the outer surface of a cylindrical bioreactor. The tissue comprising the thread has mechanical and biological properties achieved by altering the climactic conditions, stresses and strains on the tissue and chemical composition that prove beneficial in the medical industry. This process results in a biological thread that has high mechanical strength, decreased immunogenic effect and decreased thrombogenic effect when combined with other tissue. It also results in a product which can be used to create more complex constructs that otherwise could not have been generated. The threads can be used to make sutures, patches, and tubes, for example.

Abstract: A container assembly comprises a vessel for containing a biological medium, gametes and/or one or more embryo(s). The vessel has a CO2 permeable seal and a closure valve device for selective access. A buffer chamber for a CO2 enriched atmosphere cooperates with the vessel and is in communication with the CO2 permeable wall. Such a container assembly is particularly adapted for intravaginal use in which case the permeable seal prevents ingress of vaginal secretions. The buffer chamber mediates the aqueous pH in the vessel after the container assembly is removed from a CO2 enriched environment.

Abstract: A vessel for culturing of cells is disclosed. The vessel is capable of exhausting substantially all liquid material from the vessel's internal volume through an outlet port. A flange incorporated with the outlet port is utilized as a flow diverter for removing liquid media from internal surfaces of the vessel. The flange also engages the vessel body so that the flow of a liquid medium is directed outward from the internal surfaces of the vessel through the outlet port. The top surface, flange base, and planar surfaces of the flange further assist to redirect surface tension of the fluid toward the port.

Abstract: A substrate is provided having a biomolecule immobilised thereon, wherein the biomolecule is connected via an enzyme-cleavable link to a blocking moiety such that cleavage of the link causes removal of the blocking moiety and activation of the biomolecule.

Abstract: A disposable apparatus for cell expansion, having at least one bioreactor. The bioreactor has a cellular growth area and a supply area, the cellular growth area being separated from said supply area by a membrane. A fluid recirculation path in fluid communication with the cellular growth area allows for hermetically removing a sample containing cellular matter. This may comprise an elongated tube, or a plurality of parallel tube segments. The parallel tube segments have inflow ends and outflow ends, and the inflow ends are joined at a first common juncture and the outflow ends are joined at a second common juncture. The common junctures may comprise valves.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided for cultivating microorganisms. In one example, a system may include a plurality of containers for cultivating microorganisms therein. Each container may be adapted to contain water and may include media disposed therein and at least partially submerged in the water. The media may be adapted to support microorganisms during cultivation and a concentration of microorganisms supported by the media may be higher than a concentration of microorganisms suspended in the water.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a cell culture vessel which is simple in structure and easy to handle, and is capable of preventing damage to the cells when separated, promoting transport of nutrients and excretion of effete matter, and elevating the culturing efficiency improving effect by the structural features. In order to attain the above object, there is provided a cell culture vessel including a culture section provided with a plurality of projections having an equivalent diameter smaller than the cells to be cultured and the culture section side walls enclosing the culture section, wherein the distance between an arbitrary position on the culture section/side wall boundary line and the nearest projection is smaller than the diameter of the cells to be cultured. The effect of the projections in the vessel given to the cultured cells is enhanced.

Abstract: An organ perfusion apparatus and method monitor, sustain and/or restore viability of organs and preserve organs for storage and/or transport. Other apparatus include an organ transporter, an organ cassette and an organ diagnostic device. The apparatus and methods include the organ cassette with one or more openings configured to allow tubing to pass through the openings and be connected to the organ or tissue within the cassette, and including a pressure control device to allow pressure inside the portable housing to be varied.

Abstract: A cell culture apparatus consists of a vessel or array of vessels, each comprising a substantially flat bottom and substantially vertical sides, and composed of a substantially gas permeable material. The inner bottom surface of the vessel is commonly textured to provide the cells with adequate features for attachment and spreading. The vessel may include an integral annular flange which can be used to suspend the vessel from a suspensory element of a rack structure. To promote cell attachment and growth, the inner surfaces of the vessel bottom and sides may be coated with commonly available bio-active materials. Cells cultured in the system commonly grow in three dimensions for extended periods of time, and often produce significantly higher quantities of cellular products than cells grown in conventional labware.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for isolating and expanding human mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells through multiple passages in defined serum-free environments are provided. The culture media compositions includes a basal medium supplemented with a nutrient mixture such as Ham's F12 nutrient mixture, glutamine, buffer solutions such as sodium bicarbonate and hepes, serum albumin, a lipid mixture, insulin, transferrin, putrescine, progesterone, fetuin, hydrocortisone, ascorbic acid or its analogues such as ascorbic acid-2-phosphate, fibroblast growth factor and transforming growth factor ?, and are free of serum or other undefined serum substitutes such as platelet lysate. Methods employing these compositions and protein-coated surfaces for the isolation of mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells from human bone marrow and other tissues such as adipose tissue are also provided.

Abstract: A reagent cuvette has a first chamber with an inspection part and a socket, and a second chamber. The socket has four spikes at its base. Both chambers are sealed with a membrane. At the point-of-care the foil membrane of the first chamber is peeled away by the therapist (typically general practitioner doctor). A sample, such as blood, is added to the chamber using a pipette or other device to provide a verifiable quantity of sample. This provides a mixture of a buffer reagent supplied in the chamber and the sample injected into the inspection chamber at the point of care. The chamber is then inserted into the socket by gently pressing it down so that its foil membrane is broken by the spikes. This causes the starter reagent to drop down from within the second chamber into the inspection part of the first chamber. The inspection part is then inserted into an optical inspection instrument for analysis of the two reagents and the sample mixed together.

Abstract: A multilayered cell culture apparatus for the culturing of cells is disclosed. The cell culture apparatus includes a unitary flask body including a rigid upper and lower surface, connected by side walls. The cell growth apparatus comprises multiple cell growth chambers stacked in vertical alignment and orientation within the unitary flask body. The stacked chambers are held in position by unitary connecting columns that run through each cell growth chamber and terminate at the rigid upper and lower surfaces of the apparatus. The cell growth chambers are separated by tracheal spaces that allow air from the external environment to contact the cell growth surface of each individual cell growth chamber.

Abstract: A reaction tank (5) holds crushed cells comprising a pellicle of Bacillus midousuji cultured in the presence of a chlorinated aromatic compound such as dioxins and holds wastewater comprising a contaminated matter such as fly ash which comprises dioxins and which is produced by washing of a facility such as an incinerator. Air is supplied by a blower (6) to a matter held in the reaction tank (5). Accordingly, dioxins having three or more chlorine atoms in the contaminated matter can be decomposed, and the contaminated matter can be easily cleaned at a site where dioxins generate such as a washing or dismantling site of an incineration facility.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the propagation and expansion of neural precursor cells (NPCs). NPCs may be used in the clinical implementation of stem cell therapy to treat disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, neuropathic pain and other diseases of the central nervous system. The large-scale production of NPCs in bioreactors allows for the generation of clinical quantities of these cells.

Abstract: A product exhibiting an improved cell growth surface and cell attachment. According to the present invention, a stream of plasma is comprised of activated gaseous species generated by a microwave source. This stream is directed at the surface of a polymer substrate in a controlled fashion such that the surface is imparted with attributes for cell adhesion far superior to that of untreated polymer or polymer treated by other methods.