Abstract: Multiple-component integral-structure dual-test sterility indicator, method of assembling physical components, selected spores, and chemical constituents in solution, within the indicator and arranged to enable dual-evaluations of bacterial-lethality of a dry-goods load, resulting from exposure to a selected saturated-steam sterilizing cycle. The chemical constituents are formulated to chemically produce reaction-product, which is quantitatively responsive to the combined effect of cycle steam temperature and time of exposure at that temperature, for providing a promptly-available spectroscopic evaluation of bacterial-lethality. Absorption of narrow-band selected visible-light wavelength by reaction-product, if any, of chemical-constituent solution, is used to quantitatively measure that combined-effect exposure.

Abstract: A culture chamber for use in a method of culturing microbiological material, which comprises a wall or at least a portion of a wall consisting of a gas-permeable membrane, a textured interior growth surface arranged for contact with the microbiological material being cultured and at least a portion of the external surface gas-permeable membrane being textured to enhance gas permeability. Preferably, the gas-permeable membrane is textured over the majority of both of its surfaces. This culture chamber provides enhanced gaseous exchange between the interior and exterior of the culture chamber and increased surface area within the culture chamber for cell attachment.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for continuously converting sucrose to ?-D-glucose. The method comprises a three-stage enzymatic reactor in which an aqueous solution of sucrose is first converted into a solution of fructose and ?-D-glucose by passing it through a porous, packed column containing an inert media on which invertase is immobilized. This solution is then sent through a second packed column containing glucose isomerase and finally a third packed column containing mutarotase. Solution temperature and pH are adjusted to maximize glucose output.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a growth medium support plate including an essential planar body part extending therefrom. The growth medium support plate also includes a stem member for connecting a cap to the support plate. The stem member is connected to the body part so as to have a position co-planar with the body part and a position inclined to the plane of the body part. The support plate includes at least one fixed projection extending from and co-planar with said body part adjacently to the stem member and the stem member having in the position coplanar with the body part a releasable connection to the at least one fixed projection.

Abstract: Provided is a culture medium for microorganisms present in contaminated working fluids such as coolants. More particularly, said culture medium is particularly suitable for supporting growth of microorganisms colonizing metalworking fluids and allows for specific detection of both bacterial microorganisms and fungal microorganisms the latter depending on the added selective agents which can be antibiotics for the detection of fungal contamination or fungicides for the detection of bacterial contamination. Furthermore, devices and kits comprising the culture medium of the present invention are described as well as a method of detecting microbial contamination of metalworking fluids.

Abstract: The invention provides, in different aspects, a system, sample preparation device, sample processing cartridge, kit, methods of use, business methods, and computer program product.

Abstract: A microfluidic device allowing for multiple discrete reactions sites and allowing for sequential reactions and sample analysis along with methods for device fabrication and use is provided. The microfluidic device provides a micro-total analysis system on a single substrate and has multiple reaction sites allowing for cascade reactions and analysis on a single chip using micro-quantities of sample and reagents. The microfluidic device provides discrete sites for immobilization of cognitive agents including enzymes, binding proteins, nucleic acids and the like as well as methods for quantitative analysis. The invention also provides methods for the fabrication of the device.

Abstract: A submerged membrane bio-reactor (MBR) is provided. The submerged MBR includes a submerged membrane module having a membrane with a hollow fiber structure, a cylindrical tube covering an outer circumference of the submerged membrane module, and a nozzle or a porous diffuser provided within a treatment vessel to supply air to inside of the cylindrical tube. Air bubbles generated from the nozzle or the porous diffuser flows into the cylindrical tube in a slug-type liquid flow that effectively decreases membrane contamination.

Abstract: The invention provides a roller bottle for cell growth culturing including a plurality of axial pleats therearound for increasing cell growth surface area and further including circumferential ribs integrally formed therewith for reinforcing the pleated wall structure. These circumferential ribs prevent the bottle walls from bowing outward when the inside of the bottle becomes pressurized during cell growth culturing.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for growing cells under static or dynamic physiological pressure which contains a cell culture cassette having a cassette frame; two side walls secured to each side of the cassette frame to form a cell growing chamber, and at least one side wall comprises a cell growth surface. The apparatus also contains a means for adjusting fluid pressure or flow, for providing culture media or cell culture, or for sampling cell culture or culture media within the cell growing chamber. The apparatus further contains an adapter which contains two side assemblies where each side assembly includes a frame with a rigid support that fits over the cell culture cassette. The side assemblies joined by a hinge at one end and positioned over the two side walls of the cell culture cassette. The apparatus further contains a means to secure the two side assemblies over the two side walls of the cell culture cassette.

Abstract: A culture flask 10 comprises two or more internal chambers 18-21 defining a plurality of parallel surfaces of different sizes and means for fluid communication 24 between the chambers 18-20.

Abstract: An apparatus for growing cells in a 2-D cell cassette having a matrix for cell growth under pressure comprising two side assemblies which include a frame with a rigid support that fits over the 2-D cell cassette, with said assemblies positioned on either side of the cassette over the solid support sides, and a means to secure the sides of the cassette. The invention also provides different uses of this apparatus.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a reversibly closable vessel suitable for the cultivation of cells and/or tissues can be provided. The exemplary vessel can comprise at least one reversibly closable aperture in the vessel wall, a convection arrangement inside the vessel which can comprise at least one blade. The arrangement can be configured to generate and/or modulate a convection in a fluid within the vessel when the vessel and/or the blade is agitated The convection arrangement and/or the blade can be at least particularly made from a porous material.

Abstract: The invention concerns supports or receptacles for solubilized or suspended biological entities whereof the walls are made of plastics surface-treated by an electromagnetic plasma followed by a polymer deposition. It can be in the form of tubes or multiple-well plates. It provides among other things the possibility of storing, transferring and performing reactions in the context of microassays of biological entities, more particularly the prion protein, with enhanced sensitivity.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a culture vessel suitable is provided for a cultivation of cells and/or tissues. The exemplary vessel comprising at least one reversibly closable aperture in the vessel wall, and at least one surface-increasing substrate within the vessel, with the substrate being made of a single mold. According to another exemplary embodiment, a system can be provided comprising at least two vessels being interconnected via at least one aperture in their vessel wall, and a cultivation process using such a vessel or system, in which at least one type of cells, tissue, tissue-like cell cultures, organs, organ-like cell cultures, or multicellular organisms may be cultivated in the presence of at least one fluid or solid medium, e.g., provided for growing and/or cultivating the culture.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for lining a biological vascular conduit with cells. The method utilizes a suitable biologic tube conduit with luminal characteristics that simulate exposed basement membrane to allow for cell attachment. The biologic conduit is secured within a seeding chamber. Cells are introduced into the conduit. Pressure is applied to the seeding chamber such that each end receives substantially equal pressure.

Abstract: The culture chamber of the present invention has a fluid-filled culture compartment in which cells, tissues and other biologicals are cultured. The culture compartment is transversed by one or more molecular weight cut-off membranes attached to a membrane carrier assembly. Incoming nutrients are transported through the membrane into the culture compartment and metabolic waste products are transported away from the fluid-filled culture compartment through the membrane and out the chamber outlet. Both reusable and disposable culture chambers are described for culturing cells, cell aggregates, particles, tissues and organoids.

Abstract: Compositions and reaction kits are provided for controlling an enzymatic process. The compositions and kits include a substantially water-insoluble, water-permeable polymer and a poorly water-soluble salt of an essential ionic enzymatic reactant. The disclosed compositions and methods are particularly useful for improving the specificity and performance of PCR.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bioreactor for sewage and wastewater treatment, which is capable of agitating and supplying oxygen simultaneously. A bioreactor of the present invention, comprises a culture drum in which microorganisms are cultured; a supplier for supplying a culture solution, and organic and inorganic media to the culture drum, the supplier including a supply tube connected to an upper side of the culture drum, and a pump connected to the supply tube for supplying the culture solution to the culture drum; an agitator for agitating the culture solution by spraying air into the culture solution in the culture drum, the air being supplied from an air blower; and a thermostatic controller for controlling a temperature of the culture solution and disinfecting the interior of the culture drum.

Abstract: The bioreactor is for use in performing biological and/or biochemical reactions and includes a vessel, an agitator, a reaction assembly, and a harvesting outlet. The vessel of the bioreactor includes several ports including a mixing port, a reaction port, and a harvesting port. The agitator extends through the mixing port into the vessel while the harvesting outlet extends through the harvesting port and permits the withdrawal of reaction medium to another vessel. The reaction assembly extends through the reaction port into the vessel and has multiple components including a gas conduit adapted to introduce gas into a reaction medium in the vessel, a sampling device adapted to remove a portion of the reaction medium from the vessel without contamination of the remaining reaction medium, and an introduction conduit permitting the introduction of at least the reaction medium into the vessel.

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 fertilization and culture container, e.g. for intravaginal use, comprises a container body having an orifice for introducing a culture medium, one or more oocytes and sperm, resealable closure means for selectively opening and closing the container body orifice, the container body having a main chamber for receiving the culture medium, oocytes and sperm and a microchamber for collecting for retrieval of one or more embryos. The container body has elements for restricting access of retrieval catheter or pipette relative to the microchamber. At least a portion of a sidewall of the container body defining said microchamber is transparent and of optical quality for microscopic inspection of embryos prior to and/or during retrieval with a catheter or a pipette.

Abstract: The present invention provides a roller bottle for cell growth culturing, the roller bottle including a bottom wall; a top wall having an opening formed therethrough; and, a side wall extending between the top and bottom walls, a plurality of corrugations being defined in the side wall. Further, a distance is defined between the top and bottom walls, and the corrugations are selectively deformable to alter the distance. Advantageously, with the present invention, a single roller bottle may be provided with its length being adjustable in response to cell culture size and density.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for continuously converting sucrose to ?-D-glucose. The method comprises a three stage enzymatic reactor in which an aqueous solution of sucrose is first converted into a solution of fructose and ?-D-glucose by passing it through a porous, packed column containing an inert media on which invertase is immobilized. This solution is then sent through a second packed column containing glucose isomerase and finally a third packed column containing mutarotase. Solution temperature and pH are adjusted to maximize glucose output.

Abstract: A straw (1) for the conservation of small quantities of substances, in particular biological substances, having a segment of tube provided inside one end with a stopper including gel powder, characterized in that a proportion of the gel powder is replaced with dispersed nonabsorbent material, the stopper thus having a mixture of gel powder and dispersed nonabsorbent material.

Abstract: A roller bottle is provided with a bottom wall, a top wall and a cylindrical side wall extending between the bottom and top walls. The top wall includes an opening to provide access to the interior of the roller bottle. The cylindrical side wall of the roller bottle is formed with at least one spiral pleat extending substantially from the bottom to the top for increasing cell growth surface area and for facilitating the flow of liquid to all interior surface areas of the bottle as the bottle is rolled about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A cell culture device for transfecting a eukaryotic cell is disclosed. The cell culture/transfection device may be a multiwell plate or slide which has been coated with a metal salt such as CaCl2. Methods of using the cell culture device to transfect mammalian cells and/or to monitor cell transfection are described. Kits are also described which include the cell transfection device, eukaryotic cells to be transformed and nucleic acid for transformation.

Abstract: A straw (1) for the conservation of small quantities of substances, in particular biological substances, the straw having a segment of tube (2) provided, inside one end, with a stopper (3) including gel powder, characterized in that the straw stopper includes a thermoplastics material core (4) sheathed with filaments constituting a sheath (5). The straw of the invention absorbs only a very small amount of the liquid contained therein.

Abstract: An improved cartridge for holding a fluid sample with a small volume is disclosed herein. The cartridge has a test chamber and a vestibule through which the test fluids are inserted into the test chamber. Improved grips are flared-out to aid manipulation. The handle portion is reinforced to prevent flexing, and a prefabricated trough along the edge of the land surface prevents introduction of the adhesive into the region for analysis. The cartridge has a stopper having a dual sealing mechanism, which seals the test chamber inlet between the vestibule and the test chamber, and the mouth of the vestibule so that when the stopper is in place, the test chamber is closed to the admission of air or other contaminants. The vestibule is similarly closed against escape of the overflow from the test chamber. The stopper is composed of a single elastomer. An improved locking mechanism has two flexible walls on either side of the handhold that locks into their respective keepers on the cartridge to provide a secure lock.

Abstract: A cell-culture apparatus forms an extra-capillary space between at least one hollow fiber and an enclosed chamber. Cells are placed in the extra-capillary space to grow. A media reservoir holds a cell-culture medium. The cell-culture medium is allowed to pass through a lumen of the at least one hollow fiber and to pass nutrients through the walls of the at least one hollow fiber to the cells in the extra-capillary space. Flow through the at least one hollow fiber is produced by action of gravity when a rocking or rotating motion is imparted to the media reservoir.

Abstract: The invention provides polyol (allyl carbonate) polymer solid supports. The supports can be modified for attachment of a chemical moiety or ligand. A solid support comprising one or more ligands immobilized to a polyol (allyl carbonate) polymer solid support. The solid support can be in the form of a bead, fiber, flat surface, microfluidic device, molded device, machined device, container, multi-well container such as a multi-well plate, and mass spectrometry sample holder. The solid supports can be used for a variety of applications, including chemical storage, chemical synthesis, combinatorial library synthesis, analytical devices, diagnostic devices, and tissue culture applications. The invention also provides methods of using the polyol (allyl carbonate) polymer solid supports.

Abstract: There has been invented an apparatus comprising a separation barrier for excluding denser cell materials from less dense cell materials after centrifuging of the cells so that selected materials can be withdrawn from the less dense cell materials without inclusion of the denser cell materials or clogging of sampling equipment with denser cell materials. Cells from which selected material is to be withdrawn are centrifuged, either as cells or cells in media. Once the denser cell materials are isolated in a layer by centrifugal force, an invention screen or seive is submerged in the less dense cell material to a level above the layer of denser cell materials to isolate the denser cell materials from the less dense cell materials, preventing mixing of the denser cell materials back into the less dense cell materials when the cells or the cells in media are no longer being centrifuged and to prevent clogging of sampling equipment with denser cell materials.

Abstract: A cup-like broth container comprising four mutually opposed pairs of connected sidewalls with a protruding rib formed on each of four perpendicularly opposed single sidewalls and four Y-shaped clamping ridges attached to and extending outwardly from a single one of the four sidewalls located between the four sidewalls having a protruding rib.

Abstract: The invention provides an advanced roller bottle system for cell culture that efficiently, continually, and automatically replenishes spent media with fresh media. The roller bottle system optimizes media use by removing spent media in response to a predetermined condition change and replenishing the spent media with fresh.

Abstract: A bag, method of manufacture and process are disclosed for the cryopreservation of thermolabile substances. The bag is characterized as having substantially uniform thickness throughout its length and height. The bag features a radiused peripheral edge wall for stress relief and to provide the constant cross-section. A peripheral flashing circumscribes the radiused edge wall and provides a suitable purchase area for sealing so that the thus formed bag is less susceptible to fracture particularly when exposed to cryogenic temperatures. The uniform thickness of the bag promulgates uniform heat transfer to and from the contents of the bag in relation to any surrounding medium at a different temperature. The bag affords more space for efficient storage and reduces heat invasion into the contents of the bag when a plurality of bags are placed with their larger planar surfaces in contact with each other.

Abstract: An article for holding a liquefied sample for the quantification of biological material in the sample includes a device having a reaction chamber enclosing a volume therein, the reaction chamber having an upper opening through which a liquefied sample can be poured and a plurality of discrete non-permeable compartments, each of the compartments having an upper rim and being configured and dimensioned to hold separate aliquots of a liquefied sample therein; and a gasket lid removably secured to the top of the device, the gasket lid being configured and dimensioned for sealing the upper rim of each compartment to prevent liquid communication between the compartments.

Abstract: The invention provides a roller bottle for cell growth culturing including a plurality of axial pleats therearound for increasing cell growth surface area and further including circumferential ribs integrally formed therewith for reinforcing the pleated wall structure. These circumferential ribs prevent the bottle walls from bowing outward when the inside of the bottle becomes pressurized during cell growth culturing.

Abstract: A medical apparatus includes a sampling and inoculating device detachably mounted in a container; having a suction portion formed on the sampling and inoculating device for sucking a liquid specimen which is then discharged into the container for storage or transport, a swabbing head detachably secured to a lower portion of the sampling and inoculating device for picking up the specimen and also for primarily inoculating the specimen onto a culture dish for a streak procedure, and an inoculating head formed on the lower portion of the sampling and inoculating device for subsequently diluting and separating the bacteria from the zone as streaked by the swabbing head for well inoculating and culturing the bacteria in order to identify the bacteria for a reliable medical treatment.

Abstract: A scraper for scraping live cells from a substrate. The scraper comprises a magnetic core and an elastomeric housing surrounding at least a portion of the magnetic core and defining at least one scraping blade. A method of scraping and a system for scraping are also provided.

Abstract: A cell culture apparatus comprises a rotor releasably housing a plurality of cell culture vessels/roller bottles. The apparatus provides for rotation of the rotor at a controlled speed about a substantially horizontal axis and for the rotational axis of the rotor and the bottles housed therein to be tilted to a substantially vertical position in order to allow fluid to be supplied or drain therefrom. Each vessel is provided with a cap equipped with a fluid supply/drain connection arranged at the lowest point of the cap when the vessel is vertically inverted (as shown in FIG. 1). The supply/drain connection of each bottle cap is connected to a manifold that allows the supply or extraction of fluid via a sealable external connection. Venting of the gas space within the bottle during fluid transfer is provided by a snorkel tube passing upwards through the fluid, and formed as an internal extension of the bottle cap. The snorkel tube is provided with a micro-porous filter, venting to atmosphere.

Abstract: A bioreactor or cell culture surface comprises a multiplicity of microwells appearing, upon enlargement in the range of 200 to 1000 magnifications, as a honeycomb structure consisting of a plurality of rows of irregular hexagons, each having a transverse x-axis, a longitudinal y-axis, and a z-axis which defines a height of each microwell. Co-parallel major bases define the directionality of anticipated cell growth, while pairs of equilateral minor bases define the x-axis width of each microwell. An arrow-like geometry is defined by the equilateral pairs of minor bases which also define an x-axis separation between opposing major bases of the hexagon to induce cell growth directionality. An acute angle exists between the members of the arrow-like pairs of minor bases, while an obtuse angle exists between contiguous major and minor bases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container intended for use in cell culture. The container includes a first and a second sheet that are secured to one another in the vicinity of their periphery so as to form an interior volume intended to receive cells and at least one access route designed to allow the introduction and/or the recovery of cells. Each of the sheets includes at least one layer made of a polymer material that allows the cells to adhere. Moreover, at least one of the two sheets is thermoformed. The invention also relates to a system including at least two elements connected together as a closed circuit by a tube. One of the elements is a container of the invention. The invention also includes the use of such containers and systems for culturing adherent cells and/or cells that are suspended in the medium.

Abstract: A container for cell growth culturing is provided that includes at its bottom end a neck-receiving recess having a planar wall with projecting ribs extending therefrom to space the planar wall from the neck of an adjacently stacked similar container. The ribs of the inventive container allow gas exchange with the inside of an adjacently-stacked similar container provided with a gas-permeable membrane.

Abstract: A porous container for controllably releasing various substances into surrounding fluid environments includes a porous material having pores sized and configured to allow the substances contained within the container to pass through the pores at a rate of no more than about 0.5 g/day/cm2. In a particular embodiment, the porous container is adapted to controllably release microorganisms into surrounding fluid environments, which microorganisms may be cultured within the porous container. The porous container may also be utilized with a variety of dispensing vessels to obtain desired controlled release characteristics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the separation of biological materials from one another. The device includes a separation column that is in flow communication with a collection chamber in a reservoir that includes a collection container and a lid. The separation column is mounted on the lid. The collection container includes a concentration zone at the bottom and the container is adapted for use in further separation steps including centrifuging. The device includes a connector that is in flow communication with the collection chamber and is adapted for connecting it to a source of vacuum to help induce flow of liquid through the separation column.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aseptic biological production of cells and/or microorganisms are provided. The apparatus includes a support housing having an interior chamber, a disposable flexible sterile plastic liner lining the interior chamber and a head plate attached to the liner forming a sealed chamber with the liner to form a reservoir. After use the liner can be thrown away and the apparatus can be reused with a new liner. In this way, the apparatus simplifies cleaning and ensuring validation required by pharmaceutical and food industry standards. Aerating fluid is introduced during culturing of cell or microorganisms in the reservoir. A growth characteristic can be used to vary flow rate and/or composition of the aerating fluid. Another reservoir may be used for circulation between two reservoirs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for creating an environment in a container that is suitable for growing anaerobic bacteria. The device utilizes exothermic chemistry to deplete oxygen and drive the decomposition of a bicarbonate present in the closed system. The decomposition of the bicarbonate results in the release of carbon dioxide. The result of this exothermic reaction and decomposition of the bicarbonate in the closed system results in a suitable oxygen depleted, carbon dioxide enriched atmospheric environment for the growth of anaerobic bacteria. The device is formed of an air permeable package containing a heat generating composition and a bicarbonate. The air-permeable package is contained within an outer wrap that forms an air barrier to the air-permeable package. To activate the heat generating composition, the outer wrap is removed to expose the air-permeable package to the oxygen within the container.

Abstract: A cell culture device (100, 830) incorporating confronting planar anterior and posterior shells or walls (110, 140, 834, 836) that are joined about peripheral edges to define a media reservoir or cistern (170, 850). At least one of the shells and walls and edges is optionally formed with an aperture or respirator (180, 873). At least one fluid transfer port (220, 870) with a resealable elastomeric septum (230, 872) compatible for use with a small needle or needleless connector or pipetter tip (T, T′) is preferably formed in least one of the shells and walls (110, 140, 834, 836) and edges and that is in fluid communication with the media reservoir or cistern or chamber (170, 850). The device (100, 830) also includes at least one gas valvule (320, 875) that is formed in one or more of the shells and walls (110, 140, 834, 836) and edges and is in fluid communication with the media reservoir (170, 850) to vent gas from and supply gas to the reservoir (170, 850).

Abstract: The use of incubation means for the controlled heating of biological materials, said means comprising an electrically conducting polymer connectable to a power supply, said polymer being either contiguous or integral with an incubation vessel, or adapted to be in thermal contact with an incubation vessel. Incubation apparatus including such means and a method for culturing biological materials using them are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A fermentation apparatus is constructed to produce a known and repeatable amount of unpoisoned fermentation product using multiple fermentation vessels. To facilitate further processing compatible with other product processing steps, the fermentation apparatus has an array of sample vessels arranged in a container frame. The container frame is configured to hold the sample vessels during fermentation and to transport the vessel array to or from another processing station. Corresponding to the number of sample vessels in the sample vessel array, a cannula array is configured such that each cannula may be placed inside a sample vessel. The cannula array is attached to a gas distributor that delivers oxygen and/or one or more other gases from a gas source through the cannula into the sample vessel.