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.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing and shipping a coded set of related culture specimens without risk of contamination or contact between individually coded specimens, comprising a closeable case having multiple individual storage cells and a coding scheme applied to the surfaces of the case. The coding scheme identifies and matches individually coded specimens with their respective storage cells.

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: A container assembly for storing and stabilizing a biological sample includes a container, a closure cap and a sample holder coupled to the closure cap and removably received in the container. The sample holder can be a basket-like device coupled to an inner face of the cap and includes a central cavity for receiving the sample and immersing the sample in the reagent in the container. The closure cap includes a body member with a dimension to displace a volume of air and reduce the head space to ensure that the sample holder is completely immersed in the reagent. The sample holder has a closure member for closing the open top end of the cavity.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and product for producing an advantaged cell growth surface. 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 known methods.

Abstract: A disposable bioreactor for perfusion cell culture. Cells are grown in a plastic bag that is rocked and aerated on a mechanical platform. The bioreactor bag contains a filter that allows liquid to be removed from the bioreactor without losing cells. Nutrients may be added through another port. The perfusion filter is constructed such that it can move freely on the liquid surface. The filter is flicked rapidly across the surface as a result of the rocking motion of the bioreactor and this tangential motion of the filter keeps it from clogging. A weight-based control system regulates feed and harvest rates and allows weeks of continuous operation. This invention has numerous applications in biotechnology and medicine.

Abstract: A plant propagation apparatus is disclosed which comprises a flexible transparent enclosure. The enclosure is disposable, and could be formed of a polymer such as polyethylene. The enclosure would have at least two walls, formed of flexible material that facilitates transmission of light through the walls. Plant material is sealed within the enclosure, and nutrient solution is made available within the sealed enclosure for the plant. The enclosure is a low cost and effective method for propagating young plants and transporting them between the laboratory environment and a greenhouse or field. The enclosure may be configured to receive gas or carbon dioxide on its inner surface to a predetermined level of pressure, thereby affording the enclosure a flexible but stiff mechanical resistance that protects the young plant while it is growing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved vessel for cell culture and methods for its use. The vessel of the present invention comprises a collapsible bag with an inner surface, an outer surface and a top periphery and a headplate having a circumferential edge wherein the top periphery of the bag is sealed to the edge of the headplate. The present invention also relates to an impeller for use with the vessel and a method for culturing cells.

Abstract: A cell tube for ex vivo culturing animal cells and a multiple roller tube cell culture system are disclosed. Suitable for use in culturing cells, the tube has at its opposite end walls two openings through which culture media can come in and out. The openings are eccentrically located at corresponding positions in contact with the edge sides of the end walls. The system has a plurality of roller drums on which a multitude of cell tubes are assembled. As the roller drums are rotated, cells adhering to each tube experience a nutrient-rich state and aerobic starvation, repeatedly. In the nutrient-rich state, the cells are grown flourishingly. When subjected to starvation, cells select metabolism pathways for utilizing carbon sources effectively, produce lactate at a low rate and can maintain a constant pH, because they are in direct contact with air. The system makes cells adhere to the wall of cell tubes and provides air directly to cell surfaces.

Abstract: A cell and tissue culture unit comprises a base (1) equipped with access means (7,8) for being connected to a culture medium feed device and delimiting at least side-walls (5) of a culture chamber (6) and at least side-walls of at least a well (3-i ) communicating through at least one of its upper and lower portions with chamber (6), as well as removable closing means (10,15-i,17i) able to provide access to chamber (6) and to well (3-i).

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 collection container and method for collecting a predetermined volume of a biological sample, and particularly a whole blood sample, includes at least one gene induction blocking agent in an amount effective to stabilize and inhibit gene induction. The gene induction blocking agent is able to stabilize nucleic acids in the biological sample at the point of collection to block ex vivo gene induction in the sample when stored at room temperature. The stabilizing agents include cationic compounds, detergents, particularly cationic detergents, chaotropic salts, ribonuclease inhibitors, chelating agents, organic solvents, organic reducing reagents, and mixtures thereof. The biological sample is collected directly from the animal and immediately mixed with the gene induction blocking agent without any intermediate processing or handling.

Abstract: A method for separating microorganisms, especially infectious agents, from a mixture by two dimensional centrifugation on the basis of sedimentation rate and isopycnic banding density, for sedimenting such microorganisms through zones of immobilized reagents to which they are resistant, for detecting banded particles by light scatter or fluorescence using nucleic acid specific dyes, and for recovering the banded particles in very small volumes for characterization by mass spectrometry of viral protein subunits and intact viral particles, and by fluorescence flow cytometric determination of both nucleic acid mass and the masses of fragments produced by restriction enzymes. The method is based on the discovery that individual microorganisms, such as bacterial and viral species, are each physically relatively homogeneous, and are distinguishable in their biophysical properties from other biological particles, and from non-biological particles found in nature.

Abstract: A method for separating microorganisms, especially infectious agents, from a mixture by two dimensional centrifugation on the basis of sedimentation rate and isopycnic banding density, for sedimenting such microorganisms through zones of immobilized reagents to which they are resistant, for detecting banded particles by light scatter or fluorescence using nucleic acid specific dyes, and for recovering the banded particles in very small volumes for characterization by mass spectrometry of viral protein subunits and intact viral particles, and by fluorescence flow cytometric determination of both nucleic acid mass and the masses of fragments produced by restriction enzymes. The method is based on the discovery that individual microorganisms, such as bacterial and viral species, are each physically relatively homogeneous, and are distinguishable in their biophysical properties from other biological particles, and from non-biological particles found in nature.

Abstract: A disposable device and method for axenically culturing and harvesting cells and/or tissue in consecutive cycles. The device consist of a sterilizable transparent and/or translucent disposable container which may be at least partially filled with a suitable sterile biological cell and/or tissue culture medium and/or axenic inoculant and/or sterile air and/or required other sterile additives. The container has means for removing excess air and/or waste gases therefrom, and means for introducing the inoculant and/or culture medium and/or additives therein. The device also has at least one air inlet, and preferably a plurality thereof, for introducing sterile air into the device. The device is characterised by having a reusable harvesting means comprising suitable flow control means for enabling harvesting of at least a portion of the medium containing cells and/or tissue when desired, thereby enabling the device to be used continuously for at least one subsequent consecutive culturing/harvesting cycle.

Abstract: A disposable bioreactor for culturing microorganisms and cells is provided. The bioreactor is suitable for use by individuals not skilled in microbiology or aseptic technique. It is constructed of flexible or semi-flexible waterproof sheets to form a container designed to provided mixing and gas exchange to microorganisms cultured therein. Mixing and gas exchanged are achieved by bubbling gas through the culture, either from a single locus at the lowermost apex of a container having a wedge-shaped or rounded bottom, or from multiple loci across a flat-bottomed container. Also provided is a kit for culturing a selected microorganism, preferably an entomopathogenic nematode or other organism useful as a biopesticide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transparent sample container containing, preferably, a liquid bacterial growth media for detecting microbacteria and a process for detecting microbacteria using this sample container. The container is optically transparent, heat resistant, and stable during storage. The container and process provide a bacterial growth medium substantially free of contamination upon prolonged storage of preferably about one year at 40° C.

Abstract: A plant propagation apparatus is disclosed which comprises a flexible transparent enclosure. The enclosure is disposable, and could be formed of a polymer such as polyethylene. The enclosure would have at least two walls, formed of flexible material that facilitates transmission of light through the walls. Plant material is sealed within the enclosure, and nutrient solution is made available within the sealed enclosure for the plant. The enclosure is a low cost and effective method for propagating young plants and transporting them between the laboratory environment and a greenhouse or field. The enclosure may be configured to receive gas or carbon dioxide on its inner surface to a predetermined level of pressure, thereby affording the enclosure a flexible but stiff mechanical resistance that protects the young plant while it is growing.

Abstract: A mixing and pouring apparatus for computer controlled processing of mixing and pouring operations includes a rotatable arm capable of holding vessels therein, the arm rotatable at programmable speeds and time lengths to perform automated moving and pouring processes. The present invention further provides a cap and vessel positioning system that securely locks a vessel in place and realigns the cap in essentially the identical position in relation to the vessel every time the vessel is capped. In one embodiment, both the cap and vessel have flanges that are aligned when the cap is properly secured to the vessel.

Abstract: A vessel for growing tissues, cells, microorganisms and the like is provided. The vessel includes a body, which defines an interior chamber, and at least one aperture in the body for permitting fluid communication between the interior chamber and the external environment. The body includes top and bottom walls each having a generally planar portion and a tapered portion. The tapered portion of the top wall tapers outwardly and downwardly from the planar portion thereof to an outer periphery. Conversely, the tapered portion of the bottom wall tapers outwardly and upwardly from the planar portion thereof to an outer periphery. The outer peripheries of the respective walls are then aligned with and coupled to one another. The aperture includes a closure component coupled thereto for closing off the interior chamber from the external environment. In an alternative embodiment, the vessel includes a top wall, a bottom wall and at least one side wall.

Abstract: A disposable device and method for axenically culturing and harvesting cells and/or tissue in consecutive cycles. The device consists of a sterilisable disposable container which may be partially filled with a suitable sterile biological cell and/or tissue culture medium. The container has means for removing excess air and/or waste gases therefrom, and means for introducing inoculant and/or culture medium and/or additives therein. A reusable harvesting means enables harvesting of at least a portion of the medium containing cells and/or tissue when desired, thereby enabling the device to be used continuously for at least one subsequent consecutive culturing/harvesting cycle. The portion of medium containing cells and/or tissue remaining from a previously harvested cycle may serve as inoculant for a next culture and harvest cycle.

Abstract: The invention is a prefilled culture medium bag with a gusseted base that is capable of standing in an upright position. The prefilled culture medium bag can be sterilized by irradiation. Or alternatively, the culture medium can be sterilized apart from the bag and subsequently placed inside the bag after the bag has been sterilized. In either case, the end product is a pre-sterilized and prefilled culture medium bag delivered to a laboratory for use. The culture medium bag is self-supporting and takes on the characteristics of a rigid container when filled. The culture medium bag is easy to open and reseal for introduction of a culture sample at the laboratory. After introduction, a sample can be incubated within the culture medium bag.

Abstract: A sterilizable cultivation system is provided for growing selected organisms for use in biological applications and the cultivation edible fungi. A sealable, sterilizable container holds a growth substrate in a sterile condition. A separate, adhesive vent filter is provided, which is adhereable to a vent opening in the container. The vent filter is gas permeable and allows gas exchange between the interior of the container and the ambient environment, but prevents the passage of microbes and other organisms into or out of the container. This gas exchange prevents excess carbon dioxide from accumulating in the container and allows necessary oxygen into the container in order to maintain an appropriate growth environment for the selected organisms. The vent filter may be combined with the container (a) during manufacture of new containers, or (b) in the field by the end-user on new containers or on re-cycled containers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a type of plant tissue culture vessels which comprises a container and a cover, wherein the container is made of transparent synthetic polymers and has a opening, a stress concentration seams which be formed on the circumferential surface and/or bottom of the container and which can be focused the distribution of stresses in certain way that can be safely and easily avulsion before seedlings are removed from the culture vessel.

Abstract: The present invention includes a cell cultivating flask and a method for growing cells within the cell cultivating flask which is configured such that a user can directly access the individual trays or cell growing areas within the cell cultivating flask. Basically, the cell cultivating flask includes a cover located on top of an intermediate tray which is located on top of a bottom tray. The intermediate tray and bottom tray each have a bottom plate and side walls that define a cell growth area. And, the cover and intermediate tray each have a neck with an opening formed therein which enables a user to directly add or remove a cell cultivating media to or from each of the cell growth areas in the intermediate tray and the bottom tray. The cell cultivating flask may have more than one intermediate tray.

Abstract: A device and method for producing refined adipose tissue for use in autologous adipose transplantation or research wherein a sterile environment is maintained. More particularly, a system for refining tissue comprising a first flexible container, a second flexible container having a plurality of pores providing for fluid communication between the interior of the first flexible container and the interior of the first enveloping flexible container, a first port that provides communication between the exterior environment and the interior of the first flexible container and thereby provides a means for introducing fluids into the interior of the first flexible container and allowing waste effluent to exit the first container, a second flexible container, a second port for inserting tissue into the second container and expressing refined tissue out of the container, and a means for controlling the opening and closing of the first and second ports.

Abstract: Apparatus for effecting reactions comprising a plurality of reaction vessels for holding reagents, an electrically conducting polymer which emits heat when an electric current is passed through it, and control device for controlling supply of current to the polymer, the polymer being connectable to an electrical supply via the control device. The control device may be arranged such that different currents and therefore different temperatures can be achieved in each reaction vessel. Certain novel reaction vessels are described and claimed. The apparatus are reaction vessels may be used in carrying out reactions which require multiple temperature stages such as amplification reactions such as the polymerase chain reaction.

Abstract: A multi-layer, flexible, gas-permeable film (10) suitable for forming a cell culture container (20), the film (10) comprising a first layer (12) composed of a polystyrene having a thickness within the range of 0.0001 inches to about 0.0010 inches and, a second layer (14) adhered to the first layer (12) composed of a polyolefin having a thickness within the range of 0.004 inches to about 0.015 inches.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) in the form of a container (2) having a container interior (9) partially delimited by a container body (8) comprising a container shell (3) having an external and an internal shell surface (10, 12) and a container base (7) arranged at one of two end faces (5, 6) of the container shell (3) disposed at oppositely lying ends in the direction of a container central axis (4). The second end face (5) of the container shell (3) surrounds a container opening (14). At least one data medium (16) for recording and reproducing and/or processing data is arranged on the container body (8) by means of an appliance (17) provided with an adhesive and/or in the container body (8), in particular being joined thereto and/or arranged in the container interior (9) and/or joined thereto.

Abstract: The invention concerns a seal for closing the neck of a flask. The seal comprises a stopper with a central coaxial channel for passage of an injection and/or sampling needle, this channel being sealed by at least one ball with a diameter slightly greater than that of the channel. This seal is suitable for a reagent flask used by a blood analyzer.

Abstract: A cell culture assembly is provided. The assembly includes a housing having a first end and a second end and the side wall disposed between the first and second ends. The side wall and the second end define a cell growth chamber and the first end defines an opening for receiving media and starter culture. The assembly includes a continuous elongated ribbon having a leader at one end and a cell growth portion formed into turns and disposed within the chamber. The first end of the ribbon is threaded through an aperture in the side wall with the leader exposed on the outside of the housing. A sealing member is disposed over the leader and the aperture to hermetically seal the aperture. The sealing member is removable to access the leader to pull the ribbon through the aperture. In a preferred embodiment, a squeegee assembly is disposed adjacent the aperture and is configured to apply a squeegee action to the ribbon as the ribbon is pulled through the aperture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aseptic biological production or processing of cells, tissues and/or microorganisms is provided. The apparatus includes a support housing having an interior chamber, a disposable liner lining the interior chamber and a head plate attached to the liner forming a sealed chamber with the liner. After use the liner can be disposed 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.

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.