Abstract: Provided are multi-layer bioreactors for growing, maintaining, stimulating, monitoring and testing organoids and tissues derived from or representing hollow organs in organoid chambers. Also provided are uses of those bioreactors in modeling a disease process for monitoring disease progress and/or for assessing a biological effect, such as therapeutic efficacy and/or toxicity, e.g., organotoxicity. Also disclosed are bioreactors comprising organoid chambers that are useful as systems for measuring the volume, pressure, contractility, pump function, or electrophysiology of an organoid chamber as well as systems for controlling the pressure experienced by an organoid or tissue in an organoid chamber.

Abstract: A method used for concentration of fluid milk by renewable energy (RE). RE used in the present invention is sole solar energy (SE) at room temperature (25° C.-27° C.). A device of two glass Petri dishes of same size is arranged as upper and lower plates. A volume of 60 ml of pasteurized bovine or camel milk is put in the upper plate and 60 ml of tap water in the lower plate. The device is placed on the bench beside window to be exposed to sunlight, but not to direct sunrays, at room temperature. After about 30 mins water droplets started to appear on the lower face of the upper plate and increased in size with time. With continuous collection of water droplets for 24 hours, 50% of water is removed i.e. giving 50% concentration of milk; after 48 hours the concentration is 16.67%.

Abstract: A sampling device and a method for taking samples. The sampling device includes a cap having two ends and a collection sponge attached on one end, wherein a collection sponge diameter is greater than a collection sponge height. A lid is removably attached to a first end of the cap to cover the collection sponge; and a bowl is removably attached to a second and opposite end of the cap. The bowl can contain an enrichment broth.

Abstract: A disposable polymer container for manipulation of small specimens adapted to optimize heat transfer between an external heating element and specimens herein contained. In particular, this invention relates to the field of containers for Assisted Reproductive Technology hereunder In-vitro fertilization (IVF).

Abstract: A device for wetting at least one sample by means of an aerosol, the device has: side walls, a base region which is bounded by the side walls, the base region adapted for receiving or interacting with a positioning device for positioning the sample, a cover region, which sits vertically opposite the base region and is bounded by the side walls. The device forms an exposure chamber and an aerosolizing device for producing an aerosol, which is arranged in the vicinity of the cover region. The aerosolizing device is arranged above the base region in such a way that the aerosolizing device at least partially covers the base region in a vertical plan view. A method for wetting at least one sample by an aerosol is also provided that includes the steps of: providing at least one sample, producing a cloud above the at least one sample in a position which at least partially covers the base region in a vertical plan view, and allowing the cloud to descend in the direction of the sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a forensic device suitable for acquisition and storage of biological samples, comprising in an air tight container (1) a water soluble layer (10) which is adhered to a flexible layer (11) by a water impermeable adhesive layer (12), wherein the air tight container (1) comprises a cover (2) defining a storage compartment (3) and a base (4) having attached thereto a protrusion (5) which extends from the base (4) inside said storage compartment (3). Further, the present invention relates to the use of the forensic device to acquire and store a biological sample.

Abstract: A platform for creating an artificial blood brain barrier including a functional, perfused artificial vessel lined with endothelial cells embedded in a physiologically relevant three-dimensional extracellular matrix is described.

Abstract: A biological sterilization indicator, system, and methods of determining the effectiveness of a sterilization process. The biological sterilization indicator can include a locus of spores, a reservoir containing a liquid, and a sterilant path positioned to provide fluid communication between ambience and the locus of spores. The reservoir can have a closed state in which the reservoir is not in fluid communication with the locus of spores and an open state in which the reservoir is in fluid communication with the locus of spores. The biological sterilization indicator system can include the biological sterilization indicator and a detection device adapted to be coupled to the biological sterilization indicator. In some embodiments, the method can include assaying the spores for a detectable change in a characteristic, and detecting substantially all of the detectable change.

Abstract: The invention enables efficient, rapid, and sensitive enumeration of living cells by detecting microscopic colonies derived from in situ cell division using large area imaging. Microbial enumeration tests based on the invention address an important problem in clinical and industrial microbiology—the long time needed for detection in traditional tests—while retaining key advantages of the traditional methods based on microbial culture. Embodiments of the invention include non-destructive aseptic methods for detecting cellular microcolonies without labeling reagents. These methods allow for the generation of pure cultures which can be used for microbial identification and determination of antimicrobial resistance.

Abstract: Apparatuses, kits, and methods for portable sample disruption (e.g., for encouraging cell lysis).

Abstract: A cell culture plate that includes an upper portion having at least one discrete chamber with a top edge and a bottom edge; a substantially flat lower portion, wherein at least one layer of polymer fibers has been deposited on the upper surface of the lower portion, and wherein the at least one layer of polymer fibers is conducive to the growth of biological cells thereon; and wherein the bottom edge of the at least one discrete chamber is hermetically sealed to the fiber-coated upper surface of the lower portion to form a well using adhesives, laser welding, or ultrasonic welding.

Abstract: The invention provides a culture plate made from a polymer incorporating a culture component releasable into culture media in the well, methods of culturing a microorganisms in the culture plate, and a methods of making the culture plate.

Abstract: A cell culture dish, comprising: a dish with a bottom wall and a circumferential side wall standing upward from the same, a lid, which sits sealingly on the side wall in an aeration position, and means for holding the lid on the dish above the sealing position in an aeration position in which there is an aeration gap between side wall and lid, wherein these means are adapted to be overcome by pressing the lid and the dish together in order to bring the lid from the aeration position into the sealing position.

Abstract: A harvested sample preparation system includes an operation isolator 3 in which aseptic manipulation is executed, a harvested sample preparation personal box 4 which can be connected with the operation isolator 3 and a storage 5 that stores a plurality of harvested sample preparation personal boxes 4. The harvested sample preparation personal box 4 includes a first housing chamber 4Aa and a second housing chamber 4Ab, and a fluid appropriate for cell culturing is supplied to the first housing chamber 4Aa from a fluid supply pipe 16 included by the storage 5 while cooling fluid is supplied to the second housing chamber 4Ab from a cooling fluid supply pipe 18. The harvested sample preparation system that prevents mix-up and cross-contamination with a simple configuration can be provided.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a multi-layered cell culture vessel having a rectangular shape with a top a bottom sides and ends, where the sides are longer than the ends. The vessel has hand grips and ports at each end of the rectangular vessel. The ports allow fluid entering into the vessel to flow into the multiple cell culture layers through a manifold. The ports may be incorporated into the hand grips.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for generating microscopic patterns of macromolecules such as proteins on a solid surface are described. Pulsed laser light is used to alter surface portions of a solid surface substrate in a predetermined pattern by removing macromolecules from surface portions of the substrate where the light is focused. The same wavelength light at lower intensity can be used to visualize the removal by its reflection from the specimen surface along the path to the detector. Select macromolecules introduced to the substrate selectively adhere to select surface portions, thereby depositing macromolecules in the predetermined pattern on the solid surface.

Abstract: Embodiments provide techniques for measuring and characterizing the dynamics of cell traction forces. Tunable elastic gel substrates can be disposed in multi-well plates. The gels can be of a uniform predetermined thickness. A multi-well plate can be loaded with gels of different shear moduli. An array of punch indenters can be attached to a loading platen such that the each indenter is aligned to a gel substrate. The indenters can apply tensile or compressive strains to the gel substrates. The magnitude, duration, and frequency of the strain can be controlled by a motor assembly coupled to a control system. The apparatus can be disposed in an incubator for long term cell culture experiments. The cell culture can be observed while a strain is applied. A ring-shaped indenter can be mounted on a microscope, coaxial to the objective lens, and lowered by a calibrated amount onto the underlying gel.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge is described which is equipped with a plurality of microfabricated particle sorting structures. The disposable cartridge may include passageways which connect fluid reservoirs in the cartridge with corresponding microfluidic passageways on the particle sorting structure. A flexible gasket may prevent leakages and allow the fluid to cross the gasket barrier through a plurality of holes in the gasket, allowing fluid to be transferred from the reservoirs to the microfabricated particle sorting structures. The plurality of particle sorting structures may be arranged in the disposable cartridge in order to perform multiple separation operations, such as a sequential or parallel sorting operation.

Abstract: An invention proposes a photobioreactor with a cultivation chamber in the form of a shallow closed trough that is irradiated by the sun light. The bottom section of the shallow closed trough comprises an elongated polymer flexible film, which is arranged with small inclination to the horizontal plane; the middle longitudinal section of the elongated polymer flexible film plays a role of the bottom cover of the shallow closed trough. A bank of translucent or transparent flat rigid members, which are abutted in-line with a small inclination to the horizontal plane, provides required rigidity to the entire photobioreactor. The translucent or transparent flat rigid members are provided with longitudinal bottom spacers and joined with the lateral longitudinal sections of the elongated polymer flexible film. In addition, the translucent flat rigid members serve for closing the shallow trough from above.

Abstract: A system and methods for aerosol delivery of an entity or agent are disclosed. The system and methods can include a target application surface. A nebulizer can be located in close proximity to the target application surface. The nebulizer can include a chamber to hold the entity, a nozzle plate including one nozzle, and a piezoelectric element coupled to the nozzle plate. A power source can be coupled to the piezoelectric element. The power source, when activated, can energize the piezoelectric element to vibrate the nozzle plate to cause the entity to be nebulized through the nozzle to impact the target application surface.

Abstract: A cell culture plate has a plurality of flow channels, uneven pattern areas and through holes. The flow channels are formed between the uneven pattern areas, and culture solution flows from the flow channels into the uneven pattern areas or from the uneven pattern areas into the flow channels. The uneven pattern area has uneven patterns that create a cell culture space.

Abstract: Provided is a sample dish for detecting microbes. The sample dish includes a base having an opening extending therethrough, an outer side wall at the outer periphery of the base, and an inner side wall at the inner periphery of the base defined by the opening. The sample dish may be used in conjunction with a microbial test unit including a housing defining an internal cavity configured to contain a sample dish, the unit including a cuff extending from an outlet of the housing into the internal cavity. The cuff may be an open-ended member configured to extend through an opening of the sample dish and provide fluid communication between the internal cavity and the outlet. The microbial test unit provides the ability to test compressed gas directly input to the unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bag locking mechanism comprising, a fixed locking means (106), provided with a first abutment surface (116), a movable locking means (108; 208), which is movable between a locking position and a releasing position, and a second abutment surface (118; 218) arranged on the movable locking means (108; 208). The fixed locking means (106) defines by its configuration, at least partly a restricted locking space (114), in which the movable locking means (108; 208) is movable between the locking and releasing position.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for the detection of particles and for particle analysis. The apparatus comprises a sample holder comprising a base and a projection extending from the base. The base includes a contact region where, in use, the surface of a fluid sample may contact the projection. The surface of at least the contact region of the projection exhibits properties that allow the surface of the contact region to be substantially wetted by a fluid sample when the apparatus is in use so that the fluid sample forms a meniscus having its apex in contact with the contact region of the projection. The invention also relates to methods for using the apparatus.

Abstract: Provided are a container tray in which a position and orientation of a container is hardly displaced from a predetermined position and orientation; a tray base used together with the container tray; and an observation unit. The container tray 8 includes a mounting plate 81 having a mounting surface 811 on which the container is to be mounted, an elastic body 82, and a biasing mechanism 83, 842. The elastic body 82 is arranged on the mounting surface 811 of the mounting plate 81 around a mounting region R where the container is to be mounted. The biasing mechanism 83, 842 is capable of switching states between a biased state in which the elastic body 82 is biased inward by applying a pressing force to the elastic body 82 from outside and a bias released state in which the bias on the elastic body 82 is released.

Abstract: A bioreactor assembly, including: a housing internally defining a plurality of reaction chambers; a medium flow supply line associated with each of the plurality of reaction chambers, wherein the medium flow supply line associated with each of the plurality of reaction chambers is operable for delivering a medium flow to each of the plurality of reaction chambers; and one or more framed membrane cartridges selectively disposed within each of the plurality of reaction chambers, wherein each of the one or more framed membrane cartridges disposed within each of the plurality of reaction chambers is operable for holding a biochemically active material that is reacted when exposed to the medium flow.

Abstract: Hydrophobically modified polysaccharide compositions, articles incorporating the compositions, and methods for cell culture, automatic release of cells, and release of cell culture coating from a substrate or the cell culture articles incorporating the coating compositions, as defined herein.

Abstract: Provided is a small-scale cell culture apparatus having a culture medium replacement function for culturing cells in a small number of Petri dishes, the cell culture apparatus being capable of performing automatic replacement of the culture medium and cell culture within the same cavity and significantly reducing the apparatus cost. At least one set of upper and lower discs is arranged inside an incubator chamber 1. Petri dishes 4, 6 in each of which cells and a culture medium are put are held on lower discs 18, 19, and top lids 5, 7 are held on upper discs 19, 30. The lower side of each of the top lids is open.

Abstract: A microplate for culturing cells with automatic, continuous perfusion includes a well frame and a planar substrate. The well frame and the planar substrate form a first well, a second well, and a third well. The first well is fluidly connected with the second well with a first perfusion membrane and the first well is fluidly connected with the third well with a second perfusion membrane. Methods of fabricating the microplate and methods of culturing cells are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, and in particular breast cancer. Specifically, in some embodiments the invention relates to methods of diagnosing cancer, and in particular breast cancer, using an antibody specific for a gene product that localizes selectively to the endoplasmic reticulum of the cancer cell(s). In some embodiments, the invention relates to methods of treating cancer, and in particular breast cancer, by administering a composition comprising an RNA interference sequence (e.g., shRNA, RNAi and/or siRNA molecule) characterized by an ability to inhibit an mRNA molecule, which mRNA molecule is encoded by the C43 gene (SEQ ID NO: 1). The invention additionally relates to methods for detecting cancer cells by detecting reduced methylation of the C43 promoter, and methods for reducing cancer metastasis by using demethylation inhibitors that result in increased methylation of the C43 promoter.

Abstract: A thermocycling device includes a sample holder, a thermal reference and a heating and cooling device which is arranged between the sample holder and thermal reference. The heating and cooling device is in thermally conductive contact with the sample holder and with the thermal reference. The thermocycling device further includes a reference heating and cooling device for maintaining the temperature of the thermal reference at a predetermined temperature level during cycling, and a heat sink which is in thermally conductive contact with the reference heating and/or cooling device.

Abstract: A method to recover and harvest nutrients from a liquid stream by incorporating them into microorganisms grown in a rotating photobioreactor. The method further includes optionally integrating the rotating photobioreactor with a composting or biogenic drying process.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a culture medium device, which comprises a plate containing a solid-state or gel-state culture medium layer; a shield layer covering the culture medium layer; and a lid covering the plate. The shield layer is in a solid, gel or liquid state and contains sugar at a concentration of greater than 0% (w/w) and less than or equal to 0.1% (w/w). Via the shield layer containing a select composition, the present invention can reduce the affection of microbiological contamination and promote the yield and productivity of biomass in the process of inoculating and cultivating Polyporales.

Abstract: A MEMS-based system and a method are described for separating a target particle from the remainder of a fluid stream. The system makes use of a unique, microfabricated movable structure formed on a substrate, which moves in a rotary fashion about one or more fixed points, which are all located on one side of the axis of motion. The movable structure is actuated by a separate force-generating apparatus, which is entirely separate from the movable structure formed on its substrate. This allows the movable structure to be entirely submerged in the sample fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed are multi-chambered cell co-culture systems. The systems can be utilized to encourage the growth and development of isolated cells in a dynamic three-dimensional in vitro environment. The cell chambers (10) of the system can be in biochemical communication with adjacent chambers containing cells of different types, but the different cell types are maintained physically separated from one another. In addition, the local environment of each cell chamber can be independently controlled. For example, fluid flow characteristics through a single cell chamber can be independently controlled and maintained for each separate chamber of the system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rapid thermal cycling including a thermal diffusivity plate. The thermal diffusivity plate can provide substantial temperature uniformity throughout the thermal block assembly during thermal cycling by a thermoelectric module. An edge heater can provide substantial temperature uniformity throughout the thermal block assembly during thermal cycling.

Abstract: An incubator (1) has an incubation chamber (2) and a shaking device (4) to shake receptacles (5) placed in the incubation chamber (2). A device chamber (3) adjoins the incubation chamber (2) and accommodates at least parts of the shaking device (4). The shaking device (4) has a base plate (8) that seals off the incubation chamber (2) from the device chamber 3. A shaking table (11) is on the inner face (9) of the base plate (8) and can be moved in a horizontal plane by a drive arm (10). A motor (34) is arranged on the outer face (37) of the base plate (8). The motor (34) drives a drive shaft (14) that is rotatably mounted in the base plate (8) and that is operatively connected to the drive arm (10).

Abstract: Cell stimulation, staining, and visualization are common techniques in both clinical and research settings. The invention is directed to microfluidic devices for in situ cell stimulation, staining, and/or visualization, and related methods for applying one or more stimuli to the cells, and fixing and staining of cells in situ. The device allows for high-throughput screening of living cells using a minimal quantity of reagents where the fate of individual cells can be followed over time.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge is described which is compatible with a MEMS particle sorting device. The disposable cartridge may include passageways which connect fluid reservoirs in the cartridge with corresponding microfluidic passageways on the MEMS chip. A flexible gasket may prevent leakages and allow the fluid to cross the gasket barrier through a plurality of holes in the gasket. Vents and septums may also be included to allow air to escape and fluids to be inserted by hypodermic needle. A MEMS-based particle sorting system using the disposable cartridge is also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and devices that improve cell culture efficiency. They include the use of gas permeable culture compartments that reduce the use of space while maintaining uniform culture conditions, and are more suitable for automated liquid handling. They include the integration of gas permeable materials into the traditional multiple shelf format to resolve the problem of non-uniform culture conditions. They include culture devices that use surfaces comprised of gas permeable, plasma charged silicone and can integrate traditional attachment surfaces, such as those comprised of traditional tissue culture treated polystyrene. They include culture devices that integrate gas permeable, liquid permeable membranes. A variety of benefits accrue, including more optimal culture conditions during scale up and more efficient use of inventory space, incubator space, and disposal space. Furthermore, labor and contamination risk are reduced.

Abstract: A dialysis cell is provided for the measurement of free thyroxine. The dialysis cell preferably includes a polyhedral housing including a top, a bottom and four sides. The dialysis cell is made up of a buffer portion and serum portion. The buffer portion includes a cavity and the serum portion includes a cavity which, when the buffer portion and serum portion are assembled together, form a central chamber. The central chamber is divided by a vertically aligned dialysis membrane held in place by two O-rings. Buffer is introduced into the dialysis cell's buffer portion through a buffer inlet extending from the dialysis cell's top side to the buffer portion's cavity. Similarly, serum is introduced into the serum portion through an inlet which extends from an opening formed on the dialysis cell's top to the serum portion's cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for differentiating multiple detectable signals by excitation wavelength. The apparatus can include a light source that can emit respective excitation light wavelengths or wavelength ranges towards a sample in a sample retaining region, for example, in a well. The sample can contain two or more detectable markers, for example, fluorescent dyes, each of which can be capable of generating increased detectable emissions when excited in the presence of a target component. The detectable markers can have excitation wavelength ranges and/or emission wavelength ranges that overlap with the ranges of the other detectable markers. A detector can be arranged for detecting an emission wavelength or wavelength range emitted from a first marker within the overlapping wavelength range of at least one of the other markers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for inoculating at least one agar culture medium, contained in a Petri dish, with at least one sample likely to contain microorganisms. The method includes the steps of: providing at least one agar culture medium contained in a Petri dish; providing the sample likely to contain microorganisms in liquid form; performing at least one deposition of the liquid sample onto the lid of the Petri dish such that the liquid sample can be transferred from the lid to the agar culture medium; and spraying the liquid sample, initially deposited onto the cover, onto the agar culture medium by vibrating the Petri dish.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein are generally related to a cell culture system. More particularly, the systems and methods enable the culturing and interconnecting of a plurality of tissue types in a biomimetic environment. By culturing organ specific tissue types within a biomimetic environment and interconnecting each of the organ systems in a physiologically meaningful way, experiments can be conducted on in vitro cells that substantially mimic the responses of in vivo cell populations. In some implementations, the organ systems are fluidically connected with a constant-volume pump.

Abstract: The present disclosure is drawn to a device for monitoring and controlling live cells and associated methods. In an example, the device can include a plurality of elongated nanostructures affixed to a substrate. The elongated nanostructures can each have an attachment end and a free end opposite the attachment end. The free end includes a metal and the attachment end is affixed to the substrate. The device can further include a functionalization layer that is coated on the free end of at least a portion of the plurality of elongated nanostructures. The functionalization layer can be formulated to retain live cells, and the device can be configured to be used in conjunction with a detector, such as a Raman spectrometer, in order to monitor growth of live cells.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices, and methods for their use are described. The microfluidic devices include articles formed from a thermoplastic composition comprising a poly(aliphatic ester)-polycarbonate comprising soft block ester units, derived from monomers comprising an alpha, omega C6-20 aliphatic dicarboxylic acid or derivative thereof, a dihydroxyaromatic compound, and a carbonate source.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a vessel for culturing cells which includes: a bottom including a base with an upwardly extending wall at least partially bounding the base of the bottom; a top including a base with a downwardly extending wall at least partially bounding the base of the top; a tubular neck with an opening defined therein; and, one or more shelves, wherein, each shelf includes a base with an upwardly extending wall at least partially bounding the base of the shelf. The upwardly extending wall of a first shelf adjoins the downwardly extending wall of the top with the first shelf being located intermediate the bottom and the top. The base of each of the shelves having at least one aperture formed therein. The bottom, the top and the one or more shelves collectively define an enclosed volume for culturing cells. The tubular neck extends from the vessel with the enclosed volume being accessible by the opening in the tubular neck.

Abstract: An operating efficiency of an observer is considerably restricted since it is not known at which position a culturing cell is disposed among a great number of pieces of holes of a culturing sheet. The culturing sheet is configured by a partitioning wall, a hole isolated by the partitioning wall, a local culturing region formed with plural local culturing region pillars a height of which is lower than that of the partitioning wall at a portion of a bottom face, and identification mark pillars formed at an identification mark region which differs from the culturing region at the bottom face of the hole. An identification mark is prevented from being unable to be optically recognized by adhering a spheroid to the identification mark region by making a diameter and a height of the identification mark pillar smaller than a diameter and a height of the local culturing pillar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flat device for facilitating the transplant of biological material, and consisting of a flat, central porous body with closing means at the ends thereof, a plunger that is inserted into the porous body and comprises an integrated closing element, and one or more seeding trays onto which the cells to be transplanted are deposited. The device can also consist of a comb-shaped plunger with two or more arms that are inserted into the porous body.

Abstract: The present invention discloses protein fragment including a cell binding region of fibronectin and methods of using the same for cell culture. Additionally, surfaces modified with such protein fragment and compositions including the same are provided. Desirably, such surfaces allow various cells to adhere thereto yet avoid issues associated with animal-derived products.