Abstract: Method and apparatus for processing tissue specimens against decomposition, putrefaction and autolysis which use a simple three step procedure in a single vessel or container. First, the specimens are saturated with a solvent mixture of a ketone and a hydrocarbon, e.g., an Acetone/Hexane or an Acetone/Xylene mixture, to dissolve lipids and other cellular solutes. The container is then flooded with melted Paraffin. In a last step, the solvent mixture is vaporized and evacuated from the container, allowing the melted Paraffin to replace the vaporized solvent and impregnate the specimens. Raw, i.e., non-processed and non-burred specimens up to 5 mm thick can be processed in about 60 minutes. A solvent regenerator distills the evacuated solvent; and converts vent waste gases into carbon dioxide and water through a thermocatalytic oxidizer.

Abstract: A method for producing a palletized material includes mixing a media powder with a treated water (100), the treated water comprising an additive for substantially preventing bacterial contamination, pouring the mixture of media powder and halogenated water on a non-binding surface (102), spreading the mixture into a wafer (103), Drying the mixture (104), and grinding the mixture to produce the palletized material.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a tissue array, having at least one receiver block (1) and at least one donor block (2) that comprises tissue (3) to be investigated, is described. The donor block (2) comprises tissue (3) to be investigated, a first hollow needle (4) for creating a cavity in the receiver block (1), and a second hollow needle (5) for removing a sample from the tissue (3) and introducing the sample (3) into the cavity of the receiver block (1), being provided. For positioning of the first and/or the second hollow needle (4; 5) above the receiver block (1) and/or the donor block (2), a positioning array (11) having predefined markings, as well as a movably mounted lever, are provided for transferring the position of the markings onto a corresponding position on the donor block (2) and/or onto a corresponding position on the receiver block (1).

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 relates to a reagent for digestion of hemoglobin comprising a buffer, pepsin and a 1,3-dialkyl-imidazolium salt. It also discloses to the use of this reagent in a method for digesting hemoglobin, in a method for detecting HbA1c, and to a sampling tube for collection of a whole blood sample comprising said reagent for digesting hemoglobin.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a tissue array, having at least one donor block (2) that comprises tissue (3) to be investigated, is described. A marked tissue section of the tissue (3) to be investigated is arranged on a specimen slide (22), a hollow needle (5) for removing a sample from the tissue (3) being present. A sighting device (12) is provided for positioning the hollow needle (5) above the donor block (2).

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a tissue array is described. At least one receiver block (1), and at least one donor block (2) that comprises tissue (3) to be investigated, are provided, a first hollow needle (4) for creating a cavity in the receiver block (1), and a second hollow needle (5) for removing a sample from the tissue (3) and introducing the sample (3) into the cavity of the receiver block (1), being present. A pantograph (6) is provided for positioning the first and/or the second hollow needle (4; 5) above the receiver block (1).

Abstract: A cell tray has a multi-dimensional array of cells in precise, equally spaced wells (cubicles or silos) containing medium of interest. The ordered cell array enables automated processing as well as simultaneous monitoring and analyzing of a large matrix of cells, biological fluids, chemicals and/or solid samples. The invention is an integrated device and is fabricated into substrates similar to microscope slides. The ordered array of cells in precise locations helps in parallel analysis and processing of cells simultaneously. Each cell cubicle or silo in the array is located equidistant from its nearest neighbors in an orthogonal direction. The location of each well can be precisely measured and recorded in an automated processing system. Included in the bottom of each cell well is an optional micro-lens. An array of probes provides parallel cell processing and monitoring capabilities, including microinjection and microscope analysis.

Abstract: To preprocess a tissue sample, a first permeable mesh membrane is tautly stretched out over the tissue sample and overlaid on top of a flat surface. This covering sandwiches and secures the tissue sample in between the first permeable mesh membrane and the flat surface. If it is desired to reinforce the mechanical strength of the first permeable mesh membrane, a second permeable mesh membrane can be tautly stretched out and overlaid on top of the sandwich. Alternatively, the second permeable mesh membrane can be attached onto a third component, such as a disposable solvent resistant frame, to create a framed mesh. Thereafter, the first permeable mesh membrane may be attached to the framed mesh to create a compound framed mesh. The tissue sample may then be sandwiched and secured in between the compound framed mesh and the flat surface. To retain and flatten the tissue sample, gentle pressure may be uniformly applied.

Abstract: A package for a medical device, the package capable of sustaining viable cells, wherein the package includes a first container, which is configured to receive a medical device and to sustain at least one viable cell, and a fluid port in communication with the first container for allowing sterile passage of an agent to the medical device and for maintaining cell viability.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for freezing biological material, comprising: a cooling unit; a heat insulation unit, having an interface with said cooling unit and a common longitudinal axis passing through said interface transversely thereto; an elongated slot disposed at least in said heat insulation unit and extending along said axis, said slot comprising a first slot portion remote from said interface and a second slot portion adjacent said interface; wherein said first and second slot portions have respective first and second dimensions measured perpendicularly to said slot's axis, the former being greater than the latter.

Abstract: A core sampling device includes a core sampling punch, a core excision punch that makes a recess in a receiver body, and an ejector that expels a sample core into the receiver body. The core excision punch is mounted inside the core sampling punch and is substantially coaxial with the core sampling punch. Both punches are able to move in translation and/or rotation with respect to one another, and the ejector is arranged so as to expel cores from each punch.

Abstract: A large amount of entrapping immobilization pellets with highly stable quality are produced inexpensively by high-speed treatment. There is provided a process for producing entrapping immobilization pellets in which microorganisms are entrapped and immobilized in an immobilizing agent, the process comprising polymerizing a mixture containing the microorganisms and a solution of the immobilizing agent in a forming frame into a gel to prepare a pellet block.

Abstract: Synthetic surfaces suitable for culturing stem cell derived oligodendrocyte progenitor cells contain acrylate polymers formed from one or more acrylate monomers. The acrylate surfaces, in many cases, are suitable for culturing stem cell derived oligodendrocyte progenitor cells in chemically defined media.

Abstract: A container for storing a biological sample is disclosed. The container includes a first chamber having a sidewall extending between an open end and a closed end, defining a first chamber interior adapted to receive a sample holder therein. The container also includes a second chamber having a sidewall extending between an open end and a closed end, defining a second chamber interior adapted to subsequently receive the sample holder therein. The second chamber interior is in fluid isolation from the first chamber interior. A removable closure encloses at least one of the open end of the first chamber and the open end of the second chamber while the sample holder is disposed within one of the first chamber interior and the second chamber interior. A first fluid may be disposed within the first chamber interior, and a second different fluid may be disposed within the second chamber interior.

Abstract: Successful cryopreservation by the vitrification method depends on high chilling speed. Practitioners of vitrification prefer to use liquid nitrogen as the chilling cryogen due to its inherent safety and low cost. Plunging vitrification cryocontainers in to a quiescent pool of liquid nitrogen invariably results in a chilling rate less than the theoretical potential. The shortfall is attributed to the well-known Leidenfrost effect. The purpose of this invention it to provide improve chilling rates during vitrification using liquid nitrogen. One feature of this invention is a contacting device that invokes convective heat transfer principles to increase chilling speed. In another feature of this invention, cryogen velocity is derived from a self-pressurized dewar containing a saturated cryogen. The self-pressurization is achieved by ambient heating of the dewar's contents.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cell culture apparatus for cells, characterized by a surface composed of an unstructured elastomer. It is thus possible for cells to be cultured under close to natural conditions in relation to their environmental elasticity. A method for producing an apparatus according to the invention is disclosed, as is a cell culture method using such an apparatus.

Abstract: The invention concerns plasma separation on a microliter scale. The method/system according to the invention is able to provide plasma in the range of several microliters within a very short time as it is required, for example, in modern analyses by carrier-bound test elements. Plasma separation and plasma release is carried out in two separate consecutive steps of the method using the device according to the invention such that hemolysis during plasma separation can be avoided despite an accelerated procedure. The device comprises a disposable unit in which the device is characterized by an economical and simple method of production.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for preparing a biological specimen (20), where the biological specimen (20), prior to being examined in e.g. a microscope, is dried, embedded in wax and optionally sliced, and where the biological specimen (20) is placed in a container (1) with a lid/clamping member (2) that is closed, in which it is retained by a biasing element (6), the specimen (20) remaining in the same closed container/lid (1, 2) during the subsequent drying and embedment operations, whereupon the container (1) is removed from the lid (2) and the specimen (20) prior to any slicing operations.

Abstract: An auto-nucleating device includes a tube containing a crystalline cholesterol matrix. The ends of the tube are closed by a membrane that is impermeable to the cholesterol but permeable to liquids contained in a cryopreservation vessel. The auto-nucleating device provides a site for ice nucleation during freezing of the liquid within the vessel. One such cryopreservation vessel is a flexible vial having a closed port at one adapted to be pierced by a needle to withdraw the liquid within, and an opposite end that is initially open to receive the liquid. Another vessel includes an adaptor mounted to liquid container with a tubular branch closed by a needle septum and another tubular branch provided with a barbed fitting for engaging a flexible tube that terminates in a needle septum. In another embodiment, the vessel includes an inlet and vent branch at the top of the container and an outlet septum at a bottom opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating a biological cell (1) including a cytoskeleton (3) enveloped by a cell membrane (2). The method includes the following steps: the biological cell (1) and a tool (10) are mutually oriented such that the tool (10) comes into contact with the biological cell (1); the tool (10) and the biological cell (1) are displaced in relation to each other; and a gap is formed in the molecular composite of the cell membrane (2) of the biological cell (1). During the displacement of the tool (10), the cytoskeleton (3) of the biological cell (1) has a state of equilibrium. The invention also relates to a cell manipulator for carrying out the inventive method.

Abstract: An embedded block is capable of being humidified in a short time without influencing a surface temperature of the embedded block as much as possible. An embedded block humidifier for humidifying an embedded block having a biological specimen embedded in an embedding agent is provided which includes a vapor generating mechanism for generating vapor heated at a predetermined temperature and a guiding mechanism for guiding the vapor to the embedded block so that the generated vapor contacts with a surface of the embedded block set at a predetermined standby position.

Abstract: A closing device to create a seal in a cryocontainer for a biological specimen utilizes the temperature-induced phase transformation of shape memory materials to cause an actuator to toggle between a sealed and unsealed state. The temperature inducement occurs naturally within the normal temperature changes that occur during cryogenic vitrification of biological specimens.

Abstract: This invention is a storage device (cryocontainer) for the vitrification method of cryopreservation that uses shape memory materials to create a novel shape-shifting feature in which the relevant heat transfer zone of the cryocontainer can be thermally morphed between a shape conducive to biological specimen handling and to a shape conducive to rapid heat transfer. This feature utilizes the temperature induced phase transformation of shape memory materials. The temperature inducement occurs naturally within the normal temperature changes that occur during vitrification.

Abstract: A biopsy sample mount and processing method. One embodiment of the sample mount includes a rounded mass of hydrophilic or liquid absorbing material. Tissue samples can be releasably placed on the material mass in a known structural orientation and the mount and sample immersed in fixative. The mass of material will swell when absorbing the fixative, causing the tissue sample to release from the mass of material. The tissue sample is then removed from the fixative and correctly oriented for tissue processing for diagnostic use.

Abstract: Embodiments provide cell culture methods to produce a 3-D model assembly that mimics in vitro the microenvironment of human bone marrow, where cells occupy distinct niches. Methods and apparatuses are provided for the efficient testing of cancer, including malignant hematopoietic cancers and metastatic spread to the bone marrow of solid tumors, and of other diseases of the blood and bone marrow. Methods and apparatuses are further provided in embodiments for the investigation of bone marrow cell biological characteristics and for the testing of therapeutics for nonmalignant diseases of the blood and bone marrow.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of studying floating living cell by confining the cells floating in an aqueous medium in picowells located on a bottom surface of a top wall of a chamber. Disclosed is also a picowell-bearing device for the study of cells comprising a chamber having at least one picowell on a bottom surface of the chamber. Also disclosed is a picowell-bearing device for the study of cells comprising a chamber having at least one picowell on an internal surface and at least one moveable wall, a force applicator configured to removeably apply a substantially uniformly distributed force around the periphery of the moveable wall in a direction to retain the moveable wall secured to the chamber.

Abstract: A system for storing a biological sample for transfer between two different environments is provided. The system includes a first container defining a first container interior, and a second container defining a second container interior. A first closure is provided for enclosing the open end of the first container, with the first closure adapted to receive a sample holder. A second closure is also provided for enclosing the open end of the second container. The first container is adapted to removably receive the sample holder therein when the first closure encloses the open end of the first container, and the second container is adapted to subsequently receive the same sample holder therein when the first closure encloses the open end of the second container.

Abstract: A biological specimen collection and transfer system, including a biological sample container configured for storing a biological fluid sample, a vacuum source, a specimen filter having an interior chamber and an opening in communication with the chamber, and a fluid level regulator configured to determine a fluid level in the biological sample container and to dispense a fluid into the container if the determined fluid level is less than a desired fluid level. The fluid level regulator includes a fluid level monitor, a fluid dispenser, and a controller in communication with the fluid level monitor and the fluid dispenser, wherein the fluid level monitor includes a sound source configured to emit sound towards a surface of the fluid sample, and a sound detector configured to measure sound reflected from the surface of the fluid sample, wherein the controller determines the fluid level based at least in part on a measurement of reflected sound emitted from the sound source.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for handling microtomized tissue samples (1) which are arranged on an object carrier (2) and are provided with a machine-readable code (3), with a reader (4) serving to detect the information of the code (3) and a controller (5) serving to convert the information for handling purposes.

Abstract: A contact plate for growing cell cultures, bacteria cultures, and the like, comprising a base and a cover. The base has a bottom wall for holding the culture medium and the like, and a circumferential sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom wall and attached thereto. The base further incorporates a flange extending outwardly from the lower edge of the outer periphery of the sidewall. The outer periphery of the base sidewall is provided with a generally perpendicular surface along the lower edge thereof The cover has a top wall, which has a larger diameter than the base sidewall, and a circumferential sidewall extending downwardly from the top wall and attached thereto. The cover is provided with a plurality of projections on the inner surface of the sidewall to engage the generally perpendicular surface of the lower edge of the outer periphery of the base sidewall.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing a culture of subterranean microorganisms, said method comprising: obtaining a sample of pressurized fluid from a subterranean reservoir; while maintaining said sample under pressure transferring it into a fermentation reactor; and incubating said sample in said reactor under elevated pressure.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a spongelike structure or a powder having fibers three-dimensionally arranged therein with high dispersibility, whose apparent density can be designed depending on the purpose or utility, as well as a process producing them. A fiber dispersion in which fibers having a number mean diameter in a predetermined range are dispersed in a dispersion medium, and this fiber dispersion is dried to remove the dispersion medium, thereby, a spongelike structure and a powder are produced.

Abstract: A method of binding bacteriophage to particles. The method comprising the steps of exposing the particles to an electrical discharge and then mixing the activated particles with the bacteriophage. The bacteriophage are then bound to the particles.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for separating individual human reproductive material from a fertilization dish and storing the material in a cryotank for future fertilization and implantation. The apparatus includes an elongate cryostraw having a first open end and second heat-sealable open end, a channel extending between said ends, and an internal, calibrated volume VC. A displacement bulb is connected to the first end of the cryostraw for admitting and emitting the material into said cryostraw. The bulb has a total volume VB1, an internal cavity with a compressible end volume VB2, a first seal with the first end of said cryostraw; and, means for limiting the intake volume displacement produced in said cryostraw to an amount less than VC no matter how far the bulb is squeezed. The bulb produces less than a unit volume of displacement in the cryostraw when the bulb is squeezed and its volume VB1 is reduced by a unit volume.

Abstract: A sample support (100, 101, 102, . . . ), in particular for cryopreservation of biological samples, is described and includes: a holder part (10) with a sample receiving chamber (11), a retaining device (12, 13) on which a sample can be disposed, and support connecting elements (14, 15) which are directed at opposite holder part ends (16, 17) and are formed to fit together so that a plurality of holder parts (16) can be put together. A sample store (200), which includes an assemblage of a large number of such sample supports, and a method for the cryopreservation of biological samples, are also described.

Abstract: A system for qualifying cells of a cell sample labeled with a magnetic or magnetizable moiety is provided. The system includes a cell sample holder for holding a cell of the cells and a first cell analyzer which includes a magnetic field source for applying a magnetic field to the cell and a sensor for qualifying and/or quantifying an effect of the magnetic field on the cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of processing analyte using a portable incubator apparatus. The incubator apparatus 10 has a plurality of cavities 20 each configured to receive analyte to be incubated. The method comprises: receiving analyte in each of the plurality of cavities; incubating the analyte in the plurality of cavities, the incubator apparatus being operable to control temperatures of analyte contained in the plurality of cavities independently of each other; and moving the incubator apparatus from a first location to a second location whilst the analyte is being incubated, the incubator apparatus being configured to maintain desired incubation conditions independently of a supply of electrical power and apparatus external to the incubator apparatus as the incubator apparatus is being moved.

Abstract: A method and a device for the cryo-conservation of a hydrous sample, in particular biological sample, wherein the sample is introduced into a cavity of a container, remaining free space of the cavity if any is filled with a hydrous liquid, the cavity is closed in a liquid-tight manner and the container is held in a holding device, and the container together with the sample is cooled to a temperature below 251 K, preferably 173 K, for example by means of liquid nitrogen, propane or ethane, wherein the container and the holding device prevent an expansion of the cavity in volume. The selected cooling rate is sufficiently high so that a crystal formation of the freezing water is suppressed in favor of glass formation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting whole blood and then separating it into components for subsequent use or storage. A self-contained bag set is used to collect the sample, which may then be placed into a device adapted to fit into a centrifuge for separation of components. Each component is then sequentially extracted according to density, with a sensor present in the device to control the operation of valves directing the collection of each component. The sensor may be reading one or more of the following characteristics: infrared, optics, density, weight, radioactive, fluorescence, color, magnetism, ultrasonic, capacitance wherein the characteristic is inherent in the blood and blood component or is an additive. Each component may then be separated into its own storage container. The preferred sensors include optics and weight.

Abstract: A method for processing immuno-competent cells in view of an antiviral therapy on a human or animal subject, includes: a step for collecting immuno-competent cells on the human or animal subject, and a step for processing the collected immuno-competent cells, so as to stimulate at least a part of the immuno-competent cells, by presenting a muted viral particle to the cells, in view of a reinjection of the stimulated cells into the human or animal subject.

Abstract: A cell capturing plate has a flat surface, an opening formed in one surface of the flat surface and supporting the cell therein, and a through-hole penetrating from the opening to the other surface of the flat surface and having a cross section parallel to the flat surface smaller than that of the opening.

Abstract: A bioreactor for three-dimensional culture of liver cells is disclosed. The device is characterized by the use of textile vasculatures. A model and method for optimizing vasculature parameters is also disclosed. Liver acinar structure and physiological parameters are mimicked by sandwiching cells in the space between the two innermost woven textile hollow fibers, and creating radial flow of media from an outer compartment, through the cell mass compartment, and to an inner compartment. The theoretical optimum hydraulic permeability for the two innermost semi-permeable membranes is determined based on physiological hepatic sinusoidal blood flow and pressures. Experimental studies using a flow rate and pressure monitoring systems in conjunction with phase-contrast velocity-encoded MRI confirm theoretical results. Novel woven vascular tubes with optimum hydraulic permeability are disclosed for culturing hepatocytes in the multi-coaxial bioreactor.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition for cold storage of cells which includes a population of isolated stem cells, a cell medium, and isolated trophic factors, as well as devices having a plurality of the trophic factors.

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: The invention relates to methods and devices that use focused radiation to handle and/or monitor pathogenic fluids. In particular, a method is provided for dispensing one or more droplets of a fluid containing a pathogen. The method involves providing the pathogen-containing fluid in a reservoir and applying focused radiation to the pathogen-containing fluid in the reservoir in a manner effective to eject a droplet of the fluid therefrom. Often, a pathogen-impermeable enclosure is used.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of storing a biological sample, such as a sperm sample, in an elongated container for cryopreservation. Multiple volumes of biological sample may be placed in each elongated container such that each volume of sample is separated from its nearest neighbor by a separation gas. The present invention further relates to an apparatus and method for loading biological samples, such as sperm samples, into an elongated container for cryopreservation of the sample material. The apparatus and method employs drawing the sample into the elongated container such that individual sample volumes are interspaced by gaps of separation gas. This alternating pattern may be created by repeatedly contacting and removing the elongated container from the sample under suction pressure. The apparatus further incorporates the use of a computer to control the volume and number of aliquots as desired. A container according to such methods is also provided.

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: A tissue handling apparatus is provided comprising a support and a locator, for processing and embedding tissue samples. The support and cover form a chamber, within which a tissue sample is oriented prior to processing. After processing, the tissue sample within the chamber is embedded and the locator is removed, leaving the tissue sample correctly oriented in embedding material, mounted to a support, ready for microtoming.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating fixed biological tissue to inhibit calcification of the biological tissue following implantation thereof in a mammalian body. The apparatus includes a container for placing the biological tissue in contact with a treatment solution, structure to induce relative tissue/solution movement, and structure to heat the solution. The relative movement may be induced by shaking a container in which the tissue is immersed in the treatment solution, or by stirring the solution within the container. The movement may also be induced by flowing a treatment solution past the tissue to be treated. The tissue may be free to move in the treatment container, or may be restrained from gross movements. The flow may be part of a circulation system having a reservoir, with a heater being provided to heat the treatment solution in the reservoir. Alternatively, a treatment apparatus, including a fluid circulation system if desired, may be enclosed in an incubator.