Abstract: An apparatus for collecting, transporting and storing biological specimens. The apparatus includes a base having a tray portion for receiving the biological specimen and a lid operably connected to the base and moveable with respect to the base between a first closed position in which the tray portion is covered by the lid and a second open position wherein the tray portion is exposed for receipt or removal of the biological specimen.

Abstract: The invention relates to sample supports and methods for cryoconservation, especially the cryoconservation of biological materials, comprising at least one sample reservoir used to receive a biological sample. A support body is disposed in the sample reservoir, made of a material having a volume structure, consisting of a plurality of open, inner cavities which can be filled with the sample. The invention also relates to the use of motor vehicle catalyst-structure or biomorphic ceramics for producing support bodies used to receive samples for cryoconservation.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to in vivo collection of circulating molecules, tumor cells and other biological markers using a collecting probe. The probe is configured for placement within a living organism for an extended period of time to provide sufficient yield of biological marker for analysis.

Abstract: A system for automatically performing the operations of separating and purifying a variety of biological materials for processing nucleic acids or biological materials from biological samples using solid materials. A base plate, a carriage attachment frame assembly including a frame and a plurality of mounting units, a magnetic bar assembly including a frame, a base plate transport unit, a carriage attachment frame assembly transport unit, a magnetic bar transport unit, and a control unit are utilized. A predetermined number and a small amount of samples can be selectively processed in accordance with a user's needs.

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

Abstract: 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: The present invention relates to methods and structures for preparing stem cells for use in cryopreservation methods. Stem cell colonies are provided between first and second matrix portions and are exposed to a carbohydrate-containing cryoprotecting medium and a freezing medium. The methods of the invention yield cryopreserved cells that maintain cell viability and exhibit limited cell differentiation after freezing and thawing, facilitating storage, shipping and handling of embryonic stem cell stocks and lines for research and therapeutics.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for preparing a product for fermentation comprising the steps: i. sterilizing and expanding a substrate to obtain a sterile expanded substrate, ii. cooling and inoculating the sterile expanded substrate by contacting the sterile expanded substrate with a cooling medium and an inoculum to obtain a cooled inoculated substrate. The expansion step can be performed using techniques from the state of the art known as popping or puffing. The method can be performed in standard equipment and is very flexible in its use. Furthermore, the method allows reducing the time and energy necessary to obtain a product for fermentation, such as solid state fermentation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sample processing apparatus and a sample container. In a sample processing apparatus, only after a locking member provided on a sample container engages with a sample container receiving portion, the locking member is released. Thereby, a sample fluid is transferred from the sample container to the sample processing apparatus so that various analysis processes can be performed.

Abstract: A tissue infiltration apparatus (1) for specimens present in cassettes (5). comprises at least two liquid containers (7, 11, 13, 15) and a transport apparatus (6). A liquid having a definable property is introducible into a liquid container (7, 11, 13, 15). Multiple cassettes (5) are receivable in a transport basket (4). The transport apparatus (6) is configured in such a way that with it, at least two transport baskets (4) are transportable in the tissue infiltration apparatus (1). A transport basket (4) is deliverable to a liquid container (7, 11, 13, 15) and/or movable away from a liquid container (7, 11, 13, 15) with the transport apparatus (6). An execution sequence (21) in which the transport baskets (4) pass through the liquid containers (7, 11, 13, 15) of the tissue infiltration apparatus (1) is definable.

Abstract: The present invention provides modified platelets having a reduced platelet clearance and methods for reducing platelet clearance. Also provided are compositions for the preservation of platelets. The invention also provides methods for making a pharmaceutical composition containing the modified platelets and for administering the pharmaceutical composition to a mammal to mediate hemostasis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a culture insert carrier, a culture insert and a culture system for culturing and testing of different kinds of cells, such as for example skin models. A culture insert carrier for supporting at least one culture insert in a culture tray having at least one well, wherein the culture insert carrier comprises a plane member with at least one opening for insertion of the at least one culture insert in such a way that the culture insert carrier supports the at least one culture insert in a position in the culture tray is provided. Further, a culture insert comprising a plurality of suspension elements including a first set of suspension elements and a second set of suspension elements, the suspension elements being adapted to suspend the culture insert in a plurality of vertical positions, including a first vertical position and a second vertical position, in relation to a frame is provided.

Abstract: A biological material fixed carrier enclosing tip, a biological material fixed carrier treatment apparatus, and a treatment method thereof. An object is to obviate attachment control and suction control for storing and retaining the carrier in the tip form vessel, to simplify complex reaction processes, and to make processing of the biological material fixed carrier to be easily executed as a result of a small-scale device configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container for containing tissue, comprising at least one receiving space for tissue and at least one information surface for arranging data, wherein the information can be arranged by means of a laser. The invention also comprises a device provided with a laser for arranging information on such a container. The invention moreover also comprises a method for arranging information on such a container using a laser.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pump unit or the like which feeds particles in a liquid with particles dispersed therein to a predetermined area. An object of the present invention is to obtain a sufficient solution feeding resolution while inhibiting mixture of bubbles. The pump unit includes a moving mechanism 13 that moves a pump 12 and a reservoir 11 relative to each other to vary the positional relationship between a tip 1221 of the pump 12 and an edge 112 of the opening 111 between a separating relationship in which the tip 1221 is separated upward from the edge 112 of the opening 111 in a liquid reserved in the reservoir 11 and a pressing relationship in which the tip 1221 is pressed against the edge 112. In the separating positional relationship, the pump 12 performs a sucking operation to take particles C into its interior. In the pressing relationship, the pump 12 performs an ejecting operation to deliver the particles C.

Abstract: A biological specimen filter, for use in a biological specimen collection and transfer system having a vacuum source, comprises a tubular body having an exterior surface, an interior chamber, a first end configured to couple to the vacuum source, and a second end having an opening in communication with the chamber, and a fluid trap extending around at least a portion of a circumference of the exterior surface of the tubular body and sized and shaped to catch fluid flowing along the exterior surface as the tubular body is inverted from a first position, in which the opening is submerged in a fluid source, to a second position, in which the opening is removed from the fluid source.

Abstract: A unit for processing microbiological samples has a conveyor for transporting samples, for example in microtitre plates. At a processing station, samples for processing are transferred in their sample containers from the transport device to a processing device, which can have several processing areas, of which only one is ever in a processing position. A manipulating device is associated with the processing position. A magazine dispenses sample containers for processing. An incubator accumulates and discharges sample containers using transport and storage arrangements with coupleable conveyors on multiple levels.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to medical devices in which flow is channeled of blood and blood products for the purpose of effecting a chemical exchange to remove desired chemicals from the blood or blood products, and to impart nitric oxide, other smooth muscle relaxant compounds, or other desired chemicals to the blood or blood products to achieve vascular dilatation, reduce adverse reactions, reduce thrombosis, reduce red blood cell injuries, and improve blood handling capabilities. In the present invention, such chemical exchanges occur over semipermeable membranes associated with channeled flow of blood and blood products.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to medical devices including blood storage and handling products that comprise a specific polyphosphazene and the capability of releasing nitric oxide or other smooth muscle relaxant compounds in vivo or into stored or transient flowing blood to achieve vascular dilatation, reduced adverse reactions, reduced thrombosis, reduced incidence of post-transfusion acute myocardial infarctions, and/or to improve blood storage capabilities.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a medium, broth or agar, and a method of utilizing the same, in order to isolate and/or identify anaerobes from a mixed sample that contains facultative microorganisms. The medium contains an inhibitor of the electron transport system, such as a salt of azide (N3?), cyanide (CN?) or related compounds. These inhibitors are present in an amount sufficient to limit the growth of facultative microorganisms under anaerobic conditions while not inhibiting the growth of the anaerobe microorganisms. Preferably, the inhibitor is present in the amount of from about 0.1 mg/ml to about 1.0 mg/ml in broth medium, and from about 0.01 mg/ml to 1.0 mg/ml in agar medium.

Abstract: Contamination into other culture containers by airborne matter which had been spattered when a predetermined treatment is performed on a specimen in a culture container is prevented. There is provided a culture treatment apparatus comprising: a treatment chamber in which is stored a treatment device (19) which opens a lid (3b) of a culture container (3) storing a specimen to perform a predetermined treatment on the specimen inside of the culture container (3); and a sheet member (45) arranged below the culture container (3), which cover the top surface of the treatment device (19).

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a storage system for biologically viable aquatic microorganisms. The system includes substrate with hydrated and viable microorganisms attached thereto, and a packing material which envelops a volume of the substrate in a manner effective to preserve a degree of hydration necessary to maintain said microorganisms viable during a storage period therein. At least a portion of the package material is constructed and arranged to permit gaseous exchange with the exterior atmosphere to maintain aerobic conditions throughout packaged volume of substrate to prevent spoilage and putrefaction therein. These viable bio-active microorganisms are then delivered to a closed aquatic environment to begin biochemical cycling therein.

Abstract: A method combined with its necessary container package that facilitates unique processing of microscope slides in a reagent solution is disclosed. This invention has not been described elsewhere. The container package is a partitioned box with each compartment fitting one standard microscope slide. The slides are immersed in a staining solution and the container package is covered with a lid. The container package and slides/staining solution are placed on a standard laboratory apparatus and rocked or agitated for an arbitrary incubation time. The method and its necessary container package provides a means for more reproducibility and sensitivity of results than the prior art that is critical for accurate scientific findings.

Abstract: An air germ collector has a defined relative movement between collection medium and a screen cover. The accommodation, with the collection strip secured therein, can rotate, and the screen cover is fixed in place. Likewise, the screen cover can be structured so that it can rotate, if the accommodation is fixed in place. The collection strip can be moved in the accommodation, in order to obtain the required relative movement. The germ-charged air is transported in the following manner: Through the central opening of the cover and passage openings, the air reaches the surface of the collection medium in depressions of the collection strip, where the inertial deposition of the airborne germs takes place. The air continues to flow past the accommodation into the outer drum space, and is drawn through the oblong holes by the fan, and ejected at the lower end of the air germ collector.

Abstract: A cellular culture chip device includes a chip body. The chip body includes: a first flow channel having a first inlet end and a first outlet end and adapted to direct a liquid nutrient; a second flow channel adapted to direct a gellable culture medium; a medium retaining hole fluidly connected to the second flow channel and adapted to retain the gellable culture medium, the medium retaining hole having an opening connected fluidly to the first flow channel and adapted to expose the gellable culture medium to the liquid nutrient flowing through the first flow channel; a pump membrane adapted to control the flow of the liquid nutrient within the first flow channel; and a pressure channel unit to operate the pump membrane.

Abstract: The tissue micro-array (TMA) building manual set, which includes a well-known SZK tissue core punch extractor and a TMA block mould (1) characterized as follows: the TMA block mould (1) consists of a lower (2) and an upper (3) part, the lower part (2) is equipped with mandrels (4) at right angles to the base unit arranged in the middle into lines and columns, the upper part (3) has a margin-containing (7) cleavage (6), which receives the mandrels (4) when the TMA block mould (1) is assembled, the margin (7) and size of the cleavage (6) fit to the shape and size of the paraffin block holder (PBK), and the lower (2) and upper (3) parts are connected to each other with directing nipples (5) and threaded arms (9) fixed horizontally.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for preserving pancreatic islet, a container for preserving pancreatic islet and a kit for transplanting pancreatic islet in order to effectively preserve the pancreatic islet. The present invention presents; a method for preserving a liquid including pancreatic islet in a container for preserving pancreatic islet, wherein at least a part of the container wall face consists of a film having an oxygen permeation coefficient of 2500 cm3/m2·day·atm or greater; a method for preserving a liquid including pancreatic islet in a container for preserving pancreatic islet, wherein at least a part of the container wall face consists of a film having a carbon dioxide permeation coefficient of 1000 to 20000 cm3/m2·day·atm; and a container for preserving pancreatic islet for use in the above-described method, and a kit for transplanting pancreatic islet comprising the container for preserving pancreatic islet.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preserving tissue such as harvested organs for transplant are described. A preferred method includes delivering to a harvested organ an effective amount of electromagnetic energy, the electromagnetic energy having a wavelength in the visible to near-infrared wavelength range, wherein delivering the effective amount of electromagnetic energy includes selecting a predetermined power density (mW/cm2) of electromagnetic energy to deliver to the organ while in hypothermic or normothermic storage. A preferred apparatus includes a container having a cooling chamber to receive the harvested organ and at least one light source mounted on the container to illuminate the interior cooling chamber, said light source emiting light which produces a biostimulative effect on tissue placed in the cooling chamber thereby preventing or retarding damage to the tissue during storage or transport.

Abstract: An egg freezing and storing instrument has an egg freezing and storing tube made of a liquid nitrogen-resistant material; and a metal cylindrical protection member for protecting the tube. The tube has a body part; and an egg-storing small-diameter part having an inner diameter of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. The tube can be heat-sealed at a front side of the small-diameter part and at a rear side of the body part. The cylindrical protection member has a tubular part for accommodating a front side of the small-diameter part of the tube; and a semi-tubular part for accommodating a portion of the small-diameter part not accommodated in the tubular part and a front portion of the body part.

Abstract: Hydrophobic polymer surfaces whose level of protein binding is less than about 50-80 ng/cm2 are achieved by: (1) applying a coating solution composed of a solvent and a non-ionic surfactant having a HLB number of less than 5 to the surface; and (2) drying the surface to remove the solvent and thereby bring the surfactant into direct contact with the hydrophobic polymer. The combination of a low HLB number and the drying step have been found to produce low binding surfaces which can withstand multiple washes with water and/or protein-containing solutions Alternatively, the low binding surfaces can be produced by applying the non-ionic surfactant to the mold surfaces which contact molten polymer and form the polymer into a desired shape, e.g., into a multi-well plate, a pipette tip, or the like. Further, the low binding surfaces may be produced by incorporating non-soluble, non-ionic surfactants having an HLB number of less than or equal to 10 into a polymer blend prior to molding the article.

Abstract: A method for collecting air-transportable evidence samples from objects and clothing: (a) utilizes a collection tube having open upstream and downstream ends, and at a point between these ends a constriction in the cross-sectional area of the tube, (b) utilizes an applicator stick having proximate and distal ends, the length of this stick being less than the length of the collection tube between its constriction and downstream end, and the distal end of this stick having an air permeable tip, (c) places the proximate end of the applicator stick in the upstream end of tube, (d) orients the stick so that its tip is proximate the tube constriction, and (e) imposes a suction force on the downstream end of the tube so that any air-transportable evidence sample proximate the upstream end of the collection tube is sucked into the tube and becomes lodged on the stick's tip.

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 invention concerns an apparatus for preparing monolayers of cells. The apparatus comprises a container (6) for a cryosubstitution system and an insert (1) for the container, the insert (1) having a surface (1a) and a plurality of orifices (3). An SCS (2) together with a cellular monolayer (20) is insertable into each of the orifices (3). The SCS (2) is thus arranged perpendicular to the surface (1a) of the insert (1).

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: Disclosed is a human cell/tissue culturing system including a plurality of incubators, each incubator capable of aseptically storing/culturing cell(s) or tissue(s) derived from a (human) individual and identifying the cell(s) or the tissue(s) during incubation, wherein each incubator comprises a detector corresponding to an individual key, the response of the detector permitting opening/closing of a door of each incubator, the response of the detector of one incubator triggering the interception of the function of the detector(s) of other incubator(s) to consequently inhibit opening/closing of the door(s) of the other incubator(s).

Abstract: A kit for obtaining and shipping personal cell samples is provided. The kit contains such items as a transport tube, and collection swabs for obtaining a cell sample. The tube has a media plug impregnated with dehydrated media positioned within the tube near the top of a region of restricted diameter, and a compartment of rehydrating fluid located in a cap on the tube. Upon crushing the cap, the rehydrating fluid is released and rehydrates the media plug. When the collection swab is inserted into the transport tube, the swab pushes the rehydrated media plug through the region of restricted diameter and into the bottom of the tube. The collection surface of the swab thus maintains contact with the rehydrated media plug.

Abstract: An apparatus for culture is provided, which apparatus enables to increase the ratio of a culture medium solution to the number of cells while keeping the density of the cells at a high level and diminishing the absolute number of the cells. The apparatus comprises a container having at least one concave part and at least one member (x) selected from the group consisting of a gelatinous material, a sponge material, and a mesh material, wherein the member (x) is placed within the concave part of the container, has at least one hollow by which a part or parts of a surface of the container in the concave part is bared, and holds a solution containing culture medium components. Further, processes for preparing the apparatus, culturing methods that use the apparatus, a method for studying or observing an influence of a substance to be examined on cells or a piece of a tissue, a kit for making the apparatus, and a flat substrate for culture are provided.

Abstract: A method of transporting cells comprising transporting a plurality of cells through a transport path of a biodevice and maintaining substantially free individual movement of each cell during the transporting of the cells through the transport path.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved kit for the collection of umbilical cord blood and placental blood, and collection of the placenta from which such blood is obtained. The kit improves upon existing kits in that it provides for improved user convenience, provides for the collection of the placenta itself, and better maintains the internal temperature of the container in which the collected blood and placenta are shipped to a blood bank or registry. The invention further provides a method of collecting umbilical cord and placental blood, and the placenta from which such blood is obtained, comprising using the kit described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems for the vitrification of a biological specimen. The systems employ a transfer instrument such as a loop, containing a base medium that includes a cryoprotectant. The biological specimen which has undergone vitrification may be stored for a period of time, and then thawed at a later date. The thawed biological specimen remains viable. Preferred biological specimens according to the present invention are developmental cells.

Abstract: A ready-to-use electroporation cuvette is provided that includes a cuvette, first and second electrodes positioned within the cuvette and electroporation competent cells frozen in a suspension solution within the cuvette, wherein the electroporation cuvette is configured to permit electroporation of the cells when the cells are thawed. The electroporation cuvette may be sealed with a cap that may be color coded to aid the user.

Abstract: A system for hemodynamic simulation comprises a vessel having properties of a blood vessel, a reservoir containing a quantity of fluid, tubing connecting the vessel and reservoir, and at least one pump for circulating the fluid within the system. Fluid can be tissue culture medium or blood analog fluid, and the vessel may include mammalian cells attached to its inside. A drive system, comprising two reciprocating drive shafts that are coupled by a cam, enables the uncoupling of pulsatile flow and pulsatile pressure to provide independent control over wall shear stress and circumferential strain. The shaft drives two pumps that are 180 degrees out-of-phase and are connected upstream and downstream of the vessel, and effect this uncoupling.

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: The invention concerns a mask for distributing reagents on an analytical support, such as an electrophoresis gel, the mask having a body with parallel upper and lower surfaces, a plurality of lanes located on the lower surface of the mask have wedge-shaped projecting elements with a sloped surface between first and second ends thereof, an opening extends from the upper surface of the body of the mask to the lowest point of the sloped surface. The mask is positioned over an analytical support and loaded with the desired reagents which are held by capillary action between the mask and the analytical support. The mask can then be moved in a sweeping motion across the analytical support to deposit the reagents thereon. In another embodiment, the projecting elements are rectangular in shape and the mask is positioned at an incline with respect the analytical support.

Abstract: A tissue processor is disclosed for processing biological tissue, for example, for mounting on microscope slides. The tissue processor has a valve arrangement in the bottom of a tissue processing chamber, whereby a selected one of a plurality of fluid ports formed in a base of the tissue processing chamber may be connected with the interior of the chamber for supply of processing fluid thereto or discharge of fluid from the chamber. In this way different processing fluids may be passed into and removed from the processing chamber in succession, for processing of tissue samples contained in baskets within the chamber. The valve arrangement comprises a rotary disc at the bottom of the chamber and in sealing engagement with a valve surface on the base of said chamber, the valve surface being provided with a plurality of ports connected with respective said fluid inlets.

Abstract: A method for rendering a surface covered by a plastic material more hydrophilic by treatment with a gas plasma non-polymerizable gas. The method is characterized in that the intensity of the plasma is selected so that the surface becomes permanently more hydrophilic. Also disclosed is a naked plasma treated surface of plastic having an immediate water contact angle of ?30°, said water contact angle is changed ±20 and/or less than 5% upon washing with an ethanol/water mixture (70% w/w).

Abstract: This disclosure relates to CryoArrays, which permit the analysis of samples (such as protein, nucleic acid, virus, or cell samples) in arrays that are prepared at low temperatures. Because CryoArrays are constructed as a block of substantially columnar samples, the block can be sliced to provide a plurality of identical or substantially identical individual arrays. The individual arrays can be used for parallel analysis of the same array feature set, for instance with different probes or under different conditions. Also provided are methods of making CryoArrays, devices for making CryoArrays, and kits.

Abstract: A system for filling a substrate having at least one chamber with a liquid sample is provided. The system in one embodiment includes a substrate defining a network of passageways including at least one chamber for the liquid sample, and an adapter. The adapter includes a fill reservoir for the liquid sample, a vacuum port for attachment to a vacuum source, and at least two channels. One channel allows a vacuum to be imparted to the network, and the other channel allows the liquid sample to be introduced into the network. The system also includes a mechanism that sequentially closes and opens at least one of the channels so that a vacuum can first be introduced to the substrate and thereafter the liquid sample introduced to the substrate for permitting the vacuum to urge the liquid sample to flow from the fill reservoir into the substrate. An apparatus for positioning a substrate with a plurality of sample detection chambers in a detection unit is also provided.