Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for sampling and/or controlling the productivity of a bioreactor.

Abstract: Sample taking device for extracting a fluid sample from a vessel comprising: a cover portion for closing the vessel such that, in use a headspace is defined between the cover portion and fluid held in the vessel, a sampling chamber comprising a sampling inlet and a sampling outlet, a cannula adapted to provide, in use, fluid communication between the fluid held in the vessel and the sampling chamber through the sampling inlet, and ports to operate the device in at least two operating conditions: a sample preparing condition in which a pressure in the headspace is greater than that of the sampling chamber such that fluid flows through the cannula towards the sampling chamber and can be retained therein, and a sample dispensing condition in which fluid retained in the sampling chamber can be delivered through the sampling outlet and fluid remaining inside the cannula can return to the vessel.

Abstract: A pH sensing bioreaction system is provided. The system includes a bioreaction container having a plastic wall and a pH sensor attached to the plastic wall. The pH sensor includes a sensor body having a flange that is sealingly attached to the plastic wall. The sensor body has a reference electrolyte therein and a first sensing element disposed in the reference electrolyte. The first sensing element is configured to contact both the reference electrolyte and a sample solution inside the bioreaction container. A second sensing element is positionable into an interior of the bioreaction container. The pH sensor has a plurality of configurations that include a booted configuration in which at least one sensing element is isolated from the interior of the bioreaction container, and a service configuration in which the at least one sensing element is fluidically coupled to the interior of the bioreaction container.

Abstract: Described herein are microfluidic devices and methods that can greatly improve cell quality, streamline workflows, and lower costs. Applications include research and clinical diagnostics in cancer, infectious disease, and inflammatory disease, among other disease areas.

Abstract: Apparatus for automated venting and/or sampling of a specimen container having a closure sealing the interior of the specimen container from the environment is disclosed. The apparatus includes a rack holding the specimen container; a venting and/or sampling device having a needle, a chamber in fluid communication with the needle and a port in fluid communication with the chamber; a robotic transfer mechanism moveable relative to the rack; a sample removal apparatus attached to the robotic transfer mechanism having gripping features for gripping the venting device.

Abstract: A method of processing a sample for analysis is disclosed. The method includes providing a first sample-transfer article with a sample disposed therein, a container (1110), a pierceable cap (1120), and a pierceable layer (1500). The method further includes operably coupling the cap (1120) and the container (1110), disposing the pierceable layer (1500) adjacent the cap (1120), urging the first sample-transfer article through the layer (1500) and the cap (1120), transferring a portion of the sample into the container (1110), and separating the layer (1500) from the cap (1120). The method further can comprise providing a second sample transfer article having a second sample delivery end and urging the second sample-transfer article through the cap. A kit comprising a container, a cap, a pierceable layer; and means for coupling the pierceable layer to the cap and/or to the container is also provided.

Abstract: A liquid testing assembly for testing a liquid, the assembly comprising a test vessel and a stopper adapted to fit into a free end of the vessel. The stopper substantially hermetically seals the test vessel from the ambient. Further, the assembly includes a support coated with one or more identifying materials for identifying one or more constituents of the liquid. The support is fixed in the stopper and/or the vessel and extends into its interior for a predetermined distance. The liquid testing assembly when assembled is pre-evacuated to a predetermined vacuum sufficient to draw a predetermined volume of liquid to be sampled into the test vessel. The predetermined volume is of such an amount that it wets the one or more identifying materials ensuring identification of one or more constituents present in the liquid. A kit employing the liquid testing assembly is also discussed.

Abstract: Biohazard specimen collection containers are provided with an external disposable skin, that is stripped away and discarded after the biohazardous specimen is collected, thus reducing or eliminating objectionable or dangerous residues on the outside surfaces of the container. Further, we teach that the sample collection container with external disposable skin may also serve as an integrated microfluidic biosample processing and analytical device, thereby providing a single entry, disposable assay unit, kit and system for “world-to-result” clinical diagnostic testing. These integrated assay devices are provided with synergic, multiple safe-handling features for protecting healthcare workers who handle them. The modified collection containers and analytical devices find application, for example, in PCR detection of infectious organisms or pathogenic markers collected on a swab.

Abstract: A disposable inoculation loop assembly comprising a test tube and a tube stopper adapted to fit into a free end of the test tube. A first end of the stopper faces into the interior of the test tube substantially hermetically sealing the interior of the test tube. The assembly further includes an inoculation loop fixed to the tube stopper and extending into the interior of the test tube to a predetermined distance when the stopper is positioned in the free end of the test tube. The assembly when assembled is sterilized and pre-evacuated to a predetermined vacuum which is sufficient to draw a volume of a bodily liquid to be sampled into the test tube. The volume is of such an amount so that the liquid level in the test tube substantially just covers a predetermined portion of the inoculation loop.

Abstract: A biomass generator useful for continuously growing and withdrawing bacteria to be used in a desired beneficial application, the generator having a bacteria growth chamber; water and nutrient inlet ports; upper and lower outlet ports; a recirculating pump withdrawing and reintroducing fluid to establish a vortex in the growth chamber while controlling foaming and pump cavitation; a low pressure air inlet line discharging air inside the growth chamber above the vortex; a fluid discharge line receiving bacteria-containing fluid from the upper outlet port of the growth chamber; a flush line discharging wash water into the fluid discharge line; and an electrical controller cooperating with solenoid-operated valves and a feeder mechanism to periodically introduce water and nutrients into the chamber, thereby simultaneously causing bacteria-containing fluid to be discharged from the growth chamber through the upper outlet port. A method for growing bacteria using the subject apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A port for use with a bioreactor vessel comprising: i) a base member comprising a hollow tubular portion and a base plate configured to be sealingly affixed to a hole in the wall of a bioreactor vessel ii) a hollow, generally tubular bushing member for containing electrical, optical, microfluidic and/or chemical monitoring components which bushing member fits inside the bore of the tubular portion of the base member, both the base member and bushing member providing access to the contents of a bioreactor by; iii) a monitoring assembly inserted into the bushing member which assembly comprises means for providing incoming optical and/or electrical signals and means for collecting and transmitting measurement signals resulting from the interaction of incoming optical and/or electrical signals with the contents of a bioreactor; and iv) a cover which maintains the position and alignment of components ii) and iii) relative to the base member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for an aseptic fluidic interface between bioprocess systems is provided. The apparatus includes an inlet valve, adapted for automatic control, that is coupled to a biofluid source site. A sampling conduit extends from the inlet valve to an outlet valve. The outlet valve is adapted for automatic control and is coupled to a biofluid process site. A trap is at the sampling conduit. A waste valve, adapted for automatic control, is located at a waste conduit extending from the sampling conduit to a waste site. Also included is a wash fluid source that is coupled to at least one of the inlet or outlet valves. In the method, the sample is automatically directed to the biofluid process site by opening the outlet valve, and closing the waste valve. Also included is isolating the biofluid sites by closing the inlet and outlet valves, and opening the waste valve to drain biofluid from the trap to the waste site.

Abstract: To present an automatic cell cultivation apparatus capable of sterilizing completely including a cold storage unit and a normal temperature storage unit, without causing cross contamination, in used of cell cultivation of plural subjects.

Abstract: A device for storing, rehydrating, transferring, and streaking a stored freeze dried specimen comprises a three piece construction including a collection vial used to store a freeze dried specimen, a capsule including a reservoir with hydrating fluid retained by a frangible membrane, and an adapter fluidly linking the capsule to the collection vial. The adapter is configured to fluidly link to the capsule to the collection vial via leak-proof couplings to create a closed system of specimen, hydrating fluid, and a small quantity of trapped air. The fluid communication between the vial and the capsule is accomplished through the adapter via an internal lumen longitudinally traversing the adapter. The adapter and capsule combination can also serve as a transfer pipette once the hydration operation is complete to withdraw the specimen from the collection vial and transfer the specimen to a petri dish or other culture medium.

Abstract: A biomass generator useful for continuously growing and withdrawing bacteria to be used in a desired beneficial application, the generator having a bacteria growth chamber; water and nutrient inlet ports; upper and lower outlet ports; a recirculating pump withdrawing and reintroducing fluid to establish a vortex in the growth chamber while controlling foaming and pump cavitation; a low pressure air inlet line discharging air inside the growth chamber above the vortex; a fluid discharge line receiving bacteria-containing fluid from the upper outlet port of the growth chamber; a flush line discharging wash water into the fluid discharge line; and an electrical controller cooperating with solenoid-operated valves and a feeder mechanism to periodically introduce water and nutrients into the chamber, thereby simultaneously causing bacteria-containing fluid to be discharged from the growth chamber through the upper outlet port. A method for growing bacteria using the subject apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a feedback controlled bioculture platform for use as a precision cell biology research tool and for clinical cell growth and maintenance applications. The system provides individual closed-loop flowpath cartridges, with integrated, aseptic sampling and routing to collection vials or analysis systems. The system can operate in a standard laboratory or other incubator for provision of requisite gas and thermal environment. System cartridges are modular and can be operated independently or under a unified system controlling architecture, and provide for scale-up production of cell and cell products for research and clinical applications. Multiple replicates of the flowpath cartridges allow for individual, yet replicate cell culture growth and multiples of the experiment models that can be varied according to the experiment design, or modulated to desired cell development of cell culture end-points.

Abstract: A bioreactor apparatus and cell culturing system is provided for the automated cultivation and processing of living cells remotely both on earth and in low gravity which utilizes a generally cylindrical reactor vessel that may be optionally rotated about its cylindrical axis while allowing the entrance of fresh or recycled fluid and the removal, optionally, of spent medium, medium to be recycled or filtered or unfiltered medium for the collection of samples. A method of exchanging gases between the culture medium and ambient gases is provided. A fresh-medium storage bag and peristaltic pump is used for batch feeding, perfusion or sample collection. An enclosure and manifold representing an additional level of chemical containment and a series of pinch valves for the periodic collection of samples of suspended cells or cell-free medium is disposed therein together with a humidity control system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for an aseptic fluidic interface between bioprocess systems is provided. The apparatus includes an inlet valve, adapted for automatic control, that is coupled to a biofluid source site. A sampling conduit extends from the inlet valve to an outlet valve. The outlet valve is adapted for automatic control and is coupled to a biofluid process site. A trap is at the sampling conduit. A waste valve, adapted for automatic control, is located at a waste conduit extending from the sampling conduit to a waste site. Also included is a wash fluid source that is coupled to at least one of the inlet or outlet valves. In the method, the sample is automatically directed to the biofluid process site by opening the outlet valve, and closing the waste valve Also included is isolating the biofluid sites by closing the inlet and outlet valves, and opening the waste valve to drain biofluid from the trap to the waste site.

Abstract: A biomass generator useful for continuously growing and withdrawing bacteria to be used in a desired beneficial application, the generator having a bacteria growth chamber; water and nutrient inlet ports; upper and lower outlet ports; a recirculating pump withdrawing and reintroducing fluid to establish a vortex in the growth chamber while controlling foaming and pump cavitation; a low pressure air inlet line discharging air inside the growth chamber above the vortex; a fluid discharge line receiving bacteria-containing fluid from the upper outlet port of the growth chamber; a flush line discharging wash water into the fluid discharge line; and an electrical controller cooperating with solenoid-operated valves and a feeder mechanism to periodically introduce water and nutrients into the chamber, thereby simultaneously causing bacteria-containing fluid to be discharged from the growth chamber through the upper outlet port. A method for growing bacteria using the subject apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for automated remote microbial air sampling includes a sampling enclosure positioned outside an isolator. An infeed sample receiver passes sample containers into the enclosure. An atrium is located within the enclosure and exposes containers to a gas sample. A remote sampling device collects the gas sample from the isolator and passes it to the atrium. A load arm is located within the enclosure. The load arm intermittently permits containers to enter the enclosure and moves containers to the atrium. An outfeed sample receiver passes containers out of the enclosure. The system allows addition and removal of containers from the air sampling system without interrupting the processing of the containers within the enclosure, and allows the first container supplied to the air sampling system to be the first exposed container removed therefrom.

Abstract: A method and device for making different thickness of biofilms is disclosed. It comprises: (a) a pair of pentagonal dish including a dish bottom and a dish cover; (b) an internal thickness module having a number of protrusions of different heights or of the same height The method and device also offers a simple way for testing the effect of various biofilms on the adhesion and corrosion of different materials.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for an aseptic fluidic interface between bioprocess systems is provided. The apparatus includes an inlet valve, adapted for automatic control, that is coupled to a biofluid source site. A sampling conduit extends from the inlet valve to an outlet valve. The outlet valve is adapted for automatic control and is coupled to a biofluid process site. A trap is at the sampling conduit. A waste valve, adapted for automatic control, is located at a waste conduit extending from the sampling conduit to a waste site. Also included is a wash fluid source that is coupled to at least one of the inlet or outlet valves. In the method, the sample is automatically directed to the biofluid process site by opening the outlet valve, and closing the waste valve Also included is isolating the biofluid sites by closing the inlet and outlet valves, and opening the waste valve to drain biofluid from the trap to the waste site.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for inoculating a biological reactor having a chamber. The chamber is configured to contain influent and biomass to degrade contaminants in the influent. A vessel is configured to receive influent and biomass from the chamber and to substantially isolate the received influent and biomass from that contained in the chamber. The vessel is also configured to deliver the isolated influent and biomass to the chamber, thereby facilitating inoculation of the biological reactor.

Abstract: An apparatus for inoculating a sample to or withdrawing a sample from a vessel or conduit includes a body with an internal sample cavity, a valve operating rod movable to open and close an orifice to the sample cavity and a coupler to attach the body to a port of the vessel or conduit. A portion of the sample cavity is formed by an endcap which includes the orifice. The sample cavity is thermally and/or electrically insulated from the vessel or conduit. This insulation can arise from an empty or filled space between an inner wall and outer wall of the valve. Otherwise, insulating material can be used in forming the valve. The valve can be mountable on the vessel or conduit such that a positive drain angle is maintained regardless of whether the ferrule to the vessel or conduit is inclined upwardly, downwardly or is horizontal.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating groundwater or other water stream(s) contaminated with an oxygenate to degrade said oxygenate which comprises: a) inoculating a biodegrader capable of degrading said oxygenate on a packed activated carbon bed through a rigid tubular instrument having a plurality of holes in the part of the rigid tubular instrument used for inoculation of the carbon bed; and b) flowing said groundwater, or other water stream contaminated with said oxygenate through a structure having a top, bottom and sides and a predetermined volume containing said bed of activated carbon having said biodegrader inoculated thereon. and an apparatus for the same. The method is particularly effective for treating water contaminated with methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE) and/or t-butyl alcohol (TBA).

Abstract: For direct and on-line study of the physiological states of cell cultures, a robust flow injection system has been designed and interfaced with flow cytometry (FI-FCM). The core of the flow injection system includes a microchamber designed for sample processing. The design of the microchamber allows not only an accurate on-line dilution but also on-line cell fixation, staining, and washing. The flow injection part of the system was tested by monitoring the optical density of a growing E.coli culture on-line using a spectrophotometer. The entire growth curve, from lag phase to stationary phase, was obtained with frequent sampling. The system is thus particularly useful since it operates automatically without direct operator supervision for extended time periods.

Abstract: A delivery system for introduction of a starter culture directly into a dairy process line, comprising a sealed enclosure having outlet means for connecting the enclosure to the process line, the sealed enclosure containing the starter culture and/or milk clotting enzyme. The system can be used to introduce a dairy starter culture directly into a closed dairy process line without risk of contamination.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for treating groundwater, or other water streams contaminated with oxygenate(s), particularly MTBE and TBA, characterized by improved biodegradation of MTBE, the biodegradation of TBA, and reduced frequency of the need to change the carbon bed, which comprises inoculating a biodegrader capable of degrading said oxygenate on an activated carbon bed through a rigid tubular instrument having a plurality of holes around the circumference of the end used for inoculation of the carbon bed by a method that optimizes dispersion and colonization; and flowing said groundwater, or other water stream contaminated with said oxygenate through a structure having a top, bottom and sides and a predetermined volume containing said bed of activated carbon having said biodegrader inoculated thereon. The invention is also an apparatus for biodegradation of oxygenate(s).

Abstract: A counterflow scrubbing system for deodorizing air having sulfur components such as H2S typically associated with wastewater treatment includes a tower vessel having sulfer-oxidizing microorganisms in porous rock media, and operates at a pH preferably between 1.5 and 4.0 The media has a high ratio of surface area to volume, being at least 1000 and preferably approximately 10,000. The system can operate continuously without requiring objectionable chemicals, relaying of filter beds, or back-flushing. Optionally, concentrations of nutrients and/or bacteria are added to make-up water from an included reservoir.

Abstract: The invention is a method for using flexible packaging in connection with incubating a sample in a liquid culture medium. A flexible, gusseted bag is first presterilized by irradiation. Then, the bag is prefilled with a presterilized liquid culture medium. The bag is self-supporting and takes on the characteristics of a rigid container when filled. Prefilling and sterilizing it enables it to be shipped to a laboratory. The bag is easy to open and reseal for introduction of a culture sample at the laboratory. After introduction, the sample is incubated in the bag.

Abstract: A patient replica is created from layered culture medium where solid culture medium is formed so that a discontinuity exists, for example, between layers of culture medium or between culture medium and the container holding the medium. An injection port is provided in registration with the discontinuity so that a sample of patient blood can be infused into the discontinuity to form a thin layer of blood in contact with a surface of culture medium. The thin layer of blood obviates the requirement for any anticoagulant allowing blood-borne pathogens to be readily cultured without using broth. Further antibiotics or other drug samples may be placed on an exposed surface of the culture medium above the blood layer so that the antibiotic can diffuse through the culture medium and reveal the sensitivities of the cultured pathogens.

Abstract: A cell scraper device includes a pair of elongated handles, a blade and a pair of spaced apart pivotal joints. The handles enable a user to hold and to operate the device. Each handle has a pair of opposite ends and a longitudinal axis extending between the opposite ends. The handles are spaced apart from and disposed along one another and movable in opposite directions along their longitudinal axes. Each joint, such as a pivotal ball type or a living hinge type, pivotally joins the blade to one of a pair of adjacent ends of the handles such that the blade is pivotally movable between a closed position and an open position upon corresponding movement of the handles in the opposite directions along their longitudinal axes. The blade in the closed position is disposed at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of each handle and on a side of the handle such that the blade and handles are positioned for insertion into and removal from a culture flask.