Abstract: Animal cell colonies are picked up automatically by an apparatus having a picking head with a plurality of hollow pins and an integrated imager for capturing an image of adherent or non-adherent animal cell colonies held in liquid or semi-solid medium. Image processing identifies the locations of the animal cell colonies to be picked. Picking an animal cell colony is performed by aligning each of the hollow pins in turn with a target animal cell colony location, introducing the hollow pin into the medium, and aspirating the animal cell colony into the hollow pin. In the case of an adherent colony, the distal end of the pin is forced into oscillation to detach the animal cell colony prior to aspiration. The animal cell colony is dispensed into a well plate by increasing pressure in the fluid conduit.

Abstract: Animal cell colonies are picked up automatically by an apparatus having a picking head with a plurality of hollow pins and an integrated imager for capturing an image of adherent or non-adherent animal cell colonies held in liquid or semi-solid medium. Image processing identifies the locations of the animal cell colonies to be picked. Picking an animal cell colony is performed by aligning each of the hollow pins in turn with a target animal cell colony location, introducing the hollow pin into the medium, and aspirating the animal cell colony into the hollow pin. In the case of an adherent colony, the distal end of the pin is forced into oscillation to detach the animal cell colony prior to aspiration. The animal cell colony is dispensed into a well plate by increasing pressure in the fluid conduit.

Abstract: An extracorporeal filtration and detoxification system and method generally comprise separating ultrafiltrate from cellular components of blood, treating the ultrafiltrate independently of the cellular components in a recirculation circuit, recombining treated ultrafiltrate and the cellular components, and returning whole blood to the patient. A recirculation circuit generally comprises an active cartridge including active cells operative to effectuate a selected treatment; in some embodiments, the active cells are the C3A cell line.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge for use in assaying an analyte in an automated water quality monitoring analyzer comprising: (a) a platform; (b) array of containers for separately containing at least one reagent, a buffer and a so freeze dried preparation of luminescent bacteria, said containers being mounted on said platform; (c) reaction chamber mounted on said platform and configured for being moved between said containers, such that said reagent, said buffer and said freeze dried preparation of luminescent bacteria are conveyed to said reaction chamber in a predetermined sequence such that light detectable by said analyzer is emitted; (d) fluid transferring means for fluid transfer and mixing between said containers, reaction chamber, and analyzer; (e) conveying means for moving said cartridge to predetermined positions within said automated water quality monitoring analyzer for enabling analysis of said analyte.

Abstract: The methods described herein can be used to identify ex ante which hemodialysis patients are likely to develop EPO resistance and therefore will require additional rHu EPO, and to provide treatments that can reduce the need for additional rHu EPO. In addition, the methods can be used to predict which subjects have a higher risk of mortality, to identify high-risk patients who can then be monitored more closely or treated more aggressively. Also provided are kits for carrying out the described methods.

Abstract: The invention relates, at least in part, to the identification of paratarg as a paraprotein target in various malignant and non-malignant gammopathies, which can be used in the diagnosis and treatment of either.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of cell culture, which is a laboratory process used primarily for the growth, propagation, and production of cells for analysis and the production and harvesting of cell products. The present invention comprises functionalized and/or engineered hydrogel microcarriers that exhibit any or all of the following properties: controllable buoyancy, ferro- or paramagnetism, molecular or fabricated reporting elements, and optical clarity. The microcarriers are used in a bioreactor that employs external forces to control said microcarrier kinetic energy and translational or positional orientation in order to facilitate cell growth and/or cellular analysis. The bioreactor can be part of an automated system that employs any or all of the following; a microcarrier manufacturing method, a monitoring method, a cell culture method, and an analytical method.

Abstract: An automated system for identifying in a biological sample microorganisms and their antimicrobial susceptibility (AST). The system provided an automated platform for preparing, from a single biological sample, inoculates for both ID and AST. The system loads a plate for ID testing as samples are being prepared for AST testing. The system tracks the sample and the inoculates from the samples to link the test results to the sample and the patients from whom the sample was obtained.

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 novel techniques for controlling batch reaction processes. In particular, a parametric hybrid model may be used to parameterize inputs and outputs of batch reaction processes. The parametric hybrid model may include an empirical model, a parameter model, and a dynamic model. Critical quality parameters, which are correlated with, but not the same as, end-of-batch quality values for the batch reaction processes may be monitored during cycles of the batch reaction processes. The quality parameters may be used to generate desired batch trajectories, which may be used to control the batch reaction processes during the cycles of the batch reaction processes.

Abstract: Cell aggregate formation control and cell aggregate disintegration control are carried out with respect to cells in a culture container to increase cell proliferation efficiency. The number of the cells in the culture container is counted without disassembly of a culture system and irrespective of the density of the cells. An external force is applied to the culture container to carry out at least one of cell aggregate formation control and cell aggregate disintegration control with respect to cells in the culture container, thus culturing the cells. The external force is applied to the culture container by pressing an agitating member onto a top surface of the culture container placed in flat orientation to a predetermined pressing degree, and moving the agitating member in a horizontal direction at a predetermined speed, thus controlling at least one of cell aggregate formation and cell aggregate disintegration with respect to the cells in the culture container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of automating the production of ethanol in an economical method yet maximizing the conversion of grains into ethanol in an even greater conversion efficiency with a greatly improved feed value byproduct.

Abstract: A glove holder is disclosed for coupling a glove to an air vent. The glove has a body defining an interior cavity. The body has an aperture for accessing the interior cavity. The air vent discharging an air flow. The air flow dries the glove. The glove holder comprises a cylinder having an intake end, an exhaust end, an interior surface, and an exterior surface. The interior surface defines an interior bore extending from the intake end to the exhaust end. The cylinder is insertable through the aperture and into the interior cavity of the body for positioning the exterior surface of the cylinder adjacent to the body of the glove. A support arm extends from a first end to a second end. The first end of the support arm is secured to the interior surface of the cylinder. The second end of the support arm is positioned within the interior bore. A clamp secures the second end of the support arm to the air vent.

Abstract: The fluidic system of the preferred embodiment includes a sheath pump to pump sheath fluid from a sheath container into an interrogation zone and a waste pump to pump waste fluid from the interrogation zone into a waste container. The sheath pump and/or the waste pump draw sample fluid from a sample container into the interrogation zone. The fluidic system also includes a controller to adjust the flow rate of the sample fluid from the sample container into the interrogation zone. The fluidic system is preferably incorporated into a flow cytometer with a flow cell that includes the interrogation zone.

Abstract: A biochemical processing apparatus is provided having a stage receiving a biochemical reaction cartridge which includes chambers and flow paths communicating therebetween, a moving system for moving liquid via the flow paths, and a detector for detecting the presence of the liquid in a chamber and/or the amount of the liquid. In addition, a determining device determines a result of the movement of the liquid from the information of the liquid in the chamber detected by the detector.

Abstract: An integrated device for diagnostic analyses used to verify the presence of bacteria in at least a biological sample mixed with a eugonic culture medium in liquid form, to classify at least the type of bacteria, and to test a series of antibiotics, selected from a group of characteristic antibiotics at least for the type of bacteria identified, identifying those effective to determine the antibiotic therapy. The device comprises, inside an integrated structure, first containing means provided with containing elements in which the biological samples to be analyzed are distributed, second containing means comprising recipients or micro-plates thermostated with wells containing a eugonic culture medium in liquid form in which a first fraction of the biological samples to be analyzed is dispensed, and a first recipient and second recipients or plates with a relative first well and second wells in which a further fraction of the biological samples which resulted positive to the analysis is dispensed.

Abstract: The invention relates to the online regulation of a batch process in a bioreactor. According to the invention, spectra of the actual charge in the bioreactor are recorded at successive points during the running batch process. A measuring vector is produced, for each spectrum, in the low-dimensional main constituent region by the main constituent analysis of the high-dimensional spectra. The deviation is calculated between the measuring vector and a corresponding vector of a nominal trajectory consisting of measuring vectors of a reference charge, which are determined in an earlier batch process, and at least one adjustment operation for the batch process is determined and carried out according to said deviation. The direction of the adjustment operation is maintained when the deviation determined from one point to the next decreases, and modified when the deviation determined from one point to the next remains the same or increases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a specific method accomplishing fast and specific detection, identification and characterization of contaminating micro-organisms in various samples. A method has been developed based on the detection of species-specific and/or strain-specific nucleotide sequences that are uniquely identified and amplified and subsequently detected on a microarray using addressable identifier ZIP oligonucleotides. By using a two step screening process, the method of the present invention enables in first instance the fast screening of a multitude of samples for the presence or the absence of specific micro-organisms in such samples, while in a second screening step the positive results of the first step are further processed to identify and characterize the detected micro-organisms.

Abstract: There is provided a process of growing a phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone. The reaction zone comprises a production purpose reaction mixture that is operative for effecting photosynthesis upon exposure to photosynthetically active light radiation. The production purpose reaction mixture comprises production purpose phototrophic biomass that is operative for growth within the reaction zone, such that a reaction zone concentration of production purpose phototrophic biomass is provided in the reaction zone. The growth of the production purpose phototrophic biomass comprises that which is effected by the photosynthesis.

Abstract: Apparatus for the treatment of organic waste streams is disclosed, in which the organic waste stream is treated in order to reduce the average particle size prior to entry into a biological reactor. The use of a mechanical device to reduce this average particle size while simultaneously mixing the organic waste stream increases the efficiency of the biological reactor. The mechanical device is preferably one which causes attrition and reduction in the average particle size of the organic waste stream. This results in a lower viscosity feed to the biological reactor, and therefore a far more efficient process, which can therefore handle a feed stream of greater concentration than was previously thought to be possible.

Abstract: This disclosure discloses a process and an anaerobic digestion system for crop stalk/straw. The process in one example comprises (A) Feeding, (B) Heating and Digestion at the set temperature, (C) Discharging of Biogas, Sludge and Effluen{grave over ( )}t. The system in one example comprises (I) High Solid Content Digester (II) Hydro-Circulation Digester and (III) Stalk/Straw Feeder. Steps (A), (B) and (C) are accomplished in the devices (I) and (II). The step (A) is accomplished through the stalk/straw feeder (III), a special feeding mechanism, by which the crushed or smashed stalk/straw is pushed into the bottom of digester vessel. After being fermented or digested in the device (I), feedstock that is the mixture of biomass and water flows freely into the device (II) through the feedstock discharge outlet. The stalk feeder (III) is comprised of a hopper (7), a support (14), a control system and a hydraulic system.

Abstract: A method for performing polymerase chain reactions (PCR) for improving thermal non-uniformity is provided. The method includes measuring a first temperature, by a first sensor, of a first sample block sector of a sample block and measuring a second temperature, by a second sensor, of a second sample block sector of the sample block that is adjacent to the first sample block sector. The method further includes calculating, by a thermoelectric controller, a difference in temperature between the first temperature and the second temperature and adjusting, by the thermoelectric controller, the first temperature of the first sample block sector based on the difference in temperature by using one or more thermoelectric coolers. The one or more thermoelectric coolers is configured to heat or cool the first sample block sector by adjusting power output from the thermoelectric controller.

Abstract: A method for controlling cell expansion comprising conducting a fluid containing cellular matter into a cellular growth area; providing oxygenated fluid to said cellular growth area to maintain conditions conducive for cell growth in said cellular growth area; monitoring inflow and outflow conditions; determining rates of change (first derivative) for selected conditions and calculating cell numbers therefrom; determining a rate of change of a rate of change (second derivative) for the selected conditions and calculating a predicted process time; and terminating the growth process when adequate cell numbers have been produced and an apparatus for performing the method.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of products such as alcohols and acids by microbial fermentation, particularly microbial fermentation of substrates comprising CO. It more particularly relates to methods and systems for improving efficiency of products by microbial fermentation. In particular embodiments, the invention provides a method of optimising production of desired products including the step of ascertaining the proportion of CO converted to CO2.

Abstract: A method of increasing the rate of growth of an animal cell or cell culture include the use of ultrasound at a frequency greater than about 1 MHz.

Abstract: The invention relates to thrombospondin fragments found in plasma, their use or use of portions thereof in diagnostic methods, as method calibrators, method indicators, and as immunogens, and as analytes for methods with substantial clinical utility; and their detection in plasma or other bodily fluids for purpose of diagnostic methods, especially for cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel techniques for controlling biofuel production processes. In particular, estimated yeast activity values are determined by yeast activity sensors. These estimated yeast activity values are used to bias predicted yeast activity values from an inferential dynamic predictive model. The biased predicted yeast activity values are in turn used to control a fermentation sub-process of the biofuel production process, while also be used to update the inferential dynamic predictive model, to maximize yeast activity in the fermentation sub-process. Maximizing yeast activity and yeast growth in the fermentation sub-process leads to the maximization of biofuel production in the biofuel production process.

Abstract: A microinjection apparatus is designed to introduce the transfecting material into the transductant by inserting a minute injection needle (11) into the transductant and includes a container position adjuster (1), an imaging device (2), a position determiner (3) and a plurality of transporters (4). The container position adjuster adjusts the position of a container (12) accommodating therein the transductant. The imaging device captures through a lens (2a), an image of an inside of the container, which has been adjusted in position by the container position adjuster. The position determiner determines the position of the transductant from the image obtained by the imaging device. The plurality of the transporters are operable to transport the plural injection needles, individually for each of those injection needles, in dependence on the position information obtained by the position determiner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flow cytometer (10) for in vitro assaying of human or animal whole blood and to an investigation method using the flow cytometer. Enhanced detection properties are achieved by it relative to the prior art cytometers of the same kind. Here, automated beam positioning is also solved. To these ends, collection of light scattered by the cellular components of human or animal whole blood and its transmission to suitable optical sensing elements take place by a coupling member with a particular end construction, in particular through one or more optical fiber bundles. Preparation of a blood sample for the assay, that is, mixing up said human or animal whole blood with appropriate reagents is performed by a hydro-pneumatical unit (12) of a particular design. Moreover, the actual assaying takes place in a flow cell (22) of a particular construction, which assists to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the present flow cytometer.

Abstract: A method for controlling a tissue processor and a tissue processor for processing tissue samples is described. A retort is provided including a cover that can be opened and closed by an operator. The retort cover is closed prior to tissue processing. The actuation state of a first and a second operating element can be determined. An operator is prompted to confirm unlocking of the closed retort cover by actuating a second operating element. The tissue processing is interrupted when an actuation of the second operating element is determined and the closed retort cover is unlocked and is continued after the retort cover is once again locked. After having completed tissue processing the retort cover is unlocked. By means of the described method and tissue processor improper intervention during ongoing tissue processing is prevented.

Abstract: A method and system for production of biogenerated gas from a zone in a reservoir are described. Microbial conversion of petroleum in the zone to biogenerated gas is stimulated. The biogenerated gas can be, for example, methane, hydrogen or carbon dioxide, or another gas. Gas including the biogenerated gas is produced from the zone to surface. While producing the gas, production parameters are monitored including reservoir pressure and an isotopic composition of the produced gas. Based on the monitored production parameters, at least one of stimulation of the microbial conversion to control the composition of the produced gas or gas saturation in the zone to control mobility of the biogenerated methane is adjusted.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of multiplying plant embryogenic tissue in a bioreactor.

Abstract: Specific oxygen uptake (OUR) is used as a process control parameter in fermentation processes. OUR is determined during at least the production phase of a fermentation process, and process parameters are adjusted to maintain the OUR within desired ranges. The invention is particularly applicable when the fermentation is conducted using a microorganism having a natural PDC pathway that has been disrupted so that it no longer functions. Microorganisms of this sort often produce poorly under strictly anaerobic conditions. Microaeration controlled by monitoring OUR allows the performance of the microorganism to be optimized.

Abstract: The invention provides a microfabricated device for sorting cells based on a desired characteristic, for example, reporter-labeled cells can be sorted by the presence or level of reporter on the cells. The device includes a chip having a substrate into which is microfabricated at least one analysis unit. Each analysis unit includes a main channel, having a sample inlet channel, typically at one end, and a detection region along a portion of its length. Adjacent and downstream from the detection region, the main channel has a discrimination region or branch point leading to at least two branch channels. The analysis unit may further include additional inlet channels, detection points, branch points, and branch channels as desired. A stream containing cells is passed through the detection region, such that on average one cell occupies the detection region at a given time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically controlling conditions of a process are disclosed. In one example, a controller is programmed with a sequence of steps and parameters required to carry out a bioreactor process. A sensor system interacts with the bioreactor to receive information related to a condition of the bioreactor and/or receive a sample from the bioreactor, which it analyzes. The sensor system sends data signals related to the information and/or the sample to a controller, which determines a control signal based on the received information. The controller sends the control signal to the sensor system which, based on the control signal, performs an action that affects a condition of the bioreactor or affects the sensor system itself.

Abstract: An electronically controlled diaphragm pump system is provided. The pump systems comprises a pump housing with a drive gas chamber and a fluid chamber separated by a diaphragm. The drive gas chamber is connected to one or more gas ports for injecting and/or sucking a gas into and out of the gas chamber. The fluid chamber is connected to a least one port for fluid inlet and at least one port for fluid outlet, where the inlet port has a valve adapted to open for fluid inlet when gas is sucked out of the gas chamber and the outlet port has a valve adapted to open for fluid outlet when gas is injected into the gas chamber. The pump system further has gas pressure means connected to a gas inlet port for providing a drive gas pressure in response to a control signal, and gas under-pressure means connected to a gas outlet port for providing a gas under-pressure or sucking of gas in response to a control signal.

Abstract: Condensing devices and methods for providing a concentrated biomolecule condensate to one or more biosensing devices are provided. The concentrated biomolecule condensate is obtained from a fluid sample which potentially contains traces of one or more target biomolecules. The fluid sample is first separated into a filtered liquid and a retentate biomolecule condensate. A novel filtering module is provided for this purpose. The target biomolecules in the retentate biomolecule condensate are further separated from unwanted materials using magnetic beads coated with antibodies of the target biomolecules. The beaded biomolecule condensate obtained thereby is processed to extract constituents of the target biomolecules, thereby obtaining the concentrated biomolecule condensate, which is distributed to a biosensing device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell culture device (1) comprising a disposable culture vessel comprising at least one external wall made of a material having a Young modulus E of less than 50 GPa, in which there is situated at least one cell culture zone and at least one cell-free medium transfer zone, allowing a flow of a culture medium between the cell culture zone and the transfer zone, and at least one sensor element of a cell-density sensor wherein said sensor element is situated in the cell culture zone of said vessel. The sensor element is an electrode arrangement of at least two and preferably at least four measuring electrodes arranged on the inner side of an external wall of the disposable culture vessel and directed towards the cell culture zone. The present invention further relates to a method of culturing cells.

Abstract: The present invention is a sample analyzer including: a first and a second measurement unit configured to measure a sample accommodated in a sample container; a rack transport unit configured to transport each of a plurality of sample containers held in a sample rack to either the first or the second measurement unit; and a controller configured to acquire a measurement item information indicating a measurement item of each of samples accommodated in the plurality of sample containers held in the sample rack, determine a sample container to be a transport object and a measurement unit to be a transport destination of the sample container based on the acquired plurality of measurement item information, and control the rack transport unit to transport the sample container determined as the transport object to the measurement unit determined as the transport destination.

Abstract: A fermentation process uses substantially pure oxygen. The oxygen is the only reactive gas which is injected into a fermentation vessel. The oxygen is moved through the vessel solely by its own pressure. The process can be used with both mechanically-agitated and air-lifted fermenters. The mechanically-agitated fermenter includes an analyzer for measuring oxygen concentration in the exhaust line, and adjusting the flow of fresh oxygen into the vessel accordingly. In the air-lifted fermenter, an analyzer measures the oxygen concentration in the head space of the vessel, and operates valves which either recycle the gas from the head space, or vent that gas to the outside, according to the measured concentration. A stream of nitrogen is periodically injected into the vessel to drive out carbon dioxide and other gases, to control the pH of the fermentation medium. The present invention substantially improves the efficiency of a commercial fermentation process.

Abstract: A method of combining the content of bioreactors allowing homogeneous mixing in accordance with CFR21 is described that allows processing of variable size batches using a single validated bioreactor is described.

Abstract: The present invention provides photobioreactors, solar energy gathering systems, and methods for thermal control of a culture medium containing a prototrophic organism in a photobioreactor, that allow temperature control in a cost effective manner, reducing the energy required for temperature control of a culture medium containing phototrophic microorganisms in a photobioreactor.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of products such as alcohols and acids by microbial fermentation, particularly microbial fermentation of substrates comprising CO. It more particularly relates to methods and systems for improving efficiency of production products by microbial fermentation. In particular embodiments, the invention provides a method of controlling substrate supply, such that production of desired metabolites is optimised.

Abstract: An automated system and method of cryopreservation and reanimation of oocytes, embryos, or blastocysts is disclosed. One or more oocytes or embryos are positioned in a processing container, the processing container being configured to allow fluid to flow into and out of the processing container, where two or more fluids flow into and out of the processing container with oocytes or embryos therein. The temperature of the fluid may be controlled in the processing container according to predetermined requirements. The flowing of the fluids may be controlled by a central controller adapted to control one or more valves.

Abstract: Described and claimed is a novel system and method for monitoring the metabolic rate of a cellular population in an industrial process. The invention includes obtaining a sample of the cellular population and initiating a reaction between a metabolic component of the cellular population and a bioreporter. The reaction produces a detectable metabolic signal which is measured and analyzed to determine a metabolic rate of the cellular population. In preferred embodiments, a controller is operable to provide prompts to a user and/or automate various steps of the invention.

Abstract: A method for automated cell processing is provided, including receiving at least one tissue containing a multiplicity of cells belonging to multiple cell types, and automatically increasing both the proportion of cells of at least one of said multiple cell types as compared with at least another of said multiple cell types and the absolute number of cells of said at least one of said multiple cell types. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A biological particle manipulating device and method of its use. The device includes structure arranged to urge biological particles into substantially single file travel through an interrogation zone. Operable alignment structure nonexclusively include sheathed fluid flow, capillary tubes, an orifice, and fluid microchannels. One or more detector, selected from a plurality of operable such structures, may be employed to sense the presence of a biologic particle in the interrogation zone. Certain exemplary detectors may operate on the Coulter principle, or may detect a Stokes' shift, or side-scatter radiation. Discrimination structure is generally provided to categorize particles as being in one or another sub-population of a mix of biological particles that may be carried in a fluid sample, such as by cell type, size, or the like.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically controlling conditions of a process are disclosed. In one example, a controller is programmed with a sequence of steps and parameters required to carry out a bioreactor process. The controller receives information related to a condition of the process over a first communication network, determines a control signal based on the received information and the programmed process, and sends the control signal over a second communication network to a benchtop utility tower. In one example, the utility tower can include transmitters for temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen that send information related to a condition of the process to the controller over the first communication network, and an agitation system, a gas control system, a temperature control system and a pump control system that perform a control action based on the control signal affecting the process condition.

Abstract: A system combining a clonogenic differentiation assay with an instrument-based ATP bioluminescence proliferation assay to produce a standardized colony-forming stem and progenitor cell potency assay is provided.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for culturing cells in at least one cell culture well. The device includes one or more interconnecting layers having a pattern therein, the pattern including at least one microfluidic channel, at least one cell culture well having an opening at one end and a side wall, the at least one microfluidic channel in fluid communication with the side wall of the at least one cell culture well, and having a maximum channel width substantially less than a maximum width of the at least one cell culture well. The device includes at least one of a controllable valve and a controllable pump in fluid communication with the microfluidic channel, the valve and pump being configured to selectably restrict fluid transport through the microfluidic channel. In some embodiments, the device includes a removable top layer adapted to cover each of the at least one cell culture well.