Abstract: An organ perfusion apparatus and method monitor, sustain and/or restore viability of organs and preserve organs for storage and/or transport. Other apparatus include an organ transporter, an organ cassette and an organ diagnostic device. The method includes perfusing the organ at hypothermic and/or normothermic temperatures, preferably after hypothermic organ flushing for organ transport and/or storage. The method can be practiced with prior or subsequent static or perfusion hypothermic exposure of the organ. During the period in which the organ is preserved and/or maintained, the organ may be additionally be perfused to obtain data regarding the fluid and/or organ. The data may then be used to ultimately provide information regarding the perfusion efficacy and allow for altering of the perfusion parameters.

Abstract: The invention generally provides a cell culture vessel having at least one first zone and at least one second zone, wherein the first zone is a transfer zone for a culture medium which essentially contains no cells and the second zone is a cell culture zone. The invention further includes methods utilizing the cell culture vessel.

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: The invention generally provides a cell culture vessel having at least one first zone and at least one second zone, wherein the first zone is a transfer zone for a culture medium which essentially contains no cells and the second zone is a cell culture zone. The invention further includes methods utilizing the cell culture vessel.

Abstract: A method to produce high density microalgae having high lipid concentration in mass culture including the steps of inoculating a vessel with microalgae at mid-log phase to a depth greater than 25 cm. Then culturing the microalgae to a preselected target density threshold, bringing the microalgae to stationary phase, manipulating growth parameters to maximize lipid concentration and harvesting the vessel.

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: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to novel fed-batch fermentations wherein processes of DO-stat and pH-stat are combined for nutrient feeding control.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for enriching and examining microbiological samples. In which method microbes are brought into a syringe or equivalent. In a method according to the invention the enrichment culture of microbes is accomplished inside a syringe or equivalent. An apparatus according to the invention comprises a syringe or equivalent and into the syringe or the plunger (3) of the syringe a lead-through is manufactured in order to conduct gas or gas mixture to or from the syringe.

Abstract: A bioremediation assembly and method for bioremediation are described and which includes a bioremediation reservoir defining a cavity; a pump mounted within the bioremediation reservoir and which removes the aqueous bioremediating fluid from the bioremediation reservoir; and a fluid dispensing manifold positioned within the bioremediation reservoir and which is coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the pump, and which directs a stream of bioremediating fluid downwardly so as to aerate the volume of bioremediating fluid.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for preparing and culturing cells, particularly bone marrow stromal cells. The method includes the steps of placing an oxygenator and a scaffold in a container, such as a syringe, withdrawing bone marrow stromal cells with the syringe, evenly distributing the cells on the scaffold, connecting the syringe with a reservoir with a medium to enrich the syringe with the medium, and promoting the medium level movement in the syringe to culture bone marrow stromal cells.

Abstract: A method of delivering oxygen to a biological entity comprising of dissolving oxygen into a perfusate and forcing the perfusate through the biological entity whereby substantially high levels of oxygen are available to satisfy the biological demand of the biological entity. An apparatus for supplying oxygen to a biological entity whereby substantially high levels of oxygen are available to satisfy the metabolic demand of said biological entity. An apparatus for supplying metabolic supplements to a biological entity whereby the effect of said metabolic supplement on said biological entity can be monitored. The method and apparatus keeps a biological entity such as an organ viable at a range of temperatures while in an aerobic state. This allows the study of said organ from a physiological or experimental standpoint. It allows said organ to be transplanted with little or no reperfusion injury, thus increased survivability over the prior art.

Abstract: Method of producing compost tea by passing an aqueous solution over and through a basket containing compost. This flow leaches and washes microorganisms and nutrients from compost and other organisms and nutrient-rich materials from the basket into the culture tank. The culture tank collects and cultures microorganisms and nutrients, creating compost tea. Compressed air is used to provide circulation instead of mechanical pumps, which can injure the organisms as they pass through.

Abstract: An apparatus for forcing airflow through (i.e., aerating) a particulate material consists of a planar bearing surface and a ventilation conduit underlying the planar bearing surface. A plurality of delivery conduits extend between the ventilation conduit and the planar bearing surface with a mouth of the delivery conduits being near the planar bearing surface. A grate, defining a plurality of openings, covers the mouth of each delivery conduit. Each grate has a top surface substantially parallel to the planar bearing surface and positioned at or no more than a select distance below the planar bearing surface. This select distance is close enough to the planar bearing surface to prevent the accumulation of particulate material over the grate as the particulate material is scraped from the planar bearing surface with an implement having a linear edge abutting the planar bearing surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of replenishing cells damaged by treatment for cancer. The method comprises removing blood cells from a primate mammal, controllably expanding the cells at a rate which produces an expansion factor of at least 700% within 7 days while maintaining their three-dimensional geometry and their cell-to-cell support and cell-to-cell geometry, removing any toxic materials from the blood cells, and reintroducing the cells into the primate mammal within a time period sufficient to prevent the primate mammal from suffering decreased mobility due to loss of hematopoietic or other cells.

Abstract: A fermentation apparatus is constructed to produce a known and repeatable amount of untainted fermentation product using multiple fermentation vessels. To facilitate further processing compatible with other product processing steps, the fermentation apparatus has an array of sample vessels arranged in a container frame. The container frame is configured to hold the sample vessels during fermentation and to transport the vessel array to or from another processing station. Corresponding to the number of sample vessels in the sample vessel array, a cannula array is configured such that each cannula may be placed inside a sample vessel. The cannula array is attached to a gas distributor that delivers oxygen and/or one or more other gases from a gas source through the cannula into the sample vessel. Because the fermentation volume for each individual sample vessel is smaller than a bulk fermentation apparatus, the fermentation product yields are predictable and cell growth rates can be effectively optimized.

Abstract: A compost tea system uses a water-holding tank for containing process water. Compost is immersed into the water in the tank in baskets defining a filter media. Air is pumped into membrane disk diffuser modules in the tank and the liquid is sparged with fine bubbles to thoroughly agitate the liquid, extract nutrients and microorganisms from the compost, and to ensure a high concentration of dissolved oxygen in the liquid. The high level of oxygen selects for desired aerobic organisms to produce a rich compost tea. The finished tea is drained out of the tank and the tank and its components are easily cleaned and sanitized.

Abstract: An apparatus for cultivating tissue cells or microorganisms in suspension, in a manner which ensures formation of an axially symmetric vortex motion of liquid with an axial countercurrent flow in the cell suspension without stagnant zones at various locations. The apparatus has guide elements that stabilize the position of an annular partition with respect to the surface of the suspension, including first blades and second blades. The first blades are attached to the upper surface of the partition with the help of the first struts. The second blades are attached to the lower surface of the partition with the help of the second struts. Each of the first blades and the second blades is provided with a clamping device of “screw-nut” or collet type for varying the angle of attack with respect to the incoming flow of gas and liquid and for securing to the respective strut on the upper surface of the annular partition and at the lower surface of it.

Abstract: A disposable bioreactor for perfusion cell culture. Cells are grown in a plastic bag that is rocked and aerated on a mechanical platform. The bioreactor bag contains a filter that allows liquid to be removed from the bioreactor-without losing cells. Nutrients may be added through another port. The perfusion filter is constructed such that it can move freely on the liquid surface. The filter is flicked rapidly across the surface as a result of the rocking motion of the bioreactor and this tangential motion of the filter keeps it from clogging. A weight-based control system regulates feed and harvest rates and allows weeks of continuous operation. This invention has numerous applications in biotechnology and medicine.

Abstract: A disposable bioreactor for culturing microorganisms and cells is provided. The bioreactor is suitable for use by individuals not skilled in microbiology or aseptic technique. It is constructed of flexible or semi-flexible waterproof sheets to form a container designed to provided mixing and gas exchange to microorganisms cultured therein. Mixing and gas exchanged are achieved by bubbling gas through the culture, either from a single locus at the lowermost apex of a container having a wedge-shaped or rounded bottom, or from multiple loci across a flat-bottomed container. Also provided is a kit for culturing a selected microorganism, preferably an entomopathogenic nematode or other organism useful as a biopesticide.

Abstract: An automated system and method is provided for cultivating bacteria in a fluid medium and thereafter selectively discharging the fluid medium, wherein an initial supply of the selected strain or strains of bacteria is combined with nutrients and water in a biogenerator in the presence of air to promote mixing and bacterial cultivation. The system and method utilize a vortex created by recirculation of the fluid medium to achieve aeration and mixing without substantial foaming. The system and method are particularly useful for supplying bacteria to control grease accumulation in restaurant grease traps. The system and method use a biogeneration chamber which has a cylindrical sidewall and surface on the inner side. Further, the chamber has a top and a conical bottom. The top has inlet ports and a vent port. There is also a outlet port in the conical bottom.

Abstract: A biochemical oxidation system and process is disclosed for the removal of insoluble sulfides from metal ores. A liquid mixture of an ore slurry and of a liquid biochemical oxidation medium is flowed through a plurality of covered overflow tanks connected in series. The liquid mixture is continuously aerated in an aeration chamber formed in the tanks with a mixture of a purified oxygen gas and a purified carbon dioxide gas as introduced into the aeration chamber. A substantially sulfide-free liquid mixture is discharged from a last tank into a clarifier in which at least a portion of the biochemical oxidation medium is separated from the liquid mixture for recirculation into the tanks.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering a gas-supersaturated fluid comprising a fluid reservoir, a fluid pump, a gas source, a high pressure gas exchanger, and one or more arrays of capillary channels is disclosed. Suitable controls such as differential pressure gauge and valves are provided to maintain a near constant hydrostatic pressure of the fluid within the semi-permeable membrane gas-fluid interface of the gas exchanger at approximately 1% to 20% higher than the gas partial pressure of the fluid within the gas exchanger. Gas-supersaturated fluid output from the gas exchanger via the capillary channels is at a flow velocity of greater than 0.05 m/sec, thereby facilitating delivery of large flow rates of gas-supersaturated fluids without cavitation inception.

Abstract: In a container (1) for breaking down organic matter and/or breeding worms, enhanced ventilation is provided via legs (7) which support the container above the ground. Each leg has a longitudinal open channel-like duct which may be formed by making the legs hollow and semi-circular. Each duct communicates with the interior of the container (1) so that any breeze impinging upon the duct causes air to flow upwardly into the container. The effect is enhanced by orienting the legs in different directions and providing air outlets (19) in the lid (6) of the container.

Abstract: A culturing system and method particularly useful for producing cellular products such as viral pathogens of cells. It includes a mass transfer culture segment, stacked filter plates to adjust the medium composition, and a product removal and concentration segment. The mass transfer culture segment utilizes changed directional flow of the medium to maximize cell growth and production of product. The stacked filter plates allow addition of sterile fresh medium and removal of growth inhibitory substances.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the aerobic multiplication of micro-organisms. A tank with a conical bottom shape holds the fermentation broth and a circulating pump outside the tank circulates the fermentation broth from the bottom of the tank to the top. A heat exchanger maintains the desired process temperature. In accordance with the invention, the apparatus includes at least one atomizing nozzle contained within a vortex chamber for the fine atomization of the fermentation broth and for the mixing with process gas in the top of the tank above the fermentation broth. The fermentation broth in the lower portion of the tank is at a quiescent state without mechanical agitation.

Abstract: A method for forming gas or liquid aphrons with reversible surfactants or emulsifiers is described. Polymers which change their emulsifying properties upon change of pH, temperature or other condition are used to form the aphrons. The aphrons are useful for chemical reactions and separations, mass transfer processes, and for biological processes.

Abstract: Improved hollow fiber bioreactor systems and cell culture methods are described. The improvement includes means which may be a novel basket bioreactor for extending the extracapillary space of a conventional hollow fiber bioreactor.

Abstract: A reusable immobilized microbial composition is formulated. The formulated microbial composition comprises a synergistic mixture of the bacterial strains of Enterobacter cloaca, Citrobacter amalonaticus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Yersinia enterocolitica, Klebsiella oxytoca, Enterobacter sakazaki and Serratia liquefaciens. The formulated microbial composition is immobilized on an appropriate immobilizing agent to form beads. The said beads are tested as microbial seeding material for BOD analysis using Glucose Glutamic Acid (GGA) as a reference standard. The obtained BOD values by the formulated beads are compared with BOD values obtained by sewage as seeding material using synthetic samples as well as industrial effluents. The formulated microbial beads are ready-to-use as well as reusable seeding material in BOD analysis. The said beads can be reused up to five times with same efficacy.

Abstract: A method for efficiently providing supplemental oxygen to a reaction mixture which is oxidized by or otherwise uses air, wherein the reaction mixture is agitated to create one or more stationary vortices, oxygen is injected into the reactor vessel at a stationary vortex, and air bubbles are circulated within the reaction mixture in the reactor vessel and outside the stationary vortex or vortices into which the oxygen is injected.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for determining an analyte in a medium suspected of containing the analyte. One method comprises providing (1) combining a medium suspected of containing the analyte and a novel chemiluminescent compound, (2) combining a means for chemically activating the chemiluminescent compound; and (3) detecting the amount of luminescence generated by the chemiluminescent compound. The amount of luminescence generated is related to the amount of analyte in the medium. The chemiluminescent compound can be chemically activated by hydrogen peroxide. Compositions and kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is disclosed for the biological treatment, in particular composting, of biogenic and abiogenic substances and/or mixtures of substances in a compost pile in the presence of biologically active components such as microorganisms. The process occurs in a closed reactor having a plurality of reactor zones, namely the compost pile itself and at least one reactor gas space adjacent to the compost pile. Rotting conditions, changes in rotting conditions and/or process parameters in the compost pile are adjusted, maintained, controlled or regulated, steady-state, quasi-steady-state and/or non-steady-state operation of the reactor.

Abstract: This aerobic waste pretreatment process comprises inoculating a milk industry effluent with a mixture of bacteria and yeasts both classes of microorganisms capable of living and growing in symbiosis in the effluent, the population of the bacteria being, in most cases, several times greater than the population of the yeasts, maintaining the temperature and pH of the inoculated effluent between 0.degree. C. and 50.degree. C. and between 1.7 and 9, aerating the effluent while varying, if necessary, the pH at maximum rate of 1.5 pH units per minute and also, if required, modulating the aeration of the inoculated effluent at a maximum rate of 130 micromoles of oxygen per minute. A biomass is obtained which has a good nutritional value suitable for animal feed.

Abstract: A gas driven fermentation method is disclosed wherein a gas, such as air, is passed heterogeneously upwardly through a fermentation broth to agitate and recirculate the broth. Further, the provision of oxygen for fermentation permits the carbon dioxide to be stripped off; and in addition a second gas, such as a fluid-containing oxygen is passed homogeneously upwardly through the broth to provide for supplemental air flow for the fermentation. The heterogeneously flow is carried out at a superficial velocity greater than 0.03 meter/second (m/sec); and the homogenous flow is carried out at a superficial velocity less than 0.05 m/sec.

Abstract: Described is a method and device for conserving organs, body extremities and pieces of body tissue by means of an extracorporal circulation system. Conservation is carried out at room temperature or body temperature. Long-term conservation is carried out using three discrete circulation systems, the first supplying the organs, extremities or pieces of tissue with an aqueous physiological nutrient concentrate or with blood or with a blood product. The oxygen is physically dissolved and supplied through a dialysis membrane by the second circulation system, metabolite exchange and detoxication also taking place at this membrane. The third circulation system cuts in automatically, under timer control, to flush out the tissue. During flushing, circulation system (1) and (2) are switched off in order to avoid the liquids mixing with each other. The various elements of the device are connected up by means of disposable tubing or tubing made of sterilizable material.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method of use for a new simply constructed bioreactor made at least partially of gas permeable materials. The bioreactor is useful for culturing cells and tissues in suspension in a liquid nutrient medium with minimum turbulence. The bioreactor may include ports for easy access to the vessel culture, allowing the growth substrate to be varied for optimum performance. A method for culturing cells using the disclosed bioreactor is also described.

Abstract: A method of injecting gas-supersaturated fluids as a bubble-free effluent from a delivery system into a relatively low pressure, gas-depleted environment without cavitation or bubble formation. The method includes the steps of eliminating cavitation nuclei from within the delivery system, compressing a fluid and a gas at a high partial pressure to form a gas-supersaturated fluid, and ejecting the gas-supersaturated fluid through the delivery system into the environment without associated cavitation formation in the effluent.

Abstract: Compositions containing two species of indolyl-3-alkane alpha-hydroxylase (INDH) are isolated from Pseudomonas XA. An INDH1 composition contains protein subunits having molecular weights of 75,000, 34,500 and 32,500 daltons. An INDH2 composition contains protein subunits having molecular weights of 60,000, 44,000 and 42,000 daltons. Molecular weights are determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The compositions have a Specific INDH Activity of at least 10 international Units of INDH activity per milligram of protein, and contain less than 1 nanogram of endotoxin per International Unit of Specific INDH Activity. The INDH compositions may be immobilized on an insoluble matrix such as silica beads to provide at least 2.5 international Units of INDH activity per gram of Immobilized INDH composition. The INDH compositions are isolated by lysing Pseudomonas XA cells at a temperature of no more than 15.degree. C.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method of use for a new simply constructed bioreactor made at least partially of gas permeable materials. The bioreactor is useful for culturing cells and tissues in suspension as well as attached to the inside surface of the bioreactor in a liquid nutrient medium with minimum turbulence. The bioreactor may include ports for easy access to the vessel culture, allowing the growth substrate to be varied for optimum performance.

Abstract: A composting unit is disclosed having a ventilation system for closed rotting units. A number of fans, passageways, and valves are designed and arranged in such a way that they ensure flow of conditioned circulating air, as desired, over and/or through and/or around a static or agitated stack of composting material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a humus maker, particularly to an apparatus which turns household waste such as kitchen waste into mature humus, the apparatus having a lid and base with an internal windrow device which is operative to be turned manually to keep air holes in the base free for entry of air to promote aerobic decomposition, the air holes being in communication with channels through which water produced by the decomposition process escapes from the apparatus. The lid has hinged parts which are raisable for access to the interior, being held down by a handle of the windrow device in one operative position and freed for raising in a second operative position of the handle.

Abstract: A rotating cell vessel (4), designed to be simply constructed, and method of use have been developed. The vessel (4) is constructed of materials which are permeable to oxygen and carbon dioxide, and when rotated horizontally around central axis (10) suspends the contents, cells and particle substrates, in a liquid medium with a low turbulence, low shear fluid environment. The vessel walls (24) are made at least partially of gas permeable material. The vessel (4) is rotated to suspend the cells and substrate particles in a low turbulence liquid nutrient medium. Oxygen continuously diffuses through the permeable vessel material and through the cell culture liquid medium to provide the needed oxygen to the cells. Carbon dioxide diffuses through the cell culture medium and through the vessel wall (24), removing this waste product from the cell culture. A means for entrapping gas bubbles away from cell growth is also provided.

Abstract: A cell culture reactor can have one or more gasification modules in which tubular membrane hoses surround rigid inner tubes which extend above the membranes to communicate with gas inlets or outlets. The tube is anchored in a closure member at the lower end of the membrane.

Abstract: Culture vessels for cell cultures having at least one cell culture chamber containing a cell culture mixture that is separated by a dialysis membrane from a nutrient medium in a nutrient supply chamber. Nutrients are transported through the dialysis membrane into the cell culture chamber and metabolic products are transported out of the cell culture chamber into the nutrient supply chamber. A gas exchange membrane that at least partly delimits the cell culture chamber and that is impermeable to liquids and to microorganisms that could contaminate the cell cultures is provided for feeding the gases required for cell culturing to the culture chamber and for discharging the gases generated during cell culturing. The cell culture chamber can advantageously be configured as a stand-alone module supporting both the dialysis membrane and the gas exchange membrane.

Abstract: Method and device for the local composting and drying of organic wastes, which is employed for the collection and aerobic conversion on the spot of organic wastes so as to obtain a finished product, compost, intended for use as an agricultural improvement material. A bag-type container (11) is filled with those organic wastes (19), the container (11) having at least flexible walls permeable to air, the container (11) cooperating in its interior with a tube (13) which is at least partially perforated and is closed at its lower end, the tube (13) being associated outside the container (11) with a fan (18), the fan (18) being activated to create a forced circulation of air within the container (11) in order to achieve conversion of the organic wastes (19) into compost and possible drying thereof.

Abstract: A cell culture chamber with a novel hydrodynamic environment, constructed with gas permeable membranes is disclosed. The culture chamber is horizontally rotated, wall movement suspends cells and enhances oxygen mass transfer as cells aggregate and grow into 3-dimensional tissue.

Abstract: An equipment for the anaerobic fermentation of organic materials, which includes a plurality of nozzles for injecting biogas under pressure into a fermenter, which nozzles are fitted on the periphery of the fermenter to improve the flow of the materials within this fermenter as well as its efficiency and are fed with biogas by a pipeline shaped as two half-rings surrounding the fermenter and connected to a biogas supply, the equipment solving the problems of transit and fermentation of organic materials within fermenters with a large volume.

Abstract: The biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) of aqueous liquids containing organic matter is determined. A microorganism culture is aerated to exhaust the organic matter available to the microorganisms. An aqueous liquid test sample containing organic matter is added to the exhausted culture to measure the amount of oxygen consumed by the microorganisms. The determination of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) of the sample is determined in as little as 20 minutes. An apparatus is provided for determining BOD comprising a magnetic stirrer, an aerating instrument, a dissolved oxygen/temperature sensor, tubing pumps and a quick biochemical oxygen demand (QBOD) bottle. The BOD may be automatically calculated using the apparatus.

Abstract: Culture vessels for cell cultures having at least one cell culture chamber containing a cell culture mixture that is separated by a dialysis membrane from a nutrient medium in a nutrient supply chamber. Nutrients are transported through the dialysis membrane into the cell culture chamber and metabolic products are transported out of the cell culture chamber into the nutrient supply chamber. To provide a culture vessel for generating cell cultures with a high cell density that is economical to manufacture and easy to handle and to reduce the danger of infections, a gas exchange membrane, that at least partly delimits the cell culture chamber and that is impermeable to liquids and to microorganisms that could contaminate the cell cultures is provided for feeding the gases required for cell culturing to the culture chamber and for discharging the gases generated during cell culturing.

Abstract: A new rotating cell vessel and method of use have been developed. The vessel is constructed of materials which are permeable to oxygen and carbon dioxide, and when rotated horizontally suspend the contents, cells and particle substrates, in a liquid medium with a low turbulence, low shear fluid environment. The vessel walls are made at least partially of gas permeable material. The vessel is rotated in a horizontal plane to suspend the cells and substrate particles in a low turbulence liquid nutrient medium. Oxygen continuously diffuses through the permeable vessel material and through the cell culture liquid medium to provide the needed oxygen to the cells. Carbon dioxide diffuses through the cell culture medium and through the vessel wall, removing this waste product from the cell culture. The vessel is uniquely designed to be simply constructed.

Abstract: A device useful for growing aerobic microorganisms, particularly molds. The device employs a relatively small amount of water reconstitutable medium that can be sealed in order to prevent desiccation and contamination of the medium yet still provide an adequate supply of air to the medium, by the use of a membrane underlying the medium, to support the growth of aerobic microorganisms.