Abstract: A bio-processing system (100) for wirelessly powering one or more sensors (116-128, 400) is presented. The system (100) includes bio-processing units (106-110), process supporting devices (112-114), energy sources (146-148), and sensors (116-128, 400) including an energy harvesting unit (402) and an energy storage unit (404). The system (100) includes a power management subsystem (104, 200) wirelessly coupled to the sensors (116-128, 400) and including a processor (202) configured to wirelessly monitor energy consumption of the sensors (116-128, 400) and a level of energy stored in corresponding energy storage units (404), select at least one sensor (116-128, 400) based on the energy consumption of the sensors (116-128, 400) and corresponding levels of energy stored in the energy storage units (404), and identify at least one active energy source (146-148) as a power source, where the identified power source is configured to wirelessly transfer power to the selected sensor (116-128, 400).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bioreactor including at least one reactor vessel in form of a plastic bag, a tray (4) for holding said at least one bag, a rocking device for limited rocking motions of the tray (4) around a rocking axis (2). According to the invention the bioreactor comprises a device (6,7,8,9) for enabling swinging of the tray (4) around a second axis (7) parallel to and distanced from the rocking axis (2).

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a microfluidic platforms or “chips” for testing and understanding cancer, and, more specifically, for understanding the factors that contribute to cancer invading tissues and causing metastases. Tumor cells are grown on microfluidic devices with other non-cancerous tissues under conditions that simulate tumor invasion. The interaction with immune cells can be tested to inhibit this activity by linking a cancer chip to a lymph chip.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation device includes a terminal electrode having an opening at a center thereof, a ground electrode having an area smaller than that of the terminal electrode, and a power source connected to the terminal electrode and the ground electrode and configured to apply an electrical stimulus to an object disposed between the terminal electrode and the ground electrode by applying a terminal voltage to the terminal electrode.

Abstract: Methane is generated from animal waste by anaerobic digestion using bacteria. A screen separator removes suspended solids greater in size than a predetermined size ranging from about 50? to about 150?. An electrocoagulation unit electrochemically hydrolyses the waste, causing particles to settle out. A dissolved carbon air flotation has a CO2 bubbler for separating large particles from small particles by flotation. An anaerobic digester produces biogas. The digester has a biocurtain for growing the bacteria and a heat exchanger for heating the bacteria. The biocurtain surface is convoluted to retain the bacteria. A membrane module removes CO2. A knock out pot for removes droplets of water. A scrubber removes water vapor, particulates, and contaminant gas. A compressor boosts pressure. A gas chromatograph monitors the biogas composition. A flare skid lowers excess pressure for safety. Biogas is injected into a local pipeline system.

Abstract: Described herein are variant, novel cannabinoid synthases, nucleic acids encoding same, and various uses thereof.

Abstract: A 4D-perfused tumoroid-on-a-chip platform used in personalized cancer treatment. The platform includes a plate with a plurality of bottomless wells that resides atop a microfluidic channel layer, which in turn resides atop a surface acoustic wave (SAW) based sensor layer that is capable of measuring potential pH values of fluids disposed within the platform. The microfluidic channel layer includes a plurality of bioreactors, with each bioreactor including an inlet well, a culture well, and an outlet well. The inlet well, culture well, and outlet well form a closed system via fluid conduits spanning from the inlet well to the culture well, as well as from the culture well to the outlet well. Due to the fluid flow from the plate to the chip, and from the inlet well to the outlet well on the chip through the culture well, target cell (tumoroid) growth is promoted within the culture well.

Abstract: A microfluidic device is contemplated comprising an open-top cavity with structural anchors on the vertical wall surfaces that serve to prevent gel shrinkage-induced delamination, a porous membrane (optionally stretchable) positioned in the middle over a microfluidic channel(s). The device is particularly suited to the growth of cells mimicking dermal layers.

Abstract: Methods and systems for thermally controlling a chemical reaction in droplets. In an exemplary method, a first thermal zone and a second thermal zone having different temperatures from one another may be created in a reaction chamber. An emulsion including droplets encapsulated by a carrier fluid may be held in the reaction chamber. The droplets may have a density mismatch with the carrier fluid, and each droplet may include one or more reactants for the chemical reaction. An orientation of the reaction chamber may be changed to move the droplets from the first thermal zone to the second thermal zone, such that a rate of the chemical reaction changes in at least a subset of the droplets.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a microfluidic devices and methods for culturing bone marrow cells. Aspects include methods of preparing microfluidic devices and culturing bone marrow cells with the microfluidic devices. In some aspects, a method includes providing a microfluidic device having an upper chamber, a lower chamber, and a porous membrane separating the upper chamber from the lower chamber. The method further includes seeding walls of the lower chamber and a bottom surface of the membrane with endothelial cells. The method further includes providing a matrix within the upper chamber. The matrix includes fibrin gel and bone marrow cells. The method further includes filling or perfusing the upper chamber with a media.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates compositions, devices and methods of simulating biological fluids in a fluidic device, including but not limited to a microfluidic chip. In one embodiment, fluid comprising a colloid under flow in a microfluidic chip has a fluid density or viscosity similar to a bodily fluid, e.g. blood, lymph, lung fluid, or the like. In one embodiment, a fluid is provided as a Theologically biomimetic blood surrogate or substitute for simulating physiological shear stress and cell dynamics in fluidic device, including but not limited to immune cells.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for generating cellular biomass in continuous aerobic fermentation systems. The biomass yield, and the concentration of polyhydroxyalkanoate within the biomass, are each directed to advantageous levels by operating the continuous fermentation system under particular nutrient limitation conditions. Also provided are biomass produced using the provided methods, and animal feed compositions including the provided biomass.

Abstract: A 4D-perfused tumoroid-on-a-chip platform used in personalized cancer treatment. The platform includes a plate with a plurality of bottomless wells that resides atop a microfluidic channel layer, which in turn resides atop a surface acoustic wave (SAW) based sensor layer that is capable of measuring potential pH values of fluids disposed within the platform. The microfluidic channel layer includes a plurality of bioreactors, with each bioreactor including an inlet well, a culture well, and an outlet well. The inlet well, culture well, and outlet well form a closed system via fluid conduits spanning from the inlet well to the culture well, as well as from the culture well to the outlet well. Due to the fluid flow from the plate to the chip, and from the inlet well to the outlet well on the chip through the culture well, target cell (tumoroid) growth is promoted within the culture well.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cell harvesting instrument suitable for concentrating cells from a source suspension of cells and/or washing said cells, the instrument comprising: a housing for accommodating mechanical elements including at least one fluid pump, at least one valve; and a processing kit removably insertable into the housing, said kit including a generally flat frame having or supporting plural sealed fluid paths arranged in a generally flat plane and such that fluids in the paths do not contact said mechanical elements, wherein at least portions of the fluid paths comprise flexible tubes, the outer surfaces of which are manipulateable by the or each fluid pump, to provide fluid flow in one or more of the paths and/or by the or each valve to restrict fluid flow in one or more of the paths. In an embodiment, the kit comprises also a fluid processing reservoir and a filter suitable for separating cells from fluid in said paths.

Abstract: The devices, methods and systems are described for providing controlled amounts of gas, gas pressure and vacuum to microfluidic devices the culturing of cells under flow conditions. The devices, methods, and systems contemplated here may also be used to control the environment surrounding the microfluidic devices; offer user control over experiments comprising microfluidic devices, such as the ability to directly or remotely control experiment conditions; and comprise information aggregation and transmission, such that experimental data may be collected, stored, aggregated and transmitted to users.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for isolating stem cells from fetal tissues, which device has an incubation chamber, at least one pump, at least one reservoir for a tissue break-down solution, at least one reservoir for a rinsing solution, optionally a control unit, optionally a means for removing contaminants, and optionally a means for expansion of the isolated stem cells. The invention further relates to a method for isolating stem cells from fetal tissue, which method comprises, among other things, the mechanical dissociation and the enzymatic digestion of the fetal tissue and optionally density gradient centrifugation for removing contaminants. The device and the method according to the invention are particularly suitable for isolating mesenchymal stem cells from fetal tissues, such as umbilical cord tissue, placenta tissue, or fetal lung tissue.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a microfluidic platforms or “chips” for testing and understanding cancer, and, more specifically, for understanding the factors that contribute to cancer invading tissues and causing metastases. Tumor cells are grown on microfluidic devices with other non-cancerous tissues under conditions that simulate tumor invasion. The interaction with immune cells can be tested to inhibit this activity by linking a cancer chip to a lymph chip.

Abstract: Methods are described for generating autologous tissue grafts, including generating grafts at the point of care, which include isolated cell populations that are enriched with stem cells and are mixed with biological fillers including hyaluronic acid and derivatives thereof. The hyaluronic acid localizes the cells to a desired injection site and stimulates collagen production thus enhancing the viability and the longevity of the graft.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical analysis device and a cell analysis method with which it is possible to count the number of cancer cells, culture the cancer cells, and determine the effect of drugs on the cancer cells. The present invention relates to a medical analysis device intended to capture cancer cells, the medical analysis device having multiple wells.

Abstract: Residence structures, systems, and related methods are generally provided. Certain embodiments comprise administering (e.g., orally) a residence structure to a subject (e.g., a patient) such that the residence structure is retained at a location internal to the subject for a particular amount of time (e.g., at least about 24 hours) before being released. The residence structure may be, in some cases, a gastric residence structure. In some embodiments, the structures and systems described herein comprise one or more materials configured for high levels of active substances (e.g., a therapeutic agent) loading, high active substance and/or structure stability in acidic environments, mechanical flexibility and strength in an internal orifice (e.g., gastric cavity), easy passage through the GI tract until delivery to at a desired internal orifice (e.g., gastric cavity), and/or rapid dissolution/degradation in a physiological environment (e.g., intestinal environment) and/or in response to a chemical stimulant (e.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to automated cell culture incubators. In some embodiments, automated cell culture incubators comprise an integrated manipulation device having one or more cell scrapers.

Abstract: This disclosure describes an improved heat transfer system for use in reaction vessels used in chemical and biological processes. In one embodiment, a heat transfer baffle comprising two sub-assemblies adjoined to one another is provided.

Abstract: An evaporative cooling system includes a porous ceramic body with a plurality of dry channels and a plurality of wet channels. The plurality of dry channels are configured to inhibit transfer of water vapor into the dry channels and include a barrier layer that includes a roughened layer with a features size less than 1000 nm and a hydrophobic chemical modification disposed on the roughened layer. The plurality of wet channels are configured to allow transfer of water vapor.

Abstract: A culture system includes a dish and a lid. The dish comprises a base, a sidewall extending from the base, and a track extending outwardly from an outer surface of the sidewall. The lid comprises a central horizontal wall and a recess formed by two sidewalls and a top wall. At least one key extends downwardly from the recess. The sidewall of the dish extends into the recess of the lid, and the key engages the track. The track is shaped so that the lid rises or falls relative to the base of the dish when the lid is rotated relative to the dish.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides touch communication devices that can convey touch information to a human user and/or receive touch information from the human user. As one example, a touch communication device can include a plurality of tactile units. The touch communication device can individually control each of the tactile units to apply a respective pressure to a surface adjacent to such tactile unit. For example, the touch communication device can control the plurality of tactile units to convey a touch communication to a human user that has the touch communication device adjacent to a portion of his body. As another example, the touch communication device is configured to determine a counter-pressure applied to each tactile unit by the surface adjacent to such tactile unit. The touch communication device can generate information descriptive of a touch communication performed by the human user on the touch communication device.

Abstract: A microfluidic device is contemplated comprising an open-top cavity with structural anchors on the vertical wall surfaces that serve to prevent gel shrinkage-induced delamination, a porous membrane (optionally stretchable) positioned in the middle over a microfluidic channel(s). The device is particularly suited to the growth of cells mimicking dermal layers.

Abstract: An in vitro microfluidic gut-on-chip is described herein that mimics the structure and at least one function of specific areas of the gastrointestinal system in vivo. In particular, a multicellular, layered, microfluidic culture is described, allowing for interactions between lamina propria-derived cells and gastrointestinal epithelial cells and endothelial cells. This in vitro microfluidic system can be used for modeling inflammatory gastrointestinal tissue, e.g., Crohn's disease, colitis and other inflammatory gastrointestinal disorders. These multicellular, layered microfluidic gut-on-chip further allow for comparisons between types of gastrointestinal tissues, e.g., small intestinal deuodejeum, small intestinal ileium, large intestinal colon, etc., and between disease states of gastrointestinal tissue, i.e. healthy, pre-disease and diseased areas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for culturing cells in a cell culture container having a base section, a top section arranged in parallel with the top section and a wall element arranged between the top section and the base section and defining an internal lumen of the container, in which the wall element of the container is compressible with respect to the top and bottom section, and in which the top section of the container has an optionally sealable inlet, in which the container is composed of a flexible material, comprising culturing cells in a culture medium in the cell culture container.

Abstract: A biocontainment vessel includes a vessel structure including a structural composition and an enhancement composition associated with the structural composition. The enhancement composition includes a co-polymer. The co-polymer is a poly(glycerol sebacate) or a poly(glycerol sebacate urethane). The enhancement composition may also include an augmentation agent associated with the co-polymer. The enhancement composition is located with respect to the structural composition such that the enhancement composition benefits biological cells contained in the biocontainment vessel. A composition includes a co-polymer and an augmentation agent contained by the co-polymer. A method of containing biological cells includes placing the biological cells in an augmented biocontainment vessel and storing them in the augmented biocontainment vessel under predetermined conditions. An augmented substrate includes a substrate and an enhancement composition coating a surface of the substrate.

Abstract: Embodiments include a reaction vessel having a first reaction chamber filled with a first material; a first light absorbing region adhered to an interior-facing surface of the first reaction chamber; a second reaction chamber filled with a second material; a second light absorbing region adhered to an interior-facing surface of the second reaction chamber; a temperature sensor disposed within the second reaction chamber; and one or more energy sources configured to direct light at the first light absorbing region and the second light absorbing region. A processor may be employed to determine a first temperature of the first material from a second temperature of the second material measured by the temperature sensor. Methods of manufacturing such a reaction vessel are also disclosed.

Abstract: An in vitro microfluidic device includes a device configured to model a blood-brain barrier. The device includes a center well in fluidic communication with each of an inlet and an outlet. Each of the center well, inlet, and outlet includes a porous membrane that separates a “blood” portion (a fluid flow portion) from a “brain” portion (a fluid containing portion). The porous membrane is seeded with endothelial cells such as the human venule endothelial cells (HUVECs) on the blood side, and with astrocytes on the brain side, to accurately model the blood-brain barrier. Fluid flows between the inlet, the center well, and the outlet to test the permeability of the porous membrane, thereby providing an accurate in vitro model of a blood-brain barrier.

Abstract: A co-assembly method for synthesizing inverse photonic structures is described. The method includes combining an onium compound with a sol-gel precursor to form metal oxide (MO) nanocrystals, where each MO nanocrystal has crystalline and amorphous content. The MO nanocrystals are combined with templating particles to form a suspension. A solvent is evaporated from the suspension to form an intermediate or compound product, which then undergoes calcination to produce an inverse structure.

Abstract: One or more light sources may apply stimuli to a colony of organisms. The stimuli may include visible and non-visible light. The stimuli, taken together, may tend to favor survival of organisms that are adapted to perform photosynthesis which involves absorbing energy from infrared or ultraviolet light. In some cases, the set of stimuli may include illuminating the entire colony of organisms with green light, illuminating only a first portion of the colony with pulsed ultraviolet light, and illuminating only a second portion of the colony with pulsed infrared light.

Abstract: The invention relates to culturing brain endothelial cells, and optionally astrocytes and neurons in a fluidic device under conditions whereby the cells mimic the structure and function of the blood brain barrier. Culture of such cells in a microfluidic device, whether alone or in combination with other cells, drives maturation and/or differentiation further than existing systems.

Abstract: The invention essentially consists in advantageously using and arranging at least one robot (8) relative to one or more storage recipients (4) and a transfer station (5) for transferring the containers to the unit in such a way as to take advantage of the flexibility of movement and grip offered by the arm or arms of the robot or robots and its/their gripping member, in order to automate all of the operations carried out manually by an operator in conventional biobanks.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of surface modification. In particular, the invention relates to the surface modification of microfluidic devices to alter surface hydrophobicity characteristics.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of culturing a mammalian cell and various methods that utilize these culturing methods. Also provided are multi-well cell culture plates, e.g., for use in perfusion culturing methods.

Abstract: A system and method adapted to have high sensitivity to the formation of biofilm by mixed community bacteria in fluids. The system enhances corrosion imbalance by differentiating conditions between metal sensor elements immersed in the liquid being monitored. The liquid may be diverted to and flowed through a sample chamber where adjacent sensor elements may reside in different flow velocity or temperature regions. The differentiated conditions allow for different film formation on one of the sensor elements relative to the other, and also more quickly than in the main system from which the sampled liquid has been diverted. The differentiated formation allows the use of measurement of polarization current between the metal sensors to produce data with superior resolution relative to prior methods. The speed of film formation promoted by the differentiated conditions allows for determination of risk of film formation in the main system prior to that film's formation in the main system.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure may be drawn to a device having a vessel configured to contain a source of lipids and a chamber fluidly connected to an outlet of the vessel. The chamber may contain immobilized lipase positioned within a flow path in the chamber along which the lipids flow when released from the vessel into the chamber. The device may also include an outlet through which the lipids flow after passing through the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention describes an automated platform for inoculating a variety of receptacles with biological samples for testing and analysis. The lab automation system includes a plurality of modules used to automate the inoculation of media for subsequent analysis. In this regard, the lab automation system has one module to enter specimen/order information and store an inventory of petri dishes. Another module is used to label the sample receptacles with a unique identifier that associates the receptacles with the sample. Yet another module includes a robot for retrieving sample and inoculating the receptacles. The sample inoculation module also includes an apparatus that will receive slides, inoculate those slides, and further process the slides for analysis. Finally, the lab automation system includes a module that streaks the culture media with the sample. Thus, the automated lab system described herein provides consistent samples with minimal input from a lab operator.

Abstract: A filter holding device (1; 41; 75; 81) arranged for providing at least one filter (7; 43a, 43b; 85) inside a flexible bag (3; 71), said filter holding device comprising attaching means (19a-d, 21a-d; 79; 83) for attaching the filter holding device to an inner surface of the flexible bag such that the at least one filter held by the filter holding device is provided at a distance from the inner surface of the flexible bag.

Abstract: A system and methods for aerosol delivery of an entity or agent are disclosed. The system and methods can include a target application surface. A nebulizer can be located in close proximity to the target application surface. The nebulizer can include a chamber to hold the entity, a nozzle plate including one nozzle, and a piezoelectric element coupled to the nozzle plate. A power source can be coupled to the piezoelectric element. The power source, when activated, can energize the piezoelectric element to vibrate the nozzle plate to cause the entity to be nebulized through the nozzle to impact the target application surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a carbon dioxide conversion reactor and more particularly, to a carbon dioxide conversion reactor capable of converting carbon dioxide contained in flue gas into an aqueous bicarbonate solution that may be used in many applications; and at the same time, preventing back pressure from increasing due to supplied flue gas by allowing a conversion process to rapidly proceed, thereby significantly reducing the level of carbon dioxide contained in flue gas with high efficiency and high conversion speed, a series reactor for converting and capturing carbon dioxide including the carbon dioxide conversion reactor, and a process of converting and capturing carbon dioxide using the carbon dioxide conversion reactor.

Abstract: A microfluidic device is contemplated comprising an open-top cavity with structural anchors on the vertical wall surfaces that serve to prevent gel shrinkage-induced delamination, a porous membrane (optionally stretchable) positioned in the middle over a microfluidic channel(s). The device is particularly suited to the growth of cells mimicking dermal layers.

Abstract: The cell structure producing apparatus including needles, a sticking unit configured to detachably hold an end portion of each of the needles, descend the each of the needles with respect to a cell tray in which cell aggregates are held, stick and penetrate each of the cell aggregates with the tip end, and ascend the needle after sticking, at least one time or more, a base unit, and a control unit configured to move the sticking unit so that for the each of the needles, each of the needles sticking the cell aggregates is positioned at a predetermined position over the base unit, descend each of the needles by a predetermined amount to stick the tip end into the base unit at the predetermined position on the base unit, and control the sticking unit.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing a single-use, disposable module or manifold for testing and analysis of bioprocesses, as well as a portable and compact device which can be used with the module or manifold. A module comprising a valve, a filter or guard column, an affinity column, and a flow cell is provided with several ports for receiving tubing connections for a sample and one or more solvents, as well as one or more outlet ports for connections to one or more waste reservoirs. The flow cell may use UV light to determine a protein concentration of a sample in one particular example. The module can be connected directly or indirectly to a bioreactor containing the bioprocess and material to be sampled, and can be disposed of once a production run has been completed. In addition, manifolds are provided which can be embodied as a valve assembly, and which can comprise the same components and features as the disposable module. The manifolds and modules are compact and easy to use.

Abstract: The invention provides integrated Organ-on-Chip microphysiological systems representations of living Organs and support structures for such microphysiological systems.

Abstract: An apparatus 100 for cultivating bacteria, comprising a conduit 101 having an upstream and a downstream section and the downstream section of the conduit 101 comprising first Venturi eductor means 111 with at least two inlet ports 117, 118 wherein one of said inlet ports 117 is in fluid communication with a supply of nutrient and another one of said inlet ports 118 is in fluid communication with a supply of bacteria such that, in use, nutrient and bacteria are drawn into said Venturi eductor means 111 by a fluid passing along said conduit 101 and said Venturi eductor means 111.

Abstract: Cell and organ (or tissue) cultures provide a micro-environment with respect to nutrients, gas exchange, and scaffolding in order to encourage specific cell function, and in some cases to mimic in-vivo cellular expression under in-vitro conditions. We describe apparatus and methods to chemically, spatially, and temporally measure diffusible molecules produced, or used by cells or tissues in culture. In this manner, mechanisms of cell-cell interaction and other chemical signaling, detailed biochemical pathways, and the action of potential pharmaco-therapy agents can be better understood at a molecular level. In addition to basic science, the technical advantages of process monitoring and control can be applied to optimize culture products in bioreactors. Embodiments of this device are intended to simulate and monitor [input and output] the behavior of vascular capillary beds in higher species vascular systems.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and compositions for the pretreatment of biomass within seconds with low inhibitor formation. The pretreatment process is used to convert biomass to a fuel or other useful chemicals by subjecting the feedstock to a rapid retention time under pressure and temperature and/or chemical reactant. The system includes a continuously-operating valve discharge apparatus to discharge pretreated feedstock while maintaining uniform pressure on the pretreatment system.