Disclosed herein is an improved automatic sampling and biochemical monitoring system for a microbial or cell culture or a biochemical reaction in a bioreactor.

Embodiments described herein generally provide for expanding cells in a cell expansion system. The cells may be grown in a bioreactor, and the cells may be activated by an activator (e.g., a soluble activator complex). Nutrient and gas exchange capabilities of a closed, automated cell expansion system may allow cells to be seeded at reduced cell seeding densities, for example. Parameters of the cell growth environment may be manipulated to load the cells into a particular position in the bioreactor for the efficient exchange of nutrients and gases. System parameters may be adjusted to shear any cell colonies that may form during the expansion phase. Metabolic concentrations may be controlled to improve cell growth and viability. Cell residence in the bioreactor may be controlled. In embodiments, the cells may include T cells. In further embodiments, the cells may include T cell subpopulations, including regulatory T cells (Tregs), for example.

Methods and apparatus for driving flow in a microfluidic arrangement are provided. In one disclosed arrangement, the microfluidic arrangement comprises a first liquid held predominantly by surface tension in a shape defining a microfluidic pattern on a surface of a substrate. The microfluidic pattern comprises at least an elongate conduit and a first reservoir. The area of contact between the substrate and a portion of the first liquid that forms the elongate conduit defines a conduit footprint. The area of contact between the substrate and a portion of the first liquid that forms the first reservoir defines a first reservoir footprint. The size and shape of each of the conduit footprint and the first reservoir footprint are such that a maximum Laplace pressure supportable by the first liquid in the elongate conduit without any change in the conduit footprint is higher than a maximum Laplace pressure supportable by the first liquid in the first reservoir without any change in the first reservoir footprint. A delivery member having an internal lumen leading to a distal opening through which liquid can be delivered is provided. Liquid is pumped into the microfluidic pattern through the distal opening while the distal opening is held in a delivery position. The delivery position is such that the liquid enters the microfluidic pattern via the elongate conduit and drives a flow of liquid into the first reservoir.

Systems, methods, and apparatuses of controlling fluid flow are disclosed. An apparatus includes a first microplate having a first open portion and defining one or more first wells therein, a second microplate having a second open portion and defining one or more second wells therein, and a pneumatic lid constructed of styrene ethylene butylene styrene (SEBS). The pneumatic lid extends over the first open portion and the second open portion and includes one or more microfluidic channels that fluidly couple the one or more first wells to the one or more second wells. The pneumatic lid provides an airtight seal over the first microplate and the second microplate.

Described herein are devices, systems, and methods to aid in the manipulation of cells. The devices, methods, and systems disclosed herein can be applied towards, for example, automation of the in vitro fertilization process.

A homogenized and integrated device with a coaxial line and double-high pressure cylinder, includes a long oil cylinder, two main connecting sleeves, two high pressure cylindrical homogenized main bodies, two auxiliary connecting sleeves and two short oil cylinders. The two main connecting sleeves, two high pressure cylindrical homogenized main bodies, two auxiliary connecting sleeves and two short oil cylinders are respectively and symmetrically arranged at two ends of the long oil cylinder and are assembled with the long oil cylinder along a same axial line. Each high pressure cylindrical homogenized main body is integrally connected with the long oil cylinder by virtue of one of the main connecting sleeves. Each high pressure cylindrical homogenized main body is integrally connected with the corresponding short oil cylinder by virtue of one of the auxiliary connecting sleeves.

A bioreaction container including a culture chamber configured to contain a culture solution and a life form in an inner space, the culture chamber having an open upper end; a chamber cover portion coupled to the upper end of the culture chamber, the chamber cover portion having a protruding tube provided on one side thereof so as to communicate with the inner space; a filter cap coupled to the protruding tube in an attachable/detachable manner so as to open/close the protruding tube; a gas introduction portion configured to penetrate the chamber cover portion and to communicate with the inner space so as to supply a predetermined gas into the inner space; and an acidity/basicity adjustment portion installed on the chamber cover portion while containing an adjustment solution that adjusts pH of the culture solution such that the adjustment solution is discharged into the inner space by pneumatic pressure.

An apparatus (100) for mixing multiphase flowing particles. The apparatus (100) comprises a conduit (100a) adapted to channelize the multiphase flowing particles. At least one flow diverter (101) is positioned in the conduit (100a), which is adapted to divert the flow of multiphase flowing particles into a plurality of flow streams. Further, at least one flow element (102) is disposed in the conduit (100a) along at least one of the plurality of flow streams, which is configured to inject fluid onto the plurality of flow streams at a velocity greater than the velocity of the plurality of flow streams. This induces a swirling flow of at least one of the plurality of flow streams, thereby facilitating mixing of the multiphase flowing particles in the conduit (100a).

The invention relates to a microbioreactor module for the three-dimensional cultivation of cells, especially stem cells. Said microbioreactor is intended for single use and, in an embodiment of the invention, can be used as a multi-microbioreactor.

An invention proposes a photobioreactor with a cultivation chamber in the form of a shallow closed duct that is irradiated by the sun light. The duct is constructed from an inflatable sleeve from transparent polymer film; this shallow duct is sandwiched between a bank of frames with wire nettings from below and glass panes from above, which are secured on the shelves of the longitudinal sides of the frames.

The shallow duct has small inclination regarding the horizontal plane and the length until several hundred meters. Two headers are supplying and removal of gaseous medium and suspension of microalgae into and out of the shallow duct.