Devices and methods for the efficient disaggregation of tissue samples, separating the tissue into individual intact cells or small aggregates of cells for analysis. A device may include a chamber to receive fluid and a tissue specimen containing more than one cell to be disaggregated. The chamber may include an opening and an agitator in fluid contact with the fluid and the tissue specimen. The agitator may include a micromotor which provides rotational motion to a shaft and an impeller fixed to the shaft such that the impeller and the shaft rotate together upon provision of the rotational motion by the micromotor. The device may include an electrical energy source electrically coupled to the micromotor to rotate the impeller sufficient to disaggregate the one or more individual cells from the tissue specimen and in a manner which does not lyse the one or more individual cells.

An automated method includes providing a dry ingredient to be reconstituted into a liquid bioprocess solution and controlling, by a processing circuit, all automated system including at least one mixing chamber, an array of tubing for fluid flow within the system, and a plurality of valves provided within the tubing, to automatically prepare the liquid bioprocess solution from the dry ingredient. Controlling the auto system may include performing a series of sequential mixing steps, the series of sequential mixing steps causing the preparation of the liquid bioprocess solution. The method mixing include taking one or more measurements during the preparation of the liquid bioprocess solution, wherein each step is triggered by at least one of a measurement decreasing below, equaling, or exceeding a measurement threshold. Each step may also include opening or closing, by the processing circuit, at least one of the plurality of valves.

A method of processing a biological sample to obtain single cells and/or groups of cells comprises: fixing cells of the biological sample using a fixative; contacting the biological sample with a dissociation medium; dissociating the biological sample in the presence of the dissociation medium to obtain the single cells and/or groups of cells; wherein the fixative comprises a deep eutectic solvent. Fixing cells of the biological sample using a deep eutectic solvent facilitates dissociation of the biological sample into single cells, while at the same time inhibiting the degradation of biomolecules such as DNA and RNA in the cells. Also provided is an apparatus useful in the method, deep eutectic solvents and uses thereof, and a method of extracting cell nuclei.

Methods and devices are disclosed for processing stromal precursor cells (i.e., cells which can differentiate into connective tissue cells, such as in muscles, ligaments, or tendons) which can be obtained from fatty tissue extracts obtained via liposuction. Normal processing of a liposuction extract involves centrifugation, to concentrate the stromal cells into a semi-concentrated form called “spun fat”. That “spun fat” can then be treated by mechanical processing (such as pressure-driven extrusion through 0.5 mm holes) under conditions which can gently pry the stromal cells away from extra-cellular collagen fibers and other debris in the “spun fat”. The extruded mixture is then centrifuged again, to separate a highly-enriched population of stromal cells which is suited for injection back into the patient (along with platelet cells, if desired, to further promote tissue repair or regeneration).

A process and system provides for atraumatic preparation of morselized Tissue Particles (TP)s, such as Full Thickness Skin Graft Particles (FTSGPs), cartilage particles and other organ tissue particles, in a liquid medium. The resultant tissue product may be a suspension of Tissue Particles in an aqueous solution and containing highly viable cells and may be rapidly prepared at bedside or in the operating room and conveniently delivered to a patient through a syringe or similar applicator. The morselized Tissues Particles may be used for surgical applications including wound healing, cosmetic surgery, and orthopedic cartilage repairs.

The device has a film-shaped main body part 1, and predetermined region in the film surface of the main body part has a mesh structure in which a large number of through-holes 20 are arranged. The through-hole has an opening shape having a size allowing smaller cell aggregates to pass through, and the rest of the through-hole is the beam part 30. The beam part is a part that cuts a cell aggregate to be divided, and is integrally connected to form a network. The cell aggregate can be divided by passing the cell aggregate to be divided through the mesh structure of the device together with the liquid.

The present invention provides for methods and devices suitable for producing a transplantable cellular suspension of living tissue suitable for grafting to a patient. In applying the method and/or in using the device, donor tissue is harvested, subjected to a cell dissociation treatment, cells suitable for grafting back to a patient are collected and dispersed in a solution that is suitable for immediate dispersion over the recipient graft site.

An improved dry grind system and method for producing a sugar stream from grains or similar carbohydrate sources and/or residues, such as for biofuel production. In particular, a sugar/carbohydrate stream, which includes a desired Dextrose Equivalent (DE) where DE describes the degree of conversion of starch to dextrose (aka glucose) and/or has had removed therefrom an undesirable amount of unfermentable components, can be produced after saccharification and prior to fermentation (or other sugar conversion process), with such sugar stream being available for biofuel production, e.g., alcohol production, or other processes. In addition, the systems and methods also can involve the removal of certain grain components, e.g., corn kernel components, including protein, oil and/or fiber, prior to fermentation or other conversion systems. In other words, sugar stream production and/or grain component separation occurs on the front end of the system and method.

An apparatus and a method for composting organic material. The apparatus comprises a container (10) having a first end (11), a second end (12) in the form of a hemispherical wall, and a jacket (13) extending between said ends. The container operates in an inclined (al) position. A transporting and mixing device (30) in the container transports organic material in a transport direction (L1) from the first to the second end and simultaneously mixes the organic material. The transporting and mixing device directs the organic material towards the hemispheric wall, whereby the organic material is first directed upwards along the hemispheric wall and then turned back against the transport direction. A fluffing device (40) in the container comprises a shaft (41) being perpendicular to the transport direction (L1) and cutter blades (50) extending outwards from the shaft (41).

A process and system provides for atraumatic preparation of morselized Tissue Particles (TP)s, such as Full Thickness Skin Graft Particles (FTSGPs), cartilage particles and other organ tissue particles, in a liquid medium. The resultant tissue product may be a suspension of Tissue Particles in an aqueous solution and containing highly viable cells and may be rapidly prepared at bedside or in the operating room and conveniently delivered to a patient through a syringe or similar applicator. The morselized Tissues Particles may be used for surgical applications including wound healing, cosmetic surgery, and orthopedic cartilage repairs.