A system, methods, and apparatus are described to collect and prepare single cells, nuclei, subcellular components, and biomolecules from specimens including tissues and in some embodiments use the single cells to form organoids or microtissues. The system can perform enzymatic and/or physical disruption of the tissue to dissociate it into single-cells and then use a hanging droplet method to form organoids or microtissues.

Biomass feedstocks (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) are processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy materials, to produce a product or intermediate, e.g., energy, a food, a fuel, or a material.

The present invention relates to a fractionated coupled apparatus for saccharifying biomass and a method for saccharifying biomass using the apparatus, and more particularly, to a fractionated coupled apparatus and method for saccharifying biomass, in which biomass mixed with enzyme is first saccharified in a single-tubular plug-flow reactor (PFR) unit, and then distributed into and saccharified in a second multi-tubular PFR unit comprising 2-100 PFRs, each having a diameter smaller than that of the single-tubular PFR unit. According to the present invention, biomass is first saccharified in a PFR having a relatively large diameter, and then distributed into and saccharified in PFRs having a relatively small diameter. Thus, a high concentration of a sugar compound can be obtained without having to use an additional mixer.

Methods of decellularization of tissue, such as mammalian tissue, through use of cyclical pressure changes are provided, along with methods of making an extracellular matrix (ECM) preparation.

A method of extracting DNA from a biological sample includes the steps of freezing a biological sample; mechanically breaking down the sample to produce a processed sample; mixing the processed sample with a lysis solution; and cycling the mixture through a series of pressure fluctuations to produce a resulting lysate. The method may further include the steps of exposing the lysate to a material that binds to DNA present in the sample and collecting the DNA from the sample using an elution solution. An apparatus for practicing the method includes a first segment for mechanically breaking down the sample; a second segment for pressurizing a mixture of the processed sample and lysis solution to produce a lysate; and wherein the first segment is fluidly coupled to the second segment. The apparatus may also include a third segment in which the lysate is exposed to the binding material.

A method for producing a pumpable slurry from a cellulose-containing feedstock is presented herein.

Provided is a biomass hydrothermal decomposition system which includes: a biomass supply unit that supplies a biomass raw material; hydrothermally decomposing the biomass raw material using pressurized hot water; a hydrothermal decomposition unit that dissolves lignin components and hemicellulose components in the pressurized hot water; a biomass solid fraction discharge unit that discharges a biomass solid fraction from the hydrothermal decomposition unit; an enzymatic liquefaction tank that is in connection with the biomass solid fraction discharge unit, and in which the discharged biomass solid fraction is introduced, and an enzyme is supplied to the biomass solid fraction to liquefy the biomass solid fraction; and a discharge unit that discharges the liquefied biomass solid fraction.

A portable apparatus for collection and processing of human biological material containing adipose, such as extracted during a lipoplasty procedure, is useful for multi-step processing to prepare a concentrated product (e.g., stromal vascular fraction) or a fat graft composition. The apparatus has a container with an internal containment volume with a tissue retention volume and a filtrate volume separated by a filter and with a tapered portion to a collection volume for collecting concentrate product. The apparatus has fluid suction features including a suction port and a conduit providing fluid communication from the suction port to a location within the filtrate volume within a tapered portion of the internal containment volume, and optionally including a second suction port and a second conduit to a different location in the filtrate volume with the second conduit being configured to permit elevation adjustment within the filtrate volume. Methods include use of the fluid suction features during collection of human biological material and/or post collection.

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.

The present invention relates to the use of warmers, or autonomous heat packs, for heating and maintaining a solution on at a suitable temperature, for the period of time required to accomplish a chemical, biochemical or biological reaction, in particular in molecular biology or cell biology applications. Biology kits containing warmers are also part of this invention.