Devices, methods, and kits directed towards collecting and preparing cells using a separable sample collection layer may be configured to collect or treat cells from a liquid sample with mechanisms for easy transfer of the cells prior to analysis or imaging. The separable sample collection layer may comprise a porous membrane that cells may be collected on, and one or more support layers comprising tape with one or more adhesive coatings and release liner. The devices, methods and kits may be configured with support layers comprising cutouts that form vertically or horizontally oriented microchannels for efficiently removing undesirable liquid. Following collection and/or treatment, cells collected onto the porous membrane may be adhered to another surface for further processing or analysis.

Multi-stage acoustophoretic devices for continuously separating a second fluid or a particulate from a host fluid are disclosed. Methods of operating the multi-stage acoustophoretic devices are also disclosed. The systems may include multiple acoustophoretic devices fluidly connected to one another in series, each acoustophoretic device comprising a flow chamber, an ultrasonic transducer capable of creating a multi-dimensional acoustic standing wave, and a reflector. The systems can further include pumps and flowmeters.

Algae harvesting and cultivating systems and methods for producing high concentrations of algae product with minimal energy. In an embodiment, a dead-end filtration system and method includes at least one tank and a plurality hollow fiber membranes positioned in the at least one tank. An algae medium is pulled through the hollow fiber membranes such that a retentate and a permeate are produced.

Acoustophoretic devices for separating particles from a non-flowing host fluid are disclosed. The devices include a substantially acoustically transparent container and a separation unit, with the container being placed within the separation unit. An ultrasonic transducer in the separation unit creates a planar or multi-dimensional acoustic standing wave within the container, trapping particles disposed within the non-flowing fluid and causing them to coalesce or agglomerate, then separate due to buoyancy or gravity forces.

The invention relates to a separator for retaining and recirculating cells in a continuous-flow or batch-flow type plastic bag or bottle, which can preferably be operated outside of a bioreactor. Additionally, the invention relates to a method for retaining and recirculating cells within or outside a bioreactor. The invention further relates to a method for producing the separator according to the invention.

An apparatus for harvesting algae from an open body of water includes a boat having a pair of spaced apart parallel flotation members and a deck disposed on and connected to the members. The spaced apart members define an area therebetween forming a process channel. A separating mechanism disposed on the boat separates the process channel into a plurality of process channel sections arranged in series. The process channel sections are disposed intermediate the flotation members. Each of the process channel sections include a deflector plate, a scum beach, a scum trough, and diffused air piping. The diffused air piping is in fluid communication with a dissolved air flotation system.

An apparatus for collecting or culturing cells or cell colonies includes: a common substrate formed from a flexible resilient polymeric material and having a plurality of wells formed therein; and a plurality of rigid cell carriers releasably connected to said common substrate, with said carriers arranged in the form of an array, and with each of the carriers resiliently received in one of the wells. A method of collecting or culturing cells or cell colonies with such an apparatus is carried out by depositing a liquid media carrying cells on the apparatus so that said cells settle on or adhere to said the carriers; and then (c) releasing at least one selected carrier having said cells thereon by gradual application of release energy to each carrier from the cavity in which it is received (e.g., by pushing with a probe).

An acoustophoretic device is disclosed. The acoustophoretic device includes an acoustic chamber, an ultrasonic transducer, and a reflector. The ultrasonic transducer includes a piezoelectric material driven by a voltage signal to create a multi-dimensional acoustic standing wave in the acoustic chamber emanating from a non-planar face of the piezoelectric material. A method for separating a second fluid or a particulate from a host fluid is also disclosed. The method includes flowing the mixture through an acoustophoretic device. A voltage signal is sent to drive the ultrasonic transducer to create the multi-dimensional acoustic standing wave in the acoustic chamber such that the second fluid or particulate is continuously trapped in the standing wave, and then agglomerates, aggregates, clumps, or coalesces together, and subsequently rises or settles out of the host fluid due to buoyancy or gravity forces, and exits the acoustic chamber.

A system for isolating a target molecule from a bioprocess fluid includes a single-use disposable separation device having a plurality of perimeter-bonded layers defining one or more mesofluidic channels of the separation device, wherein each layer includes a biocompatible polymer material, wherein the separation device is configured to separate at least a portion of particles from the bioprocess fluid to generate a substantially clarified bioprocess fluid, and a chromatography system fluidically coupled at the outflow of the separation device in a configuration for further processing the clarified bioprocess fluid.

A cell separation and culture device having a porous substrate; and a patterned carbon powder layer having a plurality of hollow regions, formed on an upper surface of the porous substrate by a forming manner; wherein the thickness of the patterned carbon powder layer is 0.04-0.08 mm. The cell separation and culture device is able to separate, detect or culture cells with various size and shape. The cell separation and culture device of present invention also simplifies the process of cell separation, detection and culture; therefore, it is accomplished within a very short time.