A cell culture system is provided that includes a bioreactor vessel having an interior void defining a cell culture space, an inlet fluidly connected to a first end of the cell culture space, and an outlet fluidly connected to a second end of the cell culture space; and at least one cell growth element disposed in the cell culture space. The cell growth element includes a cell culture substrate surrounding a support element extending in a direction from the first end to the second end of the cell culture space.

Disclosed is an internally illuminated bioreactor, and related algae production methods, that employ integrated in-water grow light assemblies configured to manage the heat generated by lighting elements, such as light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) on the in-water grow lights. The bioreactor includes an outer shell and one or more in-water grow light fixtures positioned within the outer shell that are positioned around the perimeter of a hollow, internal tube. The lighting elements and internal tube are themselves contained within a preferably clear, exterior tube of the light fixture that allows light generated by the lighting elements to pass through to the algae culture inside of the growth chamber. A heat management system is provided for cooling the light fixture using forced directed through the hollow, internal tube from the top to the bottom of the tube, out from outlets at the bottom of the internal tube, and upward in the fixture through buoyancy of the warmed air, and thus without additional mechanical air handling devices. As the air moves upward between the lighting elements and the exterior tube, it draws additional heat away from the lighting elements. The warmed air is ultimately exhausted from the top of the lighting fixture. Each lighting fixture preferably also includes a cleaning system that enables the automated cleaning of the outer surface of the exterior tube of the lighting fixture, thus preventing newly formed algae from collecting on the lighting fixture and ensuring a continuous flow of light from the fixture into the algae culture throughout algae production.

Disclosed is an internally illuminated bioreactor, and related algae production methods, that employ integrated in-water grow light assemblies configured to manage the heat generated by lighting elements, such as light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) on the in-water grow lights. The bioreactor includes an outer shell and one or more in-water grow light fixtures positioned within the outer shell that are positioned around the perimeter of a hollow, internal tube. The lighting elements and internal tube are themselves contained within a preferably clear, exterior tube of the light fixture that allows light generated by the lighting elements to pass through to the algae culture inside of the growth chamber. A heat management system is provided for cooling the light fixture using forced directed through the hollow, internal tube from the top to the bottom of the tube, out from outlets at the bottom of the internal tube, and upward in the fixture through buoyancy of the warmed air, and thus without additional mechanical air handling devices. As the air moves upward between the lighting elements and the exterior tube, it draws additional heat away from the lighting elements. The warmed air is ultimately exhausted from the top of the lighting fixture. Each lighting fixture preferably also includes a cleaning system that enables the automated cleaning of the outer surface of the exterior tube of the lighting fixture, thus preventing newly formed algae from collecting on the lighting fixture and ensuring a continuous flow of light from the fixture into the algae culture throughout algae production.

Described are methods, cell growth substrates, and devices that are useful in preparing cell-containing graft materials for administration to patients. Tubular passages can be defined in cell growth substrates to promote distribution of cells into the substrates. Also described are methods and devices for preparing cell-seeded graft compositions, methods and devices for preconditioning cell growth substrates prior to application of cells, and cell seeded grafts having novel substrates, and uses thereof.

The present invention provides mesh rolled scaffold devices and bioreactor systems that can provide a large surface-to-volume ratio for expanded cell culture. The mesh rolled scaffolds minimize shear stress on cultured cells and support sufficient and uniform mass transfer rates of gases and nutrients. The mesh rolled scaffolds can be connected to a media source via holders in bioreactor systems to support large-scale expansion and maintenance of cell cultures. The present invention also provides the bioreactor systems that can include dialyzers and heat exchangers to modify media and other fluids passing through the systems. The bioreactor systems include media and other fluid reservoirs that can support high stirring rates between about 100 and 10000 rpm, and the overall systems can be pressurized between about 1 and 10 atm to increase gas exchange rates.

Devices and methods for culturing microorganisms are disclosed. In some aspects, the devices include two frame bodies. The two frame bodies may comprise a first-type frame body and a second-type frame body. The first-type frame body may comprise a first frame body surrounding a first internal space. The first frame body may comprise an inflow passage for a fluid to flow into the first internal space and an outflow passage for the fluid to flow out from the first internal space, the inflow passage and the outflow passage being each provided to be openable and closable. The second-type frame body may comprise a second frame body surrounding a second internal space. In some aspects, the two frame bodies are stackable on each other.

The apparatuses described herein relate to preparation of a meat product. Apparatuses, systems comprising the apparatuses, and methods of making and use the systems and apparatuses are described herein. These are useful for controlling one or more of growth on and separation of a meat product from an enclosed substrate. The apparatuses and systems are configured to receive fluid and grow the meat product and/or separate the meat product from the substrate in a scalable manner.

In some aspects, the invention relates to automated cell culture incubators and their methods of use. In one aspect, the disclosure provides cell culture incubators having an airlock chamber, a storage chamber and/or an internal chamber. In some aspects, the disclosure provides methods for producing autologous mammalian cell cultures.

Disclosed is an internally illuminated bioreactor, and related algae production methods, that employ integrated in-water grow light assemblies configured to manage the heat generated by lighting elements, such as light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) on the in-water grow lights. The bioreactor includes an outer shell and one or more in-water grow light fixtures positioned within the outer shell that are positioned around the perimeter of a hollow, internal tube. The lighting elements and internal tube are themselves contained within a preferably clear, exterior tube of the light fixture that allows light generated by the lighting elements to pass through to the algae culture inside of the growth chamber. A heat management system is provided for cooling the light fixture using forced directed through the hollow, internal tube from the top to the bottom of the tube, out from outlets at the bottom of the internal tube, and upward in the fixture through buoyancy of the warmed air, and thus without additional mechanical air handling devices. As the air moves upward between the lighting elements and the exterior tube, it draws additional heat away from the lighting elements. The warmed air is ultimately exhausted from the top of the lighting fixture. Each lighting fixture preferably also includes a cleaning system that enables the automated cleaning of the outer surface of the exterior tube of the lighting fixture, thus preventing newly formed algae from collecting on the lighting fixture and ensuring a continuous flow of light from the fixture into the algae culture throughout algae production.

A packed bed bioreactor is fabricated as a monolith entirely using additive manufacturing techniques, also known as 3D printing. Construction of a bioreactor in this manner enables control over the reactor dimensions and properties (such as void volume) as well as the dimensions, shape, and pattern of the media bed. Together these attributes give the end-user control over the size, shape, material, and flow characteristics of the bioreactor.