An adapter for a container that provides an integrated photoacoustic microscopy system that is capable of real time imaging of samples within the container. The adapter allows a researcher or investigator to evaluate a sample using the photoacoustic effect, with or without a microscope. The adapter comprises a support portion, a planar portion, and a tube. The support portion includes a channel formed therein, the channel including a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and an intermediate surface positioned between the first surface and the second surface, the channel configured to receive the rim of the container such that the intermediate surface of the channel is positioned adjacent a top surface of the rim and the first surface and the second surface extend along opposite sides of the sidewall. The planar portion is coupled to the support portion and extends across the opening of the container. The tube is coupled to and extends from the planar portion, the tube defines a bore having an axis, the axis being oriented at an angle relative to the planar portion, the bore configured to receive a photoacoustic transducer for real time imaging of a sample within the container.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a cell culture monitoring device and a culture monitoring method. The cell culture monitoring device includes: a culture vessel configured to receive a culture medium of a cell sheet; and an image acquisition apparatus configured to acquire an image of the cell sheet in the culture vessel to monitor growth status of the cell sheet.

A method and apparatus for locating and selecting a colony of microorganisms on a culture dish and identifying microorganisms in said selected colony using MALDI. The method comprises the automated steps of locating and selecting a colony of microorganisms on a culture dish; obtaining a sample of said selected colony of microorganisms; depositing at least some of said sample of said selected colony of microorganisms on a target plate; and transferring said target plate with said sample in an apparatus for performing MALDI for identification of said sample of said selected colony of microorganisms. A sample of a colony of microorganisms is automatically deposited on a depositing spot such that the sample covers at most approximately half of said one of the depositing spots of the target plate. A suspension of a sample of microorganisms is automatically prepared by automatically picking the sample with a picking tool and submerging the picking tool with said sample in a suspension, after which the picking tool is vibrated in vertical sense only to release the sample from the picking tool.

Provided herein is a model system for liver fibrosis, including a liver extracellular matrix, and a combination of mammalian liver cells (e.g., primary liver cells) on the matrix. In some embodiments, the combination of liver cells includes: (a) liver progenitor cells, (b) Kupffer cells, and (c) hepatic stellate cells. Methods of making the model system and methods of use of the model system for screening active agents are also provided.

A device and method for protecting cells, gametes, embryos, and oocytes from the harmful effect of illumination. The device is a culture dish that is optimized to create a dark environment inside of the dish. The culture dish features a base, an exterior wall connected to the outer rim of the base that forms an enclosure, and a lid connected to the exterior wall. The dish is preferably made of polystyrene and lid is preferably made of aluminum foil.

The method features the following steps: reducing a room exposure to sunlight, where the cells and embryos are located; covering the room ceiling lighting with color filter-luminaires; shielding the transparent surfaces of the applied aspiration set and test tube from light; applying a colored red-light filter to the IVF workstation; and incubate cells and embryos in a light-protected place.

A culture dish includes a base and a lid. The base includes a side wall and a concave floor that define a first interior volume open at a top end of the base. The base further includes an annular rim between the floor and a bottom end thereof. The lid includes a side wall and a ceiling that define a second interior volume open at a bottom end of the lid. The lid further includes an annular rim extending radially outwardly therefrom. An inner surface of the side wall of the lid is configured for slidable receipt about an outer surface of the side wall of the base to engage the lid about the base with the first and second interior volumes overlapping one another to define a sealed, combined internal volume bounded by the side walls of the base and the lid, the floor, and the ceiling.

The present invention relates to the use of warmers, or autonomous heat packs, for heating and maintaining a solution 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.

A petri dish has interlock features between the lid and dish that allow single-handed engagement of the lid with the dish by rotation, so that the lid and dish may be raised by grasping only the lid without stabilization of the dish with a second hand. Disengagement is similarly single-handed.

The present invention provides a cell culture base that avoids contact between a photoresponsive layer and cells. The cell culture base of the present invention includes: a support layer; a photoresponsive layer; and a cell culture layer, wherein the photoresponsive layer is laminated on the support layer, the cell culture layer is laminated on the photoresponsive layer, the photoresponsive layer contains a photoresponsive substance that causes at least one of heat and change in magnetism by light irradiation, and the cell culture layer is capable of culturing cells.

An imaging system and method for microbial growth detection, counting or identification. One colony may be contrasted in an image that is not optimal for another type of colony. The system and method provides contrast from all available material through space (spatial differences), time (differences appearing over time for a given capture condition) and color space transformation using image input information over time to assess whether microbial growth has occurred for a given sample.