A method of artificial-intelligence-based robotic vitrification includes placing at least one oocyte in a buffer or CPA solution. The method includes processing an image object produced by an imaging system, using an AI/ML system, to determine a location of a retrievable target oocyte. The method includes positioning a robotic pipettor at a target physical orientation relative to the retrievable target oocyte. The method includes confirming the robotic pipettor's location at the target physical orientation, using the AI/ML system. The method includes instructing the robotic pipettor to initiate contact with the retrievable target oocyte and apply negative pressure to secure the oocyte to the robotic pipettor. The method includes using a robotic microtool holder to lower a vitrification assembly or cryo-device of any other make into a buffer or CPA solution dish to a position in proximity to the target physical orientation.

Methods and systems for measuring viability and function of islet cells or stem cell-derived beta cells in an implantable device featuring setting the temperature of the cells in the implantable device to a low temperature to reduce metabolic levels of the cells and reduce oxygen requirements of the cells, and measuring oxygen consumption rates. An oxygen sensor at the inlet of the implantable device and an oxygen sensor at the outlet of the implantable device are used to calculate oxygen consumption rates of the cells, which in turn are indicative of viability. The reduction in temperature can also be used for loading cells into the implantable devices to help reduce ischemic and/or physical injury. The present invention may be used with other cell types, e.g. hepatocytes, heart cells, muscle cells, etc.

Discloses is a continuous fermenter for sequential fermentation of hexose and pentose which includes (a) a hexose fermenter equipped with a saccharified solution supply unit containing hexose, pentose and lignin, a plurality of trays closing at least half of the diameter of the fermenter, impellers disposed on each of the trays, an impeller driving unit, a lignin discharge unit disposed at the bottom of the fermenter, a fermented solution discharge unit, and a temperature control jacket; and (b) a pentose fermenter equipped with a fermented solution supply unit for supplying the fermented solution discharged from the hexose fermenter, a plurality of trays closing at least half of the diameter of the fermenter, impellers disposed on each of the trays, an impeller driving unit, a lignin discharge unit disposed at the bottom of the fermenter, a fermented solution discharge unit, and a temperature control jacket.

A bag assembly for use with a heat exchanger includes a flexible bag having of one or more sheets of polymeric material, the bag having a first end that bounds a first compartment and an opposing second end that bounds a second compartment, a support structure being disposed between the first compartment and the second compartment so that the first compartment is separated and isolated from the second compartment. A first inlet port, a first outlet port, and a first drain port are coupled with the flexible bag so as to communicate with the first compartment. A second inlet port, a second outlet port, and a second drain port are coupled with the flexible bag so as to communicate with the second compartment.

An anaerobic digestion system is provided that includes a blend tank operable to control and perform pre-treatment of feedstock. An anaerobic digester is operable to digest the feedstock provided from the blend tank in a totally enclosed oxygen-free environment within a specific temperature range. A bio-mass tank processes liquid digestate from the anaerobic digester. One or more baffles are positioned in the digester, with the one or more baffles providing for plug flow through at least a portion of the digester to create baffled zones that are at least partially operable independently of adjacent baffled zones. A bio-mass tank processes liquid digestate from the anaerobic digester. An energy source is coupled to the anaerobic digester.

The present invention relates to a process for preparing ammonium (meth-) acrylate, aqueous ammonium (meth-) acrylate solutions obtainable by such process, and (meth-) acrylic acid homopolymers or copolymers obtainable by polymerizing such ammonium (meth-) acrylate. The invention furthermore relates to a modular, relocatable bioconversion unit for manufacturing aqueous ammonium (meth-) acrylate solutions.

One or more methods for automated preparation of a regenerative epidermal suspension comprises a processor receiving an initiation signal that indicates that a cartridge that has a cover, a cup containing a tissue sample, and a well plate situated beneath the cover that has a first well containing an enzyme solution and a second well containing a buffer solution, has been placed on a sensor, executing a sequence that actuates a tissue disaggregator against the tissue sample in the cup positioned in the first well, raises the cup to an upper position, rotates the well plate to position the second well beneath the cup, lowers the cup to a position within the second well, and actuates the tissue disaggregator against the tissue sample in the second well.

Aspects are provided in relation to devices and systems for microorganism cell wall disruption. In this scenario, a device is provided for cell disruption of a microorganism suspension comprising (i) an inlet duct (1) of microorganisms, (ii) an annular channel (13) downstream of inlet duct (1) and in communication therewith, adapted for disruption of microorganism cells, the annular channel (13) being formed by an external part (7) and an internal part (8), the internal part being positioned inside the cavity formed by the external part (7) and (iii) an outlet duct (9) downstream of annular channel (13) and in communication therewith, for output of the ruptured microorganisms. A method is further provided that is associated with the device described above.

A method for automated, artificial-intelligence-based COC retrieval includes using an artificial intelligence/machine learning system (AI/ML system) to optically scan a follicular fluid sample to produce an image object using an imaging system that includes a microscopy system, a camera system, and a lighting system. The method includes comparing the image object to a predetermined threshold using an AI/ML system, wherein the predetermined threshold is at least in part an optical pattern with a probability of corresponding to a cumulus-oocyte-complex (COC). The method includes identifying a COC within the follicular fluid sample based at least in part on the image object satisfying the predetermined threshold. The method includes determining a COC location within the follicular fluid sample based at least in part on identifying a region of the image object corresponding to an optical pattern within the image object that satisfies the predetermined threshold.

A method for automated, artificial-intelligence-based egg identification using optical coherence tomography (OCT) includes positioning an OCT imaging system head in proximity to a biological sample containing an oocyte, wherein the OCT is operatively coupled to an artificial intelligence/machine learning system (AI/ML system) and an imaging system, wherein the imaging system includes a camera system, and a lighting system. The method includes creating at least one three-dimensional image of the oocyte using the OCT, AI/ML system, and imaging system. The method includes using the AI/ML system to analyze the three-dimensional image, wherein an analysis includes detection of a polar body's presence or absence based at least in part on planar views of the oocyte.