The invention of a reactor for the production of growth factors to regenerate the epithelium of the auditory system from embryonic stem cells, aimed at stimulating sensory tissue to enhance hearing capacity, in the form of a lyophilized powder provides a novel reactor and method for producing growth factors that stimulate stem cells in the auditory region, promoting their conversion into auditory epithelial cells. The reactor comprises three sections: an upper transparent section for culture observation and sterilization via a UV lamp, a middle section for continuous mixing and purification using micro-filters, and a lower section for lyophilization. The reactor maintains optimal conditions for stem cell proliferation, utilizing controlled temperature and vacuum pressure to concentrate beneficial substances and crystallize growth factors into a lyophilized powder. This product serves as a potential treatment for auditory conditions, enhancing the regeneration of auditory structures and delaying the onset of presbycusis.

A method for automated ICSI includes receiving at least one droplet containing an egg in a dish placed on a stage. The method includes using an artificial intelligence/machine learning system (AI/ML system) and an imaging system to detect a zona pellucida. The imaging system includes a microscopy system, a camera system, and a lighting system. The method includes holding the egg using a robotic microtool and lowering a robotic pipettor into the droplet. The method includes using the AI/ML system and imaging system to determine an area at which to hold the egg and positioning the robotic microtool to that area. The method includes using the AI/ML system and imaging system to instruct the robotic microtool to apply negative pressure to hold the egg to the robotic pipettor. The method includes using the AI/ML system and imaging system to determine a target location where zona ablation should be performed.

The present disclosure provides systems and methods for incubation of cell cultures. The system can include a compressor for providing airflow at atmospheric or hyperbaric conditions, a reservoir, an incubator for housing cell cultures that produce CO.sub.2 enriched airflow, an exhaust container, and an exhaust pump in the exhaust container and in fluid communication with the incubator for drawing CO.sub.2 enriched airflow out of the incubator to maintain a stable pH level for the cell culture.

Systems comprising a microfluidic device are provided for maintaining and analyzing tissue slices. Methods for maintaining tissue slices in a microfluidic device are further provided.

A method for automated, artificial-intelligence-based denudation includes scanning, robotically, a dish containing a cumulus-oocyte-complex (COC) using an imaging system and an artificial intelligence/machine learning system (AI/ML system) to create an image object. The imaging system includes a microscopy system, a camera system, and a lighting system. The dish includes an enzyme to remove cumulus cells from an oocyte among the COC. The method includes identifying the COC within the image object, and a location, based on comparing the image object to a threshold using the AI/ML system. The threshold is an optical pattern with a probability of corresponding to a COC mass. The method includes instructing a robotic pipettor to collect the COC at the location. The method includes iteratively collecting the COC within the robotic pipettor and expelling the COC to return it to the dish until the AI/ML system confirms sufficient removal of cumulus and corona cells.

A system and method for regression modeling an interior volume of a containment vessel and interpolating data from multi-point sensor arrays within the containment vessel to detect conditions across the interior volume of the containment vessel.

Systems and methods for producing ammonium nitrate are disclosed herein. Exemplary systems can comprise a bioreactor positioned to receive a feed including ammonia. The bioreactor can hold a liquid solution including (i) an ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and (ii) a nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB). The AOB can facilitate oxidation of the ammonia to produce a nitrite at a nitritation rate and the NOB can facilitate oxidation of the nitrite at a nitratation rate. Thus, the bioreactor can produce a mixed liquor comprising a nitrate biologically. The system can further comprise a filter positioned to receive the mixed liquor and produce a permeate and a sludge. A sensor can measure the concentration of the liquid solution of the bioreactor, and a controller coupled to the sensor can regulate the mass flow of nitrogen and/or phosphorus of the bioreactor feed based on the measured concentration of the liquid solution.

Systems and methods for producing ammonium nitrate are disclosed herein. Exemplary systems can comprise a bioreactor positioned to receive a feed including ammonia. The bioreactor can hold a liquid solution including (i) an ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and (ii) a nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB). The AOB can facilitate oxidation of the ammonia to produce a nitrite at a nitritation rate and the NOB can facilitate oxidation of the nitrite at a nitratation rate. Thus, the bioreactor can produce a mixed liquor comprising a nitrate biologically. The system can further comprise a filter positioned to receive the mixed liquor and produce a permeate and a sludge. A sensor can measure the concentration of the liquid solution of the bioreactor, and a controller coupled to the sensor can regulate the mass flow of nitrogen and/or phosphorus of the bioreactor feed based on the measured concentration of the liquid solution.

A method for bacterial contamination control of heterotrophic growth of green algae is provided. Bacterial contamination is controlled by using urea as the primary nitrogen source while simultaneously limiting the amount of nickel available to contaminating bacteria. Bacteria require nickel as a cofactor for urease enzymes in order to use urea for growth while green algae do not require nickel as a cofactor for any enzymes. Green algae use biotin as a cofactor to use urea and are biotin prototrophic. Nickel is limited by using titanium in plate heat exchangers instead of stainless steel. The preferred green algae are Chlorella sorokiniana, Chlorella vulgaris, and Auxenochlorella protothecoides.

In one aspect, a vessel is provided for use in processes associated with a liquid solution of fermentable sugars, the vessel having opposing first and second ends. The vessel further including: a first tube having one or more holed side walls; a second tube having at least one holed side wall, wherein the first tube is located inside the second tube; and a container, wherein the first tube is connected to the container at an open end thereof via a first end piece, and wherein the second tube is located inside and connected to the container. Liquid can flow through the one or more holed side walls of the first tube and the at least one holed side walls of the second tube, thereby allowing the liquid to continuously flow through the volume defined by the first and second tubes. Control of temperature and pH inside the volume is improved.