The present invention is directed to methods, compositions, and systems for the production of fatty acids (FAs). Specifically, the disclosed methods, compositions, and systems incorporate algal cell lysates, providing a cell-free environment that generates high levels of FAs for extended periods of time with the addition of liquid media and a carbon source.

The present invention relates to methods and systems for cell lysis in a microfluidic device. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and systems for rapid continuous flow mechanical cell lysis. In one embodiment, a microfluidic device includes one or more microfluidic channels, each channel comprising constricted regions and non-constricted regions separating the constricted regions, wherein the constricted regions are configured to disrupt the cellular membranes of cells in fluid flowing through the one or more microfluidic channels.

A method for lysing cells is disclosed. The method includes stirring cells with a magnetic stir element in the presence of a plurality of cell lysis beads at a speed sufficient to lyse the cells. Also disclosed is a device for lysing cells. The device includes a container having a magnetic stir element and a plurality of cell lysis beads disposed therein. The container is dimensioned to allow rotation of the magnetic stir element inside the container.

A method of decellularizing a tissue includes disposing the tissue within a device, the device. The device includes a container, first and second electrodes disposed within the container and defining a space between the first and second electrodes to receive the tissue, a perfusion pump, and a conduit connected to the perfusion pump to transport a decellularization composition from the pump into the tissue. The method further includes disposing the decellularization composition within the container to surround the tissue and contact the first and second electrodes, applying an electric potential across the first and second electrodes, and perfusing the decullarization composition into the tissue.

An integrated sample purification system includes a housing, a sample container rack, a filter holder, and a cylindrical magnet. The sample container rack and the filter device holder are disposed in the housing. The sample container rack is configured to hold one or more sample containers, the filter device holder is configured to hold one or more filter devices. The cylindrical magnet is adjacent to and external to the sample container rack, and is rotated about a central, longitudinal axis of the magnet by an electric motor disposed in the housing to lyse cells. Molecules of interest in the lysed cells are purified using filters that bind specifically to the molecules of interest. The system is readily amenable to automation and rapid purification and analysis of molecules of interest, such as nucleic acids and proteins.

Methods for in situ drug screening are provided which involve culturing a host cell containing two nucleic acid sequences, the first nucleic acid sequence encoding a membrane-permeabilizing agent and the second nucleic acid sequence encoding a desired macromolecule under the operative control of an inducible promoter, to a selected cell density to produce a macromolecule. Thereafter the host cells are exposed to an environmental condition that induces the agent to disrupt the integrity of the cell membrane without complete lysis of the cell membrane, thereby allowing transport through the membrane of small molecular weight compounds. These resulting host cells are provided with a nutrient cocktail containing components that can transport through the disrupted cell membrane, e.g., an inducing agent that induces the tightly regulated promoter and metabolic requirements that permit expression of the macromolecule. Bacterial host cells that can be used in these methods are also provided.

The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for a lysis procedure, in particular for an automated and/or controlled lysis procedure of a sample, in particular a biological sample. The apparatus comprises at least one rotation disc (31), at least one vial holder (90) which is configured to receive a vial (100), wherein the vial holder (90) is arranged on the disc (31), at least one driving device (20) which is configured to rotate the disc (31) and the vial holder (90), at least one heating device (60) which is configured to heat the sample to a determined incubation temperature, andat least one control device (70) which is configured to control the driving device (20) and/or the heating device (60) by means of a timing and/or step control, and/orat least one transmitting device (80) for inductive coupling for energy and signal transmission, which is configured to transmit the energy for heating to the heating device (60), and/orwherein the driving device (20) is configured to rotate the disc (31) in a first direction (A1) and/or with a first speed, and to rotate the vial holder (90) in a second direction (A3) and/or with a second speed. The apparatus and the method are adapted for an (automated) lysis procedure, wherein the lysis can be carried out in a safe, efficient and effective manner.

Provided herein, in some aspects, are methods and compositions for producing large-scale quantities of butanol, including normal butanol (n-butanol), isobutanol, and 2-butanol using a cell-free system.

The present algae extracts are used for biocontrol of insects Specifically, the present extracts are obtained from Cystoseria muricatum using a polysolvent system. Once obtained, the extracts can be applied to plants to repel insects and/or to facilitate fertilization of the plants.

The present algae extracts are used for biocontrol of insects. Specifically, the present extracts are obtained from Cystoseira muricatum using a polysolvent system. Once obtained, the extracts can be applied to plants to repel insects and/or to facilitate fertilization of the plants.