The present invention relates to a perfusion bioreactor for co-culturing, wherein the bioreactor grows cells in two separate environments and enables communication across environments and populations. The chambers' contents are continuously mixed to expose the environment (or cell population) of each chamber to the secreted products of the other chamber. The said bioreactor comprises at least, but not limited to, two chambers, with separate cell populations with at least two separate environments independently selected from aerobic or anaerobic environment and media favorable to cell growth. The bioreactor allows for multiple samples to be collected during an experiment to enable various analytical techniques and results. Additionally, the bioreactor comprises a multi-chamber cell culture system capable of emulating the gastro-intestinal tract.

A spheroid cell culture article including: a frame having a chamber including: an opaque side wall surface; a top aperture; a gas-permeable, transparent bottom; and optionally a chamber annex surface and second bottom, and at least a portion of the transparent bottom includes at least one concave arcuate surface, is disclosed. Methods of making and using the article are also disclosed.

Conventional methods for treating fat, oil, grease (FOG) and other build-up in wastewater systems (including grease traps) of restaurants and the like typically rely on chemical-based detergents, which may be damaging both to the environment and to the wastewater system itself. While some bio-friendly alternatives are known, a common problem with all these agents is that they are “flushed through” the system rapidly, and thus are relatively ineffective and inefficient. In providing an onsite system and method comprising cultivating micro-organisms and then using a carrier to deliver them to an affected environment, the present invention provides a solution that is more efficient in requiring less “starter” ingredients as well as more effective in ensuring the cultivated micro-organisms are delivered to, maintain sustained contact with, and have adequate time to treat, the undesirable substance(s).

Improved cell culture devices and related methods that overcome the limitations of prior devices and methods, by creating devices that can integrate a variety of novel attributes. These various attributes include the use of gas permeable material and medium volumes that exceed conventional devices as well as compartments that can facilitate the long term study of high density cultures with reduced disruption of the culture environment, the ability to study the migration of items of interest including substances such as chemokine, track the movement of cells, and monitor cell to cell interactions.

Provided are a multilayer film having excellent gas permeability and excellent handling properties and hence is suited for forming a cell culture container, and a cell culture container formed by using the same. A multilayer film used for forming a cell culture container, comprising: a base material composed of a polyethylene-based resin having a density of 0.87 g/cm.sup.3 to 0.90 g/cm.sup.3; and an inner layer composed of a polyethylene-based resin having a density of 0.896 g/cm.sup.3 to 0.93 g/cm.sup.3 and forming a cell culture icy surface. A cell culture container is formed by using this multilayer film.

A device for culturing anaerobic microorganisms is provided. The device comprises a body comprising a waterproof base, a waterproof coversheet attached to the base, and a growth compartment disposed between the base and the coversheet. The growth compartment has a perimeter and an opening that provides liquid access to the growth compartment. A portion of the perimeter is defined by a waterproof seal. The portion includes >50% of the perimeter. A dry cold water-soluble gelling agent is adhered to the base in the growth compartment. A dry first oxygen-scavenging reagent is disposed in the growth compartment.

Photobioreactor devices and units for the production of biomass and remediation of environmental contamination are provided. The bioreactor devices comprise a membrane photobioreactor (PBR), the PBR comprising a liquid medium, at least one photosynthetic microorganism, and at least one outer membrane layer, wherein the membrane layer is comprised of a material that is permeable to gas transfer across the membrane layer; and further comprise a chamber defining a gaseous atmosphere enclosed within, wherein the PBR is located inside the chamber. The devices also comprise a control system which controls the composition of the atmosphere within the chamber. Gas transfer occurs across the membrane layer of the PBR, between the PBR and the atmosphere comprised within the chamber. Systems comprising the devices are provided as well as methods of using the devices for the production of biomass, remediation of wastewater and removal of atmospheric pollutants.

An apparatus for culturing cells with enhanced gas transfer and thermal regulation is provided. The apparatus includes a bioreactor with a cell culture bed, such as a fixed structured bed. A pump, such as an agitator, serves to pump liquid through the cell culture bed, and a container is provided for the agitator. A first conduit may be associated with the container, such as by being connected to it or adjacent an opening into it. The bioreactor may also include flow extenders to enhance the gas transfer to a liquid used as media to culture the cells, as well as optional thermoregulators. Related methods are also disclosed.

The invention generally relates to containers for cell and tissue culturing with multiple compartments in fluid communication with each other to provide a common culture environment in each of the compartments while maintaining physical separation of cells and tissue therein. The invention further relates to culture containers providing a sterile culture environment with detachably coupleable lids and open access to each compartment within a container.

A cell culture system includes: a first pump; and a first cell culture container and a second cell culture container. The first cell culture container has a first culture medium circulation flow path. The second cell culture container has a second culture medium circulation flow path independent of the first culture medium circulation flow path. The first culture medium circulation flow path and the second culture medium circulation flow path are fluidly connected to the first pump.