A system and method for automated single cell capture and processing is described, where the system includes a deck supporting and positioning a set of sample processing elements; a gantry for actuating tools for interactions with the set of sample processing elements supported by the deck; and a base supporting various processing subsystems and a control subsystems in communication with the processing subsystems. The system can automatically execute workflows associated with single cell processing, including mRNA capture, cDNA synthesis, protein-associated assays, and library preparation, for next generation sequencing.

A system and method for automated single cell capture and processing is described, where the system includes a deck supporting and positioning a set of sample processing elements; a gantry for actuating tools for interactions with the set of sample processing elements supported by the deck; and a base supporting various processing subsystems and a control subsystems in communication with the processing subsystems. The system can automatically execute workflows associated with single cell processing, including mRNA capture, cDNA synthesis, protein-associated assays, and library preparation, for next generation sequencing.

The invention refers to a method and a device for the phenotypic detection of carbapenemases and carbapenemase producers by adding a substrate of general formula A-(L)-M.sub.1-(X)—Z, where M.sub.1 is a carbapenem backbone, A or Z is a quencher, the other one of the two, Z or A, is a fluorophore, L is an optional linker, X is an optional leaving group for linking Z to the carbapenem backbone, and Z is an optional leaving group, to a sample suspected of containing such carbapenemase producers and/or carbapenenmases. The invention further refers to a method for the phenotypic detection of resistant bacteria, in particular 3MRGN or 4MRGN, by releasing the enzymes of a bacterial culture into a lysate during lysis and then subjecting the lysate, as the sample to be analyzed, to an aforementioned method in order to phenotypically detect the presence of resistance-conferring carbapenemases.

The invention refers to a method and a device for the phenotypic detection of carbapenemases and carbapenemase producers by adding a substrate of general formula A-(L)-M.sub.1-(X)—Z, where M.sub.1 is a carbapenem backbone, A or Z is a quencher, the other one of the two, Z or A, is a fluorophore, L is an optional linker, X is an optional leaving group for linking Z to the carbapenem backbone, and Z is an optional leaving group, to a sample suspected of containing such carbapenemase producers and/or carbapenenmases. The invention further refers to a method for the phenotypic detection of resistant bacteria, in particular 3MRGN or 4MRGN, by releasing the enzymes of a bacterial culture into a lysate during lysis and then subjecting the lysate, as the sample to be analyzed, to an aforementioned method in order to phenotypically detect the presence of resistance-conferring carbapenemases.

Bifidobacterium longum strains and cell wall fractions isolated from Bifidobacterium longum strains are useful in the prophylaxis or treatment of a respiratory viral infection in a subject. They are also useful in the prophylaxis of a secondary bacterial infection associated with a respiratory viral infection in a subject, especially a subject who is susceptible to respiratory infections.

Bifidobacterium longum strains and cell wall fractions isolated from Bifidobacterium longum strains are useful in the prophylaxis or treatment of a respiratory viral infection in a subject. They are also useful in the prophylaxis of a secondary bacterial infection associated with a respiratory viral infection in a subject, especially a subject who is susceptible to respiratory infections.

Methods and composition related to genetically modified cells for producing intracellular biological products are provided. A method can include genetically engineering of cells to express a thermostable protease. As one advantage, the cells may be suitable for producing biological products with improved efficiency.

Methods and composition related to genetically modified cells for producing intracellular biological products are provided. A method can include genetically engineering of cells to express a thermostable protease. As one advantage, the cells may be suitable for producing biological products with improved efficiency.

The invention relates to a method for preparing a lipid-rich microalgal flour, which comprises the following steps: (a) providing a microalgal biomass comprising more than 50% of lipids by dry weight of biomass; (b) lyzing the microalgae, (c) concentrating the microalgal lyzate to a solids content of more than 25% by weight, preferably to a solids content of between 35% and 50% by weight, (d) applying a heat treatment to the lyzate thus concentrated, (e) homogenizing at high pressure the lyzate obtained in step (d), so as to obtain a stable emulsion, (f) drying said emulsion to obtain the microalgal flour.

A yeast extract is produced by preparing a suspension containing yeast, applying an electric field treatment to the suspension, and then autolyzing the suspension. In this electric field treatment, a voltage to be applied is less than 1000 V/mm, and a temperature of the suspension during an application period of the voltage is 64° C. or less. According to such a production process, a content of amino acids in the yeast extract can be improved. Among amino acids, branched chain amino acids or the like can be efficiently increased.