Biomicom Incorporated

Extrel Corporation

Multiphase Solutions, Inc.

James D Buchner, Jr

Ross Clark Willoughby

James D Buchner, Sr

A method for process monitoring and control of a chemical reactor in which a chemical reaction utilizing a halogenated selectivity modifier is performed includes: measuring a level of halogenated components in an inlet stream of a reactor inlet; measuring a level of halogenated components in an outlet stream of a reactor outlet; based on the level of halogenated components at the inlet stream and the outlet stream, determining a process performance indicator associated with a halogenated component; and adjusting an amount of halogenated selectivity modifier added to the reactor based on the process performance indicator.

Halogen selective detection gas chromatography for the on-line analysis and control of selective oxidation chemical production processes

Cell and organ (or tissue) cultures provide a micro-environment with respect to nutrients, gas exchange, and scaffolding in order to encourage specific cell function, and in some cases to mimic in-vivo cellular expression under in-vitro conditions. We describe apparatus and methods to chemically, spatially, and temporally measure diffusible molecules produced, or used by cells or tissues in culture. In this manner, mechanisms of cell-cell interaction and other chemical signaling, detailed biochemical pathways, and the action of potential pharmaco-therapy agents can be better understood at a molecular level. In addition to basic science, the technical advantages of process monitoring and control can be applied to optimize culture products in bioreactors. Embodiments of this device are intended to simulate and monitor [input and output] the behavior of vascular capillary beds in higher species vascular systems.

Micro-sampling for cell, tissue, and micro-organism monitoring

The current invention describes in vivo and vitro (cultured) sampling technologies that allow direct temporal and spatial sampling from living ecosystems such as those associated with marine ecology. The optional use of parallel sampling methods, observatory design, provides for the ability to measure the response of individual organisms to a variety of both biotic and abiotic stresses. Sampling in small volumes and close proximity to living organisms has allowed direct measurement of various invertebrate and other aquatic species in marine ecosystems. These sampling techniques are intended to apply to any liquid based ecosystem in an attempt to minimize sampling as a dependent variable in measuring the chemical and biological behavior of the ecosystem. If is intended that this sampling technology be used to directly measure the chemical behavior of a wide variety of organisms; including, plants, animals, and micro-organisms (e.g. algae, plankton). These probes facilitate the direct measurement of metabolism, decomposition, pollution, and stress or stimuli from the local environment. A variety of sampling tips and probes have been developed for discrete and continuous sampling. A variety of sampling probe geometries, sizes, and sampling capabilities are disclosed that enable both contact and non-contact sampling of the chemical environment. The liquid sampling has been optimized for chemical analysis with liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Fatty acid and lipid profiling have been demonstrated on a number of species from a cultured aquatic using these techniques.

Micro-sampling for aquatic chemical analysis

Methods and apparatus for introduction of sample from a flowing stream into mass spectrometers or other analyzing apparatus for analytical and process stream analysis of the sample. The apparatus generates an aerosol during the decompression of a gas, liquid or supercritical fluid stream. The aerosol's properties are dependent upon mass flow, pressure, temperature, solubility of sample, and the physical dimensions of the aerosol generating device. Upon aerosol generation, a less volatile sample in the form of condensed particles is separated from the gaseous components by accelerating the aerosol through a nozzle restrictor and utilizing momentum differences between solute particles and carrier gas molecules to obtain high solute enrichments at various particles or gas-phase detectors. The device functions primarily as an interface between a supercritical fluid chromatograph and the mass spectrometer.

Growing community of inventors

Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America

James D Buchner, Jr