Space Hardware Optimization Technology, Inc.

Shot Hardware Optimization Technology, Inc.

Kenneth W Barton

John C Vellinger

Mark S Deuser

Scott Eben Dunn

Paul W Todd

Mark Wells

A bioreactor apparatus and cell culturing system is provided for the automated cultivation and processing of living cells remotely both on earth and in low gravity which utilizes a generally cylindrical reactor vessel that may be optionally rotated about its cylindrical axis while allowing the entrance of fresh or recycled fluid and the removal, optionally, of spent medium, medium to be recycled or filtered or unfiltered medium for the collection of samples. A method of exchanging gases between the culture medium and ambient gases is provided. A fresh-medium storage bag and peristaltic pump is used for batch feeding, perfusion or sample collection. An enclosure and manifold representing an additional level of chemical containment and a series of pinch valves for the periodic collection of samples of suspended cells or cell-free medium is disposed therein together with a humidity control system. The bioreactor is computer controlled in order to control all functions including rotation of the reactor vessel, feeding fresh medium, perfusing the reactor vessel, timed collection of samples of fluid from the reactor, selecting between collecting cells or cell-free supernatant. A sealed compartment for sample-collection bags provides a level of chemical containment for safety. A sealed external housing is used for all components of the device except the power supply and computer. An external loop and electronic video microscope provides real-time and recorded and/or transmitted observation of cells in the suspension.

Bioreactor apparatus and cell culturing system

The present invention relates to improved techniques for separating cells, particles and molecules important to medical science and biotechnology because separation is frequently the limiting factor for many biological processes. The apparatus and method of use provides an innovative method for quantitatively separating cells, proteins, or other particles, using multistage, magnetically, electromagnetically assisted separation technology, (&ldquo;MAGSEP&rdquo;). The MAGSEP technology provides a separation technology applicable to medical, chemical, cell biology, and biotechnology processes. Moreover, the instant invention relates to a method for separating and isolating mixtures of combinatorial synthesized molecules such that a variety of products are prepared, in groups, possessing diversity in size, length, (molecular weight), and structural elements. These are then analyzed for the ability to bind specifically to an antibody, receptor, or other ligate. Such a collection may provide a ligand library containing specific ligands for any ligate even though there are a greater number of conformations available to any one sequence. This technology provides a cell biologists a tool for studying molecular recognition. Combinational chemical libraries containing known and random sequences can be surveyed for strong ligands. Such a tool provides a means of recognizing and isolating agonists, antagonists, enzyme inhibitors, virus blockers, antigens, and other pharmaceuticals, but more significantly quantities of receptors on biological cells in aqueous suspensions including body fluids.

Multistage electromagnetic separator for purifying cells, chemicals and protein structures

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Greenville, IN, United States of America

Kenneth W Barton