Cell Culture Sensor Insert System

A system for culturing cells comprising:

• a flask;
• a detector system;
• at least one optical sensor operably connected to the detector system;
• and
• an apparatus comprising an elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a grippable portion at the proximal end of the elongated shaft, a threaded portion at the distal end of the elongated shaft, and a sensor frame having a threaded hole;
• wherein the threaded portion at the distal end of the elongated shaft is configured to be removably screwed into the threaded hole of the sensor frame;
• and
• wherein the at least one optical sensor is positioned within or on the sensor frame.

A method for culturing cells comprising:

• placing an adhesive sheet on an underside of a sensor frame having a threaded hole;
• placing at least one optical sensor on or within the sensor frame;
• inserting the sensor frame into a flask such that the adhesive sheet makes contact with an interior surface of the flask and adheres to the interior surface;
• and
• placing the flask on or against a detector system;
• and
• culturing cells in the flask;
• wherein the at least one optical sensor is operably connected to the detector system;
• wherein the inserting is carried out using an apparatus;
• and
• wherein the apparatus comprises an elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a grippable portion at the proximal end of the elongated shaft, a threaded portion at the distal end of the elongated shaft, wherein the threaded portion at the distal end of the elongated shaft is configured to be removably screwed into the threaded hole of the sensor frame.

A sensor frame, comprising:

• a body having one or more openings, the body having a first surface and a second surface;
• a double-sided adhesive sheet disposed on the second surface;
• a first film placed on the first surface and temporarily adhered to the body by making contact with the double-sided adhesive sheet via the one or more openings;
• and
• a second film placed on the second surface and temporarily adhered to the body via the double-sided adhesive sheet;
• wherein the first film is removable to facilitate attaching at least one optical sensor on the double-sided adhesive sheet via the one or more openings;
• and
• wherein the second film is removable to expose the adhesive and facilitate attaching the sensor frame to an inner surface of a flask.