US 5,686,301 A · Culture vessel for cell cultures

Abstract

A cell culture vessel which permits gentle but vigorous intermixing and suspending of the cell culture during rotation. The culture vessel features a cell mixing and suspending device combined with a gas exchange membrane such that ample gas exchange occurs without the need to feed oxygen to the cells. The cell mixing and suspending device comprises a baffle system having at least one, and preferably more than one, mixing elements integral with the gas exchange membrane. Movement of the culture vessel, such as for example by rolling, shaking or swirling, moves the mixing elements such that the cells which are to be cultivated are gently intermixed and stably suspended within the cell culture chamber. Pressure variations within the cell culture vessel are accommodated by pressure equalizing device. The pressure equalizing device preferably comprises pressure sheathing made of gas permeable material positioned to form at least a portion of the outer wall of the supply chamber. The pressure sheathing compresses to accommodate increased pressure within the supply chamber. Moreover, the gas permeable material permits additional gas exchange to occur through the supply chamber. Mixing of the nutrient medium is accomplished during movement of the cell culture vessel by way of the extending pressure finger.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A cell culture vessel comprising:

a cell culture chamber for receiving a cell culture;
a supply chamber for receiving a nutrient medium;
a dialysis membrane interposed between the cell culture chamber and the supply chamber whereby nutrients are separated from the cell culture chamber but may be transported from the supply chamber through the dialysis membrane into the cell culture chamber and whereby metabolic waste products may be transported out of the cell culture chamber through the dialysis membrane and into the supply chamber;
a gas exchange membrane interposed between the cell culture chamber and a source of oxygen and which is permeable to gas;
and
cell mixing means for ensuring intermixing and suspension of the cells within the cell culture chamber, said mixing means comprising:
at least one mixing element which will generate shear forces when the cell culture vessel is rotated, said mixing element including bridging components which project into the cell culture chamber and wherein the mixing element further comprises a plurality of regions having an inward surface area which projects into the cell culture chamber.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Culture vessel for cell cultures

Life of this patent

Culture vessel for cell cultures

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20