Multi-compartment device for cultivating microorganisms

Abstract

A laboratory device is disclosed for growing microorganisms in a multi-compartment format, which provides convenience for dispensing, inoculation, incubation and harvesting when it is used for liquid cultures. The device includes a solid frame having formed within it a plurality of culturing compartments defined by solid side-walls built in the frame and plastic film and an assembly comprising an absorbing substrate and two non-absorbing fiber pads in each of the culturing compartments. These elements are generally rectangular in shape and the device can be sized to stack for incubation and storage. An access port and a series of apertures on the frame arranged a specific configuration permit introduction of liquid such as a liquid growth medium or a sample suspension into the culturing compartments simultaneously and equally. The use of the absorbing substrate, fiber pads and plastic film arranged in a specific assembly greatly increases the surface area and air transfer in the culturing compartments and thereby allows microorganisms to grow in liquid culture without agitation. The liquid cultures can be harvested easily by retrieving the absorbing substrate from the device.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.