Multilayer gas-permeable container for the culture of adherent and non-adherent cells

A multi-layer, flexible, gas-permeable film suitable for forming a cell culture container, the film comprising:

• a first layer composed of a polystyrene having a thickness within the range of 0.0001 inches to about 0.0010 inches, the first layer defining a cell growth surface;
• a second layer adhered to the first layer composed of a polymer alloy blend having multiple components;
• and,
• wherein the film having physical properties within the range:
• a>10,000 but <30,000
• b>9 but <15
• c>40 but <80
• d>10 but <100
• e<20
• wherein:
• a is the flexural modulus in psi of the film measured according to ASTM D-790;
• b is the oxygen permeability in Barrers;
• c is the carbon dioxide permeability in Barrers;
• d is the nitrogen permeability in Barrers;
• and
• e is the water vapor transmission rate in (g mil/100 in 2/day).

A method for fabricating a multi-layered film suitable for forming a container for culturing cells comprising the steps of:

• providing a polystyrene cell growth surface;
• providing a polymer alloy blend having multiple components;
• and,
• coextruding the polystyrene and the polymer alloy blend producing a layered film having a gas permeability to promote cell growth.

A flexible, gas-permeable cell culture container suitable for culturing cells, the container comprising:

• a first side wall of the container being suitable for growing adherent cells, the first side wall comprises a first layer of polystyrene having a thickness within the range of 0.0001 inches to about 0.0010 inches, and, a second layer adhered to the first layer of a polymer alloy having multiple components, the second layer having a thickness within the range of 0.004 inches to about 0.015 inches;
• a second side wall attached to the first side wall for growing non-adherent cells;
• and,
• means associated with the container for distinguishing the first side wall from the second side wall.

A method for culturing cells comprising the steps of:

• providing a flexible cell culture container having at least one side wall of a film having a first layer of a polystyrene having a thickness from 0.0001 inches to about 0.0010 inches, and a second layer adhered to the first layer of a polymeric material having a thickness from 0.004 inches to about 0.015 inches, the first layer faces an interior of the container to provide a cell growth surface;
• adding to the container a cell growth medium;
• and
• seeding the container with cells to be grown.