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Publication Number
US-10407707-B2
Publication Date
2019-09-10
Expiration Date
Abstract
The invention features devices and kits for capturing and culturing microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, fungi, or protists) and methods of using the devices and kits to detect microorganisms in environmental and other samples. The device includes a nutrient media having a flat growth area on which microorganisms can grow. Samples are collected by contacting the device with any environmental sample, e.g., rolling device on a work surface or exposing device to air, or by filtering a sample through a membrane. Microorganisms deposited on the membrane derive nutrients from the underlying media and grow into colonies that can then be detected using methods known in the art. The detected colonies can be imaged digitally or with film.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a cell culturing device comprising a base containing nutrient media for microorganisms. The nutrient media includes a flat growth area raised above the base and a circumferential area that slopes from the edge of the flat growth area to the base, and the nutrient media is capable of sustaining growth of microorganisms in the growth area. A porous membrane overlaying the nutrient media covers the growth area geometry, and a lid mates with the base to cover the membrane and the nutrient media.
The disclosed device further recites configurations in which microbial growth is constrained primarily to the flat growth area. In one implementation, a film overlaying the nutrient media slopes in a circumferential area and includes an opening to expose a portion of the flat growth area. A porous membrane is configured for placement on the exposed portion of the flat growth area, with a lid that mates with the base to cover the nutrient media and the membrane.
For kit and imaging compatibility, the disclosure includes a protective lid and an optical lid approach. A protective lid is attached to the base to prevent contamination by ingress of microorganisms, with the protective lid separated from the membrane or growth area by an air gap. After removal of the protective lid, an optical lid attachable to the base comprises an optically clear material disposed to allow imaging of the growth area, and the device supports determining the extent of microbial growth.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims cover multiple embodiments of a cell culturing device and corresponding kits, with the inventive features centered on a raised flat growth area in nutrient media, a sloped circumferential transition area covered by a membrane or film, and a lid system that enables covering, contamination prevention, and imaging of the growth area.
Raised flat growth area in nutrient media with sloped circumferential area
A base contains nutrient media for microorganisms, wherein the nutrient media has a flat growth area raised above the base and a circumferential area that slopes from the edge of the flat growth area to the base, and wherein the nutrient media is capable of sustaining growth of microorganisms in the growth area.
Porous membrane overlaying the nutrient media
A porous membrane overlaying the nutrient media, wherein the nutrient media has a flat growth area raised above the base and a circumferential area that slopes from the edge of the flat growth area to the base.
Film overlay with opening exposing the flat growth area
A film overlaying the nutrient media, wherein the film and the nutrient media have a circumferential area that slopes from the edge of the flat growth area to the base, and the film has an opening to expose a portion of the flat growth area.
Contamination-preventing protective lid separated by an air gap
A protective lid attached to the base and preventing contamination by ingress of microorganisms, wherein the protective lid is separated from the membrane by an air gap.
Optical lid with optically clear material disposed to allow imaging
An optical lid attachable to the base when the protective lid is removed and comprising an optically clear material disposed to allow imaging of the growth area when attached to the base.
Overall, the claim coverage focuses on a culturing device geometry that places microbial growth in a raised flat growth area of nutrient media while using a porous membrane and/or a film overlay with a circumferential sloped transition and an opening. The covered kits further add a protective lid separated by an air gap for contamination prevention and an attachable optically clear optical lid to allow imaging of the growth area, along with device functionality for determining the extent of growth.
Stated Advantages
Allows imaging of the growth area.
Prevents contamination by ingress of microorganisms.
Documented Applications
Monitoring environmental microorganisms by contacting a growth area with air or a surface, incubating to grow microorganisms, and determining the extent of that microbial growth.
Monitoring the presence of microorganisms in a sample by filtering the sample through a membrane, placing the membrane on the growth area, incubating, and determining the extent of growth of microorganisms.
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