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Publication Number
US-11643677-B2
Publication Date
2023-05-09
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
Cell culturing device and kit for rapid environmental microbial detection is described as a cassette with a circular base having a bottom surface and a side wall, and a circular lid. The device includes a circumferential rim that is integral with the circular lid or the circular base, and a plurality of detents configured so that the circular lid and circular base are secured by inter-engagement between the circumferential rim and the plurality of detents. The inter-engagement results from axial compression, supporting reproducible imaging alignment in an imaging workflow for microorganisms.
In addition, the cassette includes at least one centering detent positioned to apply pressure on the circumferential rim, where the plurality of detents are attached to a surface by a first ridge and the circumferential rim rests in a gap between the plurality of detents and the surface. The at least one centering detent is attached to a second ridge extending from the surface and distinct from the first ridge, defining a specific mechanical interaction with the circumferential rim during axial compression.
A further cassette embodiment uses a circumferential rim comprising at least one kerf, together with at least one ball detent and at least one secondary detent. The ball detent and the secondary detent are arranged on the circular base or lid depending on whether the rim is on the circular lid or the circular base, and the lid and base are secured by inter-engagement between the circumferential rim and the at least one ball detent resulting from axial compression. Interaction between the at least one secondary detent and the kerf inhibits rotation of the lid relative to the base, supporting consistent imaging alignment.
The described device further supports culturing and detection by providing nutrient media for microorganisms on the circular base and using a porous membrane overlay in conformal contact so deposited microorganisms obtain nutrients, grow into colonies, and are imaged for colony counting. The device may include an optically clear window in the circular lid and fiducial marks and an ID barcode/2D code to support alignment and tracking during colony counting, including automated colony counting over time.
Claims Coverage
The provided independent claims cover inventive features related to (i) mechanical lid-to-base securing by axial compression using an integral circumferential rim and a plurality of detents with centering detents, and (ii) securing with a kerfed circumferential rim using ball detents and secondary detents that inhibit lid rotation. In total, 2 independent claims are identified, each with main inventive features captured below.
Axial-compression lid-base securing with integral circumferential rim and detents using first and second ridges
A cassette with a circular base and a circular lid having a circumferential rim integral with the circular lid or the circular base, and a plurality of detents configured so the circular lid and circular base are secured by inter-engagement between the circumferential rim and the plurality of detents resulting from axial compression. The plurality of detents are attached to a surface by a first ridge, where the circumferential rim rests in a gap between the plurality of detents and the surface, and at least one centering detent applies pressure on the circumferential rim and is attached to a second ridge distinct from the first ridge.
Kerfed circumferential rim with ball detent and secondary detent to inhibit lid rotation
A cassette having a circular base and a circular lid with a circumferential rim comprising at least one kerf, and at least one ball detent and at least one secondary detent arranged on the circular base or lid depending on whether the rim is on the circular lid or the circular base. The circular lid and circular base are secured by inter-engagement between the circumferential rim and the at least one ball detent resulting from axial compression, and interaction between the at least one secondary detent and the kerf inhibits rotation of the lid relative to the base.
Across the independent claims, the core claimed subject matter centers on a cassette whose lid and base are mechanically secured in a reproducible way for imaging by using an integral circumferential rim and specialized detent arrangements. One claim emphasizes axial compression with a plurality of detents and an at least one centering detent defined by distinct first and second ridges and gaps, while the other claim emphasizes a kerf in the circumferential rim and secondary detent interaction that inhibits lid rotation relative to the base.
Stated Advantages
Supports reproducible imaging alignment through mechanical lid-to-base securing that is maintained by axial compression inter-engagement and rotation inhibition.
Documented Applications
Rapid environmental microbial detection by providing a cell culturing device/kit in which microorganisms can grow into colonies and be imaged for colony counting.
Incubation and optical imaging/analysis for colony counting and quantification over time.
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