Cell culturing device

Inventors

Browne, Douglas J. • Karakozian, Sarkis • Chen, Xiaowei

Assignees

Rapid Micro Biosystems Inc

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

A microorganism culturing device includes a base containing nutrient media in which the nutrient media has a flat growth area that is raised above the base, and the nutrient media is capable of sustaining growth of microorganisms in the growth area. A film overlays the nutrient media, and the film and the nutrient media have a circumferential area that slopes from the edge of the flat growth area to the base. The film includes an opening to expose a portion of the flat growth area, and a porous membrane is in contact with the exposed growth area.

The device further includes a lid that mates with the base to cover the membrane and the nutrient media. In some embodiments, the lid includes an optically clear material window for imaging of the growth area. In other embodiments, the lid is configured to prevent contamination by ingress of microorganisms, including an air gap separating the lid from the membrane, and the lid and base can include securing and alignment features that limit relative rotation and thereby maintain mating alignment.

The culturing device supports collection of microorganisms onto the membrane or onto the exposed growth area, including by contact with surfaces or by filtering a sample onto the membrane. After incubation, the extent of growth of microorganisms is determined, including by digital imaging and/or film imaging, and the device can include fiducial marks and device identification labels such as barcode or 2D code.

Claims Coverage

Independent claim clm-00001 defines the overall culturing device architecture, with four core inventive features.

Across the independent claim’s coverage, microorganisms are cultured using nutrient media with a raised flat growth area exposed through an opening in a sloped film overlay, where a porous membrane contacts the exposed growth area and a mating lid covers the membrane and nutrient media.

Stated Advantages

Documented Applications