Systems and methods for cryopreservation of cells
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-8709797-B2
Publication Date
2014-04-29
Expiration Date
Abstract
A fluid sample vessel includes inlet and vent tube fittings formed at one end of a container with an opposite open end closed by a needle septum. A support cap is removably engaged to the container to support the container and protect terminal ends of inlet and vent tubular branches coupled to the fittings. The support cap includes a pair of opposite legs with outwardly directed tabs for mounting within a centrifuge while supporting the cryopreservation container.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to cryopreservation systems and vessel devices for cells and tissue samples, addressing supercooling and intracellular ice by providing an auto-nucleating ice-induction device. The device includes an ice-nucleating composition where cholesterol is immobilized in a hollow tube that is separated from the cells by liquid-permeable, cell-impermeable membranes.
The auto-nucleating device is configured to reduce supercooling and to promote ice nucleation in the cryopreservation liquid environment to mitigate formation of intracellular ice. The documented embodiments include vessel configurations having a one-piece elongated body forming a hollow interior and closed ends, with inlet and vent tube fittings and a wall extending into the hollow interior between the inlet and vent tube fittings.
The cryopreservation vessel devices further include features for receiving and maintaining a closed configuration, including a needle septum at the open end for sealing and sample handling within a closed system. Additional described embodiments include adaptor bodies with inlet and vent branches and vent-side filter elements, including gas-permeable sterile micro-filters that are generally liquid-impermeable, as well as support caps for centrifuge-mount protection of tube seals and enabling supernatant removal via the septum.
Claims Coverage
The partial content provides two independent claims that define cryopreservation liquid-sample receiving devices with a one-piece elongated hollow interior, an inlet and vent tube fitting arrangement, and a needle septum sealing the open end, with independent differences focused on an adaptor-and-filter architecture versus a support-cap architecture.
Needle-septum sealed one-piece elongated container with inlet and vent tube fittings and internal wall
A container formed by a one-piece elongated body defining a hollow interior from an open end and being closed at the opposite end by an inlet tube fitting and a vent tube fitting opening to the hollow interior, the one-piece body further defining a wall extending into the hollow interior and disposed between the inlet and vent tube fittings; and a needle septum closing the open end.
Adaptor body with inlet/vent branches and vent-side filter element
An adaptor body mounted to the tube fittings, the adaptor body having an inlet tubular branch and a vent tubular branch, the vent tubular branch including a filter element disposed therein.
Removably engagable support cap extending beyond inlet and vent fittings
A support cap having a lower portion removably engagable to the container and an upper portion extending beyond the inlet and vent tube fittings at the opposite end of the container when the support cap is engaged to the container; and a needle septum closing the open end.
Across the two independent claims, the main inventive coverage centers on a closed, needle-septum sealed, one-piece elongated hollow container with inlet and vent tube fittings, and on additional structural systems: one independent claim adds an adaptor body with an inlet tubular branch, vent tubular branch, and a vent-side filter element; the other independent claim adds a removable support cap whose upper portion extends beyond the inlet and vent fittings for protection and handling.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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