Cassette containing growth medium

• US 9,057,046 B2
• Filed: 09/26/2006
• Issued: 06/16/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 09/26/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Rapid Micro Biosystems, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Rapid Micro Biosystems, Inc.
• Inventors: Browne, Douglas, Straus, Don, Mace, Chad
• Primary Examiner(s): Beisner, William H
• Application Number:
  US11/527,196
• Publication Number:
  US 20070212747A1
• Time in Patent Office: 3,185 Days
• Field of Search: 435/288.3, 435/288.7, 435/297.2, 435/297.5, 435/305.1, 435/305.4
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: C12M 23/22 Transparent or translucent parts glassware for laboratory use B01L3/00
• CPC Class Codes: C12M 25/02 Membranes; Filters filters or filtration in general B01D24/00-B01D41/00

Abstract

The invention features devices for capturing and culturing cells (e.g., microorganisms, cells containing microorganisms, or cells from eukaryotic cell cultures) and methods of using these devices. One device is a cassette containing growth media that may be employed in an automated rapid enumeration system. The cassette has, for example, been enhanced with features for controlling surface flatness, optical imaging, controlled dehydration of semi solid nutrient media, controlled air and particle exchange, and automated handling. Another device of the invention is a filtration funnel that may used to concentrate cells in a sample onto a membrane.

Claims

1. A cell culturing device comprising a housing that contains growth medium for microorganisms;

a detachable, sealable lid comprising an optically clear window disposed to allow imaging of said growth medium;

a substantially non-radiative, substantially non-reflective rim that covers the edge of said growth medium; and

a fiducial mark comprising a radiative component,

wherein said device is configured to allow placement of a membrane over said growth medium so that said rim covers the edge of said membrane and any exposed growth medium.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said window is substantially non-radiative.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein said window is substantially non-reflective.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein said housing and window are both substantially non-radiative and non-reflective.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein said housing includes openings that provide for a tortuous passage of gases from said growth medium to the ambient environment.

6. The device of claim 1, further comprising a removable lid in conformal contact with said growth medium.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein said growth medium is proud.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein said growth medium retains flatness as it dries.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein said radiative component comprises radiative plastic or growth medium.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein said radiative plastic or growth medium is imaged via a through hole in said rim.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein said radiative component comprises printed or embossed fluorescent material.

12. The device of claim 1, further comprising said membrane placed over the growth medium such that microorganisms deposited on the membrane receive nourishment from said medium.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein said radiative component comprises radiative growth medium.

14. A kit for detecting microorganisms, comprising the device of claim 1, together with a filtration vessel comprising a membrane that collects microorganisms from a sample passed through the membrane.

15. The kit of claim 14, wherein said membrane is adapted to be placed over the growth medium of the device of claim 1 such that microorganisms present in the sample and deposited on the membrane receive nourishment from said medium.

16. The kit of claim 14, wherein, prior to being placed over the medium, the membrane remains substantially planar during the passing of the sample through the membrane whereby microorganisms are deposited on the membrane.

17. The kit of claim 16, wherein the filtration vessel further comprises a porous pad having a smooth surface causing the membrane to remain substantially planar during the passing of the sample through the membrane whereby microorganisms are deposited on the membrane.

18. The kit of claim 14, wherein the membrane is substantially non-radiative.

19. The kit of claim 14, wherein the membrane is black.

20. The kit of claim 14, wherein said filtration vessel prevents microorganisms from depositing on the edges of the membrane.

21. The kit of claim 14, wherein the filtration vessel further comprises an access area to allow manipulation of the edge of the membrane.

22. The kit of claim 14, wherein said growth medium is proud.

23. The kit of claim 14, wherein said growth medium retains flatness as it dries.

24. The kit of claim 14, wherein said radiative component comprises radiative plastic or growth medium.

25. The kit of claim 24, wherein said radiative plastic or growth medium is imaged via a through hole in said rim.

26. The kit of claim 14, wherein said radiative component comprises printed or embossed fluorescent material.

27. The kit of claim 14 wherein said radiative component comprises radiative growth medium.

28. A kit for detecting microorganisms, comprising the device of claim 1, together with a membrane adapted to be placed over the growth medium such that microorganisms deposited on the membrane receive nourishment from said medium.

29. The kit of claim 28, wherein the membrane is substantially non-radiative.

30. The kit of claim 28, wherein the membrane is black.

31. The kit of claim 28, wherein said growth medium is proud.

32. The kit of claim 28, wherein said growth medium retains flatness as it dries.

33. The kit of claim 28, wherein said radiative component comprises radiative plastic or growth medium.

34. The kit of claim 33, wherein said radiative plastic or growth medium is imaged via a through hole in said rim.

35. The kit of claim 28, wherein said radiative component comprises printed or embossed fluorescent material.

36. The kit of claim 28, wherein said radiative component comprises radiative growth medium.