Exemplary embodiments pertain to a solution containing carbon black. The solution may be applied to a membrane filter of a microbial enumeration system as a post-rinse solution (i.e., after the membrane filter is rinsed with the sample of interest). The solution may reduce or suppress background autofluorescence, thereby improving detection and enumeration of colony forming units (CFUs) or other microbiological entities. The solution may be used in connection with a method for performing sample preparation for a microbial enumeration system. The carbon black solution may be manufactured according to a manufacturing process detailed herein.
C12Q 1/04 - Determining presence or kind of microorganismUse of selective media for testing antibiotics or bacteriocidesCompositions containing a chemical indicator therefor
C12M 1/34 - Measuring or testing with condition measuring or sensing means, e.g. colony counters
Exemplary embodiments pertain to a solution containing carbon black. The solution may be applied to a membrane filter of a microbial enumeration system as a post-rinse solution (i.e., after the membrane filter is rinsed with the sample of interest). The solution may reduce or suppress background autofluorescence, thereby improving detection and enumeration of colony forming units (CFUs) or other microbiological entities. The solution may be used in connection with a method for performing sample preparation for a microbial enumeration system. The carbon black solution may be manufactured according to a manufacturing process detailed herein.
C12Q 1/04 - Determining presence or kind of microorganismUse of selective media for testing antibiotics or bacteriocidesCompositions containing a chemical indicator therefor
Exemplary embodiments relate to drain actuators for cassettes used in sterility testing. A sterility cassette may have a spring-loaded drain to allow fluid flow through a porous membrane. To activate the drain, upwards pressure is applied to the spring during kit preparation through an actuator base. The actuator base may automatically actuate the drain when the cassette is inserted into the actuator base, and may be separate from or integral with a thermoformed drain tray. When the sterility cassette is removed from the tray, the base automatically shuts the drain. The actuator base has features that: maintain the rotational alignment between the tray and cassette; actuate the drain port on the bottom of the cassette; minimally inhibit flow out of the drain; minimize the collection of drain fluid; provide a rigid support across the drain tray surface; and stay locked into the drain tray when the cassette is removed.
Exemplary embodiments relate to drain actuators for cassettes used in sterility testing. A sterility cassette may have a spring-loaded drain to allow fluid flow through a porous membrane. To activate the drain, upwards pressure is applied to the spring during kit preparation through an actuator base. The actuator base may automatically actuate the drain when the cassette is inserted into the actuator base, and may be separate from or integral with a thermoformed drain tray. When the sterility cassette is removed from the tray, the base automatically shuts the drain. The actuator base has features that: maintain the rotational alignment between the tray and cassette; actuate the drain port on the bottom of the cassette; minimally inhibit flow out of the drain; minimize the collection of drain fluid; provide a rigid support across the drain tray surface; and stay locked into the drain tray when the cassette is removed.
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.
C12Q 1/04 - Determining presence or kind of microorganismUse of selective media for testing antibiotics or bacteriocidesCompositions containing a chemical indicator therefor
C12M 1/00 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology
Exemplary embodiments pertain to an automated sample processing system that includes a cassette having a superior component and an inferior component, where the superior component and the inferior component have a sufficient delta in opacity that is detectable by a sensor. An emitter is configured to emit a signal, where the signal passes laterally through one component of the cassette (or is diffused by it) and is configured to be received by a sensor. The sensor is configured to communicate the signal processing logic that is configured to interpret the signal and indicate the orientation of the cassette. Also disclosed is a method of detecting the orientation of a cassette in the automated sample processing system.
G01N 35/00 - Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups Handling materials therefor
G01N 35/02 - Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups Handling materials therefor using a plurality of sample containers moved by a conveyor system past one or more treatment or analysis stations
7.
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETECTING AN ORIENTATION OF A CASSETTE
Exemplary embodiments pertain to an automated sample processing system that includes a cassette having a superior component and an inferior component, where the superior component and the inferior component have a sufficient delta in opacity that is detectable by a sensor. An emitter is configured to emit a signal, where the signal passes laterally through one component of the cassette (or is diffused by it) and is configured to be received by a sensor. The sensor is configured to communicate the signal processing logic that is configured to interpret the signal and indicate the orientation of the cassette. Also disclosed is a method of detecting the orientation of a cassette in the automated sample processing system.
Membrane filtration is a technique for performing sterility testing on products, in which a sample is introduced to a sterile environment (such as a cassette) through an inlet port and then passed through one or more filters. The samples may be pumped into the cassette at a relatively high pressure, which can cause the sample to spray, mist, or foam. When the sample sprays in this manner, it can cause inconsistent results and can obscure the view through the lid of the cassette, which makes it difficult to analyze the incubated media. Exemplary embodiments provide a unique splash guard sized and shaped to transition the incoming sample fluids from a high-pressure state to a lower pressure flow. Consequently, the fluid flows more smoothly into the cassette which yields more consistent and accurate results.
A microbe enumeration kit or system is provided that includes a number of cassettes with an upper and lower chamber separated by a membrane. The kit further includes a media reservoir fluidly coupled to the cassettes by a tube set and a dual pressure valve mechanically coupled to the tube set and arranged to change a pressure in the cassettes to cause fluid from the fluid reservoir to pass through or interact with the membrane.
A microbe enumeration kit or system is provided that includes a number of cassettes with an upper and lower chamber separated by a membrane. The kit further includes a media reservoir fluidly coupled to the cassettes by a tube set and a dual pressure valve mechanically coupled to the tube set and arranged to change a pressure in the cassettes to cause fluid from the fluid reservoir to pass through or interact with the membrane.
Membrane filtration is a technique for performing sterility testing on products, in which a sample is introduced to a sterile environment (such as a cassette) through an inlet port and then passed through one or more filters. The samples may be pumped into the cassette at a relatively high pressure, which can cause the sample to spray, mist, or foam. When the sample sprays in this manner, it can cause inconsistent results and can obscure the view through the lid of the cassette, which makes it difficult to analyze the incubated media. Exemplary embodiments provide a unique splash guard sized and shaped to transition the incoming sample fluids from a high-pressure state to a lower pressure flow. Consequently, the fluid flows more smoothly into the cassette which yields more consistent and accurate results.
This application relates to improvements in environments for microbial testing. Exemplary embodiments provide a uniquely configured tray containing an environment conditioning material, such as an oxygen scavenger material, for use with a cassette assembly. Furthermore, some embodiments provide a cutting mechanism that allows the tray to be reliably breached, thereby exposing the material inside to the environment. Some embodiments can cut open the material with specially-configured cutter teeth, which can easily be deployed by twisting or pushing two halves of the cassette assembly.
This application relates to improvements in environments for microbial testing. Exemplary embodiments provide a uniquely configured tray containing an environment conditioning material, such as an oxygen scavenger material, for use with a cassette assembly. Furthermore, some embodiments provide a cutting mechanism that allows the tray to be reliably breached, thereby exposing the material inside to the environment. Some embodiments can cut open the material with specially-configured cutter teeth, which can easily be deployed by twisting or pushing two halves of the cassette assembly.
This application relates to improvements in environments for microbial testing. Exemplary embodiments provide a uniquely configured tray containing an environment conditioning material, such as an oxygen scavenger material, for use with a cassette assembly. Furthermore, some embodiments provide a cutting mechanism that allows the tray to be reliably breached, thereby exposing the material inside to the environment. Some embodiments can cut open the material with specially-configured cutter teeth, which can easily be deployed by twisting or pushing two halves of the cassette assembly.
B01L 3/00 - Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glasswareDroppers
C12M 1/32 - Inoculator or sampler multiple field or continuous type
C12Q 1/04 - Determining presence or kind of microorganismUse of selective media for testing antibiotics or bacteriocidesCompositions containing a chemical indicator therefor
15.
CUTTING SUBASSEMBLY AND CONDITIONING ASSEMBLY FOR AN ENVIRONMENT
This application relates to improvements in environments for microbial testing. Exemplary embodiments provide a uniquely configured tray containing an environment conditioning material, such as an oxygen scavenger material, for use with a cassette assembly. Furthermore, some embodiments provide a cutting mechanism that allows the tray to be reliably breached, thereby exposing the material inside to the environment. Some embodiments can cut open the material with specially-configured cutter teeth, which can easily be deployed by twisting or pushing two halves of the cassette assembly.
B01L 3/00 - Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glasswareDroppers
C12M 1/32 - Inoculator or sampler multiple field or continuous type
C12Q 1/04 - Determining presence or kind of microorganismUse of selective media for testing antibiotics or bacteriocidesCompositions containing a chemical indicator therefor
The invention provides a device for growing cells—referred to as a cassette. The cell culturing device includes a housing that contains a lid having an optically clear window; a fluid distribution channel; a sample injection port fluidically connected to the fluid distribution channel; a base housing a porous media pad; and a media injection port fluidically connected to the media pad. The lid mates to the base to form a sterile seal; the fluid distribution channel is disposed over the media pad, which is viewable through the optical window; and sample fluid introduced into the fluid distribution channel is distributed evenly to the media pad, e.g., via a plurality of channels. The invention also provides kits that include cassettes of the invention and a tube set.
The present invention features general-purpose microbiological growth media capable of supporting growth of microorganisms on membranes. The media contain casein digest, soybean digest, animal tissue digest, yeast extract, dextrose, a phosphate buffer, hemin, and L-cystine. The invention features an all-purpose microbiological growth media that can support the growth of anaerobes, molds, injured spores, and general aerobic bacteria to a greater extent than other media.
C12Q 1/04 - Determining presence or kind of microorganismUse of selective media for testing antibiotics or bacteriocidesCompositions containing a chemical indicator therefor
C12N 1/38 - Chemical stimulation of growth or activity by addition of chemical compounds which are not essential growth factorsStimulation of growth by removal of a chemical compound
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.
C12Q 1/04 - Determining presence or kind of microorganismUse of selective media for testing antibiotics or bacteriocidesCompositions containing a chemical indicator therefor
C12M 1/00 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology
The present invention features filtration assemblies, cassettes, systems, and methods for filtering cells from a sample solution and then incubating the captured cells.
The present invention features microbiological nutrient media capable of supporting growth of microorganisms. The medium includes a gelling agent and a dye and/or pigment that reduces background.
C12Q 1/04 - Determining presence or kind of microorganismUse of selective media for testing antibiotics or bacteriocidesCompositions containing a chemical indicator therefor
The invention enables efficient, rapid, and sensitive enumeration of living cells by detecting microscopic colonies derived from in situ cell division using large area imaging. Microbial enumeration tests based on the invention address an important problem in clinical and industrial microbiology—the long time needed for detection in traditional tests—while retaining key advantages of the traditional methods based on microbial culture. Embodiments of the invention include non-destructive aseptic methods for detecting cellular microcolonies without labeling reagents. These methods allow for the generation of pure cultures which can be used for microbial identification and determination of antimicrobial resistance.
C12Q 1/04 - Determining presence or kind of microorganismUse of selective media for testing antibiotics or bacteriocidesCompositions containing a chemical indicator therefor
C12Q 1/18 - Testing for antimicrobial activity of a material
G01N 33/50 - Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urineTesting involving biospecific ligand binding methodsImmunological testing
G01N 33/569 - ImmunoassayBiospecific binding assayMaterials therefor for microorganisms, e.g. protozoa, bacteria, viruses
G01N 33/58 - Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urineTesting involving biospecific ligand binding methodsImmunological testing involving labelled substances
B82Y 20/00 - Nanooptics, e.g. quantum optics or photonic crystals
G01N 15/14 - Optical investigation techniques, e.g. flow cytometry
The present invention features filtration assemblies, cassettes, systems, and methods for filtering cells from a sample solution and then incubating the captured cells.
C12M 1/34 - Measuring or testing with condition measuring or sensing means, e.g. colony counters
C12M 3/04 - Tissue, human, animal or plant cell, or virus culture apparatus with means providing thin layers
C12Q 1/04 - Determining presence or kind of microorganismUse of selective media for testing antibiotics or bacteriocidesCompositions containing a chemical indicator therefor
23.
FILTRATION ASSEMBLIES, CASSETTES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR FILTRATION AND CELL GROWTH
The present invention features filtration assemblies, cassettes, systems, and methods for filtering cells from a sample solution and then incubating the captured cells.
C12M 1/34 - Measuring or testing with condition measuring or sensing means, e.g. colony counters
C12M 3/04 - Tissue, human, animal or plant cell, or virus culture apparatus with means providing thin layers
C12Q 1/04 - Determining presence or kind of microorganismUse of selective media for testing antibiotics or bacteriocidesCompositions containing a chemical indicator therefor
24.
Use of clean and dry gas for particle removal and assembly therefor
The invention features particle removal assemblies and methods for removing dust and other debris from a sample container, e.g., to improve counting colonies of microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, fungi, or protists) present in environmental, pharmaceutical, biological, and other samples. An assembly of the invention includes components for particle removal, e.g., a filter, a dryer, a flow controller, and an outlet. The invention also provides methods of detecting samples after cleaning a sample container with clean and/or dry gas.
The present invention features microbiological nutrient media capable of supporting growth of microorganisms. The medium includes a gelling agent and a dye and/or pigment that reduces background.
C12M 1/34 - Measuring or testing with condition measuring or sensing means, e.g. colony counters
C12Q 1/04 - Determining presence or kind of microorganismUse of selective media for testing antibiotics or bacteriocidesCompositions containing a chemical indicator therefor
The present invention features microbiological nutrient media capable of supporting growth of microorganisms. The medium includes a gelling agent and a dye and/or pigment that reduces background.
C12Q 1/04 - Determining presence or kind of microorganismUse of selective media for testing antibiotics or bacteriocidesCompositions containing a chemical indicator therefor
C12M 1/34 - Measuring or testing with condition measuring or sensing means, e.g. colony counters
G01N 15/14 - Optical investigation techniques, e.g. flow cytometry
The present invention features general-purpose microbiological growth media capable of supporting growth of microorganisms on membranes. The media contain casein digest, soybean digest, animal tissue digest, yeast extract, dextrose, a phosphate buffer, hemin, and L-cystine. The invention features an all-purpose microbiological growth media that can support the growth of anaerobes, molds, injured spores, and general aerobic bacteria to a greater extent than other media.
C12Q 1/04 - Determining presence or kind of microorganismUse of selective media for testing antibiotics or bacteriocidesCompositions containing a chemical indicator therefor
C12N 1/38 - Chemical stimulation of growth or activity by addition of chemical compounds which are not essential growth factorsStimulation of growth by removal of a chemical compound
The invention provides a device for growing cells—referred to as a cassette. The cell culturing device includes a housing that contains a lid having an optically clear window; a fluid distribution channel; a sample injection port fluidically connected to the fluid distribution channel; a base housing a porous media pad; and a media injection port fluidically connected to the media pad. The lid mates to the base to form a sterile seal; the fluid distribution channel is disposed over the media pad, which is viewable through the optical window; and sample fluid introduced into the fluid distribution channel is distributed evenly to the media pad, e.g., via a plurality of channels. The invention also provides kits that include cassettes of the invention and a tube set.
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.
C12M 1/00 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology
C12Q 1/04 - Determining presence or kind of microorganismUse of selective media for testing antibiotics or bacteriocidesCompositions containing a chemical indicator therefor
30.
USE OF CLEAN AND DRY GAS FOR PARTICLE REMOVAL AND ASSEMBLY THEREFOR
The invention features particle removal assemblies and methods for removing dust and other debris from a sample container, e.g., to improve counting colonies of microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, fungi, or protists) present in environmental, pharmaceutical, biological, and other samples. An assembly of the invention includes components for particle removal, e.g., a filter, a dryer, a flow controller, and an outlet. The invention also provides methods of detecting samples after cleaning a sample container with clean and/or dry gas.
G01N 1/22 - Devices for withdrawing samples in the gaseous state
B01D 53/00 - Separation of gases or vapoursRecovering vapours of volatile solvents from gasesChemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases or aerosols
G01N 1/00 - SamplingPreparing specimens for investigation
The invention features particle removal assemblies and methods for removing dust and other debris from a sample container, e.g., to improve counting colonies of microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, fungi, or protists) present in environmental, pharmaceutical, biological, and other samples. An assembly of the invention includes components for particle removal, e.g., a filter, a dryer, a flow controller, and an outlet. The invention also provides methods of detecting samples after cleaning a sample container with clean and/or dry gas.
B01D 53/00 - Separation of gases or vapoursRecovering vapours of volatile solvents from gasesChemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases or aerosols
G01N 1/00 - SamplingPreparing specimens for investigation
The invention provides a device for growing cells—referred to as a cassette. The cell culturing device includes a housing that contains a lid having an optically clear window; a fluid distribution channel; a sample injection port fluidically connected to the fluid distribution channel; a base housing a porous media pad; and a media injection port fluidically connected to the media pad. The lid mates to the base to form a sterile seal; the fluid distribution channel is disposed over the media pad, which is viewable through the optical window; and sample fluid introduced into the fluid distribution channel is distributed evenly to the media pad, e.g., via a plurality of channels. The invention also provides kits that include cassettes of the invention and a tube set.
The present invention features general-purpose microbiological growth media capable of supporting growth of microorganisms on membranes. The media contain casein digest, soybean digest, animal tissue digest, yeast extract, dextrose, a phosphate buffer, hemin, and L-cystine. The invention features an all-purpose microbiological growth media that can support the growth of anaerobes, molds, injured spores, and general aerobic bacteria to a greater extent than other media.
C12Q 1/04 - Determining presence or kind of microorganismUse of selective media for testing antibiotics or bacteriocidesCompositions containing a chemical indicator therefor
C12N 1/38 - Chemical stimulation of growth or activity by addition of chemical compounds which are not essential growth factorsStimulation of growth by removal of a chemical compound
The present invention features general-purpose microbiological growth media capable of supporting growth of microorganisms on membranes. The media contain casein digest, soybean digest, animal tissue digest, yeast extract, dextrose, a phosphate buffer, hemin, and L-cystine. The invention features an all-purpose microbiological growth media that can support the growth of anaerobes, molds, injured spores, and general aerobic bacteria to a greater extent than other media.
C12N 1/38 - Chemical stimulation of growth or activity by addition of chemical compounds which are not essential growth factorsStimulation of growth by removal of a chemical compound
35.
MICROBIOLOGICAL GROWTH MEDIA AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME
The present invention features general-purpose microbiological growth media capable of supporting growth of microorganisms on membranes. The media contain casein digest, soybean digest, animal tissue digest, yeast extract, dextrose, a phosphate buffer, hemin, and L-cystine. The invention features an all-purpose microbiological growth media that can support the growth of anaerobes, molds, injured spores, and general aerobic bacteria to a greater extent than other media.
C12N 1/38 - Chemical stimulation of growth or activity by addition of chemical compounds which are not essential growth factorsStimulation of growth by removal of a chemical compound
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.
C12Q 1/04 - Determining presence or kind of microorganismUse of selective media for testing antibiotics or bacteriocidesCompositions containing a chemical indicator therefor
The invention provides a device for growing cells—referred to as a cassette. The cell culturing device includes a housing that contains a lid having an optically clear window; a fluid distribution channel; a sample injection port fluidically connected to the fluid distribution channel; a base housing a porous media pad; and a media injection port fluidically connected to the media pad. The lid mates to the base to form a sterile seal; the fluid distribution channel is disposed over the media pad, which is viewable through the optical window; and sample fluid introduced into the fluid distribution channel is distributed evenly to the media pad, e.g., via a plurality of channels. The invention also provides kits that include cassettes of the invention and a tube set.
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.
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.
C12Q 1/04 - Determining presence or kind of microorganismUse of selective media for testing antibiotics or bacteriocidesCompositions containing a chemical indicator therefor
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.
C12Q 1/04 - Determining presence or kind of microorganismUse of selective media for testing antibiotics or bacteriocidesCompositions containing a chemical indicator therefor
C12M 1/14 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology with means providing thin layers or with multi-level trays
C12M 1/00 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology
41.
A CELL CULTURING DEVICE ALLOWING FILTRATION THEREIN
The invention provides a device for growing cells - referred to as a cassette. The cell culturing device includes a housing that contains a lid having an optically clear window; a fluid distribution channel; a sample injection port fluidically connected to the fluid distribution channel; a base housing a porous media pad; and a media injection port fluidically connected to the media pad. The lid mates to the base to form a sterile seal; the fluid distribution channel is disposed over the media pad, which is viewable through the optical window; and sample fluid introduced into the fluid distribution channel is distributed evenly to the media pad, e.g., via a plurality of channels. The invention also provides kits that include cassettes of the invention and a tube set.
The invention provides a device for growing cells - referred to as a cassette. The cell culturing device includes a housing that contains a lid having an optically clear window; a fluid distribution channel; a sample injection port fluidically connected to the fluid distribution channel; a base housing a porous media pad; and a media injection port fluidically connected to the media pad. The lid mates to the base to form a sterile seal; the fluid distribution channel is disposed over the media pad, which is viewable through the optical window; and sample fluid introduced into the fluid distribution channel is distributed evenly to the media pad, e.g., via a plurality of channels. The invention also provides kits that include cassettes of the invention and a tube set.
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.
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.
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.
C12Q 1/04 - Determining presence or kind of microorganismUse of selective media for testing antibiotics or bacteriocidesCompositions containing a chemical indicator therefor
patents
