Cell culturing device

US12091703B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• RAPID MICRO BIOSYSTEMS, INC. · US

Inventors

• Douglas J. Browne · Groton, US
• Sarkis Karakozian · Belmont, US
• Xiaowei Chen · Shanghai, CN

Key dates

• Filing date: May 3, 2023
• Grant date: Sep 17, 2024
• Expiry date: May 3, 2043

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C12M23/38
• WIPO field: Biotechnology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

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.