Method and apparatus for treatment of biological substances, particularly for cultivation of biological cells and tissues, or of microorganisms

US4336329A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• W. C. Heraeus GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Peter S. Hesse · Bradenton, US
• Friedbert Schinle · Hanau, DE
• Helmut Loscher · Nidderau, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 17, 1980
• Grant date: Jun 22, 1982
• Expiry date: Jun 17, 2000

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S435/809
• WIPO field: Biotechnology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

To establish predetermined humidity levels within a sterile treatment chamber, and maintain sterility, water, preferably deionized, is conducted to an evaporator outside of a container defining the treatment chamber, to be there heated to superheated steam, for example in the order of 300.degree. C., and conducted to a bypass duct (1) in atmospheric communication with the treatment chamber (10), for mixing with the atmosphere within the treatment chamber. Preferably, the treatment chamber is surrounded by heat exchanger elements, such as electrical heating wires and/or cooling coils, the heaters being controlled to rapidly heat the treatment chamber to a temperature in the order of 180.degree. C. during pauses of treatment for sterilizing the interior of the container, and/or maintaining temperature levels at a desired treatment level in operation. Additional gases to establish controlled atmospheres can be admitted to the interior of the treatment chamber, preferably after having passed through a heat exchanger for establishment of a desired temperature level.