Culture vessel for cell cultures

US5686301A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Heraeus Instruments GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Frank Walter Falkenberg · Witten, DE
• Hans-Otto Nagels · Bovenden, DE
• Heinz-Gerhard Kohn · Dransfeld, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 2, 1994
• Grant date: Nov 11, 1997
• Expiry date: Sep 2, 2014

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C12M27/10
• WIPO field: Biotechnology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A cell culture vessel which permits gentle but vigorous intermixing and suspending of the cell culture during rotation. The culture vessel features a cell mixing and suspending device combined with a gas exchange membrane such that ample gas exchange occurs without the need to feed oxygen to the cells. The cell mixing and suspending device comprises a baffle system having at least one, and preferably more than one, mixing elements integral with the gas exchange membrane. Movement of the culture vessel, such as for example by rolling, shaking or swirling, moves the mixing elements such that the cells which are to be cultivated are gently intermixed and stably suspended within the cell culture chamber. Pressure variations within the cell culture vessel are accommodated by pressure equalizing device. The pressure equalizing device preferably comprises pressure sheathing made of gas permeable material positioned to form at least a portion of the outer wall of the supply chamber. The pressure sheathing compresses to accommodate increased pressure within the supply chamber. Moreover, the gas permeable material permits additional gas exchange to occur through the supply chamber. Mixing of…