Method of closing a cell containment device with a wet seal
US6617151B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 29, 2000 |
| Grant date | Sep 9, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 29, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2/022
- WIPO fieldPharmaceuticals
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method is provided for closing a containment device that involves wetting at least a portion of a permeable polymeric membrane such as tubular membrane with a liquid such as a cell suspension or drug formulation the device is being filled with, and applying heat to at least a portion of a wetted thermoplastic polymer in association with the membrane to form a “wet seal” closure. The thermoplastic polymer melts at a lower temperature than the polymeric membrane and the melted polymer integrates with the membrane by flowing along surfaces and into available interstices of the membrane to form a cell-tight closure when the polymer cools below its melt temperature. The application of heat may be accompanied by slight pressure, and a heat sink may be applied to limit heat transfer beyond the closure region to the membrane. In association with melting of the polymer, the membrane/thermoplastic polymer combination may be twisted and/or elongated, and twisting may form a separation region which can be cut to form first and second devices. The membrane and thermoplastic polymer may be made of polytetrafluoroethylene and fluorinated ethylene propylene, respectively. The contain…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.