Cassette for sterility testing
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.
1. A cell culturing device comprising a housing that contains:
i) a lid having an optically clear window;
ii) a fluid distribution channel;
iii) a sample injection port fluidically connected to the fluid distribution channel;
iv) a base that comprises a porous media pad; and
v) a media injection port fluidically connected to the media pad,
wherein:
the lid mates to the base to form a sterile seal,
the fluid distribution channel is disposed over the media pad,
the fluid distribution channel comprises a sloped surface that circumferentially surrounds the media pad and slopes from the sample injection port towards the media pad,
the fluid distribution channel comprises a plurality of channels that each extend partially around a circumference of the housing, and
the media pad is viewable through the optical window.
2. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a membrane disposed on the media pad, wherein cells retained on the membrane are viewable through the optical window.
3. The device of claim 2 , wherein the volume between the lid and membrane is pressurizable.
4. The device of claim 1 , further comprising an oxygen scavenger sufficient to render the interior of the device anaerobic.
5. The device of claim 4 , further comprising an actuator for the oxygen scavenger.
6. The device of claim 5 , wherein the actuator is activated by over rotation of the lid or a pull tab.
7. The device of claim 1 , wherein the lid is removable.
8. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a cover disposed on top of the fluid distribution channel.
9. The device of claim 8 , wherein the cover shapes a fluid stream passing therethrough.
10. A kit for detecting cells, comprising the device of claim 1 and a first tube set comprising a tube having a connector that has a needle and mates to the sample injection port, media injection port, vent port, or drainage port.
11. The kit of claim 10 , wherein the connector further comprises a septum through which the needle passes.
12. The kit of claim 10 , further comprising second and optional third tube sets, each comprising a tube having a connector that has a needle, wherein the connectors for the tube sets mate to one of the sample injection, media injection, vent, and drainage ports.
13. The kit of claim 12 , wherein the tubes for the first, second, and optional third tube sets share a common inlet or outlet.
14. The kit set of claim 10 , wherein the connector comprises a clip that snaps into a cassette.
15. The kit set of claim 10 , further comprising a plurality of separate tubes for at least two of sample introduction, media introduction, drainage, and venting.
16. The device of claim 1 , wherein the fluid distribution channel comprises a helical raceway.
17. The device of claim 1 , wherein the fluid distribution channel comprises a single central opening in which the porous media pad is disposed.