Systems and methods for cryopreservation of cells
A fluid sample vessel includes inlet and vent tube fittings formed at one end of a container with an opposite open end closed by a needle septum. A support cap is removably engaged to the container to support the container and protect terminal ends of inlet and vent tubular branches coupled to the fittings. The support cap includes a pair of opposite legs with outwardly directed tabs for mounting within a centrifuge while supporting the cryopreservation container.
1. A cryopreservation device comprising:
a container for receiving and storing a liquid sample under cryopreservation conditions, said container having a hollow interior, and an outlet opening;
a first tube fluidly communicating with said hollow interior, said first tube defining a vent passageway;
a filter element disposed within said vent passageway;
a second tube fluidly communicating with said hollow interior, said second tube defining an inlet passageway between a first end opening into said hollow interior and a sealed second end, and wherein said second tube is configured for connection to a source of liquid to be cryogenically preserved; and
a needle septum sealing said outlet opening, said needle septum configured for removal of a stored liquid through a needle, and wherein said container is hermetically sealed.
2. The cryopreservation device of claim 1 , wherein said second tube comprises heat-sealable sterile tubing.
3. The cryopreservation device of claim 2 , wherein said second tube further comprises an input needle septum at said sealed second end.
4. The cryopreservation device of claim 2 , wherein said second tube further comprises a needle-less port at said sealed second end.
5. The cryopreservation device of claim 2 , wherein said second tube further comprises a heat sealed portion at said sealed second end.
6. The cryopreservation device of claim 1 , wherein said filter element is gas permeable but generally liquid impermeable.
7. The cryopreservation device of claim 1 , wherein said filter element is a sterile micro-filter.
8. The cryopreservation device of claim 1 , further comprising a removable septum cover.
9. The cryopreservation device of claim 8 , wherein said removable septum cover comprises a foil film.
10. The cryopreservation device of claim 1 , wherein said container has a storage volume of 2-5 mL.
11. The cryopreservation device of claim 1 , further comprising a cryoprotectant received within said container.
12. The cryopreservation device of claim 1 , wherein said device is comprised of materials suitable to remain hermetically sealed at cryopreservation conditions at a temperature as low as −196° C.
13. A method of cryogenically storing a sample, said method comprising:
introducing a liquid sample into a cryopreservation device as described in claim 1 ; and
storing said device at cryopreservation conditions at a temperature as low as −196° C.
14. A sample container device comprising:
a container for receiving a sample, said container comprising an elongated body, said body defining a hollow interior from an open end and being closed at the opposite end by an inlet tube fitting and a vent tube fitting opening to said hollow interior;
a gas permeable sterile micro-filter received in said vent tube fitting;
a needle septum closing said open end; and
a length of heat sealable tubing coupled to said inlet fitting, wherein the flexible tubing is comprised of material suitable to form a heat seal that withstands cryopreservation conditions at temperature as low as −196° C. without compromising the heat seal, and wherein said heat sealable tubing is sealed.
15. The device of claim 14 , further comprising a needle septum sealing said heat sealable tubing.
16. The device of claim 14 , further comprising a removable septum cover.
17. The device of claim 16 , wherein said removable septum cover comprises a foil film.
18. The device of claim 14 , further comprising a cryoprotectant received within said container.
19. The device of claim 14 , wherein said device is hermetically sealed.
20. The device of claim 14 , wherein said device is comprised of materials suitable to remain hermetically sealed at cryopreservation conditions at a temperature as low as −196° C.
21. The cryopreservation device of claim 14 , further comprising a needle-less port sealing said heat sealable tubing.
22. The cryopreservation device of claim 14 , further comprising a heat sealed portion sealing said heat sealable tubing.