Media suction devices and methods

Abstract

Devices and methods are provided for removing media from a culture vessel that decreases disruption of the interface between the cellular material and media within the vessel such that aspiration and removal of cells or cell clusters along with the media is minimized. In addition, the media fluid turbulence is decreased so as to minimize the activation or disruption of cells and cell clusters.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method of removing media from a culture vessel containing a cellular material and a culture media, the method comprising:
 providing a culture vessel comprising:
 a body configured to contain the cellular material and the culture media, 
 an agitator in kinetic communication with at least one of the cellular material and the culture media, 
 a fitting configured to close the body, 
 a suction device, moving through the fitting, having:
 a proximal portion defining by a longitudinal axis, and 
 a distal portion having a curved section defining an arc and a terminal section having an opening therein, 
 
 a pump in fluid communication with the suction device, 
   allowing the cellular material to settle to the bottom of the body;   submerging the distal portion of the suction device into the body such that the opening is in the culture media; and   suctioning media through the opening.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the arc is defined starting from the longitudinal axis of the proximal portion and is greater than 90°. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the agitator comprises impeller blades. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the body has an internal surface configured to prevent the cellular material from attaching or adhering to the body. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , further comprising culturing the cellular material in a dynamic suspension. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the suction device comprises a second opening in the terminal section. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein 10% or less of the cellular material within the culture vessel is removed along with the culture media. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the internal surface comprises non-tissue culture treated cells which prevent the cellular material from attaching or adhering to the body.