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 . An apparatus for removing media from a culture vessel containing cellular material, the apparatus comprising:
 a hollow tubing having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion having a curved section; and   at least one opening in the curved section.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the opening is at a distal-most end of the distal portion. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one opening in the curved section is disposed in at least one of an inside curvature of the curved section and an outside curvature of the curved section. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one opening in the curved section is spaced apart from a distal peak of the curved section. 
     
     
         5 . A suction device, comprising:
 a proximal portion defining a longitudinal axis; and   a distal portion having a curved section defining an arc and a terminal section having an opening therein;   wherein the arc is defined starting from the longitudinal axis of the proximal portion and is greater than 90°.   
     
     
         6 . The suction device of  claim 5 , wherein the suction device comprises a second opening. 
     
     
         7 . The suction device of  claim 6 , wherein the second opening is in the curved section. 
     
     
         8 . The suction device of  claim 5 , wherein the terminal section extends beyond the curved section. 
     
     
         9 . The suction device of  claim 8 , wherein the terminal section is parallel to the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         10 . The suction device of  claim 9 , wherein the suction device comprises a second opening in the terminal section. 
     
     
         11 . A cellular culture vessel, comprising:
 a body configured to contain a cellular material and a 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; and 
   a pump in fluid communication with the suction device.   
     
     
         12 . The cellular culture vessel of  claim 11 , wherein the internal surface comprises non-tissue culture treated cells which prevent the cellular material from attaching or adhering to the body. 
     
     
         13 . The cellular culture vessel of  claim 11 , wherein the arc is defined starting from the longitudinal axis of the proximal portion and is greater than 90°. 
     
     
         14 . The cellular culture vessel of  claim 11 , wherein the agitator comprises impeller blades. 
     
     
         15 . The cellular culture vessel of  claim 11 , wherein the suction device comprises a second opening. 
     
     
         16 . The cellular culture vessel of  claim 15 , wherein the second opening is in the curved section. 
     
     
         17 . The cellular culture vessel of  claim 11 , wherein the suction device has a maximal pump rate between 40-70 RPM. 
     
     
         18 . The cellular culture vessel of  claim 11 , wherein the suction device has a maximal pump rate between 66-117 mL/min.