Methods and Devices for Producing Cellular Suspensions from Tissue Samples

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure include methods of producing a cellular suspension from a tissue sample by applying resonant acoustic energy to a container comprising the tissue sample in a manner sufficient to produce a cellular suspension from the tissue sample. Resonant acoustic mixers and kits for use in producing a cellular suspension from a tissue sample are also provided.

1 .- 11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . A resonant acoustic mixer comprising:
 a mixing container;   an resonant acoustic energy source operatively coupled to the mixing container; and   a tissue sample present in the mixing container.   
     
     
         13 . The resonant acoustic mixer according to  claim 12 , wherein the resonant acoustic mixer is operatively coupled to a flow cytometer. 
     
     
         14 . The resonant acoustic mixer according to  claim 12 , wherein the container further comprises at least one of an enzymatic dissolution agent and a milling agent. 
     
     
         15 . A kit for use in producing a cellular suspension from a tissue sample, the kit comprising:
 an enzymatic dissolution agent; and   a milling agent.   
     
     
         16 . The resonant acoustic mixer according to  claim 12 , wherein the resonant acoustic energy source is configured to apply acoustic energy having a frequency ranging from 10 to 100 Hz to the mixing container. 
     
     
         17 . The resonant acoustic mixer according to  claim 12 , wherein the mixing container is a sealed container. 
     
     
         18 . The resonant acoustic mixer according to  claim 12 , wherein the container has a volume ranging from 10 to 500 ml. 
     
     
         19 . The resonant acoustic mixer according to  claim 12 , wherein the tissue sample is a biopsy sample. 
     
     
         20 . The resonant acoustic mixer according to  claim 13 , wherein the flow cytometer is a cell sorter.