Multi-position support for cell culture equipment

Abstract

A multi-position support for a multilayer cell culture apparatus includes a main base that rests against a support member in an upright configuration. In the upright configuration, a support surface is vertically offset from the main base. The support surface supports the multilayer cell culture apparatus and the multilayer cell culture apparatus is situated thereon. An intermediate surface extends between the main base and the support surface. The intermediate surface meets the main base at an interface that extends at an oblique angle to an edge of the main base. The multi-position support has an inclined configuration in which the multi-position support rotates about the interface such that the support surface is closer to the support member than in the upright configuration, and the multilayer cell culture apparatus is supported thereon on the support surface.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 056,913, filed July 27, 2020, pursuant to 35 U.SC §119, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to multi-position supports for cell culture equipment, and more particularly to multi-position supports having upright and inclined configurations. Background Technology

[0004] Many types of cell culture products are constructed to provide stackable or stackable units for culturing cells. For example, T-flasks are typically made with flat top and bottom surfaces to allow for stacking, thus saving space. Some modified T-flasks have multiple parallel culture surfaces within the flask to reduce the time and effort associated with filling and emptying. Other culture devices are multi-part assemblies with multiple parallel or stacked culture surfaces. In most cases of such stacked culture assemblies, each culture layer is isolated to reduce hydrostatic pressure on the culture layer below. The potential impact of hydrostatic pressure increases with the number of stacked layers.

[0005] An exemplary cell culture product is Corning's HYPERStack. TM System. HYPERStack TM The system comprises multiple modules formed by separate stacked layers, interconnected via flexible tubing connected to tubing connectors. The modules are interconnected to fill and empty the HYPERStack. TM System. Valves and other devices can be used to control the inflow and outflow of fluids in HYPERStack. TM The system. The use of these valves and other devices can be cumbersome and provides potential locations for leaks.

[0006] Currently used for filling and emptying HYPERStack TM The processes used in the systems are inconsistent because the filling and evacuation schemes involve tilting the HYPERStack at various stages. TM The system is designed to produce better results. Without accessories to drive the system, users would have to use whatever they have on hand in the lab, such as tube clamps, test tube racks, doorstops, etc. A multi-position support is needed that can be used to handle cell culture equipment during filling and emptying procedures and to reliably position the cell culture equipment at multiple tilt angles. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In a first aspect, a multi-position support for a multilayer cell culture apparatus includes: a main base, in an upright configuration, the main base resting against a support member; a support surface, in an upright configuration, the support surface being vertically offset from the main base, the support surface supporting the multilayer cell culture apparatus and having the multilayer cell culture apparatus situated thereon; and an intermediate surface extending between the main base and the support surface, wherein the intermediate surface meets the main base at an interface, the interface extending obliquely to an edge of the main base; wherein the multi-position support has an inclined configuration, wherein the multi-position support rotates about the interface such that the support surface is closer to the support member than in the upright configuration, and the support surface supports the multilayer cell culture apparatus thereon.

[0008] According to the second aspect, a multi-position support member of aspect 1 is provided, which further includes a secondary base that rests against the support member in an upright configuration.

[0009] According to the third aspect, a multi-position support of aspect 2 is provided, wherein the support surface is a first support surface, and the multi-position support further includes a second support surface located between a primary substrate and a secondary substrate, the second support surface supporting the multilayer cell culture device and the multilayer cell culture device being located thereon.

[0010] According to aspect 4, a multi-position support member of aspect 3 is provided, wherein a first support surface and a second support surface are in substantially the same plane, which is inclined toward the main base.

[0011] According to the fifth aspect, a multi-position support of aspect 4 is provided, which further includes a handle extending outward from a secondary substrate and including a support flange that engages the filling side of the multilayer cell culture device to constrain the multilayer cell culture device on a first support surface and a second support surface.

[0012] According to the sixth aspect, a multi-position support member of aspect 5 is provided, which further includes another support flange extending outward from the first support surface, which engages the tail side of the multilayer cell culture device, the tail side being opposite to the filling side.

[0013] According to aspect 7, a multi-position support member of any of aspects 4-6 is provided, wherein the second support surface is spaced apart from the support member.

[0014] According to aspect 8, a multi-position support member of any of aspects 1-7 is provided, wherein the support surface meets the intermediate surface at another interface at an angle relative to the edge of the main base.

[0015] According to aspect 9, a multi-position support member of aspect 8 is provided, wherein the two interfaces have approximately the same bevel angle relative to the edge of the main base.

[0016] According to a 10th aspect, a multi-position support for a multilayer cell culture apparatus, the multi-position support comprising: a main base, in an upright configuration, the main base resting against a support member; a support surface, in an upright configuration, the support surface being vertically offset from the main base, the support surface supporting the multilayer cell culture apparatus and having the multilayer cell culture apparatus situated thereon; and an intermediate surface extending between the main base and the support surface, wherein the intermediate surface meets the main base at an interface, the interface extending obliquely to an edge of the main base; wherein the multi-position support has an inclined configuration, wherein the multi-position support rotates about the interface such that the cell culture apparatus provides a composite angle relative to a horizontal plane.

[0017] According to the 11th aspect, a multi-position support of aspect 10 is provided, wherein the multi-position support has an inclined configuration, wherein the multi-position support rotates about an interface such that a first support surface is closer to the support member than in an upright configuration, and the support surface supports a multilayer cell culture device thereon.

[0018] According to aspect 12, a multi-position support member of aspect 10 or 11 is provided, wherein a first support surface meets an intermediate surface at another interface at an angle relative to the edge of the main base.

[0019] According to aspect 13, a multi-position support member of aspect 12 is provided, wherein the two interfaces have approximately the same bevel angle relative to the edge of the main base.

[0020] According to aspect 14, a multi-position support member is provided for any of aspects 10-13, which further includes a secondary base that, in an upright configuration, rests against the support member.

[0021] According to aspect 15, a multi-position support member of aspect 14 is provided, wherein a first support surface and a second support surface are in substantially the same plane, which is inclined toward the main base.

[0022] According to aspect 16, a multi-position support member of aspect 15 is provided, which further includes a handle extending outward from a secondary substrate and including a support flange that engages the filling side of the multilayer cell culture device to constrain the multilayer cell culture device on a first support surface and a second support surface.

[0023] According to aspect 17, a multi-position support member of aspect 16 is provided, which further includes another support flange extending outward from a first support surface, which engages the tail side of the multilayer cell culture device, the tail side being opposite to the filling side.

[0024] According to aspect 18, a multi-position support member is provided for any of aspects 10-17, wherein a second support surface is spaced apart from the support member.

[0025] According to aspect 19, a method for changing the filling angle of a cell culture apparatus, the cell culture apparatus comprising a plurality of cell culture modules, each cell culture module comprising a multilayer cell culture chamber, the plurality of cell culture modules being fluidly connected together via a fluid manifold and an air manifold, the method comprising: connecting the cell culture apparatus to a multi-position support, the multi-position support comprising: a main base, in an upright configuration, the main base resting against a support member; a support surface, in an upright configuration, the support surface being vertically offset from the main base, the support surface supporting the multilayer cell culture apparatus and having the multilayer cell culture apparatus situated thereon; and an intermediate surface extending between the main base and the support surface, wherein the intermediate surface encounters the main base at an interface, the interface extending obliquely to an edge of the main base; wherein the multi-position support has an inclined configuration, wherein the multi-position support rotates about the interface such that the support surface is closer to the support member than in an upright configuration, and the support surface supports the multilayer cell culture apparatus thereon; and filling the cell culture apparatus when the multilayer cell culture apparatus is supported by the multi-position support and the multi-position support is in either an upright configuration or an inclined configuration.

[0026] According to aspect 20, a method of aspect 19 is provided, wherein the filling step includes: filling the cell culture apparatus while the cell culture apparatus is supported by a multi-position support and the multi-position support is in an upright configuration.

[0027] According to aspect 21, a method of aspect 20 is provided, which further includes: tilting the cell culture apparatus by rotating the multi-position support about the interface using the multi-position support.

[0028] The cell culture apparatus described herein is supported by a multi-position support and has both an upright and an inclined configuration, placing the cell culture apparatus in different angular orientations relative to the horizontal plane. By providing cell culture apparatuses with different angular orientations, improved filling and emptying results can be achieved more reliably and consistently. Furthermore, in the inclined configuration, the filling side (front) of the cell culture apparatus is provided with a compound angle, wherein the air manifold is raised both vertically and horizontally. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a cell culture apparatus including a manifold according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0030] Figure 2 It is based on one or more embodiments shown and described herein, and Figure 1 A schematic diagram of multiple combined stacked layers used together in a cell culture device;

[0031] Figure 3 According to one or more embodiments shown and described herein, the support is in an upright configuration. Figure 1 Side view of the multi-position support component of the cell culture equipment;

[0032] Figure 4 It is based on one or more embodiments shown and described herein. Figure 3 Perspective view of a multi-position support component;

[0033] Figure 5 It is based on one or more embodiments shown and described herein. Figure 4 Plan view of multi-position support components;

[0034] Figure 6 It is constructed in an inclined manner according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. Figure 3 Side view of a multi-position support component;

[0035] Figure 7 It is constructed in an inclined manner according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. Figure 6 End view of the multi-position support; and

[0036] Figure 8 This is a side view of multiple nested multi-position support members according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein.

[0037] The accompanying drawings need not be drawn to scale. The same reference numerals used in the drawings denote the same parts, steps, etc. However, it should be understood that using reference numerals to represent a component in a given drawing does not limit the components labeled with the same reference numerals in another drawing. Furthermore, using different reference numerals to indicate components is not intended to suggest that components with different reference numerals cannot be the same or similar. Detailed Implementation

[0038] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the detailed description, in which several specific embodiments of the apparatus, system, and method are illustrated in an illustrative manner. It should be understood that other embodiments are contemplated and can be made without departing from the scope or spirit of this disclosure. Therefore, the following detailed description is not intended to be limiting.

[0039] Unless otherwise stated, all technical terms used herein have the meanings commonly found in the art. The definitions provided herein are intended to aid in understanding certain terms frequently used herein and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of this disclosure.

[0040] The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” used in this specification and the claims include embodiments having a plurality of referred objects, unless expressly stated otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally used in its sense including “and / or,” unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0041] As used in this article, words such as “have,” “possess,” “contain,” “include,” “include,” and “include” are used in their open sense and generally mean “including but not limited to.”

[0042] This disclosure describes a multi-position support for a multilayer cell culture apparatus. The multi-position support can be formed by bending a plate to include a main substrate, which rests against a support member in an upright configuration. A support surface is provided, which, in the upright configuration, is vertically offset from the main substrate and supports the multilayer cell culture apparatus at an angle relative to the support surface or relative to a horizontal plane. The multi-position support also includes an intermediate surface extending between the main substrate and the support surface. The intermediate surface meets the main substrate at an interface that extends obliquely to an edge of the main substrate. The multi-position support has an inclined configuration in which the multi-position support rotates about an interface on the support surface such that, compared to the upright configuration, the support surface is closer to the support member, and the multilayer cell culture apparatus is supported thereon.

[0043] A multilayer cell culture apparatus includes cell culture modules comprising multiple growth or culture surfaces within cell culture chambers connected together via manifolds to form a cell culture device. The cell culture modules can be further connected to other cell culture modules via manifolds to form stacked cell culture devices. The multiple culture surfaces are stacked in a multilayer configuration. The manifold includes an integral column structure formed as a whole of the manifold. The column structure includes an inlet port and provides at least a portion of a fluid flow path from the inlet port, which is in fluid communication with individual cell culture chambers within the cell culture modules. The manifold and associated column structure can provide a closed system in which the column structure can be connected to flexible tubing to isolate the cell culture chambers from the environment during use of the cell culture apparatus.

[0044] refer to Figure 1The cell culture apparatus 10 includes three cell culture modules 12, 14, and 16, each containing multiple cell culture chambers 18, stacked one on top of the other to form the multilayer cell culture apparatus 10. Each cell culture module 12, 14, and 16 employs two manifolds 20 and 22. Liquids can enter and exit cell culture modules 12, 14, and 16 through the first manifold 20. Therefore, the first manifold 20 can be referred to as a fluid manifold. Air can enter and exit cell culture modules 12, 14, and 16 through the second manifold 22. Therefore, the second manifold 22 can be referred to as an air manifold.

[0045] Cell culture modules 12, 14 and 16 may each include multiple combined stacked layers 24, which, when stacked together, form multiple cell culture chambers 18, with conduit spaces (air spaces) 25 between the multiple cell culture chambers 18. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of multiple stacked layers 24 stacked together to form a layered cell culture chamber 18 and a cell culture surface 26. The cell culture surface 26 includes a gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable membrane 28. For example, the stacked layers 24 include conduit spaces 25 to allow gas to pass between the cell culture chamber 18 and the outside of the cell culture apparatus 10. (Back to Reference) Figure 1 Cell culture modules 12, 14, and 16 can be separated from each other by spacers 31, 33, and 35. Spacers 31, 33, and 35 can provide structural support for individual cell culture modules 12, 14, and 16. In some embodiments, spacers 31 and / or 33 can be replaced by additional combined stacked layers 24 to provide a higher total number of cell culture chambers 18. Furthermore, a riser volume can be provided above the cell culture module 12 to trap residual air and prevent air from residing in the cell culture chambers 18.

[0046] The cell culture module or portion thereof described herein can be formed from any suitable material. Preferably, the material intended to contact the cells or culture medium is compatible with the cells or culture medium. Typically, the cell culture module is formed from a polymeric material. Examples of suitable polymeric materials include polystyrene, polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, polysulfone, polystyrene copolymers, fluoropolymers, polyesters, polyamides, polystyrene-butadiene copolymers, fully hydrogenated styrene polymers, polycarbonate-PDMS copolymers, and polyolefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polymethylpentene, polypropylene copolymers, and cyclic olefin copolymers.

[0047] In some implementations, the culture module includes a gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable membrane 28 to allow gas exchange between cell culture chambers 18, and ultimately with external gas exchange to the cell culture assembly. Such a culture module may include spacers or spacer layers adjacent to the membrane and outside the cell culture chamber to allow airflow between stacked units. A commercially available example of a cell culture apparatus comprising such stacked, gas-permeable culture units is Corning's HYPERStack. TM Cell culture equipment. Examples of suitable gas-permeable polymeric materials for forming the membrane include polystyrene, polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyolefins, ethylene-vinyl acetate, polymethylpentene, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or compatible fluoropolymers, silicone rubbers or copolymers, poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene), or combinations thereof. A variety of polymeric materials can be used, provided that manufacturing and compatibility with cell growth permit. Preferably, the membrane has a thickness that allows for efficient gas transfer across it. For example, a polystyrene membrane can be about 0.003 inches (about 75 micrometers) thick, but various thicknesses also allow for cell growth. Therefore, the membrane can have any thickness, preferably between about 25 micrometers and 250 micrometers, or between about 25 micrometers and 125 micrometers. The membrane allows for free exchange of gas between the chamber of the component and the external environment and can take any size or shape. Preferably, the membrane is durable for the manufacture, handling, and operation of the device.

[0048] As mentioned above, cell culture modules 12, 14, and 16 can be connected together using manifolds 20 and 22. Manifold 20 includes a sidewall base structure 30 and a column structure 32, the column structure 32 being formed as an integral part of the sidewall base structure 30, thereby providing a single manifold 20. The column structure 32 includes barbed structures 34 and provides at least a portion of a fluid flow path from the barbed structures 34, which is in fluid communication with the individual cell culture chambers 18 in cell culture modules 12, 14, and 16. Manifold 20 can be configured to allow the filling and emptying of cell culture chambers 18.

[0049] Manifold 22 also includes a sidewall base structure 30' and a column structure 32', the column structure 32' being formed as an integral part of the sidewall base structure 30', thereby providing a single manifold 22. The column structure 32' includes barbed structures 34' and provides at least a portion of the fluid flow path from the individual cell culture chambers 18 in the cell culture modules 12, 14, and 16 to the barbed structures 34'. Manifold 22 may be configured to allow the filling and emptying of cell culture chambers 18 by allowing air to enter and exit the cell culture apparatus 10. In some embodiments, the column structure 32' may be offset from the indicated position to control the flow rate of the medium entering the column structure 32'.

[0050] refer to Figure 3 The cell culture device 10 can be filled and emptied when the cell culture device is placed on its side at an angle (40°) and tilted. Figure 3 As shown. Using the multi-position support 50, the cell culture apparatus 10 can be reliably positioned on its side 40 relative to the support member 42 or the horizontal plane at a predetermined tilt angle θ1 (e.g., between about 10 degrees and about 12 degrees). The side 40 closest to the fluid manifold 20 is positioned on the multi-position support 50 such that the fluid manifold 20 is lower than the air manifold 22. As will be described in more detail below, the multi-position support 50 can be used in an upright configuration (such as... Figure 3 The cell culture device 10 is tilted relative to the horizontal plane at different angles (as shown in the diagram) and the inclined structure.

[0051] refer to Figure 4 and 5 The multi-position support 50 is shown in an isolated form and is formed as an integral curved plate, including a bottom 52, a top 54, opposing ends 56 and 58, and opposing edges 60 and 62. At edge 62, the multi-position support 50 includes position tabs 64 and 66, which hold the cell culture device 10 ( Figure 3 The bottom edge 68 of the cell culture apparatus 10 engages with the multi-position support 50 in an upright position and helps hold the cell culture apparatus 10 in place on the multi-position support 50. In some embodiments, the bottom edge 68 of the cell culture apparatus 10 may be provided with recessed features 71 and 73, which are sized and positioned to receive position tabs 64 and 66. Position tabs 64 and 66 may include bends 75 that can be used to grip the bottom edge 68 and prevent lateral movement of the cell culture apparatus 10 away from the multi-position support 50.

[0052] The multi-position support 50 includes a main base 70, which rests against a support member (e.g., a table) in an upright configuration as shown. A main support surface 72 is provided, which, in the upright configuration, is vertically offset from the main base 70 and supports the cell culture device 10 thereon. The multi-position support 50 also includes an intermediate surface 74 extending between the main base 70 and the main support surface 72. The intermediate surface 74 meets the main base 70 at an interface 76, which is formed as a bend extending obliquely to edges 60 and 62 of the multi-position support 50. The intermediate surface 74 also meets the main support surface 72 at an interface 77, which is formed as a bend extending obliquely to edges 60 and 62. In some embodiments, the oblique angles of interfaces 76 and 77 relative to edges 60 and 62 may be substantially the same (e.g., differing by within 5 degrees) or they may be different.

[0053] The multi-position support 50 also includes a secondary base 79, which rests against the support member in an upright configuration. A secondary support surface 78 is provided, which, in the upright configuration, is vertically offset from the secondary base 79 and supports the cell culture device 10 thereon. The secondary support surface 78 and the primary support surface 72 are in the same plane, which is at an angle to the horizontal plane and also inclined toward the primary base 70 and the secondary base 79. The multi-position support 50 also includes another intermediate surface 80 extending between the secondary base 79 and the secondary support surface 78. The intermediate surface 80 meets the secondary base 79 at an interface 82, which is formed as a bend perpendicular to the edges 60 and 62 of the multi-position support 50. Another intermediate surface 84 extends between the primary base 70 and the secondary support surface 78. The intermediate surface 84 meets the primary base 70 at an interface 86, which is also formed as a bend perpendicular to the edges 60 and 62. A handle feature 88 is provided at end 56. The handle feature 88 may also include a support flange 90, which, in an upright configuration, is vertically offset from and supports the cell culture device 10 on the secondary substrate 79. End 58 is provided with a support flange 94 that extends vertically outward from the primary support surface 72 and is used to hold the cell culture device 10 on the primary support surface 72.

[0054] Figure 3 An example is illustrated by a multi-position support 50 in an upright configuration, on which a cell culture apparatus 10 is supported. In the upright configuration, the cell culture apparatus 10 has a tail 100 that is higher than the front 102 at an angle θ1 (between 10 and 12 degrees) relative to the horizontal plane. However, the angle from top to bottom is parallel to the horizontal plane (0 degrees). This upright configuration allows the cell culture apparatus 10 to be positioned in an initial filling position to begin filling, wherein the front 102 is lower than the tail 100, thereby providing a gentler filling angle, which reduces foaming in the fluid and allows air to be extracted through an air manifold and a filter connected thereto.

[0055] As the cell culture apparatus 10 is filled with the multi-position support 50 in an upright configuration, the fluid level in the cell culture apparatus 10 rises toward the air manifold 22 and toward the filter connected to the air manifold. Wetting of the filter reduces the airflow rate leaving the cell culture apparatus 10, thereby pressurizing the interior, which can result in an undesirable environment within the cell culture apparatus 10. To reduce the likelihood of fluid reaching the filter, the multi-position support 50 is provided with an inclined configuration, wherein the multi-position support 50 rotates together with the cell culture apparatus 10 without lifting either the multi-position support 50 or the cell culture apparatus 10. By applying a force F to the tail angle 110 of the cell culture apparatus 10, the multi-position support 50, together with the cell culture apparatus 10, simply tilts, causing the multi-position support 50 and the cell culture apparatus 10 to rotate about the interface 76. Since the interface 76 extends at an angle to the edges 60 and 62 of the multi-position support 50, this tilt changes the angle from front to rear and from top to bottom, thereby increasing the elevation of the top of the air manifold to which the filter is connected.

[0056] Specifically, refer to Figure 6 The multi-position support 50 and the cell culture apparatus 10 are arranged at an angle, as shown in the figure, wherein the front portion 102 is now higher than the tail portion 100 and provides an angle θ2 (between 11 and 13 degrees) relative to the horizontal plane. As can be seen, in the angled configuration, the angle 112 between the side 40 of the cell culture apparatus 10 and the tail portion 100 rests against the support member. (Reference) Figure 7 At an angle θ3 (between 7 and 9 degrees) relative to the horizontal plane, the top 116 is higher than the bottom 114. This inclined configuration thus provides a compound angle of θ2 (front to tail) and θ3 (top to bottom) to the multi-position support 50 and the cell culture apparatus 10, which may be referred to as the end filling position. Once the cell culture apparatus 10 is filled, the edge 60 of the multi-position support 50 closest to the top 116 of the cell culture apparatus 10 can be rotated upward until the cell culture apparatus 10 is in an upright position. Therefore, the cell culture apparatus 10 can be manipulated using only the multi-position support 50 throughout the filling process without lifting the cell culture apparatus 10 from the multi-position support 50. The cell culture apparatus 10 can be emptied in the reverse order.

[0057] The aforementioned multi-position support allows for the manipulation of cell culture equipment without requiring the equipment to be separated from the support during filling or emptying operations. Due to higher filling and emptying rates and a simple, rapid angle change procedure, the multi-position support increases process efficiency and saves user time. It also provides a clear and concise control scheme, reducing errors, minimizing the likelihood of product failure and / or damage, and reducing angle variations caused by the use of the multi-position support and fixed tilt angles in the method's support structure. Providing a multi-position support with a compound tilt angle reduces variations in wetting of filters attached to the air manifold. In some embodiments, the multi-position device may be formed of stainless steel, providing increased durability and compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Brief Reference Figure 8 Multi-position supports can be stacked into a stack 200 to minimize the laboratory space occupied when not in use. To reduce manufacturing costs, the multi-position device can be formed from sheet material on a metal actuator. Modifications are possible without incurring significant equipment replacement costs.

[0058] Therefore, embodiments of a multi-position support for a cell culture apparatus are disclosed. Those skilled in the art will understand that the cell culture apparatus and methods described herein can be practiced using embodiments other than those disclosed. The disclosed embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and not for limitation.

Claims

1. A multi-position support for a multilayer cell culture device, the multi-position support comprising: In an upright structure, the main base rests against a supporting member; In an upright configuration, the support surface is vertically offset from the main substrate, and the support surface supports the multilayer cell culture device and the multilayer cell culture device is located thereon. and An intermediate surface extends between the main substrate and the supporting surface, wherein the intermediate surface meets the main substrate at an interface that extends at an angle to the edge of the main substrate; The multi-position support has an inclined structure, wherein the multi-position support rotates around the interface so that the support surface is closer to the support member than in the upright structure, and the support surface supports the multilayer cell culture device thereon. The multi-position support can tilt between an upright and an inclined structure by rotating the multi-position support around the interface, so that the cell culture equipment is positioned at different angles relative to the horizontal plane.

2. The multi-position support member as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a secondary base, which rests against the support member in an upright configuration.

3. The multi-position support member as described in claim 2, wherein, The support surface is the first support surface, and the multi-position support also includes a second support surface located between the primary substrate and the secondary substrate. The second support surface supports the multilayer cell culture device and the multilayer cell culture device is located thereon.

4. The multi-position support member as described in claim 3, wherein, The first support surface and the second support surface are in substantially the same plane, which is inclined toward the main base.

5. The multi-position support as claimed in claim 4, further comprising a handle extending outward from the secondary substrate and including a support flange that engages the filling side of the multilayer cell culture apparatus to constrain the multilayer cell culture apparatus on a first support surface and a second support surface.

6. The multi-position support as claimed in claim 5, further comprising another support flange extending outward from the first support surface, which engages the tail side of the multilayer cell culture apparatus, the tail side being opposite to the filling side.

7. The multi-position support member as described in claim 4, wherein, The second support surface is spaced apart from the support member.

8. The multi-position support member as described in claim 1, wherein, The supporting surface meets the intermediate surface at another interface that is at an angle relative to the edge of the main base.

9. The multi-position support member as described in claim 8, wherein, The two interfaces have approximately the same bevel angle relative to the edge of the main base.

10. A method for changing the filling angle of a cell culture apparatus, the cell culture apparatus comprising a plurality of cell culture modules, each cell culture module comprising multiple layers of cell culture chambers, the plurality of cell culture modules being fluidly connected together via a fluid manifold and an air manifold, the method comprising: Connecting the cell culture equipment to a multi-position support, the multi-position support comprising: In an upright structure, the main base rests against a supporting member; A support surface, in an upright configuration, is vertically offset from the main substrate; the support surface supports the multilayer cell culture apparatus, and the multilayer cell culture apparatus is situated thereon; and An intermediate surface extends between the main substrate and the supporting surface, wherein the intermediate surface meets the main substrate at an interface that extends at an angle to the edge of the main substrate; The multi-position support has an inclined structure, wherein the multi-position support rotates around the interface so that the support surface is closer to the support member than in the upright structure, and the support surface supports the multilayer cell culture device thereon. The multi-position support can be tilted between the upright and inclined structures by rotating around the interface, so that the cell culture device is positioned at different angles relative to the horizontal plane. The cell culture apparatus is filled when it is supported by a multi-position support and the multi-position support is in either an upright or inclined configuration.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The filling process includes filling the cell culture apparatus while the cell culture apparatus is supported by a multi-position support and the multi-position support is in an upright configuration.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising: The cell culture device is tilted by rotating the multi-position support around the interface.

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