METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATED GERM MONITORING IN AN ISOLATOR

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method, a system and a computer program for automated germ monitoring in an isolator.

[0002] The present invention primarily concerns aseptic isolators, which, for example, have a filling area for fluid filling of objects (e.g., vials, cartridges, bottles, syringes, and / or the like) using filling needles. The term "isolator" generally refers to a container that is hermetically and gas-tightly sealed from the surrounding work space. A defined atmosphere can be created within an isolator for processing sensitive or hazardous products.

[0003] In this context, isolators are commonly used in biopharmaceutical process engineering, for example as part of a filling system with multiple process and processing stations, to create a highly clean or sterile, i.e. germ-free, environment and to avoid contamination by germs, in particular bacteria, viruses, pathogens and / or the like.

[0004] Pharmaceutical filling systems are typically located in a low-germ environment. A germ-free environment must be maintained in the filling area within the isolator. This condition is monitored by placing germ collectors at critical locations. Germ collectors can be, for example, Petri dishes containing a culture medium. If a germ comes into contact with the culture medium, the germ grows during subsequent incubation, allowing contamination to be retrospectively detected. Monitoring a germ-free environment in this way is referred to as "germ monitoring" or "microbiological monitoring."

[0005] Various methods and systems are proposed in the state of the art for microbial monitoring of an isolator. Firstly, passive microbial monitoring uses microbial samplers that are positioned inside the isolator and through which ambient air flows. Germs present in the passing air settle on the culture medium. These microbial samplers are introduced into the isolator in a sterile manner, particularly using gloved hands, via transfer ports, such as alpha-beta ports, before production begins and positioned inside the isolator. The Petri dishes can also have a lid, which is also removed using gloved hands.

[0006] Since the culture media dry out over time, they are usually replaced after a maximum of four hours. This requires interrupting production. Using another gloved hand, the lid is placed back on the Petri dish used until then, and the Petri dish is transferred back into the port. The Petri dish is then removed from the port from the outside and transported sterilely to an incubator. Before production can resume, a new Petri dish with culture media is inserted using a gloved hand, and the lid is removed.

[0007] Second, in active germ monitoring, the germ collectors are placed in a housing located within the isolator. The housings actively draw in air, which then flows past the germ collectors. The housing has a lid. In active germ monitoring, the germ collectors are introduced and removed using a gloved hand, similar to passive germ monitoring. In addition, in active germ monitoring, the lid of the housing must be removed before the germ collectors can be inserted into the housing.

[0008] However, this "manual" handling using gloves is extremely time-consuming. Furthermore, glove ports, which in practice are made of rubber or plastic, especially butyl, can be damaged when grasping Petri dishes or lids. Gloves therefore pose an increased contamination and / or safety risk due to leaks. Furthermore, manual glove handling can lead to the spread of germs present on the culture medium.

[0009] It is well known in the art that objects, such as Petri dishes, can be handled within an isolator by robots.

[0010] For example, JP 2017 113836 A discloses a hand for a cell culture vessel that can be mounted on a tip of a multi-joint robot for handling a cell culture vessel with a lid. The hand comprises: a handle; a container holding part on a bottom side for releasably holding the cell culture vessel; and a lid holding part on a top side for releasably holding the lid. In the hand for a cell culture vessel, the container holding part and the lid holding part are attached to the handle such that they approach each other and are vertically separable.

[0011] Furthermore, the document DE 10 2015 210 842 B3 discloses a device for gripping, separating, transporting, and / or depositing Petri dishes and a method for operating the device. The device comprises a displacement unit controlled by an electronic control unit connected thereto and having at least one degree of freedom. A gripper is arranged on / in the displacement unit, said gripper comprising two horizontally aligned frame elements that at least partially encompass Petri dishes of different diameters along their circumference and are connected to a drive connected to the electronic control unit, such that the frame elements can be moved horizontally toward and away from one another. The distance between the frame elements can be adjusted via the electronic control unit.On each frame element, a gripping element for grasping and holding Petri dishes is arranged between the gripping elements of the two frame elements. The gripping elements are mounted for vertical movement and can be returned to an original position by springs attached to the frame elements and gripping elements. A component is arranged on at least one gripping element, which moves together with the gripping element. The position of the component is detected by an associated sensor for detecting the component, which is arranged on a frame element and connected to the electronic control unit.Also arranged on each frame element are extendable units which are connected to and controlled by the electronic control unit and which, by means of lifting magnets with springs for returning to an original position, move an ejection plate vertically downwards, whereby the ejection plates rest on the bottom of the respective Petri dish when gripping a Petri dish.

[0012] US 2004 / 0185521 A1 discloses, in order to sample microorganisms in a first isolator before, during and after operation of a filling system, that first and second robots provided in the first isolator carry a sampling device to first and second sampling positions to sample naturally falling microorganisms, carry the sampling device to a third sampling position to sample microorganisms swimming around a filling nozzle, and sample microorganisms adhering to the surfaces of the predetermined filling nozzle and a cap feeder at the fourth and fifth sampling positions.

[0013] The known systems and methods for germ monitoring still leave room for improvement in terms of handling and operational safety.

[0014] Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method, an improved system and a computer program that enables better handling and operational reliability.

[0015] According to a first aspect, a method for automated microbial monitoring in an isolator is provided. The isolator has a transfer lock. The method comprises the following steps: First provision of at least one culture medium carrier at a respective first position within the isolator; Second provision of at least one culture medium carrier within the transfer lock; First robot-assisted transfer of an individual culture medium carrier of the at least one culture medium carrier from the transfer lock to a free culture medium carrier holder of the at least one culture medium carrier holder; and First robot-assisted arrangement of the transferred culture medium carrier in the free culture medium carrier holder.

[0016] According to a second aspect, a system for automated microbial monitoring in an isolator is provided. The system comprises the isolator, at least one culture medium carrier holder, a robot arranged in the isolator, and a control device. The isolator has a transfer lock, wherein at least one culture medium carrier is provided in the transfer lock, wherein the culture medium carrier holder is arranged at a first position within the isolator. The robot has an end effector for handling a culture medium carrier and a support structure for supporting the end effector. The support structure is configured to move the end effector within the isolator, wherein the end effector is configured to grip the culture medium carrier. The control device is configured to perform the following steps: first robot-assisted transfer of a respective individual culture medium carrier of the at least one culture medium carrier from the transfer lock to a free culture medium carrier holder of the at least one culture medium carrier holder; and first robot-assisted placement of the transferred culture medium carrier in the free culture medium carrier holder.

[0017] According to a third aspect, a computer program is provided with a program code which, when executed in the control device of the system according to the second aspect, is designed to carry out the following steps: first robot-assisted transfer of a respective individual culture medium carrier of the at least one culture medium carrier from the transfer lock to a free culture medium carrier holder of the at least one culture medium carrier holder; and first robot-assisted placement of the transferred culture medium carrier in the free culture medium carrier holder.

[0018] The isolator is preferably an aseptic isolator. An aseptic isolator has a highly clean or sterile, i.e. germ-free, environment. The isolator has a transfer lock. In the present case, such a transfer lock can be, for example, a flexible sterile bag that feeds the objects that can be arranged in the sterile bag (e.g., filling needles, needle carriers, objects, etc.) pre-sterilized via a lock or locking system to the aseptic isolator, preferably for filling the objects. Such sterile bags are known in isolator technology. They generally have an adapter with which the sterile bag can be sterilely coupled, for example, to a so-called alpha port of the aseptic isolator. An alpha port can be a recess, e.g., a through hole and / or a door or the like, in a wall section of the aseptic isolator. The sterile bag can have a beta port, which, for example,may be designed as a door or the like which is attached to the Alpha port in such a way that the Alpha port and the Beta port can be opened together.

[0019] Alternatively, the transfer lock can also be designed as a rigid transport container which can be coupled to the alpha port of the aseptic isolator according to the aforementioned principle in order to enable sterile transfer of the objects which can be arranged therein into the aseptic isolator.

[0020] The term "culture medium support" refers to a device designed to support a culture medium. A culture medium support can be, for example, a Petri dish or an agar plate in which the culture medium is arranged.

[0021] The term "culture medium support" refers to a device on which a culture medium support can be placed or set down. The culture medium support can have a support surface on which the culture medium support can be placed or set down. Alternatively, the culture medium support can also have a receptacle into which the culture medium support can be inserted.

[0022] The term "robot-assisted" means that something is performed with the help of a robot. For example, "robot-assisted transfer of a culture medium" means that the culture medium is transferred with the help of the robot. For this purpose, the robot can, for example, have a movable support structure with an end effector mounted on its end, which can grip the culture medium for transfer.

[0023] As mentioned at the beginning, the term "isolator" refers to a container that is hermetically and gas-tightly sealed from the surrounding workspace. The term "isolator chamber" can also be used for this isolator. A defined atmosphere can be created within the isolator for processing sensitive or hazardous products, particularly pharmaceutical or cosmetic products. The isolator can be an aseptic isolator. An aseptic isolator can be, for example, a clean room, ultra-clean room, or the like.

[0024] Furthermore, the term "transfer lock" herein refers to a device for transitioning between two areas with preferably different properties, in particular an area inside the aseptic isolator and an area outside the aseptic isolator. In the context of the present invention, the transfer lock is preferably designed such that an aseptic condition is provided or can be selectively created within the transfer lock. This ensures that the objects to be transferred do not impair or destroy the existing aseptic condition within the aseptic isolator. Such methods for creating an aseptic environment within the transfer lock are known in the industry.

[0025] The term "robot-assisted" or "robot" is to be understood here to mean that the identified method steps are carried out using an automated movement device of any kind. This can be, for example, a handling unit, a manipulator, a kinematic system, or the like that forms the robot. A "robot" refers to a movement device that has at least one, in particular articulated, support structure, at the end of which a robot end effector is arranged. The support structure is designed to move the robot end effector in all three spatial directions.

[0026] The musculoskeletal system can, for example, be a structure with multi-axis movements of any kind. For example, such a structure can have two to six-axis movements of any kind.

[0027] For the first robot-assisted transfer, the culture medium to be transferred can be arranged in or on the transfer lock. "On the transfer lock" means that the culture medium extends at least partially from the transfer lock into the isolator. In other words, the culture medium can be arranged at least partially or completely within the isolator, in particular adjacent to or adjacent to the transfer lock. In the step of robot-assisted transfer of the culture medium from the transfer lock to the free culture medium carrier, the culture medium carrier is thus transferred robot-assisted from its arrangement in or on the transfer lock to the free culture medium carrier holder.

[0028] Automated microbial monitoring is enabled by the robot-assisted transfer of a culture medium from the transfer lock to a culture medium holder within the isolator and the robot-assisted positioning of the culture medium on the holder. This improves handling and operational reliability during microbial monitoring.

[0029] The task posed at the beginning is thus completely solved.

[0030] In a first embodiment, the method comprises the following step before the step of the first robot-assisted transfer: First robot-assisted removal of the culture medium to be transferred from the transfer lock.

[0031] "Robot-assisted removal of a culture medium slide" means that the culture medium is removed from the transfer lock by a robot. For removal, the robot can, for example, grasp the culture medium. This allows the culture medium to be easily inserted into the isolator.

[0032] In a further embodiment, each culture medium carrier comprises a tray containing a culture medium and a lid placed over an opening of the tray, the method further comprising the following steps: third providing at least one lid holder for depositing the lid of the transferred culture medium carrier, wherein the at least one lid holder is provided at a second position within the isolator.

[0033] The term "lid holder" in this context refers to a device on which a lid of a culture medium carrier can be placed. The lid holder can have a support surface on which the lid can be placed. Alternatively, the lid holder can also have a receptacle into which the lid can be inserted. This allows automated microbial monitoring in the isolator to be carried out by a robot, even if the culture medium carrier has a lid. Without a lid holder, the lid would have to be held by the robot throughout the entire microbial monitoring process until the lid can be replaced, which would prevent the robot from performing any further operations during this time.

[0034] In a further embodiment, the method further comprises the following steps: robotically removing the lid from the tray of the transferred culture medium carrier; a second robotically transferring the lid from the culture medium carrier holder to a free lid holder of the at least one lid holder; and robotically placing the lid on the free lid holder.

[0035] "Robot-assisted lid removal" means that the lid is removed from the culture medium carrier using a robot. For removal, the robot can, for example, grasp and lift the lid. "Robot-assisted lid placement" means that the lid is placed on the lid holder using a robot. For placement, the robot can, for example, place the lid on the lid holder and release it. This allows the lid to be removed from the culture medium carrier as easily as possible without the need for gloves. This also enables automated microbial monitoring in the isolator to be carried out by a robot.

[0036] In a further embodiment, the method further comprises the following steps after the transferred culture medium carrier has spent a predefined period of time in the corresponding culture medium carrier holder: robot-assisted removal of the lid from the lid holder; third robot-assisted transfer of the lid from the lid holder to the corresponding culture medium holder; and robot-assisted placement of the lid onto the culture medium tray.

[0037] "Robot-assisted lid removal" means that the lid is removed from the lid holder by a robot. For removal, the robot can, for example, grasp and lift the lid. "Robot-assisted lid placement" means that the lid is placed on the culture medium tray by a robot. For placement, the robot can, for example, place the lid on the tray and release it. This allows the lid to be placed on the culture medium tray as easily as possible without the need for gloves.

[0038] In a further embodiment, the method further comprises the following steps after the transferred culture medium carrier has spent a predefined period of time in the corresponding culture medium carrier holder: second, robot-assisted removal of the culture medium from the culture medium holder; fourth, robot-assisted transfer of the culture medium from the culture medium holder to the transfer lock; and second, robot-assisted placement of the culture medium in the transfer lock.

[0039] This allows the culture medium to be removed from the isolator through the transfer hatch as easily as possible without the need for gloves, and then placed in an incubator. The predefined time period can be, for example, four hours.

[0040] In a further embodiment, in the first providing step, a germ monitoring device with at least one culture medium carrier holder is provided.

[0041] The microbial monitoring device can be used, for example, for active microbial monitoring, whereby ambient air is actively drawn in to allow it to flow past a culture medium arranged in the culture medium holder. In this way, active microbial monitoring can also be operated automatically.

[0042] In a further embodiment, the germ monitoring device comprises a housing in which the at least one culture medium support holder is arranged, wherein the housing has a housing cover, wherein the method further comprises the following steps: fourth, providing a housing cover holder within the insulator at a third position; robotically removing the housing cover; and robotically placing the housing cover onto the housing cover holder.

[0043] The term "housing cover holder" refers to a device on which the housing cover can be placed. The housing cover holder can have a support surface on which the housing cover can be placed. Alternatively, the housing cover holder can also have a receptacle into which the housing cover can be inserted. This allows automated germ monitoring in the isolator to be carried out using a single robot.

[0044] In a further embodiment, in the second provision step, a plurality of culture medium carriers are provided in the transfer lock, wherein in the third provision step, a storage device with a plurality of holders is provided at the second position, which can each serve as culture medium carrier holders or lid holders.

[0045] In this way, the majority of culture media can be stored in the storage facility. The holders serve as culture media holders. For microbial monitoring, one culture media can then be removed from the storage facility at a time and inserted into the culture media holder of the microbial monitoring facility. This frees up a holder in the storage facility into which the lid of the culture media inserted into the culture media holder of the microbial monitoring facility can then be placed. This holder then serves as the lid holder. This reduces the number of times the media must be moved in and out of the transfer lock, thus reducing the risk of contamination.

[0046] In a further embodiment, in the first providing step, the plurality of culture medium carriers are provided in a culture medium carrier holding device in the transfer lock.

[0047] The culture media holding device can have multiple culture media holders for the culture media. This allows multiple culture media to be stored in the transfer lock as easily and as orderly as possible. This also improves the removal of individual culture media from the transfer lock. After the predefined time period, the culture media can be returned to the culture media holding device. This allows multiple culture media to be loaded and unloaded simultaneously, making the exchange of culture media faster and more efficient.

[0048] In a further embodiment, in the second providing step, each culture medium carrier is provided in a further culture medium carrier holder, wherein each further culture medium carrier holder is arranged in the transfer lock, in particular wherein the culture medium carrier holding device comprises each further culture medium carrier holder.

[0049] This also allows each culture medium slide to be placed in the transfer lock as easily and as orderly as possible. This also improves the removal of each individual culture medium slide from the transfer lock. After the predefined time period, each culture medium slide can be returned to the corresponding culture medium holder.

[0050] In a further embodiment, each further culture medium holder can extend at least partially out of the transfer lock into the isolator, in particular wherein the step of the first robot-assisted transfer from the transfer lock to the free culture medium holder is carried out in such a way that the respective further culture medium holder extends at least partially out of the transfer lock into the isolator and the corresponding culture medium holder is transferred in a robot-assisted manner from the respective further culture medium holder to the free culture medium holder within the isolator.

[0051] In this way, each culture medium slide can be removed more easily from the corresponding additional culture medium holder and then transferred robotically to the free culture medium holder within the isolator.

[0052] In a further embodiment, a robot is arranged in the isolator, wherein the robot has an end effector for handling a culture medium carrier and a support structure for supporting the end effector, wherein the support structure is designed to move the end effector in the isolator, wherein the end effector is designed to grip the culture medium carrier.

[0053] The end effector can further be configured to grip the lid of the culture medium carrier. The end effector can further be configured to grip the housing cover of the housing. The support structure can, for example, be articulated, in particular multi-articulated, wherein the support structure is moved by means of one or more drive devices. The end effector can be rotatably mounted at one end of the support structure. In this way, the culture medium carrier or the lid or the housing cover can be easily transferred into the isolator with the aid of the robot.

[0054] In a further embodiment, the number of culture media provided in the transfer lock is one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven or twelve.

[0055] With one to four culture media carriers, automated microbial monitoring can be carried out efficiently in an isolator.

[0056] In a further embodiment, the number of culture medium holders provided in the isolator is equal to or greater than the number of culture medium carriers provided in the transfer lock.

[0057] This ensures that there is a free culture plate holder for each culture plate that is introduced into the transfer lock.

[0058] In a further embodiment, the number of lid holders provided in the isolator is equal to or greater than the number of culture media carriers provided in the transfer lock

[0059] This ensures that for each culture medium slide introduced into the transfer lock, a free lid holder is available, onto which the culture medium lid can be placed. The culture medium slides can be moved to the monitoring position one at a time. In this case, only one lid holder is in use at a time. Only a single lid holder is necessary and available. However, multiple monitoring positions can also be served from a single supply. In this case, more lid holders are required.

[0060] In a further embodiment, the number of holders of the storage device is equal to or greater than the number of culture media carriers provided in the transfer lock.

[0061] In this way, it is possible to ensure that sufficient culture medium holders and lid holders are available whenever an opened culture medium is placed in the culture medium holder of the microbial monitoring device.

[0062] In a further embodiment, the end effector has a receptacle for receiving the culture medium carrier, which receptacle can be displaced between a receiving position in which the culture medium carrier can be received and a gripping position in which the culture medium carrier can be gripped, in particular wherein each culture medium carrier can be gripped by means of the end effector for transfer and can be moved in the isolator by means of the robot.

[0063] In other words, the end effector for gripping has a receptacle that can be moved between a receiving position and a gripping position. In the receiving position, the receptacle is open enough to allow the culture medium carrier, lid, or housing cover to be inserted into the receptacle. In the gripping position, the receptacle is closed enough to allow the culture medium carrier, lid, or housing cover to be gripped. In this way, the culture medium carrier, lid, or housing cover can be easily transferred into the isolator with the help of the robot.

[0064] In a further embodiment, the system comprises a germ monitoring device with at least one culture medium carrier holder.

[0065] The microbial monitoring device can be used, for example, for active microbial monitoring, whereby ambient air is actively drawn in to allow it to flow past a culture medium arranged in the culture medium holder. In this way, active microbial monitoring can also be operated automatically.

[0066] In a further embodiment, the germ monitoring device comprises a housing in which at least one culture medium support holder is arranged, wherein the housing has a housing cover, wherein the housing cover is removable by means of the robot, wherein the system has a housing cover holder for depositing the housing cover, wherein the housing cover holder is arranged at a third position within the isolator.

[0067] The housing cover holder can have a support surface on which the housing cover can be placed. Alternatively, the housing cover holder can also have a receptacle into which the housing cover can be inserted. This allows automated germ monitoring in the isolator to be carried out using a single robot.

[0068] In a further embodiment, each culture medium carrier has a tray with culture medium and a lid which is placed on an opening of the tray, wherein the lid is removable by means of the robot, wherein the system further comprises at least one lid holder for depositing the lid, wherein the at least one lid holder is arranged within the isolator at a respective second position, wherein.

[0069] A lid holder allows automated microbial monitoring in the isolator to be carried out by a robot, even if the culture medium carrier has a lid. In particular, the system can comprise a lid holder device with a plurality of lid holders. This allows a plurality of lids to be placed on the respective lid holders as easily and orderly as possible. This enables the lids to be stored during microbial monitoring.

[0070] In a further embodiment, the system further comprises a storage device with a plurality of holders, wherein the storage device is arranged at the second position, wherein the holders can each serve as culture medium holders or lid holders.

[0071] In this way, the majority of culture media can be stored in the storage facility. The holders serve as culture media holders. For microbial monitoring, one culture media can then be removed from the storage facility at a time and inserted into the culture media holder of the microbial monitoring facility. This frees up a holder in the storage facility into which the lid of the culture media inserted into the culture media holder of the microbial monitoring facility can then be placed. This holder then serves as the lid holder. This reduces the number of times the media must be moved in and out of the transfer lock, thus reducing the risk of contamination.

[0072] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0073] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description. They show: Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a system for automated germ monitoring in an isolator; Fig. 2A, 2B shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a method for automated germ monitoring in an isolator; Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a system for automated germ monitoring in an isolator; Fig. 4 shows an isometric view of the system from Fig. 3 ; Fig. 5 an isometric view of an end effector with culture medium carrier; Fig. 6 an isometric view of a transfer lock with culture medium carriers arranged therein; Fig. 7 a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a method for automated germ monitoring in an isolator; Fig. 8A a top view of the system from Fig. 4 when removing the housing cover from the housing of the germ monitoring device; Fig. 8B Top view of the system from Fig. 4 when placing the housing cover on the housing cover holder; Fig. 9A a top view of the system Fig. 4 when removing the culture medium from the transfer lock; Fig. 9B top view of the system from Fig. 4 when placing the culture medium on the culture medium holder of the germ monitoring device; Fig. 10A a top view of the system Fig. 4 when removing the lid from the culture medium carrier; Fig. 10B top view of the system Fig. 4 when placing the lid on a holder that serves as a lid holder; Fig. 11A a top view of the system from Fig. 4 when picking up the housing cover from the housing cover holder; Fig. 11B top view of the system Fig. 4 when placing the housing cover on the housing of the germ monitoring device; and Figs. 12A, 12B, 12C show a schematic representation of a third embodiment of a method for automated germ monitoring in an isolator.

[0074] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a system 10 for automated microbial monitoring in an isolator 12. The system 10 includes the isolator 12. The isolator 12 includes a transfer lock 14. The transfer lock 14 is adjacent to the isolator 12. A culture medium carrier 30 can be provided in the transfer lock 14. The culture medium carrier 30 includes a tray 42 containing culture medium and a lid 44. The lid 44 can be placed on the tray 42 to close the tray or removed from the tray 42 to open the tray 42. In the open state, ambient air comes into contact with the culture medium. A plurality of culture medium carriers 30 can also be provided in the transfer lock 14. For example, a culture medium support holding device can be provided in the transfer lock 14, which has a plurality of culture medium support holders in which the culture medium supports 30 of the plurality of culture medium supports are arranged.

[0075] The system 10 further comprises a robot 16. The robot 16 is arranged in the isolator 12. The robot 16 has a support structure 18 and an end effector 20. The end effector 20 is designed to handle a culture medium carrier. In particular, the end effector 20 is designed to grip the culture medium carrier 30. The support structure 18 is designed to carry the end effector 20. In particular, the support structure 18 is designed to move the end effector 20 in the isolator 12. For this purpose, the support structure 18 can be articulated, in particular multi-articulated. Furthermore, the end effector 20 can be arranged at one end of the support structure 18 and, in particular, can be rotatably mounted.The robot 16 may further comprise one or more drive devices configured to move the support structure 18 and to rotate the end effector 20 at the end of the support structure 18, whereby the end effector 20 can be moved and aligned in the isolator.

[0076] The end effector 20 can, for example, have a receptacle for receiving the culture medium carrier 30. The receptacle can be displaced between a receiving position in which the culture medium carrier 30 or the lid 44 can be received, and a gripping position in which the culture medium carrier 30 or the lid 44 can be gripped. To move the receptacle between the receiving position and the gripping position, the end effector 20 can have a drive device. For transfer, the culture medium carrier 30 can be gripped by the end effector 20 and moved in the isolator by the robot 16.

[0077] The system 10 further comprises a culture medium support holder 22. The culture medium support holder 22 is provided at a first position 46 within the isolator 12. The culture medium support holder 22 is configured such that a culture medium support, for example, the culture medium support 30, can be placed or set down on the culture medium support holder 22. For this purpose, the culture medium support holder 22 can, for example, have a support surface on which the culture medium support 30 can be placed or set down. The system can comprise a plurality of culture medium support holders 22, each of which is provided at, in particular, different, first positions 46 in the isolator 12. Preferably, the number of culture medium support holders 22 is equal to or greater than the number of culture medium supports 30 provided.

[0078] The system 10 further comprises a lid holder 24. The lid holder 24 is provided at a second position 48 within the insulator 12. The lid holder 24 is configured such that a lid of a culture medium carrier, for example, the lid 44 of the culture medium carrier 30, can be placed on the lid holder 24. For this purpose, the lid holder 24 can, for example, have a support surface on which the lid 44 of the culture medium carrier 30 can be placed. The system can comprise a plurality of lid holders 24, each of which is provided at, in particular, different, second positions 48 in the insulator 12. Preferably, the number of lid holders 24 is equal to or greater than the number of culture medium carriers 30 provided.

[0079] The system 10 further comprises a control device 26. The control device 26 is designed to control the robot 16. The control device 26 can control the robot such that the end effector 20 is moved and aligned in the isolator 12 and such that the culture medium holder and lid can be removed or picked up and placed or laid down by means of the end effector. The control device 26 can, for example, send control signals to the robot 16 for this purpose. In particular, the control device 26 can send control signals to the drive devices of the robot 16 in order to move and align the end effector in space. Furthermore, the control device 26 can send control signals to the drive device of the end effector in order to shift the holder of the end effector 20 between the pick-up position and the gripping position.

[0080] The system 10 can further comprise a sensor device 28. The sensor device 28 is designed to determine the position and orientation of the end effector and the object to be transferred, for example, the culture medium carrier 30 or the lid 44. For this purpose, the sensor device 28 can comprise, for example, optical sensors. The sensor device 28 can be designed to send sensor signals to the control device 26. The sensor signals can, for example, contain information about the position and orientation of the end effector and the object to be transferred. The control device 26 can further be designed to control the robot 16 based on the received sensor signals.

[0081] Fig. 2 shows a first embodiment of a method 100 for automated germ monitoring in an isolator 12. The method can be carried out, for example, by means of the system 10 from Fig. 1 In particular, the control device 26 can be designed to carry out steps S14 to S25.

[0082] In a first step S11 of the method 100, at least one culture medium support holder 22 is provided at a first position 46 within the isolator 12.

[0083] In a further step S12 of the method 100, at least one lid holder 24 is provided for depositing the lid 44 of a transferred culture medium carrier 30 at a second position 48 within the isolator 12.

[0084] Steps S11 to S12 can be performed in any order.

[0085] In a further step S13 of the method 100, at least one culture medium carrier 30 is provided within the transfer lock 14.

[0086] In a further step S14 of the method 100, a single culture medium carrier 30 of the at least one culture medium carrier 30 is removed from the transfer lock 14 with robot support. For this purpose, the robot 16 can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 20 is moved to the culture medium carrier 30 to be transferred and the end effector 20 grips the culture medium carrier 30 to be transferred.

[0087] In a further step S15 of the method 100, the removed culture medium carrier 30 is transferred, with robot support, from the transfer lock 14 to a free culture medium carrier holder 22 of the at least one culture medium carrier holder 22. For this purpose, the robot 16 can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 20 is moved from the transfer lock 14 to the free culture medium carrier holder 22.

[0088] In a further step S16 of the method 100, the transferred culture medium carrier 30 is placed in the free culture medium carrier holder 22 with robot support. In this case, the culture medium carrier 30 is placed, in particular, on a support surface of the culture medium carrier holder 22. For this purpose, the robot can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 20 places the culture medium carrier 30 to be transferred on the support surface and releases it.

[0089] In a further step S17 of the method 100, the lid 44 of the transferred culture medium carrier 30 is removed from the dish 42 with robot support. For this purpose, the robot 16 can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 18 grasps and lifts the lid 44.

[0090] In a further step S18 of the method 100, the lid 44 is transferred, with robot support, from the culture medium support holder 22 to a free lid holder 24 of the at least one lid holder 24. For this purpose, the robot 16 can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 18 moves the gripped lid 44 from the culture medium support holder 22 to the free lid holder 24.

[0091] In a further step S19 of the method 100, the transferred lid 44 is placed on the free lid holder 24 with robot support. For this purpose, the robot 16 can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 18 places the transferred lid 44 on the lid holder 24, in particular sets it down and releases it.

[0092] If a plurality of culture medium carriers 30 are provided in the transfer lock 14, steps S14 to S19 may be repeated for each culture medium carrier 30.

[0093] Each tray 42 of the at least one culture medium carrier 30 then remains in the open state in the respective culture medium carrier holder 22 for a predefined period of time, whereby the microbial monitoring is carried out during this period. The predefined period of time can be, for example, 4 hours.

[0094] In a further step S20 of the method 100, after the transferred culture medium carrier 30 has spent the predefined period of time in the corresponding culture medium carrier holder 22, the lid 44 of the culture medium carrier 30 is picked up by the lid holder 24 in a robot-assisted manner. For this purpose, the robot 16 can be controlled, for example, in such a way that the end effector 18 44 grabs and lifts.

[0095] In a further step S21 of the method 100, the lid 44transferred by a robot from the lid holder 24 to the culture medium holder 22, on which the tray 42 of the culture medium carrier 30 is arranged. For this purpose, the robot 16 can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 18 moves the gripped lid 44 from the lid holder 46 to the culture medium carrier holder 22.

[0096] In a further step S22 of the method 100, the lid 44 is placed on the tray 42 of the culture medium carrier 30 with robot support. For this purpose, the robot 16 can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 18 places the lid 44 on the tray 42 and releases it.

[0097] In a further step S23 of the method 100, the culture medium carrier 30 is removed from the culture medium carrier holder 22 by a robot. For this purpose, the robot 16 can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 18 grips the closed culture medium carrier 30.

[0098] In a further step S24 of the method 100, the removed culture medium carrier 30 is transferred from the culture medium carrier holder 22 to the transfer lock 14 with robot support. For this purpose, the robot 16 can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 18 moves the culture medium carrier 30 from the culture medium carrier holder 22 to the transfer lock 14.

[0099] In a further step S25 of the method 100, the transferred culture medium carrier 30 is placed in the transfer lock 14 with robot support. For this purpose, the robot 16 can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 18 deposits and releases the culture medium carrier 30 in the transfer lock 14.

[0100] If a plurality of culture medium carriers 30 are used, steps S20 to S25 may be repeated for each culture medium carrier 30.

[0101] The Figuren 3 and 4show a second embodiment of a system 10 for automated germ monitoring in an isolator 12. The system 10 essentially corresponds to the system 10 of the first embodiment of Fig. 1 . Identical elements are marked with the same reference symbols and are explained again.

[0102] The system 10 of the second embodiment further comprises a microbial monitoring device 31. The microbial monitoring device 31 comprises a housing 32 and a housing cover 34. The microbial monitoring device 31 comprises the culture medium support holder 22. The culture medium support holder 22 is arranged in the housing 32. A plurality of culture medium support holders 22 can also be arranged in the housing 32.

[0103] The system 10 of the second embodiment further includes a housing cover holder 36. The housing cover holder 36 is provided within the insulator at a third position 50. The housing cover holder 36 is configured such that the housing cover 34 can be placed on the housing cover holder 36. For this purpose, the housing cover holder 36 can, for example, have a support surface on which the housing cover 34 can be placed.

[0104] The system 10 of the second embodiment further comprises a storage device 38. The storage device 38 has at least one holder 40. Each holder 40 serves as a culture medium holder or a lid holder. In particular, each holder 40 is designed such that both an entire culture medium carrier 30 and a lid 44 can be placed on the holder 40. The storage device 38 can also comprise a plurality of holders 40. In particular, the storage device 38 can comprise three holders 40. The storage device 38 can be mounted on the germ monitoring device 31. In Fig. 4 It is also shown by way of example how three culture medium carriers 30 are arranged in the holders 40, wherein the holders 40 serve as culture medium carrier holders.

[0105] In Fig. 5 the end effector 20 of the robot 16 of the system 10 of the second embodiment is shown in detail.

[0106] The end effector 20 has a receptacle 66 for receiving a culture medium carrier 30 or a lid 44. The receptacle 66 is displaceable between a receiving position, in which the culture medium carrier 30 or the lid 44 can be received, and a gripping position, in which the culture medium carrier 30 or the lid 44 can be grasped. For this purpose, the end effector 20 has a base body 60, a first displacement element 62, and a second displacement element 64. The first displacement element 62 and the second displacement element 64 are each rotatably or displaceably mounted on an underside of the base body 60. The displacement elements 62, 64 extend parallel to one another in a direction of extension away from the base body 60. At an end 72, 74 facing away from the base body, each displacement element 62, 64 has a gripping section 68, 70. The receptacle 66 is arranged between the displacement elements 62, 64.The receptacle 66 has the gripping sections 68 and 70, wherein the gripping sections 68, 70 are arranged on opposite sides of the receptacle 66.

[0107] To displace the receptacle 66, the displacement elements 62, 64 are displaced such that the gripping sections are moved toward one another for displacement into the gripping position and away from one another for displacement into the receiving position. For this purpose, the displacement elements 62, 64 can be displaced either rotationally or translationally. To displace the receptacle 66 between the receiving position and the gripping position, the end effector 20 can have a drive device configured to displace the displacement elements 62, 64 accordingly translationally or rotationally.

[0108] In Fig. 6 the transfer lock 14 of the isolator 12 of the system 10 of the second embodiment is shown in detail.

[0109] The transfer lock 14 has a lock interior 80 and a door 82. The culture medium carriers 30 can be provided in the lock interior. The door 82 is movable between an open position, in which the lock interior 80 is connected to the interior of the isolator 12, and a closed position, in which the lock interior 80 is separated from the interior of the isolator 12. The transfer lock 14 further has a locking element 84, by means of which the door can be locked in the closed position. Fig. 6 the door is shown in the open position.

[0110] Fig. 7 shows a second embodiment of a method 200 for automated germ monitoring in an isolator 12. The method can be carried out, for example, by means of the system 10 from the Fig. 3 and 4In particular, the control device 26 can be configured to perform steps S65 to S84.

[0111] In a first step S61 of the method 200, the germ monitoring device 31 is provided with at least one culture medium carrier holder 22 at a first position 46 within the isolator 12.

[0112] In a further step S62 of the method 200, the storage device 38 is provided with at least one holder 40 at a second position 48 within the isolator 12, wherein the holder 40 serves as a lid holder 24 for depositing the lid 44 of a transferred culture medium carrier 30.

[0113] In a further step S63 of the method 200, a housing cover holder 36 is provided for storing the housing cover 34 at a third position 50 within the insulator 12.

[0114] Steps S61 to S63 can be performed in any order.

[0115] In a further step S64 of the method 200, at least one culture medium carrier 30 is provided within the transfer lock 14.

[0116] In a further step S65 of the method 200, the housing cover 34 is removed from the housing 32 of the germ monitoring device 31 by a robot. For this purpose, the robot 16 can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 18 grasps and lifts the housing cover 34. This is shown, for example, in Fig. 8A shown.

[0117] In a further step S66 of the method 200, the housing cover 34 is placed on the housing cover holder 36 with the assistance of a robot. For this purpose, the robot 16 can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 18 places the housing cover 34 on the housing cover holder 36, in particular sets it down and releases it. This is shown by way of example in Fig. 8B shown.

[0118] In a further step S67 of the method 200, an individual culture medium carrier 30 of the at least one culture medium carrier 30 is removed from the transfer lock 14 by a robot. For this purpose, the robot 16 can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 20 is moved to the culture medium carrier 30 to be transferred and the end effector 20 grips the culture medium carrier 30 to be transferred. This is exemplified in Fig. 9A shown.

[0119] In a further step S68 of the method 200, the removed culture medium carrier 30 is transferred, with robot support, from the transfer lock 14 to a free culture medium carrier holder 22 of the at least one culture medium carrier holder 22 in the housing 32 of the germ monitoring device 31. For this purpose, the robot 16 can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 20 is moved from the transfer lock 14 to the free culture medium carrier holder 22.

[0120] In a further step S69 of the method 200, the transferred culture medium carrier 30 is arranged in the free culture medium carrier holder 22 in the housing 32 of the germ monitoring device 31 with the assistance of a robot. In this case, the culture medium carrier 30 is placed, in particular, on a support surface of the culture medium carrier holder 22. For this purpose, the robot can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 20 places the culture medium carrier 30 to be transferred on the support surface and releases it. This is exemplified in Fig. 9B shown.

[0121] In a further step S70 of the method 200, the lid 44 of the transferred culture medium carrier 30 is removed from the dish 42 by a robot. For this purpose, the robot 16 can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 18 grasps and lifts the lid 44. This is shown in Fig. 10A shown.

[0122] In a further step S71 of method 200, the lid 44 is transferred, with robot support, from the culture medium support holder 22 to a free holder 40 of the storage device 38, wherein the holder 40 serves as the lid holder 24. For this purpose, the robot 16 can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 18 moves the gripped lid 44 from the culture medium support holder 22 to the free holder 40.

[0123] In a further step S72 of the method 200, the transferred lid 44 is placed on the free holder 40, which serves as the lid holder 24, by means of a robot. For this purpose, the robot 16 can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 18 places the transferred lid 44 on the holder 40, in particular sets it down and releases it. This is illustrated by way of example in Fig. 10B shown.

[0124] If a plurality of culture medium carriers 30 are provided in the transfer lock 14, steps S67 to S72 may be repeated for each culture medium carrier 30.

[0125] In a further step S73 of the method 200, the housing cover 34 is picked up by the housing cover holder 36 with the assistance of a robot. For this purpose, the robot 16 can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 18 grasps and lifts the housing cover 34. This is shown, for example, in Fig. 11A shown.

[0126] In a further step S74 of the method 200, the housing cover 34 is placed onto the housing 32 of the germ monitoring device 31 by a robot. For this purpose, the robot 16 can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 18 places the housing cover 34 onto the housing 32 of the germ monitoring device 31 and releases it. This is shown, for example, in Fig. 11B shown.

[0127] Each tray 42 of the at least one culture medium carrier 30 then remains in the respective culture medium carrier holder 22 in the open state in the microbial monitoring device for a predefined period of time, whereby microbial monitoring is carried out during this period. The predefined period of time can be, for example, 4 hours.

[0128] In a further step S75 of method 200, after the transferred culture medium carrier 30 has spent the predefined period of time in the corresponding culture medium carrier holder 22 of the germ monitoring device 31, the housing cover 34 is removed from the housing 32 of the germ monitoring device 31 by a robot. For this purpose, the robot 16 can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 18 grasps and lifts the housing cover 34.

[0129] In a further step S76 of method 200, the housing cover 34 is placed on the housing cover holder 36 with robot support. For this purpose, the robot 16 can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 18 places the housing cover 34 on the housing cover holder 36, in particular sets it down and releases it.

[0130] In a further step S77 of method 200, the lid 44 of the culture medium carrier 30 is picked up by the holder 40, which serves as the lid holder 24, in a robotic manner. For this purpose, the robot 16 can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 18 grasps and lifts the lid 44.

[0131] In a further step S78 of method 200, the lid 44 is transferred, robotically assisted, from the holder 40, which serves as the lid holder 24, to the culture medium holder 22 in the housing 32 of the microbial monitoring device 31, on which the tray 42 of the culture medium carrier 30 is arranged. For this purpose, the robot 16 can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 18 moves the gripped lid 44 from the holder 40, which serves as the lid holder 24, to the culture medium holder 22.

[0132] In a further step S79 of method 200, the lid 44 is placed on the tray 42 of the culture medium carrier 30 with robot support. For this purpose, the robot 16 can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 18 places the lid 44 on the tray 42 and releases it.

[0133] In a further step S80 of method 200, the culture medium carrier 30 is removed from the culture medium carrier holder 22 in the housing 32 of the germ monitoring device 31 by a robot. For this purpose, the robot 16 can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 18 grips the closed culture medium carrier 30.

[0134] In a further step S81 of the method 200, the removed culture medium carrier 30 is transferred, robotically assisted, from the culture medium carrier holder 22 in the housing 32 of the germ monitoring device 31 to the transfer lock 14. For this purpose, the robot 16 can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 18 moves the culture medium carrier 30 from the culture medium carrier holder 22 to the transfer lock 14.

[0135] In a further step S82 of method 200, the transferred culture medium carrier 30 is placed in the transfer lock 14 with robot support. For this purpose, the robot 16 can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 18 deposits and releases the culture medium carrier 30 in the transfer lock 14.

[0136] If a plurality of culture medium carriers 30 are used, steps S77 to S82 may be repeated for each culture medium carrier 30.

[0137] In a further step S83 of method 200, the housing cover 34 is placed on the housing cover holder 36 with robot support. For this purpose, the robot 16 can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 18 grasps and lifts the housing cover 34.

[0138] In a further step S84 of method 200, the housing cover 34 is placed onto the housing 32 of the germ monitoring device 31 with robot support. For this purpose, the robot 16 can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 18 places the housing cover 34 onto the housing 32 of the germ monitoring device 31 and releases it.

[0139] The Figuren 12A , 12B and 12C show a third embodiment of a method 300 for automated germ monitoring in an isolator 12. The method can be carried out, for example, by means of the system 10 from the Fig. 3 and 4 In particular, the control device 26 can be configured to perform steps S115 to S144.

[0140] Steps S111 to S114 correspond to steps S61 to S64 of the method 200 of Fig. 7 .

[0141] In a further step S115 of the method 300, a single culture medium carrier 30 of the at least one culture medium carrier 30 is removed from the transfer lock 14 with robot support. For this purpose, the robot 16 can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 20 is moved to the culture medium carrier 30 to be transferred and the end effector 20 grips the culture medium carrier 30 to be transferred.

[0142] In a further step S116 of method 300, the removed culture medium carrier 30 is transferred, with robot support, from the transfer lock 14 to a free holder 40 of the storage device 38, wherein the holder 40 serves as a culture medium carrier holder. For this purpose, the robot 16 can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 20 is moved from the transfer lock 14 to the free holder 40.

[0143] In a further step S117 of method 300, the transferred culture medium carrier 30 is placed in the free holder 40, which serves as a culture medium carrier holder, with robot support. In this case, the culture medium carrier 30 is placed, in particular, on a support surface of the holder 40. For this purpose, the robot 16 can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 20 places the culture medium carrier 30 to be transferred on the support surface and releases it.

[0144] In a further step S118 of method 300, it is determined whether further culture medium carriers 30 are still provided in transfer lock 14. If further culture medium carriers 30 are still provided in transfer lock 14, method 300 returns to step S115, and steps S115 to S118 are repeated. If no further culture medium carriers are still provided in transfer lock 14, method 300 continues with step S119.

[0145] Steps S119 and S120 correspond to steps S65 and S66 of the method 200 of Fig. 7 .

[0146] In a further step S121 of the method 300, an individual culture medium carrier 30 of the at least one culture medium carrier 30, which has not yet been inserted into the germ monitoring device 31 for germ monitoring, is removed from the respective holder 40 of the storage device 38 by a robot. For this purpose, the robot 16 can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 20 is moved to the culture medium carrier 30 to be transferred and the end effector 20 grips the culture medium carrier 30 to be transferred.

[0147] In a further step S122 of method 300, the removed culture medium carrier 30 is transferred, with robot support, from the holder 40 of the storage device 38 to the culture medium carrier holder 22 in the housing 32 of the germ monitoring device 31. For this purpose, the robot 16 can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 20 is moved from the holder 40 to the culture medium carrier holder 22.

[0148] In a further step S123 of method 300, the transferred culture medium carrier 30 is robotically positioned in the culture medium carrier holder 22 in the housing 32 of the microbial monitoring device 31. In this case, the culture medium carrier 30 is placed, in particular, on a support surface of the culture medium carrier holder 22. For this purpose, the robot can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 20 places the culture medium carrier 30 to be transferred on the support surface and releases it.

[0149] Steps S124 and S128 correspond to steps S70 and S74 of the method 200 of Fig. 7 .

[0150] In a further step S129 of method 300, the culture medium carrier 30 then remains in the open state in the culture medium carrier holder 22 of the microbial monitoring device for a predefined period of time, whereby the microbial monitoring is carried out during this period. The predefined period of time can be, for example, 4 hours.

[0151] Steps S130 and S134 correspond to steps S75 and S79 of the method 200 of Fig. 7 .

[0152] In a further step S135 of method 300, the culture medium carrier 30 is removed from the culture medium carrier holder 22 in the housing 32 of the germ monitoring device 31 by a robot. For this purpose, the robot 16 can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 18 grips the closed culture medium carrier 30.

[0153] In a further step S136 of method 300, the removed culture medium carrier 30 is transferred, robotically assisted, from the culture medium carrier holder 22 in the housing 32 of the microbial monitoring device 31 to the holder 40 of the storage device 38. For this purpose, the robot 16 can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 18 moves the culture medium carrier 30 from the culture medium carrier holder 22 to the transfer lock 14.

[0154] In a further step S137 of method 300, the transferred culture medium carrier 30 is placed in the holder 40 of the storage device 38 with robot support. In this case, the culture medium carrier 30 is placed, in particular, on a support surface of the holder 40. For this purpose, the robot 16 can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 20 places the culture medium carrier 30 to be transferred on the support surface and releases it.

[0155] In a further step S138 of method 300, it is determined whether there are any further culture medium carriers 30 present in the storage facility 38 that have not yet been used in the germ monitoring device 31 for germ monitoring. If there are any further culture medium carriers 30 present in the storage facility 38 that have not yet been used in the germ monitoring device 31 for germ monitoring, method 300 returns to step S121, and steps S121 to S138 are repeated. If there are no further culture medium carriers present in the storage facility 38 that have not yet been used in the germ monitoring device 31 for germ monitoring, method 300 continues with step S139.

[0156] Steps S139 and S140 correspond to steps S83 and S84 of the method 200 of Fig. 7 .

[0157] In a further step S141 of method 300, each culture medium carrier 30 is individually removed from the respective holder 40 of the storage device 38 by a robot. For this purpose, the robot 16 can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 18 grips the closed culture medium carrier 30.

[0158] In a further step S142 of method 300, the removed culture medium carrier 30 is transferred robotically from the holder 40 of the storage device 38 to the transfer lock 14. For this purpose, the robot 16 can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 18 moves the culture medium carrier 30 from the holder 40 to the transfer lock 14.

[0159] In a further step S143 of method 300, the transferred culture medium carrier 30 is placed in the transfer lock 14 with robot support. For this purpose, the robot 16 can be controlled, for example, such that the end effector 18 deposits and releases the culture medium carrier 30 in the transfer lock 14.

[0160] In a further step S144 of method 300, it is determined whether further culture medium carriers 30 are arranged on a holder 40 in storage device 38. If further culture medium carriers 30 are arranged on a holder 40 in storage device 38, method 300 returns to step S141, and steps S141 to S143 are repeated. If no further culture medium carriers are arranged on a holder 40 in storage device 38, and thus all culture medium carriers are arranged in the transfer lock, the method is terminated.

Claims

1. A method (100, 200, 300) for automated microbial monitoring in an isolator (12), the isolator (12) having a transfer lock (14), the method (100, 200, 300) comprising the following steps: - first providing of at least one nutrient medium carrier holder (22) at in each case a first position (46) within the isolator (12); - second providing of at least one nutrient medium carrier (30) within the transfer lock (14); - first robot-assisted transferring of an individual nutrient medium carrier (30) of the at least one nutrient medium carrier (30) from the transfer lock (14) to a free nutrient medium carrier holder (22) of the at least one nutrient medium carrier holder (22); and - first robot-assisted placing of the transferred nutrient medium carrier (30) in the free nutrient medium carrier holder (22).

2. The method (100, 200, 300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method (100, 200, 300) comprises, before the step of the first robot-assisted transferring, the following step: - first robot-assisted removing of the nutrient medium carrier (30), which is to be transferred, from the transfer lock (14).

3. The method (100, 200, 300) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein each nutrient medium carrier has a dish (42) with nutrient medium and a lid (44) which is placed on an opening of the dish (42), the method (100, 200, 300) further comprising the following steps: - third providing of at least one lid holder (24) for storing the lid (44) of the transferred nutrient medium carrier (30), the at least one lid holder (24) being provided at in each case a second position (48) within the isolator (12).

4. The method (100, 200, 300) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the method (100, 200, 300) further comprises the following steps: - robot-assisted removing of the lid (44) from the dish (42) of the transferred nutrient medium carrier (30); - second robot-assisted transferring of the lid (44) from the nutrient medium carrier holder (22) to a free lid holder (24) of the at least one lid holder (24); and - robot-assisted depositing of the lid (44) on the free lid holder (24). in particular wherein the method (100, 200, 300) further comprises the following steps, after the transferred nutrient medium carrier (30) has spent a predefined period of time in the corresponding nutrient medium carrier holder (22): - robot-assisted picking-up of the lid (44) from the lid holder (24); - third robot-assisted transferring of the lid (44) from the lid holder (24) to the corresponding nutrient medium carrier holder (22); and - robot-assisted fitting of the lid (44) onto the dish (42) of the nutrient medium carrier (30).

5. The method (100, 200, 300) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the method (100, 200, 300) further comprises the following steps, after the transferred nutrient medium carrier (30) has spent a predefined period of time in the corresponding nutrient medium carrier holder (22): - second robot-assisted removing of the nutrient medium carrier (30) from the nutrient medium carrier holder (22); - fourth robot-assisted transferring of the nutrient medium carrier (30) from the nutrient medium carrier holder (22) to the transfer lock (14); and - second robot-assisted placing of the nutrient medium carrier (30) in the transfer lock (14).

6. The method (100, 200, 300) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, in the step of the first providing, a microbial monitoring device (31) with at least one nutrient medium carrier holder (22) is provided, wherein the microbial monitoring device (31) has a housing (32) in which the at least one nutrient medium carrier holder (22) is arranged, the housing (32) having a housing lid (34), wherein the method (100, 200, 300) further comprises the following steps: - fourth providing of a housing lid holder (36) within the isolator (12) at a third position (50); - robot-assisted removing of the housing lid (34); and - robot-assisted depositing of the housing lid (34) on the housing lid holder (36).

7. The method (100, 200, 300) as claimed in claim 6, wherein, in the step of the second providing, a plurality of nutrient medium carriers (30) are provided in the transfer lock (14), wherein, in the step of the third providing, a storage device (38) with a plurality of holders (40) is provided at the second position (48), wherein the holders (40) are each able to serve as a nutrient medium carrier holder (22) or lid holder (24), in particular wherein, in the step of the second providing, the plurality of nutrient medium carriers (30) are provided in a nutrient medium carrier retainer in the transfer lock (14).

8. The method (100, 200, 300) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, in the step of the second providing, each nutrient medium carrier (30) is provided in a further nutrient medium carrier holder, wherein each further nutrient medium carrier holder is arranged in the transfer lock (14), in particular wherein the nutrient medium carrier retainer has each further nutrient medium carrier holder, in particular wherein each further nutrient medium carrier holder can extend at least partially out of the transfer lock (14) into the isolator (10), in particular wherein the step of the first robot-assisted transferring takes place in such a way that the respective further nutrient medium carrier holder extends at least partially out of the transfer lock (14) into the isolator (10) and the corresponding nutrient medium carrier (30) is transferred, with robot assistance, from the respective further nutrient medium carrier holder to the free nutrient medium carrier holder (22) within the isolator (10).

9. The method (100, 200, 300) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a robot (16) is arranged in the isolator (12), wherein the robot (16) has an end effector (20) for handling a nutrient medium carrier (30) and a support structure (18) for supporting the end effector (20), wherein the support structure (18) is configured to move the end effector (20) in the isolator (12), wherein the end effector (20) is configured to grip the nutrient medium carrier (30).

10. The method (100, 200, 300) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the number of nutrient medium carrier holders (22) provided in the isolator (12) is equal to or greater than the number of nutrient medium carriers (30) provided in the transfer lock (14), and / or , wherein the number of lid holders (24) provided in the isolator (12) is equal to or greater than the number of nutrient medium carriers (30) provided in the transfer lock (14).

11. A system (10) for automated microbial monitoring in an isolator (12), wherein the system (10) has the isolator (12), at least one nutrient medium carrier holder (22), a robot (16) arranged in the isolator (12), and a control device (26), wherein the isolator (12) has a transfer lock (14), wherein at least one nutrient medium carrier (30) is provided in the transfer lock (14), wherein the nutrient medium carrier holder (22) is arranged at a first position (46) within the isolator, wherein the robot (16) has an end effector (20) for handling a nutrient medium carrier (30) and a support structure (18) for supporting the end effector (20), wherein the support structure (18) is configured to move the end effector (20) in the isolator (12), wherein the end effector (20) is configured to grip the nutrient medium carrier (30), and wherein the control device (26) is configured to carry out the following steps: - first robot-assisted transferring of in each case an individual nutrient medium carrier (30) of the at least one nutrient medium carrier (30) from the transfer lock (14) to a free nutrient medium carrier holder (22) of the at least one nutrient medium carrier holder (22); and - first robot-assisted placing of the transferred nutrient medium carrier (30) in the free nutrient medium carrier holder (22).

12. The system (10) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the end effector (20) has a receptacle (66) for receiving the nutrient medium carrier (30), which receptacle (66) is movable between a receiving position, in which the nutrient medium carrier (30) can be received, and a gripping position, in which the nutrient medium carrier (30) can be gripped, in particular wherein each nutrient medium carrier (30) for transferring can be gripped by means of the end effector (20) and moved by means of the robot (16) within the isolator (12).

13. The system (10) as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein the system (10) has a microbial monitoring device (31) with at least one nutrient medium carrier holder (22), in particular wherein the microbial monitoring device (31) has a housing (32) in which at least one nutrient medium carrier holder (30) is arranged, wherein the housing (32) has a housing lid (34), wherein the housing lid (34) is removable by means of the robot (16), wherein the system (10) has a housing lid holder (36) for storing the housing lid (34), wherein the housing lid holder (36) is arranged at a third position (50) within the isolator (12).

14. The system (10) as claimed in one of claims 11 to 13, wherein each nutrient medium carrier (30) has a dish (42) with nutrient medium and a lid (44) which is placed on an opening of the dish (42), wherein the lid (44) can be removed by means of the robot (16), wherein the system (10) furthermore has at least one lid holder (24) for storing the lid (44), wherein the at least one lid holder (24) is arranged inside the isolator (12) at a second position (48) in each case.

15. A computer program with a program code which is configured, when executed in the control device (26) of the system (10) as claimed in one of claims 11 to 14, to carry out the following steps: - first robot-assisted transferring of an individual nutrient medium carrier (30) of the at least one nutrient medium carrier (30) from the transfer lock (14) to a free nutrient medium carrier holder (22) of the at least one nutrient medium carrier holder (22); and - first robot-assisted placing of the transferred nutrient medium carrier (30) in the free nutrient medium carrier holder (22).