Humidifying device for a cell culture device

Abstract

A humidifying device (122) for a cultivation device (1), comprising a recess (1221) configured to receive a humidifying liquid (L), and provided with at least one body (1223) separating a length of said recess (1221) so as to form a first reservoir (R1) and a second reservoir (R2) connected to each other by a channel (R3), the at least one body (1223) is positioned in the following recess (1221): A dimension (c) of the channel (R3) along a width (y) of the recess (1221) is less than or equal to half the width (y) of the recess (1221); A dimension (x) of a reservoir (R1, R2) along the length of the recess (1221) is less than or equal to the width (y) of the recess (1221); The dimension (x) of the reservoir (R1, R2) is greater than or equal to the dimension (c) of the channel (R3) according to a width (y) of the recess (1221). Figure 7

Description

Title of the invention: Humidifying device for a cell culture device

[0001] The invention relates to the field of cell culture devices and more specifically to a gas humidifying device for a cell culture device, as well as a kit.

[0002] A cell culture device is understood to mean a device designed to cultivate cells within at least one culture well which is used as a small test tube. Said well may be fixed relative to the cell culture device or detachable. Thus, a cell culture device includes, for example, a culture plate formed in one piece and provided with at least one culture well as well as a culture dish into which the culture plate can be inserted in a detachable manner. The culture well may, for example, be a microfluidic well and may be connected to a microfluidic chip.

[0003] Culture plates equipped with at least one culture well have become standard tools in research and clinical analysis of laboratory diagnostic tests. A culture plate is usually called a "microtiter" plate, and can generally contain 6, 24, 96, 384, or even 1536 culture wells, generally arranged in a rectangular matrix of 2:3 format, in other words, whose width / length ratio is equal to 2 / 3. Various characteristics, including the dimensions of the culture wells (diameter, spacing, depth), as well as the dimensions and rigidity of these plates have been standardized and standardized by the American National Standards Institute, at the initiative of the SBS (Society for Biomolecular Screening) association. The geometric coordinates of the centers of the wells are standardized by style, the style of a plate being determined by the number of wells in the plate.Culture plates are generally made of polystyrene, also referred to by the abbreviation PS, which is a transparent, biocompatible, rigid, inexpensive, and easy-to-mold thermoplastic. Also known, culture plates, and more specifically culture plates for microfluidic applications, can be made of polydimethylsiloxane or dimethicole, also referred to by the abbreviation PDMS, which is a transparent, biocompatible, deformable, very easy-to-mold elastomer and which has interesting oxygen permeability properties for microfluidic applications.

[0004] There are culture boxes configured to contain at least one culture plate such as for example that described in patent document US7208125. This culture box includes a humidifying device to minimize eva poration of a liquid from the culture wells, that is to say to maintain good humidification of the air present in the culture dish. The humidifying device comprises a recess into which a humidifying liquid can be introduced. The recess is provided with a plurality of bodies positioned on either side of a center of the recess, or spaced apart from each other on the same side of the recess. The bodies make it possible in particular to minimize movement of the liquid in the recess, also called sloshing of the liquid, when the culture dish is moved.

[0005] More specifically, sloshing refers to small movements of a liquid contained in a reservoir subjected to accelerated movement and having a free surface. Sloshing includes movements in the plane of the free surface of the liquid as well as rotational movements.

[0006] This humidifying device is not entirely satisfactory in that during certain movements of the culture box, liquid can come out of the recess and flow into the culture wells.

[0007] The invention aims to remedy all or part of the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a humidifying device for an improved cell culture device.

[0008] The subject of the invention is a gas humidifying device for a cell culture device, said humidifying device comprising at least one recess configured to receive a humidifying liquid, said recess being provided with at least one body separating a length of said recess so as to form a first reservoir and a second reservoir connected to each other by a channel, characterized in that the at least one body is positioned in the recess so that:

[0009] - A dimension of the channel according to a width of the recess is less than or equal to half of the width of the recess; - A dimension of at least one of the tanks according to the length of the recess is less than or equal to the width of the recess; - The dimension of the tank according to the length of the recess is greater than or equal to the dimension of the channel according to a width of the recess.

[0010] The humidifying device allows evaporation of the humidifying liquid into the gas of the cell culture device.

[0011] Preferably, the humidifying liquid comprises at least 90% water, preferably 99% water, and for example 100% water.

[0012] The gas surrounding the cell culture device preferably contains water vapor and oxygen, for example the gas is air with a humidity level greater than 80%.

[0013] The humidifying device comprises at least one recess for receiving the humidifying liquid. Preferably, the recess is not closed so as to leave a free surface for the humidifying liquid and thus promote the evaporation of the latter. The recess therefore comprises at least one bottom, and one side wall. The bottom extends in a plane parallel to a plane of elongation of the humidifying device. The side wall extends at an angle relative to the plane of elongation of the humidifying device. According to one embodiment, the angle is between [30°, 150°], for example [60°, 120°] and preferably 90°.

[0014] According to the invention, the recess comprises at least one body which is positioned so as to separate a length of said recess into a first reservoir and a second reservoir connected to each other by a channel.

[0015] The length of the recess is understood to mean the largest dimension of the recess taken in the plane of elongation of the humidifying device.

[0016] The width of the recess is understood to mean the dimension of the recess taken in the plane of elongation of the humidifying device and perpendicular to the length of the recess.

[0017] In the case of a recess comprising a plurality of bodies, a reservoir is comprised between two channels or between a channel and the side wall of the recess. Thus, two successive bodies define a common reservoir.

[0018] The channel allows passage of the humidifying liquid from the first reservoir to the second reservoir so that the entire recess can be filled by introducing the humidifying liquid into a single reservoir. In other words, the humidifying liquid flows from the first reservoir to the second reservoir through the channel. Thus, filling, or emptying, of the recess is quick and easy because it can be achieved by pouring the humidifying liquid into or through a single reservoir. The channel has a sufficient size relative to the physical properties of the liquid, such as for example the surface tension, the kinematic viscosity, the density, the wettability of the humidifying liquid, to allow flow of the liquid from the first reservoir to the second reservoir.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the humidifying liquid which is poured into the first reservoir flows towards the second reservoir through the channel when said first reservoir is at least partially filled. In other words, the channel by these dimensions blocks the passage of the liquid as long as the first reservoir does not have a certain filling level. For example, the channel can block the passage of the liquid as long as the first reservoir is not at least 3 / 4 full. Thus, the humidifying device is filled reservoir by reservoir.

[0020] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the recess comprises a surface treatment making it possible to modify the wettability and / or flow kinematics between the humidifying liquid and a material of the recess.

[0021] For example, the surface treatment is a plasma treatment, or a treatment chemical which alters the surface wettability, that is to say makes the lateral surface of the recess more hydrophilic or more hydrophobic.

[0022] Finally, the recess and the body of the humidifying device are dimensioned so that the humidifying liquid placed in the recess is retained therein when the humidifying device is subjected to displacements, i.e. sloshing of the humidifying liquid.

[0023] In particular, in order to limit the sloshing of the humidifying liquid, the body is positioned in the recess so as to comply with the three sizing criteria below:

[0024] - (1) a dimension of the channel according to a width of the recess is less than or equal to half the width of the recess; - (2) a dimension of at least one of the tanks according to the length of the recess is less than or equal to the width of the recess; - (3) the dimension of the tank according to the length of the recess is greater or equal to the dimension of the channel according to a width of the recess.

[0025] Criterion (1) requires that the channel forms a constriction of the recess. Thus, the channel increases the pressure losses of the movement of the humidifying liquid and therefore slows down this movement. The channel makes it possible to form reservoirs with a volume smaller than that of the recess while retaining the advantage of a large total volume of the recess which is easily filled via a single reservoir.

[0026] Criterion (2) limits the quantity of humidifying liquid present in each reservoir by limiting the volume of said reservoir. Indeed, the dimensions of the reservoir according to the width and the length of the recess are at most equal to the width of the recess. Thus, the maximum volume of the reservoir, and therefore the volume of humidifying liquid, is limited by a square surface with a side equal to the width of the recess.

[0027] Limiting the volume of humidifying liquid makes it possible on the one hand to limit the mass of humidifying liquid displaced in each reservoir during sloshing, and on the other hand to increase a ratio between a level of friction between the humidifying liquid and the side wall of the recess, and the volume of the humidifying liquid. Thus, more energy is required to set the humidifying liquid in motion in the reservoir than in the bodyless recess, and the humidifying liquid acquires less kinetic energy in a restricted volume, which reduces the movements of the humidifying liquid.

[0028] Finally, criterion (3) imposes a minimum volume of the reservoir. Indeed, a dimension of the reservoir according to the length of the recess is greater than or equal to the dimension of the channel according to the width of the recess. A minimum volume of the reservoir is necessary so that it does not constitute a channel in itself and so that it allows good humidification of the cell culture device to be ensured.

[0029] The invention may also have one or more of the following features taken alone or in combination.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the humidifying device is configured to be positioned on an edge of the cell culture device.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the width of the recess is between 2 and 10 mm, preferably between 2 and 6 mm, for example 5 mm.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the dimension of the channel according to the width of the recess is between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, and preferably between 0.9 mm and 2.9 mm.

[0033] Indeed, with these dimensions, the channel makes it possible to significantly reduce the movements of the humidifying liquid.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the recess is made from a material chosen from: a polylactic acid, a polystyrene and a polydimethylsiloxane or dimethylsiloxane.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the recess comprises a plurality of bodies positioned regularly and / or alternately on either side of a center of the recess.

[0036] By regularly positioned bodies, we mean that a distance between the bodies taken along an axis, such as for example the length of the recess, is constant.

[0037] By bodies positioned alternately on either side of a center of the recess, it is meant that two successive bodies are positioned on one side and the other side of the center of the recess, which is for example taken along the length of the recess.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the bodies are positioned on the same side of the recess.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the recess comprises a plurality of bodies defining a continuous path forming a sinuosity.

[0040] A continuous path is understood to mean a succession of reservoirs connected by channels. In other words, a path is continuous when a liquid poured at a first end of the path can naturally reach a second end of the path without being physically stopped by a physical barrier.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the body comprises a braking surface configured to be in contact with the humidifying liquid, and a retaining surface extending in a plane forming an angle with a plane in which the braking surface extends, said angle being included in a first range of values, the braking surface being connected to the retaining surface by a curved surface having a radius of curvature less than or equal to 0.5 mm.

[0042] The braking surface of the body connects the bottom of the recess to the retaining surface of the body. The braking surface extends at an angle relative to the plane in which the humidifying device extends, the angle being between [20°, 160°], by example [60°, 120°], and preferably between [89° and 92°]. In the latter case, the braking surface corresponds to a body height.

[0043] The retaining surface extends in a plane forming an angle within a first range of values with a plane in which the braking surface extends. The first range of values is within the interval [20°, 160°], for example [60°, 120°], and preferably [90°]. In the latter case, the retaining surface forms a right angle with the braking surface.

[0044] According to one embodiment, when the braking surface extends perpendicularly relative to the bottom of the recess, the retaining surface extends perpendicularly to the braking surface. In other words, the retaining surface extends in the plane of elongation of the humidifying device.

[0045] The braking surface is connected to the retaining surface by a curved surface having a radius of curvature of less than 0.5 mm, for example less than 0.2 mm, and preferably 0 mm.

[0046] The radius of curvature of the curved surface varies a surface tension of the humidifying liquid in contact with the curved surface. Thus, the curved surface helps to promote retention of the humidifying liquid in the reservoir. The curved surface reduces the movement of the humidifying liquid along a plane perpendicular to the plane of elongation of the humidifying device. The geometry of the body helps to reduce the risk of the humidifying liquid leaving the reservoir to flood a well of the cell culture device.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the at least one body has a dimension according to a height of the recess of between 1 mm and 15 mm.

[0048] The height of the recess is understood to mean the dimension of the recess taken in a plane perpendicular to the plane of elongation of the humidifying device. The height of the recess is perpendicular to the length and width of the recess.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the at least one body has a dimension according to a height of the recess of between 2 mm and 7 mm.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the recess comprises a first partition wall configured to be positioned between the at least one body and the cell culture device, said first partition wall comprising at least one humidification orifice positioned such that when the humidifying device is filled with the humidifying liquid, the at least one humidification orifice is above a free surface of said humidifying liquid.

[0051] The side wall of the recess comprises the first partition wall.

[0052] The humidification orifice is intended to allow a transfer of a gas loaded with humidifying liquid present in the humidifying device to the cell culture device so as to humidify culture wells of said culture device. cellular.

[0053] Thus, the humidification orifice must have a sufficiently large dimension to allow this gas exchange.

[0054] Furthermore, the first separating wall is intended to retain the humidifying liquid in the recess. The humidifying orifice therefore has a sufficiently small dimension to form a barrier to overflow of the humidifying liquid. More specifically, the humidifying orifice acts in particular on the surface tension of the humidifying liquid to prevent the humidifying liquid from passing through the humidifying orifice.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the humidifying orifice has a dimension smaller than the dimension of the channel according to the width of the recess.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the humidifying orifice has a dimension less than 5 mm.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the first partition wall comprises a plurality of humidifying orifices.

[0058] According to one embodiment, an edge of the humidifying orifice coincides with a free edge of the first separating wall.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the humidifying orifices form notches on the free edge of the first separating wall.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the recess comprises a second partition wall configured to be positioned between the at least one body and an outer edge of the cell culture device, said second partition wall comprising an overflow orifice positioned such that when the humidifying device is filled with the humidifying liquid, the at least one overflow orifice is above a free surface of said humidifying liquid.

[0061] The side wall of the recess comprises the second partition wall.

[0062] The purpose of the overflow orifice is to evacuate an excess of humidifying liquid present in the humidifying device towards the outside of the latter so as to avoid an overflow in the culture wells during movement of the humidifying liquid.

[0063] Thus, the overflow orifice must have a sufficiently large dimension to allow the humidifying liquid to be easily evacuated.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the second separation wall comprises a plurality of overflow orifices.

[0065] According to one embodiment, an edge of the overflow orifice coincides with a free edge of the second separation wall.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the at least one overflow orifice is positioned in a corner of the humidifying device.

[0067] Indeed, when the cultivation device undergoes a movement, it is likely that said movement causes the cell culture device to tilt, promoting flow of the humidifier liquid toward an angle of the humidifier device.

[0068] The overflow port is positioned sufficiently above the free surface of the humidifier liquid such that the humidifier liquid can accumulate in the corner of the humidifier device, but excessive accumulation is discharged over the outer edge of the cell culture device through the overflow port.

[0069] The invention also relates to a kit comprising at least one culture box provided with a humidifying device and at least one culture plate.

[0070] The invention also relates to a method for sizing a gas humidifying device for a cell culture device comprising:

[0071] - a step of creating at least one recess configured to receive a humidifying liquid; - a step of positioning at least one body in the recess so that the at least one body separates a length of said recess in order to form a first reservoir and a second reservoir connected to each other by a channel;

[0072] said channel allowing passage of the humidifying liquid from the first reservoir to the second reservoir so that an entire recess is filled by introducing the humidifying liquid into a single reservoir, the humidifying liquid which is poured into the first reservoir flows to the second reservoir through the channel when said first reservoir is completely filled, and the humidifying liquid placed in the recess is maintained therein when the humidifying device is subjected to displacements.

[0073] The invention will be better understood, thanks to the following description, which relates to several embodiments according to the present invention, given as non-limiting examples and explained with reference to the appended schematic drawings, in which:

[0074] [Fig-1] is an exploded view of a culture box comprising a humidi fifier according to the invention and at least one culture plate;

[0075] [Fig.2] is a view of the culture dish in which the at least one culture plate is inserted into a housing;

[0076] [Fig.3] is a view of the culture box in which the at least one culture plate is inserted into a housing and in which a bottom plate is fixed;

[0077] [Fig.4] is a view of the culture box in the closed position;

[0078] [Fig.5] is a view of an intermediate element comprising the humidi device fifier according to the invention seen from above;

[0079] [Fig.6] is a three-dimensional view of the intermediate element and a detail thereof here ;

[0080] [Fig.7] is a sectional representation of the humidifier device according to the invention;

[0081] [Fig.8] is a representation of different embodiments of the humidifier device;

[0082] [Fig.9] is a side view of an add-on module;

[0083] [Fig. 10] is a three-dimensional, sectional view of the intermediate element under which the add-on module is positioned;

[0084] [Fig. 11] is a three-dimensional, sectional view of the intermediate element under which the add-on module is positioned to allow removal of the culture plate;

[0085] [Fig. 12] is a three-dimensional, sectional view of the intermediate element in which the add-on module is positioned in a housing;

[0086] A cell culture device such as a culture dish 1 comprising a humidifying device 122 according to the invention is shown in Figures 1 to 4. It comprises a bottom plate 11, an intermediate element 12 and a cover 13.

[0087] The bottom plate 11 extends substantially in a plane. The bottom plate has a non-symmetrical shape, i.e. it has a substantially rectangular shape with three rounded corners and one right angle. On at least one edge, it comprises first attachment means 111. The bottom plate 11 also comprises at least one centering shoulder 112.

[0088] The cover 13 has a shape substantially identical to an upper part of the intermediate element 12, in the present case, the cover 13 has a non-symmetrical shape, that is to say it has a substantially rectangular shape with three rounded angles and a right angle, so as to be able to be fitted onto the intermediate element 12. The cover 13 also comprises at least one centering shoulder 131 on an inner face and / or on an outer face to allow stacking of several culture dishes 1.

[0089] The intermediate element 12 has a shape substantially identical to the base plate 11 in a lower part and to the cover 13 in the upper part. In the present case, the intermediate element 12 has a non-symmetrical shape, that is to say it has a substantially rectangular shape with three rounded corners and a right angle. On at least one edge, it comprises third attachment means 121.

[0090] The intermediate element 12 comprises at least one housing 2 making it possible to position and maintain a culture plate 4 or an additional module 3.

[0091] The housing 2 comprises a retaining wall 21 configured to come into contact with, and more particularly to surround, an edge of the culture plate 4. The retaining wall 21 surrounds the housing 2.

[0092] The holding wall 21 is configured to allow the introduction of the culture plate 4 into the housing 2 while taking into account manufacturing tolerances of the culture plate 4. The holding wall 21 makes it possible to position the culture plate 4 in a holding plane when the latter is inserted into the housing 2. Preferably, the holding plane is a plane in which the culture dish 1 extends.

[0093] The housing 2 also comprises a bearing surface 22 secured to the holding wall 21, said bearing surface 22 being configured to come partially into contact with a first elongation surface of the culture plate 4. In other words, when the culture plate 4 is positioned in the housing 2, the first elongation surface is in contact with the bearing surface 22. Preferably, the bearing surface 22 makes it possible to hold the culture plate 4 in a holding direction substantially perpendicular to the holding plane.

[0094] The housing 2 further comprises at least one fixing device 23 for the culture plate 4. Each fixing device 23 is integral with the retaining wall 21.

[0095] The fixing device 23 comprises, as illustrated in [Fig.6], a retaining surface 232 positioned opposite the bearing surface 22. The retaining surface 232 comprises a first end extending at a distance from the retaining wall 21 and a second end attached directly or via a connecting element to the retaining wall 21.

[0096] The retaining surface 232 moves away from the holding wall 21 when it moves away from the bearing surface 22. The inclination of the retaining surface 232 facilitates removal of the culture plate 4 from the housing 2. The retaining surface 232 acts as an ejection surface for the culture plate 4.

[0097] A holding space is delimited between the retaining surface 232 and the support surface 22. The holding space has a dimension corresponding to at least one thickness of the culture plate 4 intended to come opposite the at least one retaining surface 232.

[0098] The holding space has a dimension allowing insertion of the culture plate 4 between the bearing surface 22 and the retaining surface 232. In other words, the dimension of the holding space corresponds at least to the thickness of the culture plate 4 taken at the level of the retaining surface 232 when the culture plate 4 is positioned in the housing 2. The holding space can be increased by a functional clearance so as to take into account manufacturing tolerances of the culture plate 4. Thus, when the culture plate 4 is inserted into the holding space, no mechanical force or stress capable of causing deformation of the culture plate 4 is exerted on the latter.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the at least one fixing device 23 comprises also at least one introduction surface 231, as illustrated in [Fig.6]. The introduction surface 231 moves away from the holding wall 21 when it approaches the support surface 22. The introduction surface 231 facilitates the insertion of the culture plate 4 into the housing 2 and more particularly into the holding space by forming an insertion ramp.

[0100] The fixing device 23 allows elastic fitting of the culture plate 4 in the housing 2. Thus, the culture plate 4 can be inserted into the holding space without any mechanical force or stress that could cause deformation of the culture plate 4 being exerted on the latter after insertion, that is to say once in place. When the culture plate 4 is introduced into the housing 2, it is perfectly held in the holding plane and in the holding direction so that the culture plate 4 is held in all directions of the space regardless of the orientation of the culture box 1.

[0101] The intermediate element 12 also comprises a humidifying device 122. The humidifying device 122 comprises two recesses which surround an edge of the intermediate element 12 so that a humidifying liquid L can be distributed over the entire edge of the intermediate element 12. More specifically, the humidifying device 122 is configured to be positioned on an edge of the intermediate element 12 which is a cell culture device.

[0102] More precisely, the humidifying device 122 makes it possible to humidify a gas present in the culture box 1. Preferably, the humidifying liquid L comprises at least 90% water, preferably 99% water, and for example 100% water and the gas surrounding the culture box contains water vapor and oxygen, and is preferably air with a humidity level greater than 80%.

[0103] The humidifying device 122 comprises at least one recess 1221 configured to receive the humidifying liquid L. In FIGS. 5 to 8, the humidifying device 122 comprises two recesses 1221.

[0104] Preferably, the recess 1221 is not closed so as to leave a free surface for the humidifying liquid L and thus promote the evaporation of the latter. The recess 1221 therefore comprises at least one bottom 1222, and a side wall 1224.

[0105] The bottom 1222 extends in a plane parallel to an elongation plane of the humidifying device 122, corresponding to the elongation plane of the culture box 1.

[0106] The side wall 1224 extends at an angle relative to the elongation plane of the humidifying device 122. According to one embodiment, the angle is between [30°, 150°], for example [60°, 120°] and preferably 90°.

[0107] According to one embodiment, a width y of the recess 1221 is between 2 and 10 mm, preferably between 2 and 6 mm, for example 5 mm.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the recess 1221 is made from a chosen material among: a polylactic acid, a polystyrene and a polydimethylsiloxane or di-methylsiloxane.

[0109] Said recess 1221 is provided with at least one body 1223, and in the present case with a plurality of bodies 1223, separating a length of said recess so as to form a first reservoir RI and a second reservoir R2 connected to each other by a channel R3.

[0110] In the examples illustrated in figures 5 and 8, the recess 1221 comprises a plurality of bodies 1223 positioned regularly and / or alternately on either side of a center of the recess 1221.

[0111] By regularly positioned bodies 1223, it is meant that a distance between the bodies 1223 taken along an axis, such as for example the length of the recess 1221 is constant. This is the case for all the examples shown.

[0112] By bodies 1223 positioned alternately on either side of a center of the recess 1221, it is meant that two successive bodies 1223 are positioned on one side and the other side of the center of the recess 1221, which is for example taken along the length of the recess 1221. This is the case of the examples in [Fig.5] and of examples A, B, C, D, E, and F in [Fig.8].

[0113] According to one embodiment, the bodies 1223 are positioned on the same side of the recess 1221 or on both sides of the recess 1221 as illustrated in examples G and H of [Fig.8].

[0114] According to one embodiment, the recess 1221 comprises a plurality of bodies 1223 defining a continuous path forming a sinuosity as illustrated in the examples of [Fig.5] and examples A, B, C, D, E of [Fig.8].

[0115] According to one embodiment, the body 1223 comprises a braking surface 1225 configured to be in contact with the humidifying liquid L, and a retaining surface 1226 extending in a plane forming an angle with a plane in which the braking surface 1225 extends, said angle being included in a first range of values.

[0116] The braking surface 1225 of the body 1223 connects the bottom 1222 of the recess 1221 to the retaining surface 1226 of the body 1223. The braking surface 1225 extends at an angle relative to the plane in which the humidifying device 122 extends, the angle being between [20°, 160°], for example [60°, 120°], and preferably between [89°, 92°]. In the latter case, the braking surface 1225 corresponds to a height z of the body 1223.

[0117] The retaining surface 1226 extends in a plane forming an angle included in a first range of value with a plane in which the braking surface 1225 extends. The first range of value is included in the interval [20°, 160°], for example [60°, 120°], and preferably [90°]. In the latter case, the retaining surface 1226 forms a right angle with the braking surface 1225.

[0118] According to one embodiment, when the braking surface 1225 extends perpendicularly relative to the bottom 1222 of the recess 1221, the retaining surface 1226 extends perpendicularly to the braking surface 1225. In other words, the retaining surface 1226 extends in the plane of elongation of the humidifying device 122.

[0119] The braking surface 1225 is connected to the retaining surface 1226 by a curved surface 1227 having a radius of curvature less than 0.5 mm, for example less than 0.2 mm, and preferably 0 mm.

[0120] The radius of curvature of the curved surface 1227 varies a surface tension of the humidifying liquid L in contact with the curved surface 1227. Thus, the curved surface 1227 makes it possible to promote retention of the humidifying liquid L in the reservoir RI, R2. The curved surface 1227 reduces the movement of the humidifying liquid L along a plane perpendicular to the elongation plane of the humidifying device 122. The geometry of the body 1223 makes it possible to reduce the risk of the humidifying liquid L leaving the reservoir RI, R2 to flood a well in the culture plate 4.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the at least one body 1223 has a dimension according to a height of the recess 1221 of between 1 mm and 15 mm, for example between 2 mm and 7 mm.

[0122] In the case of a recess 1221 comprising a plurality of bodies, a reservoir RI, R2 is between two channels R3 or between a channel R3 and the side wall 1224 of the recess 1221. Thus, two successive bodies 1223 define a common reservoir.

[0123] The channel R3 allows a passage of the humidifying liquid L from the first reservoir RI to the second reservoir R2 so that the entire recess 1221 can be filled by introducing the humidifying liquid L into a single reservoir. In other words, the humidifying liquid L flows from the first reservoir RI to the second reservoir R2 through the channel R3. Thus, filling the recess 1221 is quick and easy because it can be achieved by pouring the humidifying liquid L into a single reservoir. The channel R3 has a sufficient size relative to the physical properties of the humidifying liquid, such as for example the surface tension, the kinematic viscosity, the density, the wettability of the humidifying liquid, to allow a flow of the humidifying liquid L from the first reservoir RI to the second reservoir R2.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the humidifying liquid L which is poured into the first reservoir RI flows towards the second reservoir R2 through the channel R3 when said first reservoir RI is at least partly filled. In other words, the channel R3 by these dimensions blocks the passage of the liquid L as long as the first reservoir RI does not have a certain filling level. For example, the channel may block the passage of liquid until the first reservoir is at least 3 / 4 full. Thus, the humidifier device 122 is filled reservoir by reservoir.

[0125] Further, the body 1223 is positioned in the recess 1221 according to the criteria below:

[0126] - (1) a dimension c of the channel R3 according to a width y of the recess 1221 is less than or equal to half the width y of the recess 1221; - (2) a dimension x of at least one of the reservoirs RI, R2 according to the length of the recess 1221 is less than or equal to the width y of the recess 1221; - (3) the dimension x of the tank RI, R2 according to the length of the recess 1221 is greater than or equal to the dimension c of the channel R3 according to the width y of the recess 1221.

[0127] Criterion (1) requires that channel R3 forms a constriction of recess 1221. Thus, channel R3 increases the pressure losses of the movement of the humidifying liquid L and therefore slows down this movement. Channel R3 makes it possible to form reservoirs with a volume smaller than that of recess 1221 while retaining the advantage of a large total volume of recess 1221 which is easily filled via a single reservoir.

[0128] Criterion (2) limits the quantity of humidifying liquid L present in each reservoir RI, R2 by limiting the volume of said reservoir. Indeed, the dimensions of the reservoir RI, R2 according to the width y and the length of the recess 1221 are at most equal to the width y of the recess 1221. Thus, the maximum volume of the reservoir RI, R2, and therefore the volume of humidifying liquid L, is limited by a square surface with a side equal to the width y of the recess 1221.

[0129] Limiting the volume of the humidifying liquid L makes it possible on the one hand to limit the mass of humidifying liquid displaced in each reservoir during a sloshing, and on the other hand to increase a ratio between a level of friction between the humidifying liquid L and the side wall 1224 of the recess 1221, and the volume of the humidifying liquid L. Thus, more energy is required to set the humidifying liquid L in motion in the reservoir RI, R2 than in the recess 1221 without a body 1223, and the humidifying liquid acquires less kinetic energy in a restricted volume, which reduces the movements of the humidifying liquid L.

[0130] Finally, criterion (3) imposes a minimum volume of the reservoir RI, R2. Indeed, a dimension of the reservoir RI, R2 according to the length of the recess is greater than or equal to the dimension c of the channel R3 according to the width y of the recess 1221. A minimum volume of the reservoir is necessary so that it does not constitute a channel in itself and so that it allows good humidification of the cell culture device to be ensured.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the dimension c of the channel R3 according to the width y of the recess 1221 is between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, and preferably between 0.9 mm and 2.9mm.

[0132] Finally, the recess 1221 and the body 1223 of the humidifying device 122 are dimensioned so that the humidifying liquid L placed in the recess 1221 is retained therein when the humidifying device 122 is subjected to displacements, i.e. vibrations.

[0133] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the recess 1221 comprises a first separation wall 131 configured to be positioned between the at least one body 1223 and the cell culture device 4, said first separation wall 131 comprising at least one humidification orifice 1311 positioned so that when the humidifying device 122 is filled with the humidifying liquid L, the at least one humidification orifice 1311 is above a free surface of said humidifying liquid L.

[0134] The side wall 1224 of the recess 1221 comprises the first partition wall 131.

[0135] The humidification orifice 1311a is intended to allow a transfer of a gas loaded with humidifying liquid L present in the humidifying device 122 to the cell culture device 4 so as to humidify culture wells of said cell culture device.

[0136] Thus, the humidification orifice 122 must have a sufficiently large dimension to allow this gas exchange.

[0137] Furthermore, the first separating wall 131a is intended to retain the humidifying liquid L in the recess 1221. The humidifying orifice 1311 therefore has a dimension that is sufficiently small to form a barrier to an overflow of the humidifying liquid L. More precisely, the humidifying orifice 1311 plays in particular on the surface tension of the humidifying liquid L to prevent the humidifying liquid L from passing through the humidifying orifice 1311.

[0138] According to one embodiment, the humidifying orifice 1311 has a dimension smaller than the dimension c of the channel R3 according to the width y of the recess 1221. According to one embodiment, the humidifying orifice 1311 has a dimension smaller than 5 mm.

[0139] According to one embodiment, the first separation wall 131 comprises a plurality of humidifying orifices 1311.

[0140] According to one embodiment, an edge of the humidifying orifice 1311 coincides with a free edge of the first separating wall 131.

[0141] According to one embodiment, the humidifying orifices 1311 form notches on the free edge of the first separating wall 131 as in the figures.

[0142] According to one embodiment, the recess 1221 comprises a second separation wall 132 configured to be positioned between the at least one body 1223 and an outer edge of the cell culture device 12, said second separation wall preparation 132 comprising an overflow orifice 1321 positioned such that when the humidifying device 122 is filled with the humidifying liquid L, the at least one overflow orifice 1321 is above a free surface of said humidifying liquid L.

[0143] The side wall 1224 of the recess 1221 comprises the second partition wall 132.

[0144] The purpose of the overflow orifice 1321 is to evacuate an excess of humidifying liquid L present in the humidifying device 122 towards the outside thereof so as to avoid an overflow in the culture wells during a movement of the humidifying liquid L.

[0145] Thus, the overflow orifice 1321 must have a sufficiently large dimension to allow the humidifying liquid L to be easily evacuated.

[0146] According to one embodiment, the second separation wall 132 comprises a plurality of overflow orifices 1321.

[0147] According to one embodiment, an edge of the overflow orifice 1321 coincides with a free edge of the second separation wall 132.

[0148] According to one embodiment, the at least one overflow orifice 1321 is positioned in a corner of the humidifying device 122.

[0149] Indeed, when the culture device 1 undergoes a movement, it is likely that said movement causes an inclination of the cell culture device 1 promoting a flow of the humidifying liquid L towards an angle of the humidifying device 122.

[0150] The invention also relates to a method for sizing a gas humidifier device 122 for a cell culture device comprising:

[0151] - a step of creating at least one recess 1221 configured to receive a humidifying liquid L; - a step of positioning at least one body 1223 in the recess 1221 so that the at least one body 1223 separates a length of said recess 1221 in order to form a first reservoir RI and a second reservoir R2 connected to each other by a channel R3;

[0152] said channel R3 allowing a passage of the humidifying liquid L from the first reservoir RI to the second reservoir R2 so that an entire recess 1221 is filled by introducing the humidifying liquid L into a single reservoir, the humidifying liquid L which is poured into the first reservoir RI flows towards the second reservoir R2 through the channel R3 when said first reservoir RI is completely filled, and the humidifying liquid L placed in the recess 1221 is maintained therein when the humidifying device 122 is subjected to displacements.

[0153] For example, when the recess 1221 is made of polylactic acid and the humidifying liquid L is water, the bodies 1223 of the recess 1221 can be sized as follows:

[0154] - the dimension x of the tanks RI, R2 according to the length of the recess 1221: 2.9mm - the width y of the recess 1221: 5.3mm - height z of body 1223: 5.8mm - the dimension c of the channel R3 according to the width y of the recess 1221: 1.4mm

[0155] Another example gives that when the recess 1221 is made of polystyrene and that the humidifying liquid L is water, the bodies 1223 of the recess 1221 can be sized as follows:

[0156] - the dimension x of the tanks RI, R2 according to the length of the recess 1221: 3.0mm - the width y of the recess 1221: 5.3mm - height z of body 1223: 5.8mm - the dimension c of the channel R3 according to the width y of the recess 1221: 1.7mm

[0157] The base plate 11, the cover 13 and the intermediate element 12 are configured to be fitted together in a separable manner. More precisely, and as illustrated in figures 1 to 4, the first attachment means 111 of the base plate 11 cooperate with the third attachment means 121 of the intermediate element 12, while the cover 13 is fitted without specific support on the intermediate element 12. Thus, the base plate 11 and the cover 13 can be assembled on the intermediate element 12.

[0158] Furthermore, the at least one centering shoulder 112 of the base plate 11 makes it possible to easily position the intermediate element 12 on the latter in order to easily fix the intermediate element 12 to the base plate 11.

[0159] The at least one centering shoulder of the outer face 131 of the cover 13 makes it possible to easily stack several culture boxes 1 on top of each other. More precisely, the centering shoulder 131 can cooperate with the bottom plate 11 or with the intermediate element 12. Thus, it is possible to stack several culture boxes comprising the bottom plate 11, or alternatively without the bottom plate 11.

[0160] The culture box 1 can be used with or without the bottom plate 11. The bottom plate 11 makes it possible to protect, in particular during handling, the at least one culture plate 4 positioned in the housing 2 of the intermediate element 12. In addition, the bottom plate 11 has thickness and transparency characteristics allowing medium magnification microscope imaging, for example x10, x20, etc., of the contents of the culture plate 4. The bottom plate 11 can be removed in particular to perform high-magnification microscope imaging, or to perform confocal imaging of the contents of culture plate 4, or for manipulation of culture dish 1 by laboratory automation.

[0161] The housing 2 of the culture box 1 is intended to position and hold a culture plate 4 such as for example a culture plate 4 for a microfluidic application.

[0162] Furthermore, the culture box 1 according to the invention can cooperate with an additional module 3 illustrated in Figures 9 to 12.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the additional module 3 is physically independent of the culture box 1. In other words, there is no physical link between the culture box 1 and the additional module 3 which can therefore be moved away from the culture box 1 by a non-predetermined distance. More precisely, it can be positioned on each side of the intermediate element 12.

[0164] According to one embodiment, the additional module 3 has a shape which allows its insertion into the housing 2 of the culture box 1.

[0165] According to one embodiment, the additional module 3 has a symmetrical shape.

[0166] According to one embodiment, the add-on has a non-sy form metric, for example it has a substantially rectangular shape with three rounded corners and one right angle. The shape allows for the creation of a keying device allowing the said add-on module 3 to be easily oriented.

[0167] According to one embodiment, the complementary module 3 has a shape identical to that of the culture plate 4.

[0168] The additional module 3 makes it possible in particular to easily remove the culture plate 4 from the housing 2. For this, the additional module 3 comprises a withdrawal surface 31 configured to come partially into contact with the first elongation surface of the culture plate 4. The purpose of the withdrawal surface 31 is to support the culture plate 4 during its removal from the housing 2 while avoiding deformation of the latter. The withdrawal surface 31 therefore comes into contact with the first elongation surface, and more particularly with a central zone of the first elongation surface.

[0169] According to one embodiment, the withdrawal surface 31 extends substantially in a withdrawal plane.

[0170] The additional module 3 also comprises at least one removal element 32 configured to be positioned opposite a fixing device 23, and to exert a localized force on the culture plate 4 at the level of the fixing device 23.

[0171] According to one embodiment, the additional module 3 comprises as many withdrawal elements 32 as the housing 2 comprises fixing devices 23.

[0172] To remove a culture plate 4 from the housing 2, the additional module 3 is positioned opposite the first elongation surface of the culture plate 4 as illustrated in [Fig. 10]. Then the additional module 3 is brought into contact with said first elongation surface as illustrated in [Fig. 11]. The culture plate 4 is then positioned on the withdrawal surface 31 and on the withdrawal elements 32 of the additional module 3. The culture plate 4 is then extracted from the housing 2 and can be removed from the additional module 3.

[0173] The removal element 32 makes it possible to exert a localized force on the culture plate 4 so as to produce a local deformation of the culture plate 4, or, via the culture plate 4, a deformation of the fixing device 23, in order to remove the culture plate 4 from the culture dish 1 without deforming the latter overall.

[0174] According to one embodiment, the withdrawal surface 31 and the withdrawal element 32 extend substantially in the same plane. Thus, the withdrawal surface 31 and the withdrawal element 32 constitute a flat support for the culture plate 4 which can be flexible, which limits the propensity of the culture plate 4 to store energy in bending. Indeed, the culture plate 4 has a tendency to restore this energy in a jolt or jump, causing the contents of the culture wells 42 to squirt or spill.

[0175] According to one embodiment, the additional module 3 can be inserted into the housing 2 in place of a culture plate 4 as illustrated in [Fig. 12]. For this, the additional module 3 comprises at least one support surface 33 configured to come to bear on the support surface 22. According to one embodiment, the support surface 33 of the additional module 3 is substantially parallel to the withdrawal surface 31.

[0176] According to one embodiment, the support surface 33 is spaced from the withdrawal surface 31 by a constant thickness.

[0177] According to one embodiment, the additional module 3 comprises at least one edge, configured to cooperate with the at least one fixing device 23 of the culture box 1. Thus the additional module 3 can be inserted into the holding space of the fixing device 23.

[0178] According to one embodiment, the additional module 3 comprises at least one functional means from among: a humidifying device 35, a lighting means, a ventilation means, a chemical measuring means, an acidity measuring means, a humidity measuring means, a heating means, a means for adding or removing at least one fluid, a biological measuring means, a means for measuring a mechanical deformation of at least one culture plate 4 contiguous to said means for measuring the mechanical deformation, a simulation means.

[0179] Thus when the additional module 3 is positioned in the culture box 1, it provides an additional functional means.

[0180] The humidifying device 35 may be identical to that of the intermediate element 12.

[0181] In particular, the humidifying device 35 continuously surrounds an edge of the complementary module 3 so that a liquid can be distributed over the entire edge of the complementary module 3 and it comprises a recess provided with bodies making it possible in particular to dampen and control a movement of the fluid. The complementary module 3 positions the humidifying means 35 as close as possible to the adjacent wells of the culture plates 4, so as to limit a distance between the wells and the humidification source.

[0182] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the attached figures. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. A gas humidifying device (122) for a cell culture device (1), said humidifying device (122) comprising at least one recess (1221) configured to receive a humidifying liquid (L), said recess (1221) being provided with at least one body (1223) separating a length of said recess (1221) so as to form a first reservoir (RI) and a second reservoir (R2) connected to each other by a channel (R3), characterized in that the at least one body (1223) is positioned in the recess (1221) so that: - A dimension (c) of the channel (R3) along a width (y) of the recess (1221) is less than or equal to half the width (y) of the recess (1221); - A dimension (x) of at least one of the reservoirs (RI, R2) according to the length of the recess (1221) is less than or equal to the width (y) of the recess (1221);- The dimension (x) of the tank (RI, R2) according to the length of the recess (1221) is greater than or equal to the dimension (c) of the channel (R3) according to a width (y) of the recess (1221).;

2. A humidifying device (122) according to claim 1, wherein the width (y) of the recess (1221) is between 2 and 10mm, preferably between 2 and 6mm, for example 5mm.

3. Humidifying device (122) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the dimension of the channel (c) according to the width (y) of the recess (1221) is between 0.5mm and 5mm, and preferably between 0.9mm and 2.9mm.

4. A humidifying device (122) according to any preceding claim, wherein the recess (1221) is made of a material chosen from: a polylactic acid, a polystyrene and a polydimethylsiloxane or dimethicone.

5. A humidifying device (122) according to any preceding claim, wherein the recess (1221) comprises a plurality of bodies (1223) positioned regularly and / or alternately on either side of a center of the recess (1221).

6. A humidifying device (122) according to any preceding claim, wherein the recess (1221) comprises a plurality of bodies (1223) defining a continuous path forming a sinuosity.

7. Humidifying device (122) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body (1223) comprises a braking surface (1225) configured to be in contact with the humidifying liquid (L), and a retaining surface (1226) extending in a plane forming an angle with a plane in which the braking surface (1225) extends, said angle being included in a first range of values, the braking surface (1225) being connected to the retaining surface (1226) by a curved surface (1227) having a radius of curvature less than or equal to 0.5 mm.

8. A humidifying device (122) according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one body (1223) has a dimension according to a height (z) of the recess of between 1mm and 15mm.

9. A humidifying device (122) according to any preceding claim, wherein the recess (1221) comprises a first partition wall (131) configured to be positioned between the at least one body (1223) and the cell culture device (1), said first partition wall (131) comprising at least one humidifying orifice (1311) positioned such that when the humidifying device (122) is filled with the humidifying liquid (L), the at least one humidifying orifice (1311) is above a free surface of said humidifying liquid (L).

10. A humidifying device (122) according to any preceding claim, wherein the recess (1221) comprises a second partition wall (132) configured to be positioned between the at least one body (1223) and an outer edge of the cell culture device (1), said second partition wall (132) comprising an overflow orifice (1321) positioned such that when the humidifying device (122) is filled with the humidifying liquid (L), the at least one overflow orifice (1321) is above a free surface of said humidifying liquid (L).

11. Kit comprising at least one culture box (1) provided with a humidifying device (122) according to any one of the preceding claims and at least one culture plate (4). 23

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