Micro-cavity container transfer device and system

Abstract

Disclosed is a microcavity container transfer device. In one embodiment, the microcavity container transfer device can include a base, and the base can include a cavity that can hold a microcavity cell culture container. Further, the base can include a plurality of side walls that define the cavity, and each side wall can further include a bottom wall. Also, the microcavity container transfer device can further include an arm having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the arm can be connected to the base, and the arm can extend upward toward the center of the base such that the distal end of the arm is disposed above the center of the base.

Description

Cross - reference to related applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 357,308, filed on June 30, 2022, and all disclosures of this provisional application are incorporated herein by reference and relied upon herein.

Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to three - dimensional (3D) cell culture, and more particularly to a device for transferring a three - dimensional micro - cavity cell culture vessel.

Background Art

[0003] Cell culture experts need to transfer three - dimensional micro - cavity containers, such as plates and flasks, in and out of experimental devices such as incubators, cell culture hoods, and microscopes. However, in three - dimensional culture, a large number of cells are cultured, and the cell culture vessels have small shape dimensions. Therefore, it is very difficult to transfer cell culture vessels such as micro - cavity plates and micro - cavity flasks without moving the culture medium inside the vessel. If such movement of the culture medium occurs inside the micro - cavity culture vessel, cell aggregates (spheroids) will jump out, and each spheroid cultured inside the micro - cavity vessel will come out of (be displaced from) the well (hollow part). When spheroid jumping out and displacement occur, ultimately, there will be a state where there are two or more spheroids in one micro - cavity, or spheroid loss will occur, resulting in loss of uniformity.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for a device that can transfer a micro - cavity container while minimizing spheroid displacement.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a microcavity container transfer device includes a base portion having a cavity configured to receive a microcavity cell culture container, and a plurality of side walls defining the cavity, each side wall having a bottom wall; and an arm having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the arm is connected to the base portion, and the arm extends upward toward the center of the base portion such that the distal end of the arm is disposed above the center of the base portion.

[0006] A second aspect includes the device according to the first aspect, wherein the plurality of side walls form an outer peripheral edge of the base portion, and the bottom wall extends inward from the outer peripheral edge by a certain distance.

[0007] A third aspect includes the device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the plurality of bottom walls are substantially perpendicular to the plurality of side walls.

[0008] A fourth aspect includes the device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the cavity is configured to receive a plurality of microcavity cell culture containers.

[0009] A fifth aspect includes the device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the base portion further includes an adapter detachably disposed within the cavity, and the adapter reduces the cross-sectional area of the cavity.

[0010] A sixth aspect includes the device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the base portion further includes a plurality of standoffs provided on the plurality of side walls or the plurality of bottom walls.

[0011] A seventh aspect includes the device according to the sixth aspect, wherein each of the plurality of standoffs has an "L" shape with one edge provided on the side wall and the other edge provided on the bottom wall.

[0012] The eighth aspect includes the device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the distal end of the arm has an eyelet penetrating the arm.

[0013] The ninth aspect includes the device according to the eighth aspect, wherein the position of the eyelet in the arm is set such that the eyelet is provided on the center of the base.

[0014] The tenth aspect includes the device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the total weight of the base and the arm is 2.5 pounds (about 1.13 kilograms) or more.

[0015] The eleventh aspect includes a microcavity container transfer device including a base having a plurality of cavities, and an arm having a proximal end and a distal end. Each of the plurality of cavities is configured to receive a microcavity cell culture container. The proximal end of the arm is connected to the center of the base, and the arm extends substantially vertically from the base.

[0016] The twelfth aspect includes the device according to the eleventh aspect, wherein the plurality of cavities are composed of two or four cavities.

[0017] The thirteenth aspect includes the device according to the eleventh or twelfth aspect, wherein each of the plurality of cavities is configured to receive a plurality of microcavity cell culture containers.

[0018] The fourteenth aspect includes the device according to any one of the eleventh to thirteenth aspects, wherein the microcavity cell culture container is composed of a microcavity flask or a microcavity plate.

[0019] The fifteenth aspect is that the base further includes an adapter detachably disposed in one of the plurality of cavities. The adapter reduces the cross-sectional area of one of the plurality of cavities, and includes the device according to the fourteenth aspect.

[0020] Aspect 16 includes the device according to any one of Aspects 11 - 15, where the total weight of the base and the arm is 2.5 pounds (about 1.13 kilograms) or more.

[0021] Aspect 17 includes a microcavity container transfer system comprising a microcavity cell culture container and a microcavity container transfer device. The microcavity container transfer device includes a base having a cavity portion where the microcavity cell culture container is detachably disposed, and a plurality of side walls defining the cavity portion, each side wall having a bottom wall; and an arm having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the arm is connected to the base, the arm extends upward toward the center of the base, and the distal end of the arm is disposed above the center of the base. The arm has an eyelet penetrating the arm at a position close to the distal end of the arm.

[0022] Aspect 18 further includes a flexible holding medium detachably attached to at least one of the plurality of eyelets, and includes the system according to Aspect 17.

[0023] Aspect 19 includes the system according to Aspect 18, where the flexible holding medium extends through one of the plurality of eyelets.

[0024] Aspect 20 includes the system according to any one of Aspects 17 - 19, where the microcavity cell culture container is composed of a microcavity flask or a microcavity plate.

[0025] The above and other aspects, advantages, and significant features will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12A

Figure 12B

Figure 13A

Figure 13B

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] In the following description, the same or corresponding parts throughout the plurality of figures shown in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals. Also, unless otherwise specified, it should be understood that terms such as "top", "bottom", "outward", "inward", etc. are for convenience and should not be construed as limiting terms. Unless otherwise specified, when describing a range of values, the range includes both its upper and lower limits and any sub-range therebetween. Also, unless otherwise specified, in this specification, the indefinite articles "a", "an" and their corresponding definite article "the" mean "at least one" or "one or more". It should also be understood that the various features disclosed in this specification and the drawings can be used in any combination.

[0028] In this specification, the term "center" refers to the centroid of a geometric figure or plane, and the "centroid" here is the substantial centroid of the geometric figure or plane, for example, within 2 inches (5.08 cm), within 1.5 inches (3.81 cm), within 1 inch (2.54 cm), or further within 0.5 inch (1.27 cm).

[0029] Also, the term "proximal" refers to the end, portion, or end portion of an arm that is intended to be near the base and far from the lift point when the operator moves the device.

[0030] The term "distal" refers to the end, portion, or end portion of an arm that is intended to be near the lift point and far from the base when the operator moves the device.

[0031] Note that in this specification, when the terms "substantially" and "about" are used, they may be used to represent the degree of uncertainty specific to them that can occur in any quantitative comparison, value, measured value, etc. Also, in this specification, the terms "substantially" and "about" are used to represent the extent to which a certain quantitative expression can vary from the described reference value without changing the basic function of the subject matter.

[0032] Next, various embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings will be described in detail.

[0033] The microcavity container transfer device and system described in this specification can include a base having a cavity. A microcavity cell culture container can be placed in the cavity. Also, the base of the microcavity container transfer device can further include a plurality of side walls that define the cavity, and each side wall has a bottom wall. It can also include an arm having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the arm is connected to the base, the arm extends upward toward the center of the base, and the position of the distal end of the arm is above the center of the base.

[0034] In some embodiments, the base can include a plurality of cavities, and a microcavity cell culture vessel can be placed in each of the plurality of cavities. The microcavity vessel transfer device of the present disclosure is particularly suitable for efficiently transferring a microcavity cell culture vessel containing a large number of three-dimensionally cultured cells such that spheroids contained in the microcavity cell culture vessel do not jump out of a predetermined position. Hereinafter, the microcavity vessel transfer device will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] In a conventional transfer method in which an operator manually carries a microcavity cell culture vessel such as a microcavity flask or a microcavity plate, due to the horizontal acceleration of the microcavity cell culture vessel, movement and sloshing of the cell culture medium occur at various locations within the microcavity cell culture vessel. A microcavity flask or a microcavity plate can include a plurality of microcavities, and a large-scale array of spheroids is accommodated in the cell culture medium within the plurality of microcavities. The microcavity cell culture vessel may be carried and transferred by an operator. When the operator moves, the plurality of walls of the microcavity are pressed against the cell culture medium. Then, since the cell culture medium does not have a fixed shape, the cell culture medium stores potential energy at each position. And when the movement of the operator stops, the potential energy of the cell culture medium is converted into kinetic energy, and the cell culture medium oscillates. As a result, each spheroid may jump out of its microcavity, which may adversely affect the health and consistency of the spheroid population. Therefore, such oscillation is not desirable for a large-scale array of spheroids.

[0036] Therefore, in order to prevent each spheroid from popping out of the microcavity due to a horizontal force, in the devices and systems described herein, the devices and systems are moved like a pendulum by redirecting the force to a flexible and flexible retaining medium such as a string, cord, ribbon, or thin wire. Therefore, with the devices and systems described herein, the operation and transfer of a microcavity cell culture vessel (for example, a large-scale array of spheroids in a microcavity flask or a microcavity plate) can be performed better. The devices and systems herein incorporate an anti-outflow technique for the operation and transfer of a microcavity cell culture vessel, whereby each spheroid can be held at a predetermined position within the microcavity.

[0037] The devices and systems described herein provide the technical advantage of being able to hold each spheroid within its respective microcavity during transfer. This enables cultivation consistent with cell growth in a state where there is one spheroid per microcavity. In addition, the devices and systems described herein eliminate the risk of spheroid loss from microcavity flasks and microcavity plates that may occur during transfer, whether or not baffles are provided in the microcavity flasks or microcavity plates, thus further improving the performance, yield, and consistency of three-dimensional cell culture. Furthermore, if the retention of spheroids in microcavity flasks and microcavity plates is enhanced, the number of spheroids generated per flask may increase, leading to potential cost reduction.

[0038] Figures 1 through 13B show multiple embodiments of a microcavity container transfer device. Throughout the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. In any of the multiple embodiments of the microcavity container transfer device described in this specification, the microcavity container transfer device generally includes a base 130 and an arm 120 coupled to the base 130. Also, in any of the multiple embodiments, the base 130 generally defines a cavity 132 for receiving and holding a microcavity cell culture container 102 therein.

[0039] Here, referring to FIG. 1, a perspective schematic view of a microcavity container transfer device 100 is shown. The microcavity container transfer device 100 generally includes a base 130. The base 130 generally includes a plurality of sidewalls 135 that define a cavity 132. The cavity 132 can be configured to receive a microcavity cell culture container 102 therein (this will be described in detail in the description of FIGS. 10 through 13B). The plurality of sidewalls 135 each generally include a bottom wall 133 for facilitating holding the microcavity cell culture container 102 within the cavity 132. Also, the microcavity container transfer device 100 further includes an arm 120. The arm 120 can have a proximal end 122 and a distal end 124.

[0040] The cavity 132 can be defined by a plurality of sidewalls 135. The plurality of sidewalls 135 can form an outer peripheral edge of the base 130. Also, the base can further include a plurality of bottom walls 133. The bottom walls 133 can extend from the outer peripheral edge of the base 130 inward (i.e., toward the center of the cavity 132). Also, the bottom walls 133 can be provided substantially perpendicular to the plurality of sidewalls 135. In multiple embodiments, the bottom walls 133 can extend inward from the outer peripheral edge by a length of 0.5 inches (1.27 cm), 1 inch (2.54 cm), 2 inches (5.08 cm), 3 inches (7.62 cm), 4 inches (10.16 cm), or more.

[0041] The plurality of side walls 135 can be formed as one continuous side wall. For example, in such a case, the plurality of side walls 135 can be composed of one piece of material. In other embodiments, the plurality of side walls 135 can also be composed of two, three, four, or more pieces of material. In this case, by fixing the plurality of side walls 135 to each other, the plurality of side walls 135 will form the outer peripheral edge of the base 130. In such embodiments, the plurality of side walls 135 can be fixed to each other by any means suitable for fixing the plurality of side walls 135 to each other, such as adhesives, screws, fasteners, etc.

[0042] Here, referring to FIG. 2, a top view schematic diagram of the microcavity container transfer device 100 is shown. The plurality of side walls 135 can have rounded corners. In other embodiments, the plurality of side walls 135 can also have pointed corners, and can be configured such that the angles formed by the plurality of side walls 135 are right angles. The plurality of side walls 135 can be formed from any suitable heat-resistant material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon), polyetherimide (Ultem), polyoxymethylene (Derlin), etc.

[0043] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the base 130 can include a plurality of standoffs 137. The plurality of standoffs 137 can be provided on the plurality of sidewalls 135, the plurality of bottom walls 133, or both the plurality of sidewalls 135 and the plurality of bottom walls 133. In an embodiment, the base 130 can include one, two, three, four, five, six, or more standoffs 137 on each of the plurality of sidewalls 135 and the plurality of bottom walls 133. In a plurality of embodiments, each standoff of the plurality of standoffs 137 can be in an "L" shape with one edge provided on the sidewall 135 and the other edge provided on the bottom wall 133. The plurality of standoffs 137 can contact the microcavity cell culture vessel 102. With this configuration, when the microcavity cell culture vessel 102 is placed in the cavity 132, the microcavity cell culture vessel 102 can be floated from the plurality of sidewalls 135 and the bottom walls 133 and instead be in contact with the plurality of standoffs 137 without contacting the sidewalls 135 and the bottom walls 133.

[0044] In some embodiments, the plurality of standoffs 137 can be integrally formed with the sidewalls 135 and the bottom walls 133 as part of the plurality of sidewalls 135 and the bottom walls 133. In other embodiments, the plurality of standoffs 137 can be fixed to the plurality of sidewalls 135 and the bottom walls 133 by any means suitable for fixing the plurality of standoffs 137 to the plurality of sidewalls 135 and the bottom walls 133, such as adhesives, screws, fasteners, etc. The plurality of standoffs 137 can be made of the same material as the plurality of sidewalls 135 or different materials.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 2, since the bottom of the cavity portion 132 is open, an operator can directly place the microcavity cell culture container 102 (for example, taken out from an incubator or a cell culture hood) on a microscope. Therefore, with this configuration, the operator can visually evaluate the culture without taking out the microcavity cell culture container 102 from the microcavity container transfer device 100. Further, the microcavity cell culture container 102 can be supported not directly on the bottom surface of the microcavity cell culture container 102, but at the outer peripheral edge of the side wall 135, the bottom wall 133, or a plurality of standoffs 137. Thereby, when the microcavity cell culture container 102 is placed on any surface, the level of the microcavity cell culture container 102 can be surely maintained.

[0046] As shown in the side schematic view of the microcavity container transfer device 100 in FIG. 3, the base 130 can include legs 150 extending downward from the base 130. The legs 150 can offset the base 130 from a flat surface. Therefore, when the legs 150 are provided, the base 130 does not directly contact the surface on which the microcavity container transfer device 100 is placed. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the microcavity cell culture container 102 from contacting a flat surface, and when transferring the microcavity cell culture container 102, it is possible to more surely prevent the cell culture solution, and thus the spheroids contained therein, from spilling out of the microcavity or being displaced.

[0047] Note that in this specification, the base 130 of the microcavity container transfer device 100 is described with particular reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. However, it should be understood that the base 130 of the microcavity container transfer device shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 and FIGS. 7 to 9 can also be configured in the same manner as the microcavity container transfer device 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3, the arm 120 can include a proximal end 122. The proximal end 122 can be connected to the base 130. The proximal end 122 of the arm 120 may be detachably or permanently connected to the base 130. In some embodiments, for example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the base 130 can include a base extension 131 that extends into the proximal end 122 of the arm 120. The base extension 131 of the base 130 is inserted into the cavity of the arm 120 from the proximal end 122 side. In other embodiments, the proximal end 122 of the arm 120 can also be connected to the base 130 by other methods such as making the proximal end 122 a part of the base 130.

[0049] In the embodiments described herein, the arm 120 can extend upward away from the base 130. Further, in a plurality of embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1 - 3 and FIGS. 4 - 6, the arm 120 can extend toward the center of the base 130 such that the position of the distal end 124 of the arm 120 is above the center of the base 130. In other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 7 - 9, the arm 120 extends upward from the center of the base 130. In the embodiments described herein, the distal end 124 of the arm 120 is disposed substantially above the center of the base 130. Thereby, when the operator moves the microcavity container transfer device 100 with the microcavity cell culture container 102 placed in the cavity 132, the balance of the microcavity container transfer device 100 is maintained. Note that the distal end 124 of the arm 120 does not necessarily have to be directly above the center of the base 130. For example, in a plurality of embodiments, the distal end 124 of the arm 120 can be above the base 130, or at or near the center of the base 130. Even with such a configuration, the microcavity container transfer device 100 can maintain the balance in a state where the microcavity cell culture container 102 is mounted. In other embodiments, the distal end 124 of the arm 120 is disposed above the center of gravity of the microcavity container transfer device 100. Note that the center of gravity of the microcavity container transfer device 100 may or may not be at the same position as the center of the base 130.

[0050] In the embodiments described in this specification, generally, the distal end 124 of the arm 120 is provided with an eyelet 110 that penetrates the arm 120. The eyelet 110 is provided above the center of the base 130 (or above the center of gravity of the microcavity container transfer device 100). In the figures, the eyelet 110 is shown at the end of the distal end 124, but it is contemplated that the position where the eyelet 110 is provided may be at any position on the arm 120 as long as the position of the eyelet 110 is above / near the center of the base 130. In a plurality of embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the eyelet 110 can be made a part of the distal end 124 of the arm 120. In still other embodiments, the eyelet 110 can also be detachably coupled to the arm 120. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, for example, the eyelet 110 can include an eyelet extension 111 that extends into the distal end 124 of the arm 120. The eyelet extension 111 of the eyelet 110 is inserted into the cavity of the arm 120 from the distal end 124 side.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 1, the arm 120 can be provided with one eyelet 110, or as shown in FIG. 4, it can also be provided with a plurality of eyelets 110. The eyelet 110 serves as an attachment position, enabling the flexible compliant holding medium 160 to be detachably attached to the arm 120. In a plurality of embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the eyelet 110 can be in the shape of a closed circle. In other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the eyelet 110 can also include an eyelet opening 162. In this configuration, when removing the flexible holding medium 160 from the eyelet 110, there is no need to unfasten the flexible holding medium 160. In this case, the flexible holding medium 160 can be removed from the eyelet 110 by a simple operation of sliding the flexible holding medium 160 out of the eyelet opening 162. In embodiments where a plurality of eyelets 110 are provided, the flexible holding medium 160 can be detachably attached to one or more of the plurality of eyelets 110.

[0052] Examples of the flexible retention medium 160 include flexible media such as flexible strings, cords, and ribbons. The eyelet 110 functions as a lift point when lifting the microcavity container transfer device 100. As a result, even if the operator makes a sudden movement, the microcavity container transfer device 100 can move like a pendulum to relieve the lateral force. Such a lateral force causes sloshing in the container provided in the microcavity container transfer device 100. By looping one end of the flexible retention medium 160 around the eyelet 110 and winding the opposite end around the operator's finger or hand, the operator can easily carry the microcavity container transfer device 100 without slipping their hand. Also, in other embodiments, the flexible retention medium 160 can be lifted by a machine or robot instead of a human operator. When the microcavity container transfer device 100 reaches the desired location, the flexible retention medium 160 can be unwound and removed from the eyelet 110.

[0053] In a plurality of embodiments, the arm 120 may be curved as shown in FIGS. 1-3, may form a right angle as shown in FIGS. 4-6, or may be linear as shown in FIGS. 7-9. FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 respectively show a perspective schematic view, a top schematic view, and a side schematic view of another embodiment of the microcavity container transfer device 100. As shown in FIG. 5, the arm 120 can be configured to form a right angle such that the portion of the arm 120 including the proximal end 122 of the arm 120 is substantially perpendicular to the base 130, and the portion of the arm 120 including the distal end 124 of the arm 120 is substantially parallel to the base 130. The portion of the arm 120 including the proximal end 122 can be configured to have a sufficient length to stack and insert a plurality of microcavity cell culture containers 102 into the cavity 132.

[0054] In the embodiments described in this specification, the total weight of the base 130 and the arm 120 can be 1.0 pound (about 0.45 kilograms) or more, 1.5 pounds (about 0.68 kilograms) or more, 2.0 pounds (about 0.91 kilograms) or more, 2.5 pounds (about 1.13 kilograms) or more, 3.0 pounds (about 1.36 kilograms) or more, or 3.5 pounds (about 1.59 kilograms) or more. Thereby, stability is provided when an operator moves the microcavity container transfer device 100 with respect to the cell culture solution and the spheroids contained therein. Further, when a part of the liquid cell culture solution begins to gather on one side of the microcavity cell culture container 102, the microcavity cell culture container 102 may tilt, but this can be prevented by increasing the weights of the base 130 and the arm 120. Generally, in the embodiments described in this specification, the total weight of the base 130 and the arm 120 is greater than three times the maximum load of the plurality of microcavity cell culture containers 102 placed in the cavity 132 and the cell culture solution, and this maximum load can vary depending on the length of the arm 120 (the length of the arm 120 is described in detail in this specification).

[0055] Specifically, when the operator stops moving or makes a sudden movement, the cell culture solution may gather on one side of the microcavity cell culture container 102. And when the total weight of the base 130 and the arm 120 is less than or close to the weight of the cell culture solution and the microcavity cell culture container 102, the microcavity container transfer device 100 may tilt in the direction in which the cell culture solution has gathered. And in that case, the cell culture solution may move further, and the cell culture solution may flow out or the spheroids may be displaced. On the other hand, when the total weight of the base 130 and the arm 120 is sufficiently large, the change in weight due to the movement of the cell culture solution can be offset by the weights of the base 130 and the arm 120, so even if the cell culture solution gathers on one side, the microcavity container transfer device 100 will not tilt.

[0056] In some embodiments, the microcavity cell culture vessel 102 can be composed of a microcavity flask 104 (shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B) or a microcavity plate 106 (shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B). Each microcavity flask 104 and each microcavity plate 106 can accommodate a cell culture medium and spheroids. In some embodiments, the microcavity flask can generally be composed of a suitable flask such as a 12K large-scale production spheroid flask. The microcavity flask 104 or the microcavity plate 106 can be provided with a baffle within the internal volume of the microcavity flask so that undesirable sloshing in the cell culture medium does not occur. However, the baffle may also be associated with problems such as capillary action and the occurrence of a meniscus that can cause loss of spheroids in the vicinity of the baffle. According to the present disclosure, since sloshing within the microcavity vessel transfer device 100 is alleviated, the baffle may not be required.

[0057] The microcavity flask 104 and the microcavity plate 106 have various designs, and the cross-sectional area may vary depending on the design. Therefore, the microcavity flask 104 and the microcavity plate 106 may not fit tightly inside the side wall 135 of the cavity 132. As schematically shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in order to consider the differences in the sizes of various microcavity flasks 104 and microcavity plates 106, the adapter 108 can be detachably arranged inside the cavity 132. The adapter 108 adjusts the cross-sectional area of the cavity 132 so that microcavity plates and microcavity containers of various designs or sizes can be accommodated. For example, in a state where there is no adapter 108 inside the cavity 132, the microcavity plate 106 of the first design can be fitted inside the cavity 132, and when the adapter 108 is placed inside the cavity 132, it can be configured such that the microcavity flask 104 of a different design can be fitted inside the cavity 132. For example, the adapter 108 can be such that it makes the cross-sectional area of the cavity 132 narrower or changes the shape of the cavity 132 so that a container such as a Petri dish can be fitted inside the cavity 132. In a plurality of embodiments, the adapter 108 can be made of any suitable material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon), polyetherimide (Ultem), polyoxymethylene (Derlin), etc. It should be understood that in order to facilitate the insertion of microcavity plates and microcavity containers of different designs or sizes, a detachable adapter 108 can be included in any of the embodiments of the microcavity container transfer device 100 described in this specification.

[0058] Referring now to FIG. 7, in a plurality of embodiments, the base 130 can include a plurality of cavities 132, and a microcavity cell culture vessel 102 can be placed in each of the plurality of cavities 132. As an example, FIG. 7 shows an embodiment in which the base 130 has two cavities. However, the base 130 can also be provided with three, four, five, six, or more than a plurality of cavities 132. One microcavity cell culture vessel 102 can be placed in each of the plurality of cavities 132. FIG. 12A shows a state in which one microcavity flask is placed in each of the plurality of cavities 132, and FIG. 13A shows a state in which one microcavity plate is placed in each of the plurality of cavities 132. In other embodiments, a plurality of microcavity cell culture vessels 102 can also be placed in each of the plurality of cavities 132. For example, FIG. 12B shows a state in which a plurality of microcavity flasks are placed in each of the plurality of cavities 132, and FIG. 13B shows a state in which a plurality of microcavity plates are placed in each of the plurality of cavities 132.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 12A-13B, the same number of microcavity cell culture vessels 102 can be placed in the plurality of cavities 132. In other embodiments, different numbers of microcavity cell culture vessels 102 can also be placed in the plurality of cavities 132. For example, one microcavity cell culture vessel 102 can be placed in one of the plurality of cavities 132, and two microcavity cell culture vessels 102 can be placed in another one of the plurality of cavities 132. As described in the above description of this specification, due to the weights of the base 130 and the arm 120, the influence of the bias or unevenness of the weight of the microcavity cell culture vessel 102 is weakened, and thus, even when the number of microcavity cell culture vessels 102 in the plurality of cavities 132 is uneven, the base 130 can substantially maintain a horizontal state.

[0060] For the plurality of cavity portions 132 as well, as described in this specification, an adapter 108 can be included for each of them. The adapter 108 enables a microcavity flask (illustrated in FIGS. 12A and 12B) or a microcavity plate (illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 13B) to be placed in the plurality of cavity portions. In other embodiments, a microcavity plate can be placed in one of the plurality of cavity portions 132, and a microcavity flask can be placed in the other of the plurality of cavity portions 132 by using the adapter 108.

[0061] When there are two or more cavity portions 132 in the base 130, as shown in the schematic diagrams of FIGS. 7 to 9, the proximal end 122 of the arm 120 can be connected to the center of the base 130 so that the arm 120 extends substantially vertically from the base 130. In that case, the eyelet 110 at the distal end 124 of the arm 120 can be provided above the center of the base 130.

[0062] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the arm 120 can extend upward from the base 130 by a length of 6 inches (15.24 cm), 8 inches (20.32 cm), 1 foot (30.48 cm), 2 feet (60.96 cm), or more. In some embodiments, the length of the arm 120 can be a length based on the maximum number of microcavity cell culture vessels 102 that can be mounted in each cavity portion 132 of the microcavity vessel transfer device 100. For example, when the thickness of the microcavity flask is 4 inches (10.16 cm) and the arm 120 extends upward from the base 130 by 8 inches (20.32 cm), each cavity portion 132 can only mount two microcavity flasks. Alternatively, when the thickness of the microcavity flask is 4 inches (10.16 cm) and the arm 120 extends upward from the base 130 by 1 foot (30.48 cm), each cavity portion 132 can mount three microcavity flasks. The same can be said for the maximum number of microcavity plates that can be mounted in each cavity portion 132.

[0063] Also contemplated is a microcavity container transfer system 200 as shown in FIGS. 10 to 13B. In these embodiments, the microcavity container transfer system 200 can include the microcavity cell culture container 102 and the microcavity container transfer device 100 described herein. For the microcavity cell culture container 102 and the microcavity container transfer device 100, the above-described features can be appropriately combined and used.

[0064] It should be understood that with the microcavity container transfer device and system described herein having a base and an arm extending toward the center of the base, an operator can transfer the microcavity container transfer device while minimizing the movement of the cell culture medium and the loss of spheroids. It should also be understood that with the microcavity container transfer device having a plurality of cavity portions, it is possible to transfer a plurality of microcavity cell culture containers at once. From these features, the present microcavity container transfer device and system are suitable for an operator who transfers a plurality of microcavity cell culture containers when taking them in and out of experimental devices such as an incubator, a cell culture hood, and a microscope.

[0065] Although representative embodiments have been described above for purposes of illustration, the above description should not be considered as limiting the present disclosure or the scope of the appended claims. Thus, those skilled in the art will be able to conceive of various variations, modifications, and alternatives without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure or the appended claims.

[0066] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described item by item.

[0067] Embodiment 1 A base comprising a cavity portion configured to receive a microcavity cell culture container, and a plurality of side walls defining the cavity portion, each side wall having a bottom wall; An arm having a proximal end and a distal end; A microcavity container transfer device comprising A microcavity container transfer device, wherein a proximal end of the arm is connected to the base, the arm extends upward toward the center of the base, and a distal end of the arm is disposed on the center of the base.

[0068] Embodiment 2 The microcavity container transfer device according to Embodiment 1, wherein the plurality of side walls form an outer peripheral edge of the base, and the bottom wall extends inward from the outer peripheral edge by a certain distance.

[0069] Embodiment 3 The microcavity container transfer device according to Embodiment 1, wherein the plurality of bottom walls are substantially perpendicular to the plurality of side walls.

[0070] Embodiment 4 The microcavity container transfer device according to Embodiment 1, wherein the cavity is configured to contain a plurality of microcavity cell culture containers.

[0071] Embodiment 5 The base further includes an adapter detachably disposed within the cavity, The microcavity container transfer device according to Embodiment 1, wherein the adapter reduces a cross-sectional area of the cavity.

[0072] Embodiment 6 The microcavity container transfer device according to Embodiment 1, wherein the base further includes a plurality of standoffs provided on the plurality of side walls or the plurality of bottom walls.

[0073] Embodiment 7 The microcavity container transfer device according to Embodiment 6, wherein each standoff of the plurality of standoffs forms an "L" shape with one end edge provided on the side wall and the other end edge provided on the bottom wall.

[0074] Embodiment 8 The microcavity container transfer device according to Embodiment 1, wherein the distal end of the arm is provided with an eyelet penetrating the arm.

[0075] Embodiment 9 The microcavity container transfer device according to Embodiment 8, wherein the position of the eyelet in the arm is set so that the eyelet is provided on the center of the base.

[0076] Embodiment 10 The microcavity container transfer device according to Embodiment 1, wherein the total weight of the base and the arm is 2.5 pounds (about 1.13 kilograms) or more.

[0077] Embodiment 11 A base having a plurality of cavities, An arm having a proximal end and a distal end, A microcavity container transfer device comprising: Each of the plurality of cavities is configured to contain a microcavity cell culture container, The proximal end of the arm is connected to the center of the base, and the arm extends substantially vertically from the base. The microcavity container transfer device.

[0078] Embodiment 12 The microcavity container transfer device according to Embodiment 11, wherein the plurality of cavities are composed of two or four cavities.

[0079] Embodiment 13 The microcavity container transfer device according to Embodiment 11, wherein each of the plurality of cavities is configured to contain a plurality of microcavity cell culture containers.

[0080] Embodiment 14 The microcavity container transfer device according to Embodiment 11, wherein the microcavity cell culture container is composed of a microcavity flask or a microcavity plate.

[0081] Embodiment 15 The base further includes an adapter detachably disposed in one of the plurality of cavity portions, The microcavity container transfer device according to Embodiment 14, wherein the adapter reduces the cross-sectional area of the one of the plurality of cavity portions.

[0082] Embodiment 16 The microcavity container transfer device according to Embodiment 11, wherein the total weight of the base and the arm is 2.5 pounds (about 1.13 kilograms) or more.

[0083] Embodiment 17 A microcavity cell culture container, A microcavity container transfer device, A microcavity container transfer system comprising: The microcavity container transfer device, A base including a cavity portion in which the microcavity cell culture container is detachably disposed, and a plurality of side walls defining the cavity portion, each side wall having a bottom wall, An arm having a proximal end and a distal end, Comprising, The proximal end of the arm is connected to the base, the arm extends upward toward the center of the base, and the distal end of the arm is disposed on the center of the base, The microcavity container transfer system, wherein the arm includes an eyelet penetrating the arm at a position close to the distal end of the arm.

[0084] Embodiment 18 The microcavity container transfer system according to Embodiment 17, further comprising a flexible holding medium detachably attached to at least one of the plurality of eyelets.

[0085] Embodiment 19 The microcavity container transfer system according to Embodiment 18, wherein the flexible and softness maintaining medium extends through one of the plurality of apertures.

[0086] Embodiment 20 The microcavity container transfer system according to Embodiment 17, wherein the microcavity cell culture container is composed of a microcavity flask or a microcavity plate.

Explanation of Signs

[0087] 100 Microcavity container transfer device 102 Microcavity cell culture container 104 Microcavity flask 106 Microcavity plate 108 Adapter 110 Aperture 111 Aperture extension 120 Arm 122 Proximal end of the arm 124 Distal end of the arm 130 Base 131 Base extension 132 Cavity 133 Bottom wall 135 Side wall 137 Stand-off 150 Leg 160 Flexible and softness maintaining medium 162 Aperture opening 200 Microcavity container transfer system

Claims

1. A base configured to be able to accommodate a microcavity cell culture vessel therein, and an arm extending upward from the base toward the center of the base. A microcavity vessel transfer device comprising the above.

2. The microcavity vessel transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the base includes a plurality of side walls, and each side wall has a bottom wall.

3. The microcavity vessel transfer device according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of side walls form an outer peripheral edge of the base, and the bottom wall extends inward from the outer peripheral edge by a certain distance.

4. The microcavity vessel transfer device according to claim 3, wherein the bottom wall is provided perpendicular to the side walls.

5. The microcavity vessel transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the base further includes a plurality of standoffs.

6. The microcavity vessel transfer device according to claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of standoffs has an "L" shape with one end edge provided on the side wall and the other end edge provided on the bottom wall.

7. The microcavity vessel transfer device according to claim 6, wherein the arm is curved in an arcuate shape.

8. The microcavity vessel transfer device according to claim 1, wherein a hole is provided at an end of the arm.

9. The microcavity vessel transfer device according to claim 8, wherein the hole is provided at a distance from the center above the center of the base.

10. The microcavity vessel transfer device according to claim 8, further comprising legs extending downward from the bottom wall.

11. A microcavity cell culture vessel, and a microcavity vessel transfer device. A microcavity vessel transfer system comprising the above, wherein the microcavity vessel transfer device includes a base configured to be able to accommodate the microcavity cell culture vessel therein, and an arm extending upward from the base toward the center of the base.

12. The microcavity vessel transfer system according to claim 11, further comprising a flexible holding medium detachably attached to the hole, and the hole functions as a support point when the user carries it.

13. The microcavity container transfer system according to claim 12, wherein the flexible flexibility maintaining medium is composed of a string, a cord, a ribbon, or a thin wire.

14. The microcavity container transfer system according to claim 13, wherein the flexible flexibility maintaining medium is wound around the eyelet in a loop shape.

15. The microcavity container transfer system according to claim 14, wherein the microcavity cell culture container is composed of a microcavity flask or a microcavity plate.

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