Cell culture container

Abstract

To provide a cell culture vessel that allows easy observation of cell settlement and proliferation and has a culture surface with a predetermined area to allo a large number of cells to be proliferated.SOLUTION: A cell culture vessel 10A comprises: a top wall 13 having an inlet 18 that is opened and closed by a cap 12; a bottom wall 14 longitudinally opposite from the top wall 13; and a peripheral wall 15 having a predetermined area extending between the top and bottom walls 13,14. The peripheral wall 15 comprises: first to fourth observation window portions 22a to 22d each having a predetermined area, being disposed between the top wall 13 and the bottom wall 14, extending flat in the longitudinal direction, and allowing the culture state of cells cultured in a housing space 16 (inside) of the cell culture vessel 10A to be observed; and first to eighth curved portions 23a to 23d each having a predetermined area, which are positioned between the first to n-th observation windows 22a to 22d, intermittently arranged at equal intervals in the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall 15, and extend in the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall 15 in an arc.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cell culture vessel into which a cell culture medium is poured and in which cells are cultured while the culture state of the cells is being observed. [Background technology]

[0002] Cells isolated from a living body are cultured in an artificial environment close to the living body environment, and the cultured cells are used to treat various diseases. One example of such cells is a fixative cell such as a fibroblast, mesenchymal cell, or mesenchymal stem cell that fixes and grows on a scaffold. Fixative cells are grown using a cell culture vessel having a culture surface. An example of a cell culture vessel is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The cell culture vessel disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a vessel body having an opening at one end and capable of accommodating cells therein, and a cap attached to the opening for opening and closing the opening. The vessel body is made of transparent synthetic resin or glass, and has a substantially rectangular bottom surface (culture surface) of a predetermined area. Cells isolated from a living body and a culture solution are injected into the vessel body, and the cells are fixed to the bottom surface of the vessel body and grown. In the process of culturing the cells, it is observed whether the cells have fixed to the bottom surface of the vessel body, and whether the fixed cells have proliferated and been activated. [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-171344 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The cell culture vessel disclosed in Patent Document 1 allows observation of the approximately rectangular bottom surface (culture surface) from its approximately rectangular top surface, making it suitable for observation, but the culture surface is limited to the bottom surface only, and the area of ​​the culture surface is small, making it impossible to grow a large number of cells, and therefore unable to culture cells efficiently. In order to grow a large number of cells using this cell culture vessel, it is necessary to increase the vessel size and use multiple vessels, but there is a limit to the vessel size, and when multiple vessels are used, it becomes difficult to manage the culture process.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a cell culture vessel that allows easy observation of cell settlement and proliferation, has a culture surface of a specified area that allows proliferation of a large number of cells, and allows cells to be cultured efficiently. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The premise of the present invention for solving the above problems is a cell culture vessel into which a cell culture medium is poured and in which cells are cultured while the culture state of the cells is being observed.

[0006] A feature of the present invention based on the above premise is that the cell culture vessel comprises a top wall having an injection port that is opened and closed by a cap, a bottom wall located on the opposite side of the length from the top wall, and a peripheral wall of a predetermined area extending between the top and bottom walls, and the peripheral wall has an observation window portion of a predetermined area that is located between the top and bottom walls, extends flat in the length direction, and allows observation of the culture state of cells cultured inside the cell culture vessel.

[0007] In one example of the present invention, the peripheral wall has a plurality of first to nth observation window portions arranged intermittently and equally spaced apart around the peripheral wall, and a plurality of first to nth curved portions of a predetermined area located between the first to nth observation window portions, arranged intermittently and equally spaced apart around the peripheral wall, and extending in an arc around the peripheral wall.

[0008] In another example of the present invention, the first to nth observation window portions are formed in pairs on the peripheral wall so as to face each other in the radial direction, and the first to nth curved portions located between the observation window portions are formed in pairs on the peripheral wall so as to face each other in the radial direction, so that from the outer surface of one observation window portion, it is possible to observe the inner surface of the other observation window portion located on the opposite radial side of the peripheral wall, facing the one observation window portion.

[0009] As another example of the present invention, at least one of a plurality of recesses recessed radially outward and a plurality of protrusions protruding radially inward is formed on the inner circumferential surfaces of the first to nth curved portions.

[0010] As another example of the present invention, at least one of a plurality of convex ridges and a plurality of concave grooves extending in at least one of the length direction and the circumferential direction is formed on the inner circumferential surfaces of the first to nth curved portions.

[0011] In another example of the present invention, a cap has a top wall of a predetermined area and a peripheral side wall extending lengthwise from the outer periphery of the top wall and having a thread formed on its inner periphery, and a swivel plate is provided on the top wall of the cap that can rotate radially around one end of the cap, and in a cell culture vessel, when the swivel plate rotates radially outward and the other end of the swivel plate touches the ground, the cell culture vessel placed on its side is maintained in a downwardly inclined state from the top wall to the bottom wall by the swivel plate rotated radially outward.

[0012] In another example of the present invention, the pivot plate pivots radially outward from one observation window side to the other observation window side located on the opposite radial side of the peripheral wall opposite the one observation window side.

[0013] In another example of the present invention, a cap has a top wall of a predetermined area and a peripheral side wall extending lengthwise from the outer periphery of the top wall and having a threaded inner surface, and a slide plate that can slide radially of the cap is attached to the top wall of the cap, and in a cell culture vessel, when the slide plate slides radially outward and the tip of the slide plate touches the ground, the cell culture vessel placed in a horizontal position is held in a downwardly inclined state from the top wall to the bottom wall by the slide plate that slides radially outward.

[0014] In another embodiment of the present invention, the slide plate slides radially outward from one observation window portion to the other observation window portion located on the radially opposite side of the peripheral wall opposite the one observation window portion. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the cell culture vessel of the present invention, an observation window portion of a predetermined area is formed in the peripheral wall, which is located between the top wall and the bottom wall, extends flat in the length direction, and allows the culture state of the cells cultured inside the cell culture vessel to be observed, so that the culture state of the cells during culture can be observed through the observation window portion, and the fixation and proliferation of the cells on the peripheral wall can be easily observed. Since the cell culture vessel fixes cells to the peripheral wall (culture surface) of a predetermined area including the observation window portion and proliferates the cells on the peripheral wall (culture surface), it has a culture surface (peripheral wall) of a predetermined area, and a large amount of cells can be proliferated, allowing cells to be cultured efficiently.

[0016] A cell culture vessel having a plurality of first to nth observation window sections arranged intermittently at equal intervals around the peripheral wall and a plurality of first to nth curved sections of a predetermined area positioned between the first to nth observation window sections and arranged intermittently at equal intervals around the peripheral wall and extending in an arc around the peripheral wall, allows the culture state of cells being cultured to be observed from the plurality of first to nth observation window sections, and allows easy observation of the fixation and proliferation of cells on the first to nth observation window sections and the first to nth observation window sections (peripheral wall). The cell culture vessel allows cells to fixate on the peripheral wall (culture surface) consisting of the first to nth observation window sections and the first to nth observation window sections and allows cells to proliferate on the peripheral wall (culture surface), and therefore has a culture surface (peripheral wall) of a predetermined area, allowing a large amount of cells to proliferate, and allows cells to be efficiently cultured.

[0017] In a cell culture vessel in which the first to nth observation window portions are formed in pairs on the peripheral wall so as to face each other in the radial direction, the first to nth curved portions located between the observation window portions are formed in pairs on the peripheral wall so as to face each other in the radial direction, and it is possible to observe from the outer surface of one observation window portion the inner surface of the other observation window portion which is located on the opposite radial side of the peripheral wall facing one observation window portion, since the inner surface of the other observation window portion can be observed from the outer surface of one observation window portion, it is possible to easily observe the settlement and proliferation of cells on the peripheral wall (culture surface), and by observing one of the first to nth observation window portions from the other observation window portion, the culture state of the cells that are settling and proliferating during culture can be accurately observed and understood.

[0018] A cell culture vessel in which at least one of a plurality of recesses recessed radially outward and a plurality of protrusions protruding radially inward are formed on the inner surface of the first to nth curved portions, by forming at least one of a plurality of recesses and a plurality of protrusions on the inner surface of the first to nth curved portions, the surface area of ​​the inner surface of the first to nth curved portions can be increased, and a large amount of cells can be grown on the first to nth curved portions (culture surfaces) with increased surface area, allowing the cells to be cultured efficiently.

[0019] A cell culture vessel in which at least one of a plurality of convex ridges and a plurality of concave grooves extending in at least one of the lengthwise direction or the circumferential direction is formed on the inner surface of the first to nth curved portions, by forming at least one of a plurality of convex ridges and a plurality of concave grooves extending in at least one of the lengthwise direction or the circumferential direction on the inner surface of the first to nth curved portions, it is possible to increase the surface area of ​​the inner surfaces of the first to nth curved portions, and it is possible to grow large amounts of cells on the first to nth curved portions (culture surfaces) with increased surface area, and to efficiently culture the cells.

[0020] The cap has a top wall of a predetermined area and a peripheral side wall extending in the length direction from the outer periphery of the top wall and having a threaded inner surface, and a swivel plate that can rotate radially around one end of the cap is attached to the top wall of the cap, and when the swivel plate rotates radially outward and the other end of the swivel plate touches the ground, the cell culture vessel placed in a lying position is held in a state inclined downward from the top wall to the bottom wall by the swivel plate that has rotated radially outward.By holding the state in which the cell culture vessel lying on its side is inclined downward from the top wall to the bottom wall by the swivel plate, the cells and cell culture medium are concentrated on the bottom wall side, and the injected cell culture medium is biased toward the bottom wall side, so that the pressure of the cell culture medium is greater on the bottom wall side, thereby increasing the activity of the cells and enabling the cells to grow reliably and efficiently.

[0021] In a cell culture vessel in which the rotating plate rotates radially outward from one observation window side to the other observation window side located on the opposite radial side of the peripheral wall opposite the one observation window side, the rotating plate maintains the downward inclination from the top wall to the bottom wall of the lying cell culture vessel, while the inner surface of the other observation window part can be observed from the outer surface of one of the observation window parts of the inclined cell culture vessel.By observing the other observation window part from one of the first to nth observation window parts, the culture state of the cells that are settling and growing during culture can be accurately observed and understood, and by using an inclined cell culture vessel, cells can be grown reliably and efficiently.

[0022] A cell culture vessel in which a cap has a top wall of a predetermined area and a peripheral side wall extending lengthwise from the outer periphery of the top wall and having a thread formed on its inner periphery, a slide plate capable of sliding radially of the cap is attached to the top wall of the cap, and when the slide plate slides radially outward and a tip of the slide plate touches the ground, a cell culture vessel placed in a lying position is held in a state inclined downwardly from the top wall to the bottom wall by the slide plate sliding radially outward. By holding the state in which the cell culture vessel lying on its side is inclined downwardly from the top wall to the bottom wall by the slide plate, cells and cell culture medium are concentrated on the bottom wall side, and the injected cell culture medium is biased toward the bottom wall side, so that the pressure of the cell culture medium is greater on the bottom wall side, thereby increasing cell activity and enabling cells to grow reliably and efficiently.

[0023] In a cell culture vessel in which the slide plate slides radially outward from one observation window portion to the other observation window portion located on the radially opposite side of the peripheral wall opposite the one observation window portion, the slide plate maintains a downwardly inclined state from the top wall to the bottom wall of the lying cell culture vessel, while the inner surface of the other observation window portion of the inclined cell culture vessel can be observed from the outer surface of one of the observation window portions.By observing the other observation window portion from one of the first to nth observation window portions, the culture state of the cells that are settling and growing during culture can be accurately observed and understood, and by using an inclined cell culture vessel, cells can be grown reliably and efficiently. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cell culture vessel shown as an example. [Diagram 2] 2A and 2B are front and side views of the cell culture vessel of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of recesses and protrusions formed on the inner circumferential surfaces of first to fourth curved portions. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a cap shown as an example. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged side view of the cap of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a side view of the cell culture vessel shown tilted by the pivot plate. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of a cap shown as another example. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged side view of the cap of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a side view of the cell culture vessel shown in a tilted state due to a slide plate. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a cell culture vessel shown as another example. [Figure 11] 11A and 11B are front and side views of the cell culture vessel of FIG. 10. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of convex ridges and concave grooves formed on the inner circumferential surfaces of first to eighth curved portions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] The cell culture vessel according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings such as Fig. 1, which is a perspective view of a cell culture vessel 10A shown as an example. Fig. 2 is a front view and a side view of the cell culture vessel 10A in Fig. 1, and Fig. 3 is a view showing an example of the recessed portion 24 and the protruding portion 25 formed on the inner circumferential surface 17 of the first to fourth curved portions 23a to 23d. In Figs. 1 and 2, the swivel plate 29 and the slide plate 33 installed on the cap 12 are omitted. In Fig. 1, the length direction is indicated by arrow A, the circumferential direction is indicated by arrow B, and the radial direction is indicated by arrow C.

[0026] The cell culture vessel 10A (including the cell culture vessel 10B) has a cell culture medium injected into its storage space 16 (inside), and stores cells separated from a living body, and cultures the cells while observing the culture state of the cells during the culture. The cell culture vessel 10A includes a vessel body 11 and a cap 12 (lid). The vessel body 11 and the cap 12 are made of any of colorless and transparent synthetic resin, colorless and transparent glass, and colorless and transparent quartz. Examples of the synthetic resin that can be used include polyethylene terephthalate resin, polystyrene resin, polyester resin, polyethylene resin, polypropylene resin, ABS resin, nylon, acrylic resin, fluororesin, polycarbonate resin, polyurethane resin, methylpentene resin, phenol resin, melamine resin, epoxy resin, and polyvinyl chloride resin.

[0027] The container body 11 includes a top wall 13 of a predetermined area extending radially, a bottom wall 14 of a predetermined area located on the opposite side of the length from the top wall 13 and extending radially, and a peripheral wall 15 of a predetermined area located between the top and bottom walls 13, 14 and extending longitudinally. The container body 11 defines a cylindrical storage space 16 (inside) of a predetermined volume that is long in the longitudinal direction and surrounded by the top and bottom walls 13, 14 and the peripheral wall 15. An inner peripheral surface 17 of the container body 11 has been subjected to a surface hydrophilization treatment.

[0028] The top wall 13 has a circular inlet 18 (opening) for injecting cell culture fluid or cells into the storage space 16 of the container body 11 and discharging the cell culture fluid or cells from the storage space 16, a neck 19 surrounding the inlet 18, and a shoulder 20 to which the neck 19 is connected. The top wall 13 has first to fourth straight outer peripheries to which the top edges of first to fourth observation window sections 22a to 22d described below of the peripheral wall 15 are connected, and first to fourth curved outer peripheries to which the top edges of first to fourth curved sections 23a to 23d described below of the peripheral wall 15 are connected. The outer periphery of the neck 19 is provided with a screw (male screw or female screw) and a flange 21 extending radially outward. The inlet 18 (opening) is opened and closed by a cap 12 (lid). The bottom wall 14 has first to fourth straight outer edges to which the bottom edges of the first to fourth observation window portions 22a to 22d of the peripheral wall 15 are connected, and first to fourth curved outer edges to which the bottom edges of the first to fourth curved portions 23a to 23d of the peripheral wall 15 are connected.

[0029] The peripheral wall 15 is substantially perpendicular to the top and bottom walls 13 and 14, its top edge is connected to the outer peripheral edge (first to fourth straight outer peripheral edges and first to fourth curved outer peripheral edges) of the top wall 13 (shoulder portion 20), and its bottom edge is connected to the outer peripheral edge (first to fourth straight outer peripheral edges and first to fourth curved outer peripheral edges) of the bottom wall 14. The peripheral wall 15 is formed with a plurality of first to fourth observation window portions 22a to 22d (first to nth observation window portions) of a predetermined area that are located between the top wall 13 and the bottom wall 14 and extend flatly in the length direction, and also formed with a plurality of first to fourth curved portions 23a to 23d (first to nth curved portions) of a predetermined area that are located between the top wall 13 and the bottom wall 14 and extend in the length direction. The culture state of the cells cultured in the storage space 16 can be observed from the first to fourth observation window portions 22a to 22d.

[0030] The first to fourth observation windows 22a to 22d (first to nth observation windows) are positioned between the first to fourth curved portions 23a to 23d and are arranged intermittently at equal intervals around the peripheral wall. Among the first to fourth observation windows 22a to 22d, the first observation window 22a is positioned between the fourth curved portion 23d and the first curved portion 23a, the second observation window 22b is positioned between the first curved portion 23a and the second curved portion 23b, the third observation window 22c is positioned between the second curved portion 23b and the third curved portion 23c, and the fourth observation window 22d is positioned between the third curved portion 23c and the fourth curved portion 23d.

[0031] The first to fourth observation windows 22a to 22d are formed in a flat, generally rectangular shape that is the same shape and size in plan view and is long in the length direction. The first to fourth observation windows 22a to 22d are formed in pairs facing each other in the radial direction on the peripheral wall 15. In the first to fourth observation windows 22a to 22d, the third observation window 22c faces the first observation window 22a in the radial direction, and the first observation window 22a and the third observation window 22c form a pair in the radial direction, and the fourth observation window 22d faces the second observation window 22b in the radial direction, and the second observation window 22b and the fourth observation window 22d form a pair in the radial direction.

[0032] The first to fourth curved portions 23a to 23d (first to nth curved portions) are located between the first to fourth observation windows 22a to 22d and are arranged intermittently at equal intervals around the peripheral wall. Of the first to fourth curved portions 23a to 23d, the first curved portion 23a is located between the first observation window 22a and the second observation window 22b, the second curved portion 23b is located between the second observation window 22b and the third observation window 22c, the third curved portion 23c is located between the third observation window 22c and the fourth observation window 22d, and the fourth curved portion 23d is located between the fourth observation window 22d and the first observation window 22a.

[0033] The first to fourth curved portions 23a to 23d have the same shape and size in plan view and extend in an arc around the peripheral wall 15. The first curved portion 23a forms an arc around the peripheral wall 15 between the first observation window 22a and the second observation window 22b, and the second curved portion 23b forms an arc around the peripheral wall 15 between the second observation window 22b and the third observation window 22c. The third curved portion 23c forms an arc around the peripheral wall 15 between the third observation window 22c and the fourth observation window 22d, and the fourth curved portion 23d forms an arc around the peripheral wall 15 between the fourth observation window 22d and the first observation window 22a.

[0034] The first to fourth curved portions 23a to 23d are formed in pairs on the peripheral wall 15 so as to face each other in the radial direction. In the first to fourth curved portions 23a to 23d, the third curved portion 23c faces the first curved portion 23a in the radial direction, and the first curved portion 23a and the third curved portion 23c form a pair in the radial direction, and the fourth curved portion 23d faces the second curved portion 23b in the radial direction, and the second curved portion 23b and the fourth curved portion 23d form a pair in the radial direction. As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of recesses 24 recessed radially outward and a plurality of protrusions 25 protruding radially inward are formed on the inner peripheral surface 17 of the first to fourth curved portions 23a to 23d. By forming recesses 24 and protrusions 25 on the inner surfaces 17 of the first to fourth curved portions 23a to 23d, the surface areas of the inner surfaces 17 of the first to fourth curved portions 23a to 23d are increased compared to when the inner surfaces 17 of the first to fourth curved portions 23a to 23d are flat.

[0035] The first to fourth curved portions 23a to 23d have a circumferential length longer than the circumferential length of the first to fourth observation window portions 22a to 22d, and an area larger than the area of ​​the first to fourth observation window portions 22a to 22d. Either one of a plurality of recesses 24 and a plurality of protrusions 25 may be formed on the inner circumferential surface 17 of the first to fourth curved portions 23a to 23d. Also, at least one of a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of recessed grooves extending in either the length direction or the circumferential direction may be formed on the inner circumferential surface 17 of the first to fourth curved portions 23a to 23d.

[0036] In the peripheral wall 15 of the cell culture container 10A, the inner surface of the third observation window portion 22c (the other observation window portion) located on the opposite radial side of the peripheral wall 15 facing the first observation window portion 22a (one of the observation window portions) can be observed from the outer surface of the first observation window portion 22a (one of the observation window portions), and the inner surface of the first observation window portion 22a (the other observation window portion) located on the opposite radial side of the peripheral wall 15 facing the third observation window portion 22c (one of the observation window portions) can be observed from the outer surface of the third observation window portion 22c (one of the observation window portions). Furthermore, the inner surface of the fourth observation window portion 22d (the other observation window portion), which is located on the opposite radial side of the peripheral wall 15 facing the second observation window portion 22b (one of the observation window portions), can be observed from the outer surface of the second observation window portion 22b (one of the observation window portions), and the inner surface of the second observation window portion 22b (the other observation window portion), which is located on the opposite radial side of the peripheral wall 15 facing the fourth observation window portion 22d (one of the observation window portions), can be observed from the outer surface of the fourth observation window portion 22d (one of the observation window portions).

[0037] In addition, gelatin, an extracellular matrix, or polycations may be applied to the inner peripheral surface 17 of the container body 11 (the inner peripheral surfaces 17 of the first to fourth observation window portions 22a to 22d and the first to fourth curved portions 23a to 23d). Collagen, laminin, fibronectin, etc. may be used as the extracellular matrix, and polylysine, polyethyleneimine, polyornithine, etc. may be used as the polycations. By applying gelatin, an extracellular matrix, or polycations to the inner peripheral surface 17 (culture surface) of the container body 11, the adhesion of cells to the inner peripheral surface 17 of the container body 11 can be improved.

[0038] The cap 12 has a top end wall 26 of a predetermined area, and a peripheral side wall 27 extending in the length direction from the outer periphery of the top end wall 26. A thread (male thread or female thread) is formed on the inner periphery of the peripheral side wall 27. By screwing a thread formed on the outer periphery of the neck portion 19 into the thread formed on the inner periphery of the peripheral side wall 27, the injection port 18 (opening) of the container body 11 can be closed.

[0039] Fig. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of an example of the cap 12, and Fig. 5 is an enlarged side view of the cap 12 of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a side view of the cell culture vessel 10A shown in a state tilted by a swivel plate 29. Figs. 4 and 5 show the state before and after the swivel plate 29 has been swiveled. A radially extending installation groove 28 is formed in the top end wall 26 of the cap 12. The swivel plate 29 is installed in the installation groove 28 of the top end wall 26.

[0040] The swivel plate 29 is formed in a rectangular shape elongated in the radial direction, and has one end 30 and the other end 31 located opposite the one end 30. The one end 30 of the swivel plate 29 is rotatably connected to the end of the installation groove 28 via a shaft. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the other end 31 of the swivel plate 29 swivels radially outward and inward from the one end 30 of the apex wall 26 (cap 12). The other end 31 of the swivel plate 29 swivels radially outward from the first observation window 22a (one observation window) side toward the third observation window 22c (the other observation window) located on the radially opposite side of the peripheral wall 15 opposite the first observation window 22a (one observation window).

[0041] When the other end 31 of the swivel plate 29 is rotated radially outward, the swivel plate 29 is inclined upwardly toward the cap 12, and the other end 31 of the swivel plate 29 is located outside the peripheral wall 15 of the container body 11. When the other end 31 of the swivel plate 29 is rotated radially inwardly of the top end wall 26, the swivel plate 29 is located in the mounting groove 28 of the top end wall 26, the outer surface of the swivel plate 29 is flush with the top surface of the top end wall 26, and the swivel plate 29 is accommodated in the mounting groove 28.

[0042] When the other end 31 of the swivel plate 29 attached to the cap 12 is swiveled radially outward and the cell culture vessel 10A (including the cell culture vessel 10B) (vessel body 11) is placed lying down in a predetermined position, the other end 31 of the swivel plate 29 comes into contact with the ground, the top wall 13 of the cell culture vessel 10A (vessel body 11) is lifted upward by the swivel plate 29, and the bottom wall 14 of the cell culture vessel 10A (vessel body 11) and the third observation window portion 22c on the side of the bottom wall 14 are installed. As shown in Figure 6, the cell culture vessel 10A (vessel body 11) placed lying down is maintained in a state inclined downward from the top wall 13 to the bottom wall 14 by the swivel plate 29 swiveled radially outward.

[0043] Fig. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of cap 12 as another example, and Fig. 8 is an enlarged side view of cap 12 of Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a side view of the cell culture vessel shown in a state inclined by slide plate 33. Figs. 7 and 8 show the state before and after slide plate 33 is slid. A slide groove 32 extending in the radial direction is formed in top end wall 26 of cap 12. A slide plate 33 is installed in slide groove 32 of top end wall 26. Although not shown, slide rails (slide recesses) are formed on both sides of slide groove 32.

[0044] The slide plate 33 is formed in a rectangular shape elongated in the radial direction, and has a base end 34, a tip end 35 located on the opposite side of the base end 34, and both side edges 36 extending between the base end 34 and the tip end 35. The both side edges 36 of the slide plate 33 are slidably fitted into the slide rails (slide recesses) of the slide groove 32. As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the slide plate 33 slides radially outward and radially inward on the slide rails (slide recesses) of the cap 12. The tip end 35 of the slide plate 33 slides radially outward from the first observation window 22a (one observation window) side toward the third observation window 22c (the other observation window) side located on the radially opposite side of the peripheral wall 15 opposite the first observation window 22a (one observation window).

[0045] When the slide plate 33 slides radially outward on the slide rail (slide recess) of the cap 12, the slide plate 22 extends radially outward from the outer periphery of the top end wall 26, and the tip 35 of the slide plate 33 is located outside (radially outward) of the peripheral wall 15 of the container body 11. When the slide plate 33 slides radially inward on the slide rail (slide recess) of the cap 12, the entire slide plate 33 is located in the slide groove 32, the outer surface of the slide plate 33 is flush with the top surface of the top end wall 26, and the slide plate 33 is accommodated in the slide groove 32.

[0046] When the slide plate 33 installed on the cap 12 is slid radially outward and the cell culture vessel 10A (including the cell culture vessel 10B) (vessel body 11) is placed so as to lie down on a predetermined position, the tip 35 of the slide plate 33 is grounded, the top wall 13 of the cell culture vessel 10A (vessel body 11) is lifted upward by the slide plate 33, the bottom wall 14 of the cell culture vessel 10A (vessel body 11) and the third observation window portion 22c on the side of the bottom wall 14 are placed, and the cell culture vessel 10A (vessel body 11) placed so as to lie down is held in a state inclined downward from the top wall 13 to the bottom wall 14 by the slide plate 33 rotated radially outward. Note that the cell culture vessel 10A (including the cell culture vessel 10B) does not need to have the swivel plate 29 or slide plate 33 installed on the cap 12.

[0047] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a cell culture vessel 10B shown as another example, and Fig. 11 is a front view and a side view of the cell culture vessel 10B of Fig. 10. Fig. 12 is a view showing an example of convex ridges and concave grooves formed on the inner circumferential surfaces 17 of the first to eighth curved portions 23a to 23h. In Figs. 10 and 11, the swivel plate 29 and slide plate 33 installed on the cap 12 are omitted. In Fig. 10, the length direction is indicated by arrow A, the circumferential direction is indicated by arrow B, and the radial direction is indicated by arrow C.

[0048] The cell culture vessel 10B includes a vessel body 11 and a cap 12 (lid). The vessel body 11 and the cap 12 are made of any of colorless and transparent synthetic resin, colorless and transparent glass, and colorless and transparent quartz, similar to those of the cell culture vessel 10A. The vessel body 11 includes a top wall 13 of a predetermined area extending in the radial direction, a bottom wall 14 of a predetermined area located on the opposite side of the top wall 13 in the longitudinal direction and extending in the radial direction, and a peripheral wall 15 of a predetermined area located between the top and bottom walls 13 and 14 and extending in the longitudinal direction. The vessel body 11 includes a cylindrical storage space 16 (inside) of a predetermined volume that is long in the longitudinal direction and surrounded by the top and bottom walls 13 and 14. The inner peripheral surface 17 of the vessel body 11 is subjected to a surface hydrophilization treatment.

[0049] The top wall 13 has a circular inlet 18 (opening) for injecting cell culture fluid or cells into the storage space 16 of the container body 11 and discharging the cell culture fluid or cells from the storage space 16, a neck 19 surrounding the inlet 18, and a shoulder 20 to which the neck 19 is connected. The top wall 13 has first to eighth straight outer peripheries to which the top edges of first to eighth observation window portions 22a to 22h described later of the peripheral wall 15 are connected, and first to eighth curved outer peripheries to which the top edges of first to eighth curved portions 23a to 23h described later of the peripheral wall 15 are connected. The outer periphery of the neck 19 is provided with a screw (male screw or female screw) and a flange 21 extending radially outward. The inlet 18 (opening) is opened and closed by a cap 12 (lid). The bottom wall 14 has first to eighth straight outer edges to which the bottom edges of the first to eighth observation window portions 22a to 22h of the peripheral wall 15 are connected, and first to eighth curved outer edges to which the bottom edges of the first to eighth curved portions 23a to 23h of the peripheral wall 15 are connected.

[0050] The peripheral wall 15 is substantially perpendicular to the top and bottom walls 13 and 14, its top edge is connected to the outer peripheral edge (first to eighth straight outer peripheral edges and first to eighth curved outer peripheral edges) of the top wall 13 (shoulder portion 20), and its bottom edge is connected to the outer peripheral edge (first to eighth straight outer peripheral edges and first to eighth curved outer peripheral edges) of the bottom wall 14. The peripheral wall 15 is formed with a plurality of first to eighth observation window portions 22a to 22h (first to nth observation window portions) of a predetermined area that are located between the top wall 13 and the bottom wall 14 and extend flatly in the length direction, and also formed with a plurality of first to eighth curved portions 23a to 23h (first to nth curved portions) of a predetermined area that are located between the top wall 13 and the bottom wall 14 and extend in the length direction. The culture state of the cells cultured in the storage space 16 can be observed from the first to eighth observation window portions 22a to 22h.

[0051] The first to eighth observation window portions 22a to 22h (first to nth observation window portions) are located between the first to eighth curved portions 23a to 23h and are arranged intermittently at equal intervals around the peripheral wall 15. Of the first to eighth observation window portions 22a to 22h, the first observation window portion 22a is located between the eighth curved portion 23h and the first curved portion 23a, the second observation window portion 22b is located between the first curved portion 23a and the second curved portion 23b, the third observation window portion 22c is located between the second curved portion 23b and the third curved portion 23c, and the fourth observation window portion 22d is located between the third curved portion 23c and the fourth curved portion 23d. The fifth observation window portion 22e is located between the fourth curved portion 23d and the fifth curved portion 23e, the sixth observation window portion 23f is located between the fifth curved portion 23e and the sixth curved portion 23f, the seventh observation window portion 22g is located between the sixth curved portion 23f and the seventh curved portion 23g, and the eighth observation window portion 22h is located between the seventh curved portion 23g and the eighth curved portion 23h.

[0052] The first to eighth observation windows 22a to 22h are formed in a flat, generally rectangular shape that is the same shape and size in plan view and is long in the length direction. The first to eighth observation windows 22a to 22h are formed in pairs facing each other in the radial direction on the peripheral wall 15. In the first to eighth observation windows 22a to 22h, the fifth observation window 22e faces the first observation window 22a in the radial direction, and the first observation window 22a and the fifth observation window 22e form a pair in the radial direction, and the sixth observation window 22f faces the second observation window 22b in the radial direction, and the second observation window 22b and the sixth observation window 22f form a pair in the radial direction. The seventh observation window portion 22g faces radially to the third observation window portion 22c, and the third observation window portion 22c and the seventh observation window portion 22g form a radial pair, and the eighth observation window portion 22h faces radially to the fourth observation window portion 22d, and the fourth observation window portion 22d and the eighth observation window portion 22h form a radial pair.

[0053] The first to eighth curved portions 23a to 23h (first to nth curved portions) are located between the first to eighth observation windows 22a to 22h and are arranged intermittently at equal intervals around the peripheral wall. Of the first to eighth curved portions 23a to 23h, the first curved portion 23a is located between the first observation window 22a and the second observation window 22b, the second curved portion 23b is located between the second observation window 22b and the third observation window 22c, the third curved portion 23c is located between the third observation window 22c and the fourth observation window 22d, and the fourth curved portion 23d is located between the fourth observation window 22d and the fifth observation window 22e. The fifth curved portion 23e is located between the fifth observation window portion 22e and the sixth observation window portion 22f, the sixth curved portion 23f is located between the sixth observation window portion 22f and the seventh observation window portion 22g, the seventh curved portion 23g is located between the seventh observation window portion 22g and the eighth observation window portion 22h, and the eighth curved portion 23h is located between the eighth observation window portion 22h and the first observation window portion 22a.

[0054] The first to eighth curved portions 23a to 23h have the same shape and size in plan view and extend in an arc around the peripheral wall 15. The first curved portion 23a is connected to the first observation window portion 22a and the second observation window portion 22b. 22b defines a circular arc in the circumferential direction of peripheral wall 15, and second curved portion 23b defines a circular arc in the circumferential direction of peripheral wall 15 between second observation window portion 22b and third observation window portion 22c. Third curved portion 23c defines a circular arc in the circumferential direction of peripheral wall 15 between third observation window portion 22c and fourth observation window portion 22d, and fourth curved portion 23d defines a circular arc in the circumferential direction of peripheral wall 15 between fourth observation window portion 22d and fifth observation window portion 22e. Fifth curved portion 23e defines a circular arc in the circumferential direction of peripheral wall 15 between fifth observation window portion 22e and sixth observation window portion 22f, and sixth curved portion 23f defines a circular arc in the circumferential direction of peripheral wall 15 between sixth observation window portion 22f and seventh observation window portion 22g. The seventh curved portion 23g forms an arc around the peripheral wall 15 between the seventh observation window portion 22g and the eighth observation window portion 22h, and the eighth curved portion 23h forms an arc around the peripheral wall 15 between the eighth observation window portion 22h and the first observation window portion 22a.

[0055] The first to eighth curved portions 23a to 23h are formed in pairs so as to face each other in the radial direction on the peripheral wall 15. In the first to eighth curved portions 23a to 23h, the fifth curved portion 23e faces the first curved portion 23a in the radial direction, and the first curved portion 23a and the fifth curved portion 23e form a pair in the radial direction, the sixth curved portion 23f faces the second curved portion 23b in the radial direction, and the second curved portion 23b and the sixth curved portion 23f form a pair in the radial direction. The seventh curved portion 23g faces the third curved portion 23c in the radial direction, and the third curved portion 23c and the seventh curved portion 23g form a pair in the radial direction, and the eighth curved portion 23h faces the fourth curved portion 23d in the radial direction, and the fourth curved portion 23d and the eighth curved portion 23h form a pair in the radial direction. 12, a plurality of ridges 37 extending continuously in the length direction and a plurality of recessed grooves 38 extending continuously in the length direction are formed on the inner circumferential surfaces 17 of the first to eighth curved portions 23a to 23h. By forming the ridges 37 and the recessed grooves 38 on the inner circumferential surfaces 17 of the first to eighth curved portions 23a to 23h, the surface area of ​​the inner circumferential surfaces 17 of the first to eighth curved portions 23a to 23h is increased compared to when the inner circumferential surfaces 17 of the first to eighth curved portions 23a to 23h are flat.

[0056] The first to eighth curved portions 23a to 23h have a circumferential length shorter than the circumferential length of the first to eighth observation window portions 22a to 22h, and an area smaller than the area of ​​the first to eighth observation window portions 22a to 22h. Any one of the multiple convex ridges 37 and multiple concave grooves 38 extending continuously in the length direction may be formed on the inner circumferential surface 17 of the first to eighth curved portions 23a to 23h. Also, at least one of the multiple convex ridges 37 and multiple concave grooves 38 extending continuously in the circumferential direction may be formed on the inner circumferential surface 17 of the first to eighth curved portions 23a to 23h, or at least one of the multiple convex ridges 37 and multiple concave grooves 38 extending continuously in the length direction and the circumferential direction may be formed on the inner circumferential surface 17 of the first to eighth curved portions 23a to 23h. Furthermore, at least one of the plurality of recesses 24 and the plurality of protrusions 25 may be formed on the inner circumferential surfaces 17 of the first to eighth curved portions 23a to 23h.

[0057] In the peripheral wall 15 of the cell culture container 10B, the inner surface of the fifth observation window portion 22e (the other observation window portion) located on the opposite radial side of the peripheral wall 15 facing the first observation window portion 22a (one of the observation window portions) can be observed from the outer surface of the first observation window portion 22a (one of the observation window portions), and the inner surface of the first observation window portion 22a (the other observation window portion) located on the opposite radial side of the peripheral wall 15 facing the fifth observation window portion 22e (one of the observation window portions) can be observed from the outer surface of the fifth observation window portion 22e (one of the observation window portions). The inner surface of the sixth observation window portion 22f (the other observation window portion), which is located on the opposite radial side of the peripheral wall 15 facing the second observation window portion 22b (one of the observation window portions), can be observed from the outer surface of the second observation window portion 22b (one of the observation window portions), and the inner surface of the second observation window portion 22b (the other observation window portion), which is located on the opposite radial side of the peripheral wall 15 facing the sixth observation window portion 22f (one of the observation window portions), can be observed from the outer surface of the sixth observation window portion 22f (one of the observation window portions).

[0058] The inner surface of the seventh observation window portion 22g (the other observation window portion), which is located on the opposite radial side of the peripheral wall 15 facing the third observation window portion 22c (one of the observation window portions), can be observed from the outer surface of the third observation window portion 22c (one of the observation window portions), and the inner surface of the third observation window portion 22c (the other observation window portion), which is located on the opposite radial side of the peripheral wall 15 facing the seventh observation window portion 22g (one of the observation window portions), can be observed from the outer surface of the seventh observation window portion 22g (one of the observation window portions). From the outer surface of the fourth observation window 22d (one observation window), it is possible to observe the inner surface of the eighth observation window 22h (the other observation window) located on the radially opposite side of the peripheral wall 15 facing the fourth observation window 22d (one observation window), and from the outer surface of the eighth observation window 22h (one observation window), it is possible to observe the inner surface of the fourth observation window 22d (the other observation window) located on the radially opposite side of the peripheral wall 15 facing the eighth observation window 22h (one observation window). Note that gelatin, extracellular matrix, or polycations may be applied to the inner peripheral surface 17 of the container body 11 (the inner peripheral surfaces 17 of the first to eighth observation windows 22a to 22h and the first to eighth curved portions 23a to 23h).

[0059] The cap 12 is the same as that of the cell culture vessel 10A. A swivel plate 29 is installed in the installation groove 28 of the top end wall 26 of the cap 12 (see FIG. 4), or a slide plate 33 is installed in the slide groove 32 of the top end wall 26 of the cap 12 (see FIG. 7). Note that the swivel plate 29 and the slide plate 33 do not necessarily have to be installed on the cap 12 in the cell culture vessel 10B.

[0060] In the cell culture vessel 10B, when the other end 31 of the swivel plate 29 attached to the cap 12 is rotated radially outward and the cell culture vessel 10B (vessel body 11) is placed lying down in a predetermined position, the other end 31 of the swivel plate 29 comes into contact with the ground, the top wall 13 of the cell culture vessel 10B (vessel body 11) is lifted upward by the swivel plate 29, the bottom wall 14 of the cell culture vessel 10B (vessel body 11) and the fifth observation window portion 22e on the side of the bottom wall 14 are installed, and the cell culture vessel 10B (vessel body 11) is maintained in a state inclined downwardly from the top wall 13 to the bottom wall 14 by the swivel plate 29 rotated radially outward (see Figure 6).

[0061] In the case of the cell culture vessel 10B, when the slide plate 33 attached to the cap 12 is slid radially outward and the cell culture vessel 10B (vessel body 11) is placed lying down in a predetermined position, the tip 35 of the slide plate 33 comes into contact with the ground, the top wall 13 of the cell culture vessel 10B (vessel body 11) is lifted upward by the slide plate 33, the bottom wall 13 of the cell culture vessel 10B (vessel body 11) and the fifth observation window portion 22E on the side of the bottom wall 13 are installed, and the cell culture vessel 10B (vessel body 11) is maintained in a downwardly inclined state from the top wall 13 to the bottom wall 14 by the slide plate 33 pivoted radially outward (see Figure 9).

[0062] An example of a procedure for culturing cells using the cell culture vessel 10A and the cell culture vessel 10B is as follows. The cap 12 is removed from the neck 19 of the vessel body 11, a cell culture solution is injected into the storage space 16 (inside) and cells separated from a living body are stored therein, and the cap 12 is screwed onto the neck 19 of the vessel body 11. The cell culture solution contains penicillin (about 100 U / ml), amphotericin (about 100 ng / ml), streptomycin (about 100 mkg / ml), L-glutamine (about 2 to 4 ml), a mineral salt solution supplemented with 20% fetal bovine serum, and amino acids. Note that Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM), Grasgow Minimum Essential Medium (GMEM), RPMI640, etc. can also be used as the cell culture solution. The cell culture medium may also contain insulin, transferrin, ethanolamine, selenium, 2-mercaptoethanol, L-alanyl-L-glutamine, sodium pyruvate, L-alanine, L-asparagine, L-aspartic acid, glycine, L-proline, L-serine, and the like.

[0063] The cell culture vessels 10A, 10B are left lying down and statically (left quietly without moving) for 12 to 48 hours while being maintained at, for example, approximately the same temperature as body temperature (approximately 35 to 37°C). The cell culture vessel 10A is held horizontally with the third observation window 22c or the fourth observation window 22d of the cell culture vessel 10A facing down, or the cell culture vessel 10A is held in a state in which it is inclined downward from the top wall 13 to the bottom wall 14 by the rotating plate 29 or the slide plate 33 with the third observation window 22c of the cell culture vessel 10A facing down. The cell culture vessel 10B is held horizontally with any one of the fifth observation window 22e, sixth observation window 22f, seventh observation window 22g, and eighth observation window 22h of the cell culture vessel 10B facing down, or the cell culture vessel 10B is held in a state in which it is inclined downward from the top wall 13 to the bottom wall 14 by the swivel plate 29 or slide plate 33 with the fifth observation window 22e of the cell culture vessel 10B facing down. The inclination angle of the cell culture vessels 10A and 10B is in the range of 2 to 5°, and preferably in the range of 2 to 3°.

[0064] The cells contained (injected) in the cell culture vessels 10A, 10B settle over time on the inner circumferential surface 17 of the vessel body 11 of the cell culture vessels 10A, 10B (the inner circumferential surfaces 17 of the first to fourth observation window portions 22a-22d and the first to fourth curved portions 23a-23d, and the inner circumferential surfaces 17 of the first to eighth observation window portions 22a-22h and the first to eighth curved portions 23a-23h), while being cultured in a cell culture medium, and gradually proliferate (differentiate) on the inner circumferential surface 17 of the vessel body 11 (the inner circumferential surfaces 17 of the first to fourth observation window portions 22a-22d and the first to fourth curved portions 23a-23d, and the inner circumferential surfaces 17 of the first to eighth observation window portions 22a-22h and the first to eighth curved portions 23a-23h) to form colonies.

[0065] The inner surface of the third observation window portion 22c (or the inner surface of the fourth observation window portion 22d) of the cell culture container 10A is observed with the naked eye from the outer surface of the first observation window portion 22a (or the outer surface of the second observation window portion 22b), or the inner surface of the third observation window portion 22c (or the inner surface of the fourth observation window portion 22d) is observed with an electron microscope (display) from the outer surface of the first observation window portion 22a (or the outer surface of the second observation window portion 22b) to observe cell settlement and cell proliferation (deformation).

[0066] The outer surface of the first observation window 22a (or the outer surfaces of the second observation window 22b, the third observation window 22c, and the fourth observation window 22d) to the inner surface of the fifth observation window 22e (or the inner surfaces of the sixth observation window 22f, the seventh observation window 22g, and the eighth observation window 22h) of the cell culture container 10B is observed with the naked eye, or the outer surface of the first observation window 22a (or the outer surfaces of the second observation window 22b, the third observation window 22c, and the fourth observation window 22d) to the inner surface of the fifth observation window 22e (or the inner surfaces of the sixth observation window 22f, the seventh observation window 22g, and the eighth observation window 22h) is observed with an electron microscope (display) to observe cell settlement and cell proliferation (deformation).

[0067] When the cells have sufficiently proliferated in the cell culture vessels 10A, 10B and cell culture is completed, the cell culture solution injected into the cell culture vessels 10A, 10B is discharged from the cell culture vessels 10A, 10B, the storage space 16 (inside) of the cell culture vessels 10A, 10B is washed with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and then a trypsin solution is injected into the storage space 16 of the cell culture vessels 10A, 10B. When trypsin solution is injected into the storage space 16, the cells that have settled and proliferated on the inner surface 17 of the container body 11 (the inner surfaces 17 of the first to fourth observation window portions 22a to 22d and the first to fourth curved portions 23a to 23d, and the inner surfaces 17 of the first to eighth observation window portions 22a to 22h and the first to eighth curved portions 23a to 23h) are detached from the inner surface 17 of the container body 11 by the trypsin solution and rise to the surface of the trypsin solution, and the floating cells are then aspirated using a pipette.

[0068] The cell culture vessels 10A, 10B are located between the top wall 13 and the bottom wall 14, extend flat in the length direction, and have first to fourth observation window portions 22a to 22d and first to eighth observation window portions 22a to 22h (first to nth observation window portions) of a predetermined area formed in the peripheral wall 15, through which the culture state of the cells cultured inside the cell culture vessels 10A, 10B can be observed. The culture state of the cells being cultured can be observed from the observation window portions 22a-22d, 22a-22h using 22a-22h, and the settlement and proliferation of the cells on the inner surface 17 of the container body 11 (the inner surfaces 17 of the first to fourth observation window portions 22a-22d and the first to fourth curved portions 23a-23d, and the inner surfaces 17 of the first to eighth observation window portions 22a-22h and the first to eighth curved portions 23a-23h) can be easily observed.

[0069] The cell culture vessels 10A, 10B allow cells to be fixed on the inner circumferential surface 17 (culture surface) of the vessel body 11 consisting of the first to fourth observation window portions 22a-22d and the first to fourth curved portions 23a-23d and the first to eighth observation window portions 22a-22h and the first to eighth curved portions 23a-23h (the first to nth observation window portions and the first to nth observation window portions), and allow the cells to grow on the inner circumferential surface 17 (culture surface) of the vessel body 11. Therefore, the vessel body 11 has a culture surface (peripheral wall) of a predetermined area, and a large amount of cells can be grown, thereby enabling cells to be cultured efficiently.

[0070] The cell culture vessels 10A, 10B are maintained in a downwardly inclined state from the top wall 13 to the bottom wall 14 of the lying cell culture vessels 10A, 10B by the swivel plate 29 and the slide plate 33, and the inner surface of one observation window portion of the inclined cell culture vessels 10A, 10B can be observed from the outer surface of the other observation window portion.By observing one of the first to fourth observation window portions 22a to 22d or the first to eighth observation window portions 22a to 22h from the other observation window portion, the culture state of the cells that are settling and proliferating during culture can be accurately observed and understood. The cell culture vessels 10A, 10B are maintained in a downward inclined state from the top wall 13 to the bottom wall 14 of the lying cell culture vessels 10A, 10B by the swivel plate 29 and the slide plate 33, so that the cells and cell culture fluid are concentrated on the bottom wall 14 side and the injected cell culture fluid is biased toward the bottom wall 14 side, causing the pressure of the cell culture fluid to be greater on the bottom wall 14 side, thereby increasing the activity of the cells and enabling the cells to proliferate reliably and efficiently.

[0071] In the cell culture vessel 10A, a plurality of recesses 24 recessed radially outward and a plurality of protrusions 25 protruding radially inward are formed on the inner circumferential surfaces 17 of the first to fourth curved portions 23a to 23d, so that the surface area of ​​the inner circumferential surfaces 17 of the first to fourth curved portions 23a to 23d can be increased, and a large amount of cells can be grown on the first to fourth curved portions 23a to 23d (culture surface) with the increased surface area, and the cells can be cultured efficiently. In the cell culture vessel 10B, a plurality of protrusions 37 extending in the length direction and a plurality of recessed grooves 38 extending in the length direction are formed on the inner circumferential surfaces 17 of the first to eighth curved portions 23a to 23h, so that the surface area of ​​the inner circumferential surfaces 17 of the first to eighth curved portions 23a to 23h can be increased, and a large amount of cells can be grown on the first to eighth curved portions 23a to 23h (culture surface) with the increased surface area, and the cells can be cultured efficiently. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 10A cell culture vessel 10B cell culture container 11 Container body 12 Cap (lid) 13 Top Wall 14 Bottom wall 15 Peripheral wall 16 Storage space (interior) 17 Inner surface 18 Inlet (opening) 19 Neck 20 Shoulder 21 Flange 22a-22h 1st to 8th observation window sections 23a~23h 1st~8th curved section 24 Recess 25 Convex 26 Apical wall 27 Peripheral wall 28 Installation groove 29 Swivel plate 30 One end 31 Other end 32 Slide groove 33 Slide Plate 34 Proximal end 35 Tip 36 Both sides 37 Convex stripe 38 Groove

Claims

1. A cell culture vessel in which a cell culture medium is injected and in which cells are cultured while observing the culture state of the cells, The cell culture vessel comprises a top wall having an inlet opened and closed by a cap, a bottom wall located on the opposite side in the longitudinal direction from the top wall, and a peripheral wall having a predetermined area extending between the top and bottom walls; the peripheral wall is located between the top wall and the bottom wall, extends flat in the length direction, is arranged intermittently at equal intervals around the peripheral wall, and has a predetermined area including first to nth observation window portions that enable observation of the culture state of cells cultured inside the cell culture vessel; and a plurality of first to nth curved portions that are located between the first to nth observation window portions, are arranged intermittently at equal intervals around the peripheral wall, and extend in an arc around the peripheral wall, a swivel plate is provided on the top wall of the cap, the swivel plate rotating radially outward from one end of the cap, from one observation window side to the other observation window side located on the opposite radial side of the peripheral wall, the swivel plate rotating radially outward from the cap, the other end of the swivel plate rotating radially outward and contacting the ground, the cell culture vessel being placed in a horizontal position, the cell culture vessel being maintained in a state inclined downward from the top wall to the bottom wall by the swivel plate rotating radially outward.

2. A cell culture vessel in which a cell culture medium is injected and in which cells are cultured while observing the culture state of the cells, The cell culture vessel comprises a top wall having an inlet opened and closed by a cap, a bottom wall located on the opposite side in the longitudinal direction from the top wall, and a peripheral wall having a predetermined area extending between the top and bottom walls; the peripheral wall is located between the top wall and the bottom wall, extends flat in the length direction, is arranged intermittently at equal intervals around the peripheral wall, and has a predetermined area including first to nth observation window portions that enable observation of the culture state of cells cultured inside the cell culture vessel; and a plurality of first to nth curved portions that are located between the first to nth observation window portions, are arranged intermittently at equal intervals around the peripheral wall, and extend in an arc around the peripheral wall, The cap has a top wall of a predetermined area and a peripheral side wall extending lengthwise from the outer periphery of the top wall and having a thread formed on its inner periphery, and a slide plate is provided on the top wall of the cap, which slides radially outward from one observation window portion to the other observation window portion located on the opposite radial side of the peripheral wall opposite the one observation window portion, and in the cell culture vessel, when the slide plate slides radially outward and a tip of the slide plate touches the ground, the cell culture vessel, which is placed in a lying position, is maintained in a downwardly inclined state from the top wall to the bottom wall by the slide plate slid radially outward.

3. 3. The cell culture vessel according to claim 1, wherein the first to nth observation window portions are formed in pairs on the peripheral wall so as to face each other in the radial direction, and the first to nth curved portions located between the observation window portions are formed in pairs on the peripheral wall so as to face each other in the radial direction, and it is possible to observe from the outer surface of one observation window portion on the peripheral wall an inner surface of the other observation window portion located on the opposite radial side of the peripheral wall facing the one observation window portion.

4. The cell culture vessel according to claim 3, wherein the inner circumferential surfaces of the first to nth curved portions are formed with at least one of a plurality of recesses recessed radially outward and a plurality of protrusions protruding radially inward.

5. The cell culture vessel according to claim 3, wherein the inner circumferential surfaces of the first to nth curved portions are formed with at least one of a plurality of convex ridges and a plurality of concave grooves extending in at least one of the lengthwise direction or circumferential direction.

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