Bag, method of filling, of emptying and extraction device

Abstract

Bag (1), comprising: - a substantially floppy and / or deformable body (2), comprising at least one lateral wall (5) which defines an internal portion (2i) of the body (2), said internal portion (2i) being configured to define at least one first volume (V1) and at least one second volume (V2) obtained by deformation of said at least one lateral wall (5); - at least one first access port (3) opening on said internal portion (2i), said first access port (3) being configured to allow an at least partial filling and / or an at least partial emptying of said internal portion (2i); wherein: - said first access port (3) has a closed operating configuration and an open operating configuration alternative to said closed operating configuration and allowing the communication of said internal portion (21) with an external environment; - the bag (1) is configured to, and specifically destined to, contain, within said internal portion (2i), a growth medium (200), preferably of agarised type and to allow its distribution in fluid, preferably liquid, form, through at least the first access port (3) at at least one predetermined temperature.

Description

[0001] Bag, method of filling, of emptying and extraction device

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The present disclosure refers to the field of growth media containers.

[0004] The present disclosure refers to the field of filling and extraction methods of growth medium from containers.

[0005] The present disclosure refers to the field of devices for extracting growth media from containers.

[0006] Prior art

[0007] The samples of biological and / or microbiological material are arranged in growth media. These growth media, when ready-to-use, are of agarised type.

[0008] The addition of agar, a polysaccharide extracted from algae, makes the medium particularly suitable for the reproduction of colonies that can be easily observed, described and / or counted.

[0009] Samples of biological and / or microbiological material are typically analyzed for health, forensic applications, or for the quality control in the food & beverage, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.

[0010] Ready-to-use growth media containers are known in the form of bottles. These bottles are realized in glass or plastic.

[0011] It is also known that the current need to handle a large amount of samples of biological and / or microbiological material has required the development of machines designed to carry out said handling in an at least partially automated way.

[0012] Some analysis laboratories receive growth media from external suppliers. Conversely, other analysis laboratories produce growth media entirely in-house, using powders that can be harmful to the user if handled improperly.

[0013] When handling a large quantity of samples of biological and / or microbiological material, these factors must be considered.

[0014] A first factor is the possible fragility of growth medium containers. The rapid handling of growth media containers, automatic or manual, increases the risk of breakage.

[0015] A second factor is the volume of containers. As the amount of required growth medium increases, the overall volume required to store full, empty or partially empty containers increases accordingly.

[0016] A third factor is related to the transport costs of growth medium containers, full or empty.

[0017] A fourth factor is related to the disposal costs of growth medium containers.

[0018] A fifth factor, present where the growth medium is not ready-to-use, is given by the time required to make the growth medium itself ready-to-use.

[0019] EP 2 811 011 A1 discloses a kit for cell growth. The kit comprises a growth container, which is provided with a port through which the injection or collection of a growth medium or cells are carried out. This growth container is connected to a container for storing the growth medium; the latter can also be used to collect waste liquids after the completion of the growth. US 2010 / 209966 A1 shows an aseptic bioreactor for processing biological material. The bioreactor includes at least one growth tube configured to retain an agar-based medium or a liquid medium, and at least one flexible bag to promote, within it, the growth of biological material.

[0020] WO 2010 / 080223 A1 discloses a system and method for preparing samples, comprising a plurality of containers with ports which allow the communication with the external environment.

[0021] AU 2011 248 263 A1 discloses an automatic filling method of storage bags for cryogenic material. The process described in the document in particular includes steps of assembling a bag, sterile welding, and opening and closing of valves to allow the introduction of products into the bags.

[0022] US 2022 / 204907 A1 discloses a kit for biological components; a plurality of bags is connected to a sorting unit through a plurality of ducts.

[0023] IT UB20 155 884 A1 discloses a bag for the preparation of solid or semi-solid growth media through microwave oven.

[0024] Summary

[0025] The object of the present disclosure will be described in some of its salient aspects, which are below indicated. The aspects can be combined with each other, with portions of the description and / or of claims.

[0026] According to the present disclosure it is described a bag (1), comprising:

[0027] - a substantially floppy and / or deformable body (2), comprising at least one lateral wall (5) which defines an internal portion (2i) of the body (2), said internal portion (2i) being configured to define at least one first volume (V1 ) and at least one second volume (V2) obtained by deformation of said at least one lateral wall (5);

[0028] - at least one first access port (3) opening on said internal portion (2i), said first access port (3) being configured to allow an at least partial filling and / or an at least partial emptying of said internal portion (2i); wherein:

[0029] - said first access port (3) has a closed operating configuration and an open operating configuration alternative to said closed operating configuration and allowing the communication of said internal portion (2i) with an external environment;

[0030] - the bag (1) is configured to, and specifically destined to, contain, within said internal portion (2i), a growth medium (200), preferably of agarised type and to allow its distribution in fluid, preferably liquid, form, through at least the first access port (3) at at least one predetermined temperature.

[0031] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the bag (1) is realized in a lightweight material.

[0032] In relation to the above-mentioned first factor, the bag (1) herein described advantageously allows to reduce the risk of breakage, and can be handled with less precautions with respect to substantially fragile growth media containers.

[0033] In relation to the second factor, the deformability of the bag (1) allows a more effective storage.

[0034] In relation to the third factor, it is observed that the lightness of the bag (1) herein described allows to reduce the carried weight, both when full and when empty.

[0035] In relation to the fourth factor, it is observed that the bag (1) herein described, being deformable and / or floppy, especially when empty, can be considerably compacted with the consequent effect of achieving a reduction in disposal costs (higher quantity of bags per volume unit and per weight unit) with respect to substantially rigid growth media containers.

[0036] In relation to the fifth factor, it is observed that the bag (1) when filled with a ready-to-use growth medium, can be made immediately usable.

[0037] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the bag (1) is configured to, and specifically destined to, contain, or contains, within said internal portion (2i), a growth medium (200), in solid, or semi-solid, or gel, or sol and / or colloidal form at least at room temperature and / or at a cooling and / or storing temperature, and / or at temperatures under 40 °C.

[0038] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the bag (1) is configured to, and specifically destined to, contain, or contains, within said internal portion (2i), a growth medium (200), in fluid, preferably liquid form, when placed at temperatures above 35°C, or at temperatures above 40°C, or at temperatures above 45°C, or at temperatures above 50°C, or at temperatures above 55°.

[0039] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the bag (1) is configured to, and specifically destined to, contain, or contains, within said internal portion (2i), a growth medium (200) which:

[0040] - is in solid, or semi-solid, or gel, or sol and / or colloidal form when brought from room temperature or from a cooling and / or storing temperature to temperatures comprised in the range [40 - 65]°C, preferably [45 - 60]°C, and / or

[0041] - passes from a solid, or semi-solid, or gel, or sol and / or colloidal form to a substantially liquid form when brought from room temperature or from a cooling and / or storing temperature to temperatures comprised in the range [80 - 130]°C, preferably [85 - 125]°C and, optionally, subsequently, remains in said substantially liquid form if cooled from said temperatures comprised in the range [80 - 130]°C, preferably [85 - 125]°C to temperatures comprised in the range [40 - 65]°C, preferably [45 - 60]°C.

[0042] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said growth medium (200) remains in said substantially liquid form when kept at temperatures comprised in the range [40 - 65]°C, preferably [45 - 60]°C, when previously brought to temperatures comprised in the range [80 - 130]°C, preferably [85 - 125]°C.

[0043] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the predetermined temperature is a temperature comprised in the range [35 - 100]°C, preferably in the range [40 - 95]°C, more preferably in the range [45 - 90]°C; or, alternatively, indicatively comprised in the range [10 - 40] °C, more preferably in the range [15 - 35] °C.

[0044] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said growth medium (200) is a ready-to-use growth medium.

[0045] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said growth medium (200) is a growth medium which does not require dilution.

[0046] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said growth medium (200) is a non pulverulent medium.

[0047] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said growth medium (200) is configured and destined to be poured on, or in, an auxiliary support or container configured to contain or support samples of biological or microbiological material.

[0048] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said support is a Petri plate.

[0049] According to the present disclosure it is also described the use of a bag (1) according to one or more of the aspects herein described, for the transport and / or the distribution of growth medium (200), preferably in solid, or semisolid, or gel, or sol and / or colloidal form, and / or for the distribution of a ready-to-use growth medium and / or which does not require dilution. According to a further non-limiting aspect, said bag (1) comprises a second access port (4) opening on said internal portion (2i), said second access port (4) being configured to allow an at least partial filling and / or an at least partial emptying of said internal portion (2i).

[0050] According to a further non-limiting aspect, at least one between said first access port (3) and said second access port (4), is substantially rigid and / or protrudes, preferably axially, outside a shape defined by said body (2).

[0051] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said first access port (3) and / or said second access port (4) is selectively openable and / or closable by effect of an external action.

[0052] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said first access port (3) and / or said second access port (4) is configured to automatically re-close.

[0053] According to a further non-limiting aspect, at least one between said first access port (3) and said second access port (4) comprises a respective plug (3c, 4c), and / or at least one between said first access port (3) and said second access port (4) comprises at least one respective seal (3s, 4s), preferably in sheet form, configured to be removed for allowing an extraction of at least part of said growth medium (200) from said internal portion (2i) of the body (2).

[0054] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said seal (3s, 4s) is accessible after an opening of said plug (3c, 4c) or being configured to be removed in order to allow an opening of said plug (3c, 4c).

[0055] According to a further non-limiting aspect, at least one between said first access port (3) and said second access port (4) comprises a substantially rigid portion opening on said internal portion (2i).

[0056] According to a further non-limiting aspect, at least one between said first access port (3) and said second access port (4) is configured to be opened via a duct (12) or a needle (12n) and / or is of the self-sealing type, re-closing automatically after the opening and / or after, preferably immediately after, the removal of said duct (12) or needle (12n).

[0057] According to a further non-limiting aspect, at least one between said first access port (3) and said second access port (4) is configured to house and / or retain at least temporarily said duct (12) and / or said needle (12n).

[0058] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the bag (1) comprises said growth medium (200), preferably of agarised type.

[0059] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said growth medium is a medium comprising a supplement.

[0060] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said internal portion (2i) is at least partially filled or totally filled with said growth medium (200).

[0061] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said bag (1) is configured to withstand a temperature up to 150°C, or up to 125°C or up to 100°C, and / or is configured to be placed, in use, in a heater, preferably in a bain-marie, microwave or steamer or air incubator heater, and / or configured to be autoclavable.

[0062] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said bag (1) is configured to be subjected to a sterilization process via at least one among the following techniques: autoclave introduction, sterilization gas, electromagnetic radiation, preferably radiation comprising gamma rays and / or beta rays.

[0063] According to a further non-limiting aspect, at least in a configuration of use, optionally in a configuration of use wherein the internal portion (2i) of said body (2) assumes said first volume (V1) or a volume lower with respect to said first volume (V1), said body (2) assumes a substantially planar shape. According to a further non-limiting aspect, said bag (2) comprises at least one auxiliary bag (2x) having at least one open configuration and one closed configuration.

[0064] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said auxiliary bag (2x) is housed within said internal portion (21) or is placed at least partially outside said internal portion (21).

[0065] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said auxiliary bag (2x) is configured to open on said internal portion (2i).

[0066] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said auxiliary bag (2x) is configured to house, or houses, said supplement.

[0067] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said auxiliary bag (2x), in said closed configuration, insulates said supplement from said growth medium (200).

[0068] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said auxiliary bag (2x), in said open configuration, allows a contact and / or a mixing of said supplement with said growth medium (200).

[0069] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said auxiliary bag (2x) is configured to be opened, passing from said closed configuration to said open configuration, by means of a pressure force exerted by a user, or by means of a perforation carried out by said duct (12) and / or said needle (12n).

[0070] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said auxiliary bag (2x) comprises a predefined opening portion, in correspondence of which said supplement is at least partially extracted from said auxiliary bag (2x) at the passage from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

[0071] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said predefined opening portion is a weakened portion.

[0072] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said auxiliary bag (2x) is placed in a fixed position with respect to said body (2) and / or with respect to said internal portion (2i), or is movable, preferably freely movable, within said internal portion (2i).

[0073] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said bag (1) is configured to be hung, preferably during a step of extraction of said growth medium (200) from said internal portion (2i) and / or when said duct (12) or needle (12n) is introduced in said at least one first access port (3).

[0074] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said bag (1) is configured to be leaned, preferably during a step of extraction of said growth medium (200) from said internal portion (2i) and / or when said duct (12) or needle (12n) is introduced in said at least one first access port (3).

[0075] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the bag (1) comprises at least one eyelet (2z), preferably positioned in correspondence of a peripheral portion of the body (2), and optionally in a portion substantially opposed with respect to the position of said first access port (3) and / or of said second access port (4).

[0076] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said body (2) comprises:

[0077] - a central portion (2c) wherein said lateral wall (5) comprises a first portion (2j) and a second portion (2k) separable to define said internal volume, and

[0078] - a portion at least partially peripheral (2p) substantially laminar wherein said first portion (2j) and said second portion (2k) are joined together.

[0079] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said eyelet (2z) is arranged in said portion at least partially peripheral (2p). According to a further non-limiting aspect, said body (2) is realized in multilayer material, preferably wherein at least said lateral wall (5) is realized in multilayer material.

[0080] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said multilayer material is a plastic material, preferably comprising at least one among polypropylene or styrene or polyethylene, preferably a low density one.

[0081] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said plastic material is a low-oxygen permeability material.

[0082] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said multilayer material comprises a first and a second external layer and an intermediate layer enclosed between said first layer and said second layer.

[0083] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said intermediate layer has a thickness greater with respect to the thickness of said first layer and / or of said second layer.

[0084] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said body (2) is realized in a non-toxic and / or inert material and / or in a material configured to, and specifically destined to, keep unaltered the chemical / physical characteristics of said growth medium (200).

[0085] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said material being configured to, and specifically destined to, keep unaltered the pH of said growth medium (200).

[0086] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said bag (1) comprises at least one first dip tube (2u), connected to said first access port (3); optionally said bag (1) comprising also a second dip tube (2u), said second dip tube (2u) being connected to said second access port (4).

[0087] According to a further non-limiting aspect, at least one between said first dip tube and said second dip tube, extends, preferably axially, along said internal portion (2i) of said body (2).

[0088] According to a further non-limiting aspect, at least one between said first dip tube and said second dip tube ends and opens in correspondence of a zone of said internal portion (2i) substantially remote, in particular opposed, with respect to a zone of said internal portion (2i) in the proximity of which there is said first access port (3) and / or said second access port (4).

[0089] According to a further non-limiting aspect, at least one between said first dip tube and said second dip tube has a higher rigidity with respect to a rigidity of said body (2), or has a lower rigidity with respect to a rigidity of said body (2), and / or is substantially flexible.

[0090] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said body (2) is a low-oxygen permeability body, preferably lower than 1750cm3 / (m2-24h-0.1 MPa), more preferably lower than 1500cm3 / (m2-24h-0.1 MPa), more preferably lower than 1250cm3 / (m2-24h-0.1 MPa).

[0091] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said body (2) has oxygen permeability lower than 1000cm3 / (m2-24h- 0.1 MPa), more preferably lower than 900cm3 / (m2-24h-0.1 MPa).

[0092] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said body (2) is cold-resistant, and preferably is a body capable of withstanding temperatures equal to or lower than -10°C, or temperatures equal to or lower than -5°C, or temperatures equal to or lower than 0°C, preferably without fracturing.

[0093] According to a further non-limiting aspect, at least part of said body (2) has a thickness substantially lower than 1 mm, preferably having thickness lower than 0,5mm and more preferably comprised between 250 pm and 350 pm.

[0094] According to a further non-limiting aspect, at least part of said body (2), optionally at least one between said first portion (2j) and said second portion (2k), has substantially constant thickness. According to the present disclosure it is also described a filling method of a bag (1), wherein the bag (1) comprises:

[0095] - a substantially floppy and / or deformable body (2), comprising at least one lateral wall (5) which defines an internal portion (2i) of the body (2), said internal portion (2i) being configured to define at least one first volume (V1) and at least one second volume (V2) obtained by deformation of said at least one lateral wall (5);

[0096] - at least one first access port (3) opening on said internal portion (2i), said first access port (3) being configured to allow an at least partial filling and / or an at least partial emptying of said internal portion (2i); wherein:

[0097] - said first access port (3) has a closed operating configuration and an open operating configuration alternative to said closed operating configuration and allowing the communication of said internal portion (2i) with an external environment;

[0098] - the bag (1) is configured to, and specifically destined to, contain, within said internal portion (2i), a growth medium (200), preferably of agarised type and to allow its distribution in fluid, preferably liquid form, through at least the first access port (3) at at least one predetermined temperature; the method comprising:

[0099] - a supply, through an adduction duct (11), of said growth medium (200) inside said internal portion (2i) of the body (2),

[0100] - said supply determining an increase of a quantity of said growth medium (200) contained in said internal portion (2i).

[0101] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the supply occurs making said growth medium (200) flow through at least said first access port (3).

[0102] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said supply determines an increase of the volume of said internal portion (2i), preferably from said first volume (V1) to said second volume (V2).

[0103] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said supply determines a volume maintenance of said internal portion (2i) via an air extraction corresponding to the volume of growth medium (200) introduced in said internal portion (2i).

[0104] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the predetermined temperature is a temperature comprised in the range [35 - 100]°C, preferably in the range [40 - 95]°C, more preferably in the range [45 - 90]°C; or, alternatively, indicatively comprised in the range [10 - 40] °C, more preferably in the range [15 - 35] °C.

[0105] According to a further non-limiting aspect, in the method, the supply, through an adduction duct (11), of a growth medium (200) inside said internal portion (2i) of the body (2), is a supply of heated growth medium and / or in at least one between the following forms: substantially fluid, or solid, or semi-solid, or gel, or sol and / or colloidal.

[0106] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the supply provides for an introduction of said adduction duct (11) or of a needle (11 n) connected to said adduction duct (11) in said first access port (3).

[0107] According to a further non-limiting aspect, at the end of said supply, said at least one first access port (3) is sealed, preferably automatically sealed, optionally by effect of a removal of said adduction duct (11) or of said needle (11 n) from said first access port (3).

[0108] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the method comprises a step of positioning of a respective plug (3c, 4c) on said at least one first access port (3) and / or on said at least one second access port (4), and comprises a step of closing of said respective plug. According to a further non-limiting aspect, the method comprises, upon completion of said filling, the application of a seal (3s, 4s) in correspondence of said at least one first access port (3), optionally of the first access port (3) and of the second access port (4).

[0109] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the application comprises a covering of said at least one first access port (3), optionally of the first access port (3) and of the second access port (4), via said seal (3s, 4s).

[0110] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said method comprises a sterilization of said bag (1), in particular at least of said internal portion (2i) of the body (2), via preferably heat, e.g. in an autoclave, and / or via gas or electromagnetic radiation.

[0111] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said electromagnetic radiation comprises gamma rays and / or beta rays.

[0112] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the sterilization occurs, in particular occurs and ends, before said filling.

[0113] According to the present disclosure it is also described an emptying method of at least one first bag (1), wherein the bag (1) comprises:

[0114] - a substantially floppy and / or deformable body (2), comprising at least one lateral wall (5) which defines an internal portion (2i) of the body (2), said internal portion (2i) being configured to define at least one first volume (V1) and at least one second volume (V2) obtained by deformation of said at least one lateral wall (5);

[0115] - at least one first access port (3) opening on said internal portion (2i), said first access port (3) being configured to allow an at least partial filling and / or an at least partial emptying of said internal portion (2i); wherein:

[0116] - said first access port (3) has a closed operating configuration and an open operating configuration alternative to said closed operating configuration and allowing the communication of said internal portion (2i) with an external environment;

[0117] - the bag (1) is configured to, and specifically destined to, contain, within said internal portion (2i), a growth medium (200), preferably of agarised type and to allow its distribution in fluid, preferably liquid form, through at least the first access port (3) at at least one predetermined temperature; the emptying method comprising:

[0118] - a connection of the first access port (3) to an extraction duct (12);

[0119] - an extraction, through at least one pump (301) operatively connected with said extraction duct (12), of at least part of said growth medium (200), comprising making said at least part of said growth medium flow in said extraction duct (12) through said first access port (3);

[0120] - said extraction determining a reduction of a quantity of said growth medium (200) contained in said internal portion (2i).

[0121] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the method comprises:

[0122] - a connection of the first access port (3) and / or of a second access port (4) of said first bag (1) to an extraction duct (12);

[0123] - a connection of the first access port (3) and / or of a second access port (4) of a second bag (1) to a further extraction duct (12); - an extraction, via said first pump (301) or via a second pump (301) connected with said further extraction duct (12), of at least part of said growth medium (200) from said first bag (1) and / or from said second bag (1), comprising making said at least part of said growth medium flow in said extraction duct (12) and / or in said further extraction duct (12) through said first access port (3) and / or said second access port (4) of said first bag (1) and / or through said first access port (3) and / or said second access port (4) of said second bag (1).

[0124] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said extraction determines a reduction of a quantity of said growth medium (200) contained in said internal portion (2i) of said first bag (1) and of said second bag (1).

[0125] According to a further non-limiting aspect, in said method, when at room temperature and / or at temperatures under 40°C, said growth medium (200) is in solid, or semi-solid, or gel, or sol and / or colloidal form.

[0126] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said method comprises distributing at least part of growth medium (200) extracted from the internal portion (2i) of said bag (1) on, or in, at least one first auxiliary support or container, said auxiliary support or container being configured to contain or support samples of biological or microbiological material, optionally being a Petri plate; preferably comprising distributing at least part of growth medium (200) extracted from the internal portion (2i) of said bag (1) at a temperature higher than room temperature and / or comprising activating a heater (310) and distributing, preferably kept heated, or heated before the distribution, at least part of growth medium (200) extracted from the internal portion (2i) of said bag (1) in a predefined range of temperatures, and, preferably, at a temperature at least equal to 35°C, or at least equal to 40°C, or at least equal to 45°C, or at least equal to 50°C or at least equal to 55°C.

[0127] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said method comprises a heating of at least part of growth medium (200), optionally occurring during the extraction of at least part of said growth medium (200) or before the extraction of at least part of said growth medium (200).

[0128] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the heating comprises preferably bringing the growth medium (200) in fluid, preferably liquid form, bringing said growth medium (200) to temperatures above 35°C, or to temperatures above 40°C, or to temperatures above 45°C, or to temperatures above 50°C, or to temperatures above 55°C.

[0129] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the heating comprises:

[0130] - heating the growth medium (200) from a room temperature or from a cooling and / or storing temperature to temperatures comprised in the range [40 - 65]°C, preferably [45 - 60]°C, and keeping via said heating, the medium in solid, or semi-solid, or gel, or sol and / or colloidal form; and / or

[0131] - heating the growth medium (200) from a room temperature or from a cooling and / or storing temperature to temperatures comprised in the range [80 - 130] °C, preferably [85 - 125] °C determining a passage from a solid, or semi-solid, or gel, or sol and / or colloidal form for said growth medium (200) to a substantially liquid form and, subsequently, cooling said growth medium (200) up to reach temperatures comprised in the range [40 - 65]°C, preferably [45 - 60] °C,.

[0132] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said cooling and / or storing temperature is comprised in the range [- 5 - 15]°C, preferably [-3 - 13]°C, more preferably [0 - 10]°C and / or is a temperature lower than said room temperature.

[0133] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said room temperature is comprised in the range [13 - 35] °C, preferably [17 - 30]°C. According to a further non-limiting aspect, the method comprises keeping said growth medium at temperatures comprised in the range [40 - 65]°C, preferably [45 - 60]°C, and making said growth medium remain in said substantially liquid form when previously heated at temperatures comprised in the range [80 - 130]°C, preferably [85 - 125]°C.

[0134] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the method comprises a simultaneous heating of at least part of growth medium (200) of said first bag (1) and of said second bag (1), optionally occurring during the extraction of at least part of said growth medium (200) or before the extraction of at least part of said growth medium (200) from said first bag (1) and / or from said second bag (1).

[0135] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the extraction determines a reduction of the volume of said internal portion (2i) of the body (2), preferably from said second volume (V2) to said first volume (V1).

[0136] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said extraction determines a volume maintenance of the internal portion (2i) of the body (2), and comprises an introduction of an air quantity corresponding to the volume of growth medium (200) extracted from said internal portion (2i).

[0137] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the extraction determines a reduction of the volume of said internal portion (2i) of the body (2) of said first bag (1) and of said second bag (1), preferably from said second volume (V2) to said first volume (V1).

[0138] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said extraction determines a volume maintenance of the internal portion (2i) of the body (2) of said first bag (1) and of said second bag (1), and comprises an introduction of an air quantity corresponding to the volume of growth medium (200) extracted from said internal portion (2i).

[0139] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the connection of the first access port (3) or of the second access port (4) to said extraction duct (12) comprises an introduction of said extraction duct (12) in said first access port (3) or in said second access port (4) comprises a connection of a needle (12n), connected to the extraction duct (12), with said first access port (3) or with said second access port (4).

[0140] According to a further non-limiting aspect:

[0141] - the connection of the first access port (3) of said first bag (1) to said extraction duct (12) comprises an introduction of said extraction duct (12) in said first access port (3) of said first bag (1) or comprises a connection of a needle (12n) connected to the extraction duct (12) to said first access port (3) of said first bag (1);

[0142] - the connection of the first access port (3) of said second bag (1) to said further extraction duct (12) comprises an introduction of said further extraction duct (12) in said first access port (3) of said second bag (1) or comprises a connection of a needle (12n) connected to said further extraction duct (12) to said first access port (3) of said second bag (1).

[0143] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the method comprises a connection of a second access port (4) of the bag (1) to said extraction duct (12).

[0144] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the method comprises a connection of a second access port (4) of the first bag (1) to said extraction duct (12) and comprises a connection of a second access port (4) of the second bag (1) to said extraction duct (12).

[0145] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the connection of the second access port (4) of said first bag (1) and / or of said second bag (1) to said extraction duct (12) and / or to said further extraction duct (12) comprises an introduction of said extraction duct (12) and / or of said further extraction duct (12) in said second access port (4) of said first bag (1) and / or of said second bag (1).

[0146] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the method comprises a connection of a needle (12n) connected to the extraction duct (12) or to said further extraction duct (12) to said second access port (4) of said first bag (1) and / or of said second bag (1).

[0147] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the heating of at least part of growth medium (200) occurs via at least one heater (310), preferably of bain-marie, microwave or steamer or air incubator heater type, and / or comprises an at least partial melting of the growth medium (200).

[0148] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said melting is preferably resulting from said heating.

[0149] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said heating comprises the reaching of a first operating temperature (T1) and of a second operating temperature (T2).

[0150] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said first operating temperature (T1) is up to 130°C, or up to 125°C, or up to 105°C, or is a temperature comprised in the range [80 - 130] °C, preferably [85-105] °C.

[0151] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said second operating temperature (T2) is up to 65°C, or up to 60°C or up to 55°C, or is a temperature comprised in the range [40 - 65]°C, preferably [45 - 60]°C.

[0152] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said heating is a heating having at least one first step and one second step following said first step, wherein:

[0153] - in said first step said growth medium (200) is brought to said first operating temperature (T1);

[0154] - in said second step said growth medium (200) is brought to, and preferably kept at, or under, said second operating temperature (T2).

[0155] According to a further non-limiting aspect, at least one between said first step and said second step lasts for a time at least equal to 10 minutes, or 15 minutes or 20 minutes or 25 minutes.

[0156] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said first step lasts for a time lower than 2h, preferably for a time lower than 1 ,75h, more preferably for a time lower than 1 ,5h.

[0157] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said second step lasts for a time higher than 1 h, or higher than 2h, or higher than 3h, or higher than 4h, or higher than 6h.

[0158] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the method comprises heating, simultaneously, a plurality of bags (1) via said heater (310) and / or comprises a heating of at least part of growth medium (200), optionally occurring during the extraction of at least part of said growth medium (200) or before the extraction of at least part of said growth medium (200), contained in a first bag (1) and in a second bag (1).

[0159] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said extraction comprises an activation of a pump (301), preferably an occlusive pump, connected to said extraction duct (12).

[0160] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said extraction duct (12) is a compressible duct.

[0161] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said pump (301) determines a compression, preferably cyclic and / or repeated, of said extraction duct (12).

[0162] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said extraction comprises an activation of a pump (301), preferably an occlusive pump, connected to said extraction duct (12) and to said further extraction duct (12), or comprises:

[0163] - an activation of a first pump (301), preferably an occlusive pump, connected to said extraction duct (12), and - an activation of a second pump (301), preferably an occlusive pump, connected to said further extraction duct (12).

[0164] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the method comprises an addition of a supplement to said growth medium (200).

[0165] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the addition of the supplement occurs before the extraction of at least part of said growth medium (200).

[0166] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the addition of the supplement comprises a step of introduction of said supplement through at least said first access port (3) in said internal portion (2i) in such a way that said supplement results to be mixed to said growth medium (200).

[0167] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the addition of the supplement comprises an opening of at least one auxiliary bag (2x) housed within said internal portion (2i) or being placed at least partially outside said internal portion (2i) and configured to open on said internal portion (2i), in such a way that said supplement results to be mixed to said growth medium (200). According to a further non-limiting aspect, said supplement is a selective supplement, and / or is a supplement comprising at least one among an antibiotic, an alcohol, a hormone, a serum, an egg yolk, an amino acid, a vitamin, a protein and for example a phosphoprotein, a pepton, a carbohydrate, a fermenting agent, for example a gellan gum, a reagent, bile, a growth regulator, a preservative, a cortisone, an alkaloid, for example colchicine, a non-organic compound, for example a salt, a chromogen.

[0168] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said addition occurs before said heating.

[0169] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said addition occurs after said heating and / or at least partially overlapping in time with said heating.

[0170] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said addition occurs for the growth medium (200) contained in said first bag (1) and for the growth medium (200) contained in said second bag (1).

[0171] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the method comprises the activation of at least one manipulator (305) connected with said extraction duct (12) and / or with said further extraction duct (12) or with an auxiliary duct connected to said extraction duct (12) and / or to said further extraction duct (12).

[0172] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said activation is an activation according to an automated activation and / or handling process.

[0173] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the method comprises moving, via said at least one manipulator (305), at least one predefined portion of said extraction duct (12) and / or of said further extraction duct (12) or of said auxiliary duct, in order to deliver at least part of growth medium (200) extracted from the internal portion (2i) of said bag, optionally of said first bag (1) and / or of said second bag (1), alternatively on, or in, said first auxiliary support or container (313) or on, or in, a second auxiliary support or container (314) configured to contain or support samples of biological or microbiological material, optionally said second auxiliary support or container (314) being a Petri plate.

[0174] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the method comprises moving, via a manipulator and / or via a conveyor, a first auxiliary support or container (313), or a second auxiliary support or container (314), with respect to said predefined portion of said extraction duct (12) and / or of said further extraction duct (12) and / or of said auxiliary duct, in order to deliver at least part of growth medium (200) extracted from the internal portion (2i) of the bag, optionally of the first bag (1) and / or of the second bag (1) in said first auxiliary support or container (313) or in said second auxiliary support or container (314). According to a further non-limiting aspect, said second auxiliary support or container (314) is configured to contain or support samples of biological or microbiological material, optionally said second auxiliary support or container (314) being a Petri plate.

[0175] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the method comprises distributing, via said extraction, at least part of growth medium (200) extracted from said internal portion (2i) of said bag, optionally of said first bag (1) and / or of said second bag (1), on a support configured to contain or support samples of biological or microbiological material, preferably a Petri plate directly through said extraction duct (12) or through said auxiliary duct.

[0176] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the method comprises:

[0177] - a step of calculation of a residual volume Vr of growth medium (200) present within said first bag (1) and / or in said second bag (1) and / or

[0178] - a step of calculation of a volume Vs subtracted from said growth medium (200).

[0179] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the method comprises:

[0180] - a step of determination of an initial volume Vi of growth medium (200) contained in said first bag (1) and / or in said second bag (1).

[0181] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said step of calculation of a residual volume Vr and / or said step of calculation of a volume Vs subtracted from said growth medium (200) comprises: knowing and / or determining a volume Vc of growth medium (200) which a pump (301) extracts from said first bag (1) and / or from said second bag (1) at each movement cycle and / or a volume Vc' of growth medium (200) which said pump (301) extracts from said first bag (1) and / or from said second bag (1) per time unit.

[0182] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said step of calculation of a residual volume Vr and / or said step of calculation of a volume Vs subtracted from said growth medium (200) comprises: calculating and / or determining a number N of movement cycles of said pump (301) and / or an activation time t of said pump (301).

[0183] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said step of calculation of a residual volume Vr and / or said step of calculation of a volume Vs subtracted from said growth medium (200) comprises: calculating said residual volume Vr of growth medium (200) in said first bag (1) and / or in said second bag (1) according to the following equation: Vr=Vi-N*Vc, or Vr=Vi-t*Vc'.

[0184] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said step of calculation of a residual volume Vr and / or said step of calculation of a volume Vs subtracted from said growth medium (200) comprises: calculating said subtracted volume Vs of said growth medium (200) in said first bag (1) and / or in said second bag (1) according to the following equation Vs =N*Vc, or Vs=t*Vc'.

[0185] According to the present disclosure it is also described a computer program, stored on a memory support and destined to be executed by a computer; said program comprises portions of software code that when executed cause the execution of an emptying method of at least one first bag (1), wherein the bag (1) comprises: - a substantially floppy and / or deformable body (2), comprising at least one lateral wall (5) which defines an internal portion (21) of the body (2), said internal portion (21) being configured to define at least one first volume (V1) and at least one second volume (V2) obtained by deformation of said at least one lateral wall (5);

[0186] - at least one first access port (3) opening on said internal portion (2i), said first access port (3) being configured to allow an at least partial filling and / or an at least partial emptying of said internal portion (2i); wherein:

[0187] - said first access port (3) has a closed operating configuration and an open operating configuration alternative to said closed operating configuration and allowing the communication of said internal portion (2i) with an external environment;

[0188] - the bag (1) is configured to, and specifically destined to, contain, within said internal portion (2i), a growth medium (200), preferably of agarised type and to allow its distribution in fluid, preferably liquid form, through at least the first access port (3) at at least one predetermined temperature, the emptying method comprising:

[0189] - an extraction, through at least one pump (301) operatively connected with said extraction duct (12), of at least part of said growth medium (200), comprising making said at least part of said growth medium flow in said extraction duct (12) through said first access port (3);

[0190] - said extraction determining a reduction of a quantity of said growth medium (200) contained in said internal portion (2i).

[0191] According to the present disclosure it is also herein described a device (300) for the extraction of at least part of a growth medium from at least one bag (1) according to one or more of the aspects herein described, the device comprising:

[0192] - an extraction duct (12), configured to be connected with at least said first access port (3) and / or with said second access port (4) of said bag (1);

[0193] - at least one pump (301), operatively connected with said extraction duct (12), said pump (301) being configured to extract at least part of said growth medium (200) from the internal portion (2i) of said bag (1).

[0194] According to the present disclosure it is also described a device (300) for the extraction of at least part of the content of at least one first bag (1) according to one or more of the aspects herein described, the device comprising:

[0195] - an extraction duct (12), configured to be connected with at least said first access port (3) and / or with said second access port (4) of said first bag (1);

[0196] - a further extraction duct (12), configured to be connected with at least said first access port (3) and / or with said second access port (4) of a second bag (1);

[0197] - a pump (301), operatively connected with said extraction duct (12), said pump (301) being configured to extract at least part of said growth medium (200) from the internal portion (2i) of said first bag (1), or

[0198] - a first pump (301) operatively connected with said extraction duct (12) and configured to extract at least part of growth medium (200) from the internal portion (2i) of said first bag (1), and a second pump (301) operatively connected with said further extraction duct (12) and configured to extract at least part of growth medium (200) from the internal portion (2i) of said second bag (1).

[0199] According to the present disclosure it is also described a device (300) for the extraction of at least part of the content of at least one bag (1) according to one or more of the aspects herein described, the device comprising:

[0200] - an extraction duct (12), configured to be connected with at least said first access port (3) and / or with said second access port (4) of said first bag (1);

[0201] - a first pump (301), operatively connected with said extraction duct (12), said first pump (301) being configured to extract at least part of said growth medium (200) from the internal portion (2i) of said first bag (1).

[0202] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the device (300) is in particular a device (300) for the extraction of at least part of growth medium contained of said first bag (1).

[0203] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the device (300) comprises:

[0204] - a further extraction duct (12), configured to be connected with at least said first access port (3) and / or with said second access port (4) of a second bag (1).

[0205] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said device (300) comprises a second pump (301) operatively connected with said further extraction duct (12) and configured to extract at least part of growth medium (200) from the internal portion (2i) of said second bag (1), or said first pump (301) is operatively connected with said further extraction duct (12), said first pump (301) being configured to extract at least part of said growth medium (200) from the internal portion (2i) of said second bag (1).

[0206] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the device is configured to, and specifically destined to, deliver at least part of growth medium (200) extracted from the internal portion (2i) of said first bag (1) on, or in, at least one first auxiliary support or container, said auxiliary support or container being configured to contain or support samples of biological or microbiological material, optionally being a Petri plate.

[0207] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said device is configured to deliver at least part of growth medium (200) extracted from the internal portion (2i) of said bag (1) at a temperature higher than room temperature and / or comprises a heater (310) configured to deliver, preferably kept heated, or heated before the distribution, at least part of growth medium (200) extracted from the internal portion (2i) of said bag (1) in a predefined range of temperatures, and, preferably, at a temperature at least equal to 35°C, or at least equal to 40°C, or at least equal to 45°C, or at least equal to 50°C or at least equal to 55°C.

[0208] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said device is configured to deliver at least part of growth medium (200) extracted from the internal portion (2i) of said bag (1) carrying out, preferably before said distribution:

[0209] - a heating from room temperature or from a cooling and / or storing temperature to temperatures comprised in the range [40 - 65]°C, preferably [45 - 60]°C, and to distribute, in this way, growth medium (200) kept in solid, or semi-solid, or gel, or sol and / or colloidal form; and / or

[0210] - a heating from room temperature or from a cooling and / or storing temperature to temperatures comprised in the range [80 - 130]°C, preferably [85 - 125]°C to transform said growth medium (200) from a previous solid, or semi-solid, or gel, or sol and / or colloidal form, to a substantially liquid form and, subsequently, a cooling at temperatures comprised in the range [40 - 65]°C, preferably [45 - 60]°C, to deliver, in this way, growth medium (200) in substantially liquid form. According to a further non-limiting aspect, the device is configured to, and specifically destined to, deliver, simultaneously or alternatively, at least part of growth medium (200) extracted from the internal portion (21) of said first bag (1) and / or of said second bag (1) on, or in, at least one first auxiliary support or container.

[0211] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said auxiliary support or container is configured to contain or support samples of biological or microbiological material, optionally being a Petri plate.

[0212] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said device is configured to deliver, alternatively or simultaneously, at least part of growth medium (200), extracted from the internal portion (2i) of said first bag (1), and / or of said second bag (1), at a temperature higher than room temperature and / or comprising a heater (310) configured to deliver alternatively or simultaneously, preferably kept heated, or heated before the distribution, at least part of growth medium (200) extracted from the internal portion (2i) of said first bag (1) and / or of said second bag (1); optionally wherein said heater (310) is configured to deliver, preferably kept heated, or heated before the distribution, at least part of growth medium (200) extracted from said internal portion of said first bag (1) and / or of said second bag (1 ) in a predefined range of temperatures, and, preferably, at a temperature at least equal to 35°C, or at least equal to 40°C, or at least equal to 45°C, or at least equal to 50°C or at least equal to 55°C.

[0213] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said heater (310) is configured to reach a first operating temperature (T1) and a second operating temperature (T2).

[0214] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said heater (310) is configured to carry out a heating of said at least part of said growth medium (200) at least in a first step and in a second step following said first step, wherein:

[0215] - in said first step said growth medium (200) is brought to said first operating temperature (T1);

[0216] - in said second step said growth medium (200) is brought to, and preferably kept at, or under, said second operating temperature (T2).

[0217] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said heater (310) is configured to carry out a heating and / or to keep at least part of said growth medium (200) at, or under, a second operating temperature (T2) and, optionally to operatively cooperate with a further heater, preferably operatively arranged upstream of said heater (310), said further heater being configured to heat at least part of said growth medium (200) at least at a first operating temperature (T1 ) .

[0218] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said further heater operatively acts before said heater (310), preferably in a first step of heating previous to the second step of heating wherein said heater (310) is configured to carry out the heating and / or to keep at least part of said growth medium (200) at, or under, said second operating temperature (T2).

[0219] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said extraction duct (12), and / or said further extraction duct (12), is a compressible duct and / or wherein said first pump (301) and / or said second pump (301) determines a compression, preferably cyclic and / or repeated, of said extraction duct (12) and / or of said further extraction duct (12) and / or wherein at least one between said first pump (301) and said second pump (301) is an occlusive pump.

[0220] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the device comprises at least one supporting element (302) configured to retain said bag (1), preferably said first bag (1) and / or said second bag (1), in at least one predefined position, preferably a predefined hung position and / or in a predefined first position within said heater (310).

[0221] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said predefined position is a position wherein at least said first access port (3) is facing downwards, optionally said first access port (3) and said second access port (4) are facing downwards. According to a further non-limiting aspect, the predefined position is a position such that the first access port (3) is facing downwards; optionally is a position wherein the first access port (3) and the second access port (4) are facing downwards.

[0222] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the predefined position is a position such that the first access port (3) is facing upwards or is substantially arranged on a horizontal plane; optionally, is a position wherein the first access port (3) and the second access port (4) are facing upwards or substantially arranged on a horizontal plane.

[0223] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said heater (310) is preferably of bain-marie, microwave or steamer or air incubator heater type, and being destined to determine, in use, an at least partial melting of the growth medium (200).

[0224] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said heater (310) is configured to heat, and in particular heat and house, simultaneously, at least one plurality of bags (1).

[0225] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the device comprises a manipulator (305) connected with said extraction duct (12) or with an auxiliary duct connected to said extraction duct (12).

[0226] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said manipulator (305) is configured to carry out a relative movement between at least one predefined portion of said extraction duct (12) or of said auxiliary duct and said first auxiliary support or container (313) or on, or in, a second auxiliary support or container (314) configured to contain or support samples of biological or microbiological material, in order to deliver at least part of growth medium (200) extracted from the internal portion (2i) of said bag alternatively on, or in, said first auxiliary support or container (313) or on, or in, said second auxiliary support or container (314) configured to contain or support samples of biological or microbiological material, optionally said second auxiliary support or container (314)being a Petri plate.

[0227] According to a further non-limiting aspect, to carry out said relative movement, said device (300) is configured to keep standstill said extraction duct (12) or said auxiliary duct connected to said extraction duct (12) and to move said first auxiliary support or container (313) and / or said second auxiliary support or container (314).

[0228] According to a further non-limiting aspect, in order to carry out said relative movement, said device (300) is configured to keep standstill said first auxiliary support or container (313) and / or said second auxiliary support or container (314) and to move said extraction duct (12) or said auxiliary duct connected to said extraction duct (12).

[0229] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said device is configured to, and specifically destined to, deliver at least part of growth medium (200) extracted from said internal portion (2i) on a support configured to contain or support samples of biological or microbiological material, preferably a Petri plate, preferably directly through said extraction duct (12) or through said auxiliary duct.

[0230] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said manipulator (305) is connected with said extraction duct (12) and / or with said further extraction duct (12) or with an auxiliary duct connected to said extraction duct (12) or to said further extraction duct (12).

[0231] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said manipulator (305) is configured to move at least one predefined portion of said extraction duct (12), of said further extraction duct (12) or of said auxiliary duct in order to distribute at least part of growth medium (200) extracted from the internal portion (2i) of said first bag (1) and / or of said second bag (1) alternatively on, or in, said first auxiliary support or container (313) or on, or in, a second auxiliary support or container (314) configured to contain or support samples of biological or microbiological material, optionally said second auxiliary support or container (314)being a Petri plate.

[0232] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said device is configured to, and specifically destined to, deliver at least part of growth medium (200) extracted from said internal portion (2i) of said first bag (1) and / or of said second bag (1) on a support configured to contain or support samples of biological or microbiological material, preferably a Petri plate directly through said extraction duct (12) or through said auxiliary duct.

[0233] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said device (300) is configured to extract from said at least one first bag (1) the growth medium (200) previously added with a supplement.

[0234] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said device (300) is configured to add a supplement to said growth medium (200) contained at least in said first bag (1), and to extract said growth medium from said at least one first bag (1) after the addition.

[0235] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said device (300) is configured to:

[0236] - execute a calculation of a residual volume Vr of growth medium (200) present within said first bag (1) and / or in said second bag (1) and / or

[0237] - execute a calculation of a volume Vs subtracted from said growth medium (200).

[0238] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said device (300) is configured to

[0239] - determine an initial volume Vi of growth medium (200) contained in said first bag (1) and / or in said second bag (1).

[0240] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said calculation of a residual volume Vr and / or said calculation of a volume Vs subtracted from said growth medium (200) comprises: a knowledge and / or a determination of a volume Vc of growth medium (200) which a pump (301 ) extracts from said first bag (1 ) and / or from said second bag (1) at each movement cycle and / or a volume Vc' of growth medium (200) which said pump (301) extracts from said first bag (1) and / or from said second bag (1) per time unit;

[0241] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said calculation of a residual volume Vr and / or said calculation of a volume Vs subtracted from said growth medium (200) comprises: a calculation and / or a determination of a number N of movement cycles of said pump (301) and / or an activation time t of said pump (301).

[0242] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said calculation of a residual volume Vr and / or said calculation of a volume Vs subtracted from said growth medium (200) comprises: a calculation of said residual volume Vr of growth medium (200) in said first bag (1) and / or in said second bag (1) according to the following equation: Vr=Vi-N*Vc, or Vr=Vi-t*Vc'.

[0243] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said calculation of a residual volume Vr and / or said calculation of a volume Vs subtracted from said growth medium (200) comprises: a calculation of said subtracted volume Vs of said growth medium (200) in said first bag (1) and / or in said second bag (1) according to the following equation Vs =N*Vc, or Vs=t*Vc'. Figures

[0244] The following detailed description refers to the attached figures, a short description thereof is below indicated.

[0245] Figure 1 shows a lateral view of a first embodiment of a bag object of the present disclosure.

[0246] Figure 2 shows a lateral view of a second embodiment of a bag object of the present disclosure.

[0247] Figure 3 and figure 4 show respective sectional views along the lines A-A of figure 1; the bag assumes a first lower volume (figure 3) and a second higher volume (figure 4).

[0248] Figure 5 shows a schematic view of a detail of the bag object of the present disclosure.

[0249] Figure 6 shows a further schematic view of a detail of the bag object of the present disclosure.

[0250] Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of a device to which the bag object of the present disclosure is operatively associated for the extraction of the growth medium therein contained.

[0251] Figure 8 shows a graph of temperatures as a function of time.

[0252] Figure 9 shows a particular and non-limiting embodiment of a heater.

[0253] Figure 10 shows an alternative embodiment of a bag object of the present disclosure.

[0254] Figure 11 shows a first embodiment of a bag provided with an auxiliary bag for a supplement.

[0255] Figure 12 shows a second embodiment of a bag provided with an auxiliary bag for a supplement.

[0256] Figure 13 shows a third embodiment of a bag provided with an auxiliary bag for a supplement; this auxiliary bag, in the third embodiment, lies partially outside the internal portion of the body of the main bag.

[0257] Detailed description

[0258] Reference number 1 indicates a bag for growth medium as a whole. The bag herein described has been conceived for the application with machines designed to handle at least partially automatically samples of biological and / or microbiological material.

[0259] Non-limiting examples of growth media are PCA, VRBG, BP. PCA is a generic growth medium, non-selective, typically used to count a total bacterial charge of a sample. Besides agar, PCA contains tryptone. VRBG is a growth medium which allows the growth of Gram-negative bacteria, but does not allow the growth of Gram-positive bacteria; it is therefore a selective medium. BP (Baird-Parker) is a growth medium typically used for the detection of Staphylococcus aureus.

[0260] The bag 1 object of the present disclosure is destined to contain, in use, a ready-to-use growth medium. PCA, VRBG, BP are non-limiting examples of ready-to-use growth media.

[0261] Not ready-to-use growth media are media in powder or granular form, which still need to be added with substances suitable for making them into a substantially fluid or gel or sol or colloidal form.

[0262] The use of the bag 1 with ready-to-use media allows laboratories to flexibly react to an often rapidly changing workload. In addition, laboratory running costs associated with the production of growth medium, which would otherwise be present if the growth medium were prepared locally (autoclave maintenance, electricity, water, etc.) are reduced.

[0263] The growth medium contained in use in the bag 1 is for example a growth medium which does not require dilution. It is therefore clear that the growth medium contained in the bag 1 is a non-powder medium. This growth medium is configured and destined to be poured on, or in, an auxiliary support or container configured to contain or support samples of biological or microbiological material. In an embodiment, the support is a Petri plate.

[0264] Specific embodiments and details of the growth medium.

[0265] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a bag 1 .

[0266] The bag 1 object of the present disclosure comprises a substantially floppy and / or deformable body 2, comprising at least one lateral wall 5 which defines an internal portion 2i of the body 2.

[0267] As schematically shown in figure 3 and in figure 4, the internal portion 2i is configured to define at least one first volume V1 (figure 3) and at least one second volume V2 (figure 4) obtained by deformation of the lateral wall 5.

[0268] In an embodiment, the lateral wall 5 is a front and / or rear wall of the bag 1 which is realized via for example a perimeter sealing of the lateral wall 5 in the below described manner.

[0269] The maximum volume reachable by the internal portion 2i is equal to 250ml or to 500ml or to 750ml or to 1000ml or to 1500ml or to 2000ml. This maximum volume can correspond to the volume V2.

[0270] The bag 1, in figure 1, comprises a first access port 3 opening on said internal portion 2i; the first access port 3 is configured to allow an at least partial filling and / or an at least partial emptying of said internal portion 2i.

[0271] More in detail, figure 1 shows an embodiment wherein the first access port 3 has a closed operating configuration and an open operating configuration alternative to said closed operating configuration.

[0272] The first access port 3 is selectively openable or closable by effect of an external action.

[0273] The external action is for example the one exerted by a puncture needle destined to allow an introduction or extraction for example of growth medium 200 from / to the internal portion 2i.

[0274] The bag 1 is configured to contain within it a growth medium 200, preferably an agarised growth medium 200. The bag 1 is configured to allow the distribution in fluid, preferably liquid form, through the first access port 3, at at least one predetermined temperature. The growth medium 200 is contained in the bag 1 in at least one of the following forms: substantially fluid, gel, sol, colloidal form.

[0275] In an embodiment, this growth medium 200 is in at least one of the mentioned forms when lies at room temperature. For the purposes of the present disclosure, as room temperature is intended a temperature comprised in the range [13 - 35] °C, preferably [17 - 30]°C.

[0276] In a specific embodiment, the growth medium is in solid, or semi-solid, or gel, or sol and / or colloidal form when it is at room temperature; the growth medium is in solid form when placed at temperatures above 45°C, or at temperatures above 50°C, or at temperatures above 55°C, or at temperatures above 60°C.

[0277] Having defined as "room temperature” a temperature substantially comprised between 15°C and 30°C, in an embodiment the behaviour of the growth medium 200 can be such that:

[0278] - passing from room temperature or from a cooling and / or storing temperature (lower with respect to the room temperature) to temperatures comprised in the range [40-65]°C, preferably [45-60]°C, the growth medium remains in solid, semi-solid, gel sol and / or colloidal form; - passing from room temperature or from a cooling and / or storing temperature (lower with respect to the room temperature) to temperatures comprised in the range [80 - 130] °C, preferably [85 - 125] °C the growth medium passes from being in solid, or semi-solid, or gel, or sol and / or colloidal form, to a substantially liquid form.

[0279] Subsequently, when heated at temperatures comprised in the range [80 - 130]°C, preferably [85 - 125]°C, if brought (cooled) to and kept at temperatures comprised in the range [40 - 65]°C, preferably [45 - 60]°C, the growth medium 200 remains in substantially liquid form.

[0280] For the purposes of the present disclosure, the predetermined temperature is a temperature indicatively comprised in the range [35 - 100]°C, preferably in the range [40 - 95]°C, more preferably in the range [45 - 90]°C; or, alternatively, indicatively comprised in the range [10 - 40] °C, more preferably in the range [15 - 35]°C.

[0281] For this reason, it is clear that the present disclosure relates to an emptying method at least partial of the bag 1 wherein when at room temperature and / or at temperatures under 40°C, said growth medium 200 is in solid, semi-solid, gel, sol and / or colloidal form. The method which is also object of the present disclosure comprises bringing the growth medium 200 in fluid, preferably liquid form, bringing said growth medium 200 to temperatures above 35°C, or to temperatures above 40°C, or to temperatures above 45°C, or to temperatures above 50°C, or to temperatures above 55°C.

[0282] To the growth medium 200 which is present in the bag 1 can be added a supplement. The present disclosure is to be intended such that any known supplement can be added to the growth medium. For the sake of full disclosure, some examples of supplement are indicated.

[0283] The supplement can be a selective supplement, preferably a supplement such as to promote the growth of determined types of bacteria.

[0284] The supplement, in addition to or in combination with the above described characteristics, it can comprise an antibiotic, for example gentamicin, and / or is a supplement comprising at least one among an antibiotic, an alcohol, a hormone, a serum, an egg yolk, an amino acid, a vitamin, a protein and for example a phosphoprotein, a pepton, a carbohydrate, a fermenting agent, for example a gellan gum, a reagent, bile, a growth regulator, a preservative, a cortisone, an alkaloid, for example colchicine, a non-organic compound, for example a salt, a chromogen.

[0285] In light of the above, it is therefore clear that the present disclosure concerns a use of a bag 1 , for the transport and / or the distribution of growth medium (200), preferably in substantially fluid and / or gel, and / or sol and / or colloidal form, and / or for the distribution of a ready-to-use growth medium and / or which does not require dilution.

[0286] The extraction determines a reduction of a quantity of said growth medium 200 contained in said internal portion 2i.

[0287] In at least one configuration of use, optionally in a configuration of use wherein the internal portion 2i of said body 2 assumes said first volume V1 or a volume lower with respect to said first volume V1 (ideally zero volume), the body 2 assumes a substantially planar shape. This allows to store the bag making it occupy a very small volume.

[0288] The bag of figure 1 is configured to be hung, or to be leaned, at least during the extraction of the growth medium 200 from the internal portion 2i of the body 2, and i.e. when a duct or a perforation needle are introduced in an access port which will be better described below; this technical characteristic should not be intended in a limiting manner.

[0289] The body 2 of the bag 1 comprises: - a central portion 2c wherein said lateral wall 5 comprises a first portion 2j and a second portion 2k separable to define said internal portion with variable volume, and

[0290] - a portion at least partially peripheral 2p, which in the embodiment of figure 1 is perimetral.

[0291] This peripheral portion 2p is of substantially laminar type and is realized by welding the first portion 2j with the second portion 2k.

[0292] In an embodiment, the peripheral portion 2p perimetrically surrounds the entire central portion 2c and serves to delimit the internal volume of the bag 1.

[0293] In order to be hung, the bag 1 comprises at least one eyelet 2z. The bag of figure 1 comprises four eyelets, but this configuration should not be intended in a limiting manner. The eyelet 2z realizes a through-hole which allows the passage of a hook or equivalent device. The eyelet 2z can have an elongated shape.

[0294] In an embodiment the bag 1 object of the present disclosure has only one single eyelet 2z arranged in correspondence of a portion (side) substantially opposed to the side on which it is arranged the first access port 3 (or on which are arranged the first access port 3 and the second access port 4).

[0295] The eyelet 2z is arranged in correspondence of the peripheral portion 2p. In an embodiment, two eyelets 2z are arranged in correspondence of an upper portion of the bag 1 . Two further eyelets 2z are arranged in correspondence of a lower portion of the bag 1. In figure 2 a further (second) embodiment of a bag 1 is shown.

[0296] The bag 1 of figure 2 differs from the bag 1 of figure 1 for example by the presence of a second access port 4.

[0297] The second access port 4 opens on said internal portion 2i.

[0298] The second access port 4 is configured to allow an at least partial filling and / or an at least partial emptying of said internal portion 2i.

[0299] Similarly to the embodiment of figure 1, the second access port 4 has a closed operating configuration and an open operating configuration alternative to said closed operating configuration.

[0300] The second access port 4 is selectively openable or closable by effect of an external action.

[0301] As schematically shown in figure 2, the second access port 4 is joined by the first access port 3. Both the first and the second access port 3, 4 lie on a same side of the bag 1 .

[0302] In an embodiment the first access port 3 and the second access port 4 are identical.

[0303] In a non-limiting embodiment, at least one between the first access port 3 and the second access port 4 is configured to lie in correspondence of a bottom portion of the bag 1 . In particular when the bag 1 is hung, this technical characteristic allows to perfect the emptying of the bag itself, and allows to reduce the residue of growth medium 200 at the end of the use of the bag 1.

[0304] In an embodiment, at least one between said first access port 3 and said second access port 4 comprises a respective plug 3c, 4c. In the embodiment of figure 2, both the first access port 3 and the second access port 4 comprise a respective plug 3c, 4c.

[0305] As schematically in figure 5 and in figure 6, in an embodiment, at least one between said first access port 3 and said second access port 4 comprises at least one respective seal 3s, 4s, configured to allow to insulate, even at a hygienic level, the access port on which it is applied and / or configured to allow to identify whether the bag 1 has been handled and / or whether a needle or a duct has already been introduced respectively in said at least one between said first access port 3 and said second access port 4. Preferably, both ports are provided with a respective seal. In a non-limiting embodiment, the seal is in sheet form. Preferably this sheet is realized in plastic material, in aluminium and / or in a combination of these two elements.

[0306] Preferably the plastic material is a low-oxygen permeability material. A low-oxygen permeability positively affects (increases) the shelf life of the bag 1 including the growth medium 200.

[0307] Preferably, but not limited thereto, the oxygen permeability is lower than 2000cm3 / (m2-24h-0.1 MPa), more preferably lower than 1750cm3 / (m2-24h-0.1 MPa), more preferably lower than 1500cm3 / (m2-24h-0.1 MPa), more preferably lower than 1250cm3 / (m2-24h-0.1 MPa).

[0308] Preferred embodiments for the material with which it is realized the body 2 (with thickness preferably between 250 pm and 350 pm, more preferably around 200pm ±10%) have an oxygen permeability lower than 1000cm3 / (m2- 24h-0.1 MPa), more preferably lower than 900cm3 / (m2-24h-0.1 MPa). In any case, it is preferable that the body 2 has a thickness lower than 1mm and more preferably lower than 0,5mm.

[0309] The oxygen permeability data are measured under the following conditions: temperature (23±2)°C; RH (50±5)%.

[0310] Alternatively or in combination with the above mentioned characteristics regarding the oxygen permeability, said material can have vapour transmission which, when measured at 38 ± 0.6 °C, and RH (90±0.2)%, is lower than 10g / (cm2* 24h), preferably lower than 7,5g / (cm2* 24h), preferably lower than 5g / (cm2* 24h), and further preferentially lower than 3.5g / (cm2* 24h).

[0311] Furthermore, preferably the plastic material is a cold-resistant material, in particular capable of withstanding temperatures equal to or lower than -10°C, or temperatures equal to or lower than -5°C, or temperatures equal to or lower than 0°C, in particular without fracturing. This technical characteristic is useful since the storage of bags 1 containing growth medium 200 occurs at temperatures approximately close to 0°C, for example at 2°C or 5°C or 8°C, but can also occur at lower temperatures, in particular according to the specific typology of growth medium and / or according to the specific duration of shelf life.

[0312] The seal is configured to be removed, for example via a tear made by an operator, to allow an extraction of at least part of said growth medium 200 from said internal portion 2i of the body 2. Alternatively the seal can be configured to be broken or perforated via a substantially rigid element, such as for example a needle or a plastic or metal duct.

[0313] In an embodiment the seal 3s, 4s is placed substantially inside the respective access port. Therefore, in this embodiment the seal 3s, 4s is accessible after an opening of said plug 3c, 4c. This configuration is the one shown in figure 5.

[0314] Alternatively, the seal 3s, 4s covers an accessible portion of the respective access port. In this case this seal is configured to be removed in order to allow an opening of said plug 3c, 4c. This configuration is shown in figure 6.

[0315] The conformation of plug and seal ensure that the connection of the emptying needle is substantially sterile or at least reduces the risk of contamination.

[0316] As it is possible to observe from figures 1 and / or 2, preferably the first access port 3 or the second access port 4, or both the first access port 3 and the second access port 4 comprise a substantially rigid portion which opens on the internal portion 2i of the body 2. This substantially rigid portion is realized in plastic material and is substantially cylindrical-, or truncated cone- shaped, and is hollow. Preferably, as shown in the attached figures, the substantially rigid portion is provided with a substantially axial development.

[0317] Preferably the first access port 3 (in the embodiment wherein are present two ports, preferably both the first access port 3 and the second access port 4, or at least one between them), is a self-sealing access port.

[0318] After the introduction of a needle 12n or of a duct 12, for example with a slash cut type end, the access port is open and growth medium 200 can be collected or introduced.

[0319] After the removal of the needle 12n or of the duct 12, the access port - due to its mechanical / physical characteristics - automatically re-closes without the need for further intervention from the operator. The internal portion 2i is therefore again insulated from the external environment. In particular, the closure of the access port can occur, preferably, immediately after the removal of the duct 12 or of the needle 12n from the port itself.

[0320] Figures 11-13 show particular embodiments of a bag 1 , comprising an auxiliary bag 2x, which is preferably destined to house a supplement for growth medium. The auxiliary bag 2x has at least one open configuration and one closed configuration, and:

[0321] - in said closed configuration, the auxiliary bag 2x insulates said supplement from the growth medium 200,

[0322] - in said open configuration, the auxiliary bag 2x allows a contact and / or a mixing of the supplement with the growth medium 200.

[0323] In figures 11 and 12 are shown embodiments wherein the auxiliary bag is housed within the internal portion 2i.

[0324] In figure 11 is shown an embodiment wherein the auxiliary bag 2x is positioned in correspondence of a zone of the internal portion 2i substantially opposed with respect to the zone of internal portion 2i adjacent to the first access port 3.

[0325] In figure 12 is shown an embodiment wherein the auxiliary bag 2x is positioned in correspondence of a zone of internal portion 2i substantially proximal to the first access port 3 and to the second access port 4.

[0326] In figure 13 is shown an embodiment wherein the auxiliary bag 2x is substantially positioned outside the internal portion 2i and opens on it to allow the release of the supplement within the volume defined by the internal portion 2i wherein in use is present the growth medium.

[0327] It is observed that determined embodiments of the bag 1 object of the present disclosure can provide for an auxiliary bag 2x freely movable within the internal portion 2i. These embodiments are not shown in the attached figures.

[0328] Therefore, the auxiliary bag 2x can be arranged in a fixed position with respect to the body of the bag 1 , or movable within the internal portion 2i of the body of the bag.

[0329] Depending on the configuration, the auxiliary bag 2x can be:

[0330] - configured to be opened (thus, switching from the closed configuration to the open configuration) via a pressure force exerted by a user;

[0331] - configured to be opened (thus, switching from the closed configuration to the open configuration) via a perforation carried out by said duct 12 and / or said needle 12n (in particular, this occurs in the embodiment of figure 12). Preferably, the auxiliary bag 2x has a predefined opening portion, in correspondence of which said supplement is at least partially extracted from the auxiliary bag 2x at the passage from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

[0332] In a preferred embodiment, the predefined opening portion is a weakened portion, and is positioned in correspondence of a perimeter portion of the auxiliary bag 2x.

[0333] Although the auxiliary bag 2x can be realized with the material with which the body of the main bag is made (see in particular the following portion of the description), this should not be intended in a limiting manner.

[0334] The presence of a "double bag” (main bag and auxiliary bag) allows to simplify the operation of addition of the growth supplement. In particular, if the supplement is for example harmful or dangerous to handle (for example, fine powder) the handling of the bag and the preparation of the growth medium is made safer. In fact, the operator has fewer risks of inadvertently coming into contact with the supplement.

[0335] Although it is shown a single auxiliary bag 2x in figures 11-13, the number of auxiliary bags 2x should not be considered limited to 1. In fact, have been conceived embodiments - not shown in the attached figures - wherein it is present a plurality of auxiliary bags 2x.

[0336] Mechanical / physical characteristics of the bag

[0337] The bag 1 object of the present disclosure is realized in lightweight material; for the purposes of the present disclosure, as lightweight material it is intended a material with a density lower than the density of glass, in particular a material having a density lower than 3400kg / m3, preferably lower than 301 Okg / m3, more preferably lower than 2400 kg / m3or lower than 2000kg / m3. In a non-limiting embodiment, the plastic material with which is realized the bag 1 object of the present disclosure can have a density lower than 1500 kg / m3. This technical characteristic allows to have a particular lightness and to keep low the consumptions and costs resulting from the transport of a plurality of bags 1, full or empty.

[0338] Since it is destined to contain growth medium, the bag 1 object of the present disclosure is preferably configured to withstand heat, for example in order to be sterilized by heat. In an embodiment, the bag 1 object of the present disclosure is destined to be autoclaved. Preferably, the bag 1 object of the present disclosure is destined to be autoclaved before the growth medium 200 is introduced within the internal portion 2i of the body 2.

[0339] The bag 1 object of the present disclosure is preferably destined to withstand and / or is compatible with sterilization procedures via electromagnetic radiation, preferably comprising gamma rays and / or beta rays.

[0340] The material with which is realized the bag 1 is preferably such that it does not chemically interact with the growth medium.

[0341] In a non-limiting embodiment, the bag 1 object of the present disclosure is configured to withstand a temperature up to 150°C, or up to 125°C or up to 100° C.

[0342] Preferably the bag 1 is destined to be in use placed in a heater 310.

[0343] The heater 310 is a heater operatively coupled with a machine for handling samples of biological, microbiological or chemical material, or being part of the aforementioned machine.

[0344] Non-limiting examples of heater are: bain-marie, microwave or steamer or air incubator ones. In a preferred embodiment, but non-limiting, the heater 310 is a preserving heater. The purpose of the preserving heater is to keep the bag 1 at temperatures comprised in the range [40 - 65]°C, preferably [45 - 60]°C.

[0345] In this case the preserving heater is configured to operatively cooperate with a further heater, which is preferably configured and destined to heat the growth medium 200 from a room temperature or from a cooling and / or storing temperature at temperatures comprised in the range [80 - 130] °C, preferably [85 - 125] °C. The cooling and / or storing temperature can be considered comprised in the range [-5 - 15]°C, preferably [-3 - 13]°C, more preferably [0 - 10] °C, and is then a temperature lower with respect to the room temperature.

[0346] Preferably the heater 310 comprises an electrical resistance 31 Or to allow the heating of the bag 1 and, consequently, of the growth medium 200 contained therein.

[0347] In an embodiment, the body of the bag 1 object of the present disclosure is in multilayer material. In particular the lateral wall 5 of the body 2 is realized in multilayer material. Even more specifically, the first portion 2] and the second portion 2k are realized in multilayer material.

[0348] Preferably, the multilayer material is a plastic material, preferably comprising at least one among polypropylene or styrene or polyethylene, preferably a low density one.

[0349] Optionally, at least part of the body 2 has constant thickness. This is particularly preferable for at least one between the first portion 2] and the second portion 2k. In a preferred embodiment both the first portion 2] and the second portion 2k have constant thickness.

[0350] This multilayer material is transparent or otherwise opaque to optical radiation; for the purposes of the present disclosure, as opaque is intended a material which attenuates, without totally annulling, the diffusion or otherwise the passage of optical radiation. Such optical radiation is to be intended at least pertaining to the visible spectrum. Thanks to this technical characteristic, the operator can observe the content of the bag and establish at least approximatively its content. Furthermore, thanks to this technical characteristic, the operator can assess the status of the growth medium 200 to verify, for example, that the latter is not contaminated and / or that the colour is the correct one.

[0351] The multilayer material preferably comprises a first and a second external layer and an intermediate layer enclosed between said first layer and said second layer.

[0352] Preferably the intermediate layer has a thickness greater with respect to the thickness of said first layer and / or of said second layer.

[0353] For the purposes of the present disclosure the first layer is the one that in use comes into contact with the growth medium 200. This first layer is therefore a compatible layer (non-chemically reacting) with the growth medium and, preferably compatible (non-chemically reacting) with a supplement that in use can be added to the growth medium.

[0354] A preferred embodiment of the material forming the body 2 has relevant characteristics of non-toxicity, and is inert. An inert material is a material that neither releases nor captures substances and / or ions to / from the growth medium 200.

[0355] The above-mentioned preferred embodiment of said material is such as to keep unaltered the chemical / physical characteristics of the growth medium 200. In particular, this material is configured to, and specifically destined to, keep unaltered the pH of the growth medium 200.

[0356] A further embodiment of the bag 1 object of the present disclosure is shown in figure 10. In this embodiment, the bag 1 comprises a dip tube 2u destined to facilitate the collection of the growth medium also from a bottom portion of the internal volume of the bag and therefore destined to promote a complete emptying of the bag 1 from the growth medium 200 contained therein.

[0357] The dip tube 2u is connected, in particular directly connected, with the first access port 3.

[0358] The dip tube 2u extends preferably substantially axially along the internal portion 2i of the body 2. The dip tube ends and opens in correspondence of a zone of said internal portion 2i substantially remote, in particular opposed, with respect to a zone of said internal portion 2i in the proximity of which there is said first access port 3.

[0359] The dip tube 2u can be substantially rigid, and in particular have a higher rigidity with respect to the rigidity of the body 2 of the bag 1. Alternatively the dip tube 2u can have rigidity substantially equal to, or lower than, the one of the body 2 of the bag 1.

[0360] Optionally, the dip tube 2u can be substantially elastic, and return, after the application of a deformation force, to a condition of rest and to a shape assumed before the application of the deformation force.

[0361] Although figure 10 shows a bag 1 exclusively provided with a single access port, it must be intended that where the bag 1 has a first access port 3 and a second access port 4, can be present a first dip tube 2u and a second dip tube 2u having the above-described characteristics. In particular, it forms object of the present disclosure a bag 1 which, even having a first access port 3 and a second access port 4, has a single dip tube 2u.

[0362] The advantages of the bag 1 object of the present disclosure are clear in the light of the above description.

[0363] A first advantage provided by the bag 1 object of the present disclosure is the absence of fragility. It can be handled without special care, and if it falls, it typically does not break.

[0364] A second advantage provided by the bag 1 object of the present disclosure is to have a reduced volume when empty; consequently, empty bags, still to be filled or already emptied from the growth medium, occupy a significantly reduced volume with respect to bottles with defined volume.

[0365] Empty bags can be stacked and stored in very small spaces.

[0366] A third advantage provided by the bag 1 object of the present disclosure is to contain transport costs. In fact, plastic bags in material weigh less than glass bottles, occupy less space, and therefore involve lower transport costs.

[0367] A fourth advantage provided by the bag 1 object of the present disclosure is given by a reduced disposal cost, given in particular by the fact that a large quantity of emptied bags can be transported in a reduced volume.

[0368] A fifth advantage provided by the use of the bag 1 object of the present disclosure with ready-to-use growth medium is given by the speed with which the growth medium can be effectively extracted for use. In particular, its lateral surface and its reduced volume allow a rapid and homogenous heating of the growth medium.

[0369] Furthermore, the use of bags with ready-to-use growth medium advantageously allows to avoid that the operators of a laboratory come into contact with powders that could be harmful.

[0370] Filling method

[0371] The present disclosure also relates to a method of filling a bag; the method herein described applies in particular to the bag 1 according to the present disclosure.

[0372] The method comprises first of all a supply, through an adduction duct 11 , of a growth medium 200 inside said internal portion 2i of the body 2. 1 The above-mentioned supply determines an increase of a quantity of said growth medium 200 contained in said internal portion 21. The increase is progressive. Before the step of supplying, the bag 1 object of the present disclosure can be subjected to a sterilization via preferably heat, for example in an autoclave, and / or a sterilization via gas or electromagnetic radiation (gamma rays and / or beta rays, preferably).

[0373] The sterilization, which preferably occurs before said filling and ends before the start of said filling, is preferably aimed at sterilizing the internal portion 2i of the body 2, in order to make it substantially free of microorganisms and / or viruses.

[0374] In case of a bag provided with a single access port 3, the supply occurs making said growth medium 200 flow through said first access port 3.

[0375] In case, on the other hand, the bag is provided with two ports, the supply can occur by making, alternatively or simultaneously, said growth medium 200 flow through the first access port 3 and / or the second access port 4. The operator can then select which, among the access ports, to use for the filling of the bag.

[0376] In an embodiment, with the introduction of the growth medium 200 the bag, empty (and therefore with zero internal volume) increases in volume; therefore in this embodiment said supply determines an increase of the volume of the internal portion 2i, for example from the first volume V1 to a second volume V2.

[0377] In an alternative embodiment, the bag 1 is partially filled with air. In this case it can be convenient to progressively empty the air volume gradually occupied by the growth medium 200 which is introduced in the internal portion 2i.

[0378] According to the specific conditions, the growth medium 200 can be introduced through the adduction duct 11 via heating at a predefined temperature, preferably higher than the environmental one, or alternatively without heating.

[0379] Preferably, in order to promote the filling, the growth medium 200 is introduced in the internal portion 2i in at least one among the following forms: substantially fluid, gel, sol, colloidal.

[0380] In an embodiment, at the end of said supply, the access port used for the filling (for example, the first access port 3, and / or the second access port 4) is sealed.

[0381] If this access port is self-sealing, the access port is automatically sealed by effect of the removal of the adduction duct 11 or of the needle 11 n connected thereto.

[0382] In a non-limiting embodiment, the method provides for the application of the seal 3s, 4s to at least one between the first access port 3 and the second access port 4. In particular the method can provide the step of application of a sheet configured to be removed to allow an extraction of at least part of growth medium 200 from the internal portion 2i of the body 2.

[0383] The application of the seal can comprise the covering of the plug 3c, 4c (already closed) via said seal 3s, 4s, or can provide the application of the seal and subsequently the closure of the plug 3c, 4c.

[0384] In particular, a possible embodiment of the method herein described can provide to fill the bag in a configuration wherein the plugs 3c, 4c are not positioned on the first access port 3 and / or on the second access port 4; the plugs 3c, 4c are subsequently positioned, when the filling is finished or completed. The plugs 3c, 4c are then closed.

[0385] During the filling of the internal portion 2i of the body 2 the bag object of the present disclosure and / or the growth medium can be kept at a pre-determined temperature such as to allow to keep at least part of growth medium in fluid and preferably liquid form or, alternatively, in solid, semi-solid, gel, sol and / or colloidal form. If the bag 1 is provided with the above-described auxiliary bag, there is a step of filling of the auxiliary bag 2x with a supplement destined to be brought into contact and mixed with the growth medium 200. After the filling of the auxiliary bag, the latter is then closed.

[0386] In an embodiment, the filling method can provide the introduction of the auxiliary bag 2x in the internal portion 2i of the body 2 of the bag 1. For example, this step of verification where the auxiliary bag 2x is a body freely movable in the internal portion of the body 2 of the bag 1.

[0387] Emptying method and device for the extraction of at least part of the content of the bag.

[0388] In the previous portion of the description, it was mentioned that the present disclosure concerns an method of emptying the bag.

[0389] The emptying method comprises in particular:

[0390] - a connection of the first access port 3 to an extraction duct 12;

[0391] - an extraction of at least part of said growth medium 200, comprising making said at least part of said growth medium flow in said extraction duct 12 through said first access port 3.

[0392] In a preferred embodiment, the extraction of at least part of growth medium 200 determines a reduction of the volume of the internal portion 2i of the body 2; for example this internal portion 2i passes from said second volume V2 to said first volume V1.

[0393] Alternatively, it is predictable that the extraction determines a volume maintenance of the internal portion 2i of the body 2, for example by introducing in the bag an air quantity corresponding to the volume of growth medium 200 extracted from the internal portion 2i.

[0394] In an embodiment, the emptying method occurs on a bag 1 previously sterilized in the above-described modes.

[0395] In an embodiment of the method, the connection of the first access port 3 to the extraction duct 12 comprises an introduction of the extraction duct 12, in particular of a substantially rigid portion thereof, in said first access port 3 or comprises a connection of a needle, connected to the extraction duct 12, to the first access port.

[0396] In a further embodiment, which is applicable to those embodiments of the bag 1 provided with at least two access ports, there is a connection of the second access port 4 to the extraction duct 12 or to a needle 12n. It is therefore clear that at least one between the first access port 3 and the second access port 4, in particular at least one between the first access port 3 and the second access port 4 is configured to house and / or retain at least temporarily said extraction duct 12 or said needle 12n.

[0397] The method herein disclosed can provide a step of heating of at least part of growth medium, via at least one heater. The heater can be the previously mentioned heater 310; the technical characteristics thereof are not described again.

[0398] The step of extraction of the growth medium can occur in a time interval different with respect to the time interval wherein the heater is activated, or in a time interval substantially coinciding with the time interval wherein the heater is activated.

[0399] Preferably, the heating comprises the reaching of a first operating temperature T1 and of a second operating temperature T2. In a non-limiting embodiment, the heating takes place as follows. As schematically shown in figure 8, at first, in a first step of heating, the growth medium 200 is brought to said first temperature T1. The reaching of the temperature T1 occurs at the time instant i1. In an embodiment, the first operating temperature T1 is up to 130°C, or up to 125°C, or up to 120°C, or is a temperature comprised in the range [80 - 130]°C, preferably [85 - 125]°C.

[0400] In a second step of heating, which follows the first step of heating (time instant i2), the growth medium 200 is brought to, and preferably is also kept at, or under, said second temperature T2. In an embodiment the second temperature T2 is up to 65°C, or up to 60°C or up to 55°C, or is a temperature comprised in the range [40 - 65]°C, preferably [45 - 60] °C.

[0401] In a non-limiting embodiment, since the passage from the first temperature T1 to the second temperature T2 involves a cooling, in an embodiment between the first step of heating and the second step of heating can comprise a lowering of the temperature of the growth medium 200 from the first (higher) temperature T1 to the second (lower) temperature T2.

[0402] The heating of the growth medium can occur progressively and slowly; at least one between the first step of heating and the second step of heating can last for a time at least equal to 10 minutes, or 15 minutes or 20 minutes or 25 minutes.

[0403] In an embodiment, the first step lasts for a time lower than 2h, preferably for a time lower than 1 ,75h, more preferably for a time lower than 1 ,5h.

[0404] In an embodiment, the second step lasts for a time higher than 1 h, or higher than 2h, or higher than 3h, or higher than 4h, or higher than 6h.

[0405] Due to the characteristics of the growth medium 200, in an embodiment the method provides the activation of a pump 301 to carry out the at least partial emptying of the bag 1 . The pump 301 is preferably an occlusive pump and is connected to the extraction duct 12.

[0406] In a non-limiting embodiment, the occlusive pump is a peristaltic pump, of a type similar to the one used, for example, for dialysis. In this case, preferably the extraction duct 12 is a compressible duct.

[0407] When activated, the pump 301 determines a compression, preferably cyclic and / or repeated, of said extraction duct 12 which promotes the extraction of the growth medium 200 from the bag 1.

[0408] When the bag 1 is hung, the position assumed by the first access port 3, and when present, by the second access port 4 promotes the emptying of the bag 1 in conjunction with the action exerted by the pump.

[0409] It is noted that the extraction method herein described preferably does not involve the insufflation of pressurized air; the insufflation determines a forced extraction of the growth medium 200 from the bag 1 .

[0410] In the method described herein can be present an addition of a supplement to the growth medium. The characteristics of the supplement have been previously described, and are therefore not repeated.

[0411] In a preferred embodiment, the addition of the supplement occurs after and / or at least partially overlapping in time with said heating.

[0412] In an alternative embodiment, the addition of the supplement occurs before the heating.

[0413] In an embodiment, the addition of the supplement occurs at least before the step of extraction of at least part of growth medium 200. Should the bag 1 be provided with an auxiliary bag 2x, the emptying method of the bag 1 can provide an addition of supplement to the growth medium which is realized via a step of opening of the auxiliary bag 2x. The step of opening can comprise an action of pressure exerted by a user, such as to determine the passage from the closed configuration to the open configuration, preferably such as to at least partially make the supplement flow in correspondence of the weakened portion of the auxiliary bag 2x, or via a perforation with duct or needle.

[0414] The method of the present disclosure (and consequently the device 300 herein described) can involve an operation on two bags 1 . In this case, it is clear that the method will provide:

[0415] - a connection of the first access port 3 of a first bag 1 to an extraction duct 12;

[0416] - a connection of the first access port 3 of a second bag 1 to a further extraction duct 12;

[0417] - an extraction of at least part of said growth medium 200 from said first bag 1 and from said second bag 1 .

[0418] Clearly the extraction duct 12 can be connected to the second access port 4 of the first bag 1 and / or of the second bag 1 according to needs.

[0419] The extraction will comprise making said at least part of said growth medium flow in said extraction duct 12 and in said further extraction duct 12 through the first access port 3 of the first bag 1 and through the first access port 3 of the second bag 1 .

[0420] The extraction determines a reduction of a quantity of the growth medium 200 contained in the internal portion 2i of the first bag 1 and of the second bag 1.

[0421] The further steps of the above-described method in relation to a single bag are clearly repeatable in a simultaneous or disjointed manner for a first bag 1 and a second bag 1 , in particular where this method is implemented via an extraction device, as for example the one below described.

[0422] It forms also object of the present disclosure a device 300 for the extraction of at least part of the content, in particular for the extraction of at least part of growth medium, from at least one bag 1 .

[0423] The device 300, in a minimal configuration thereof, comprises:

[0424] - an extraction duct 12 configured to be connected with the first access port 3 and / or, if present, with the second access port 4 of the bag 1 ;

[0425] - a pump 301 , operatively connected with the extraction duct 12.

[0426] Should the device be configured to operate with two bags, or with a number of bags higher than two, it will comprise:

[0427] - an extraction duct 12, configured to be connected with the first access port 3 and / or, if present, with the second access port 4 of the first bag 1;

[0428] - a further extraction duct 12, configured to be connected with the first access port 3 and / or, if present, with the second access port 4 of the first bag 1;

[0429] - a pump 301, operatively connected with the extraction duct 12 and with the further extraction duct 12 or, alternatively, a first pump 301 operatively connected with the extraction duct 12 and a second pump 301 operatively connected with the further extraction duct 12.

[0430] The pump 301 (if present, the first pump and the second pump) is configured to extract at least part of growth medium 200 from the internal portion 2i of the bag 1. In this way it is possible to alternatively or simultaneously deliver, the growth medium 200 present in the first bag 1 and / or in the second bag 1.

[0431] The device herein described is configured to, and specifically destined to, deliver at least part of growth medium 200 in at least one first auxiliary support or container. The auxiliary support or container is configured to contain or support samples of biological or microbiological material; in a non-limiting embodiment, the auxiliary support or container is a Petri plate.

[0432] The device is preferably configured to deliver at least part of growth medium 200 extracted from the internal portion 2i of the bag 1 at a temperature higher than room temperature and / or in a predefined range of temperatures, and, preferably, at a temperature at least equal to 40°C, or at least equal to 45°C, or at least equal to 50°C, or at least equal to 55°C or at least equal to 60°C.

[0433] The device 300 herein described and, consequently, the method herein described, can comprise:

[0434] - a distribution of growth medium 200 from the first bag 1 (or from the second bag 1) in a first auxiliary support or container and, simultaneously in a second auxiliary support or container;

[0435] - a distribution of growth medium 200 from the first bag 1 in a first auxiliary support or container and, simultaneously, a distribution of growth medium 200 from the second bag 1 in a second auxiliary support or container.

[0436] Should the device 300 herein described be provided with two pumps 301, and then the method comprises the distribution of growth medium collected from at least one first bag 1 via a first pump and a second pump, is provided an operating condition wherein the pumps move with different movement cycles, thus determining:

[0437] - a first volume of growth medium 200 transferred per time unit, or a first volume of growth medium 200 transferred by movement cycle, for the first pump 301 ;

[0438] - a second volume of growth medium 200 transferred per time unit, or a second volume of growth medium 200 transferred by movement cycle, for the second pump 301.

[0439] In an preferred embodiment, the device of distribution herein described is configured to deliver at least part of growth medium 200 extracted from the internal portion 2i of said bag 1 by carrying out, preferably before said distribution, a heating from room temperature to temperatures comprised in the range [80 - 130]°C, preferably [85 - 125]°C and, subsequently, a cooling at temperatures comprised in the range [40 - 65]°C, preferably [45 - 60]°C, to deliver, in this way, growth medium 200 in substantially liquid form and transformed from a previous solid, or semisolid, or gel, or sol and / or colloidal form, to said substantially liquid form.

[0440] This process of heating and cooling should not be intended as limiting, since alternatively the device of distribution herein described can be configured to deliver at least part of growth medium 200 extracted from the internal portion 2i of said bag 1 by carrying out, preferably before said distribution, a heating from room temperature to temperatures comprised in the range [40 - 65] °C, preferably [45 - 60] °C, and to deliver, in this way, a growth medium (200) kept in solid, or semi-solid, or gel, or sol and / or colloidal form.

[0441] The device herein described, through a heater 310, is configured to operate:

[0442] - at a first operating temperature T 1 for the heating of the bag 1 ;

[0443] - at a second operating temperature T2 for the heating of the bag 1. In particular, the device herein described, can be provided with a heater 310 acting as preserving heater and a further heater, or can be provided with a heater 310 acting as preserving heater and be operatively connected with a further heater.

[0444] In this latter case, the device 300 object of the present disclosure:

[0445] - through said heater 310 acting as preserving heater, is configured to heat and / or keep heated, said growth medium at said second operating temperature T2;

[0446] - through said further heater, is configured to heat said growth medium 200 at said first operating temperature T1.

[0447] It is therefore clear that the present disclosure concerns a device which, through one or more heaters, is specifically configured to heat the bag 1 according to the following sequence of heating:

[0448] - a first step of heating, wherein said growth medium 200 is brought to said first operating temperature T 1 ;

[0449] - a second step of heating, wherein said growth medium 200 is brought to, and preferably kept at, or under, said second operating temperature T2.

[0450] The heating times of the device follow those of the previously mentioned method.

[0451] The device 300 herein described comprises also a support 302, configured to retain the bag 1 in at least one predefined position; this position is preferably a hung position. The support 302 can comprise a hook configured to be introduced into the eyelet 2z.

[0452] In an embodiment such support 302 is a support configured to support a plurality of bags 1 , each one in a respective at least one predefined position. This predefined position can for example be a position substantially immersed in heated water or otherwise such as to make the growth medium 200 contained within said bag 1 subjected to the heating of a heater.

[0453] In an embodiment, the predefined position is a position such as the first access port 3 is facing downwards; optionally, if the bag 1 is thus provided, the first access port 3 and the second access port 4 are facing downwards.

[0454] In an alternative embodiment, the predefined position is a position such as the first access port 3 is facing upwards or is substantially arranged on a horizontal plane; optionally, if the bag 1 is thus provided, the first access port 3 and the second access port 4 are facing upwards or substantially arranged on a horizontal plane.

[0455] The device 300 can comprise a heater 310 to heat the bag 1. Preferably the heater 310 can be configured to heat, simultaneously, a plurality of bags 1. The support 302 can be arranged in correspondence of, in particular within, the heater 310. Figure 9 shows a non-limiting and schematic embodiment of a heater 310 configured to allow the heating of a plurality of bags via bain-marie immersion.

[0456] Finally, it is observed that in an embodiment the device 300 herein described comprises a manipulator 305, preferably connected with said extraction duct 12 or with an auxiliary duct connected to said extraction duct 12.

[0457] The device herein described carries out a manipulation process which involves a relative movement, which occurs between the extraction duct 12, or the auxiliary duct connected with the extraction duct 12, and an auxiliary support or container.

[0458] Preferably, the extraction duct 12 (if present, several extraction ducts 12) and / or the auxiliary duct, are maintained in a predetermined and fixed position.

[0459] In this case the manipulator can be a conveyor and can be configured to carry out in use a movement of the first auxiliary support or container 313, or of the second auxiliary support or container 314 (configured to contain or support samples of biological or microbiological material too), with respect to the predefined portion of said extraction duct 12 and / or of said further extraction duct 12 and / or of said auxiliary duct, in order to deliver at least part of growth medium 200 extracted from the internal portion 2i of the bag, in said first auxiliary support or container 313 and / or in said second auxiliary support or container 314. Alternatively, the manipulator 305 can be configured to move at least one predefined portion of the extraction duct 12 or of a further extraction duct 12 or of the auxiliary duct, in order to deliver at least part of growth medium 200 extracted from the internal portion 2i of the bag alternatively on, or in, said first auxiliary support or container 313 or on, or in, a second auxiliary support or container 314.

[0460] In light of the above, it is clear that the device herein described allows to implement steps of a method of extraction of a growth medium from a bag 1; these steps comprise the activation of at least one manipulator 305 in an electronically controlled manner, and in particular according to an automated activation and / or manipulation process which comprises carrying out a relative movement, via the manipulator 305, between at least one predefined portion of said extraction duct 12 and / or of said further extraction duct 12 or of said auxiliary duct and the first auxiliary support or container 313 and / or the second auxiliary support or container 314, in order to deliver at least part of growth medium 200 extracted from the internal portion 2i of the bag 1 alternatively on, or in, said first auxiliary support or container 313 or on, or in, a second auxiliary support or container 314.

[0461] The method actuated through the device 300 herein described can comprise distributing, via said extraction, at least part of growth medium 200 on a support configured to contain or support samples of biological or microbiological material, preferably a Petri plate directly through said extraction duct 12 or through said auxiliary duct.

[0462] The second auxiliary support or container 314 can for example be a Petri plate.

[0463] The device herein described can be configured to, and specifically destined to, deliver at least part of growth medium 200 extracted from said internal portion 2i on a support configured to contain or support samples of biological or microbiological material, preferably a Petri plate directly through said extraction duct 12 or through said auxiliary duct.

[0464] The method and the device 300 object of the present disclosure preferably comprise a calculation of a residual volume of growth medium 200 present in the bag 1. The calculation herein described is an electronic calculation, executed automatically through a data processing unit of the device 300.

[0465] The data processing unit, or control unit, can be a processor of general-purpose type specifically configured to execute one or more parts of the process identified in the present disclosure through the software or firmware program, or be an ASIC or dedicated processor or an FPGA, specifically programmed to execute at least part of the operations of the process.

[0466] The memory support can be non-transitory and can be internal or external to the processor, or control unit, or data processing unit, and can - specifically - be a memory geographically remotely placed with respect to the electronic computer. The memory support can also be physically divided into several portions, or in the form of a "cloud”, and the software or firmware program can be physically on, or provide for, portions stored on memory portions geographically divided from each other.

[0467] In a generic embodiment, the computer program is destined to allow an extraction, through at least one pump 30) operatively connected with said extraction duct 12, of at least part of said growth medium 200, comprising making said at least part of said growth medium 200 flow in said extraction duct 12 through said first access port 3. The extraction determines a reduction of a quantity of the growth medium 200 contained in said internal portion 2i.

[0468] The above-mentioned electronic calculation is based on a calculation of a volume of growth medium 200 collected from the bag 1 by means of the pump 301 per time unit and / or per movement cycle. In particular if the pump 301 is of the rotating type, this calculation of volume of growth medium 200 collected from the bag 1 by means of the pump 301 is a volume extracted per time unit and / or per revolution movement.

[0469] It has been said that a preferred embodiment of the method and of the device 300 comprises the use of an occlusive pump, in particular peristaltic.

[0470] The occlusive pump, at each movement cycle, and in particular at each rotation cycle, pushes a fixed volume of growth medium. For ease of description, the volume of growth medium pushed by the pump 301 at each movement cycle is Vc (subscript C= cycle).

[0471] It is observed that for ease of discussion, the volume pushed by the pump 301 is considered equal to volume collected from the bag (ideal pump).

[0472] Taking into account the number N of movement cycles, in particular of the number N of rotations of the pump 301 , the total volume V of growth medium 200 collected from the bag 1 is given by:

[0473] V=N*Vc.

[0474] The method herein described provides knowing in advance the volume of growth medium 200 contained in the bag 1. In particular the device 300 can be programmed by the operator to receive an indicative electronic data of said volume of growth medium 200 contained in the bag 1. The aforementioned volume (here defined as initial volume VI, subscript i=initial), is supplied by a manufacturer with a determined tolerance margin.

[0475] The residual volume Vr present in the bag 1 after a determined number N of movement cycles of the pump 301 is given by:

[0476] Vr=Vi-N*Vc.

[0477] Equivalently, defined Vc' the volume of growth medium pushed by the pump 301 per time unit, it is clear that the residual volume Vr present in the bag 1 after a determined activation time t of the pump 301 is given by:

[0478] Vr=Vi-t*Vc'.

[0479] It is therefore also clear that the method and the device 300 object of the present disclosure preferably comprise a calculation of a volume of growth medium 200 subtracted from the bag 1 (Vs, subscript s=subtracted), which according to the parameters herein indicated is calculated as follows:

[0480] Vs=N*Vc

[0481] Vs=t*Vc'.

[0482] In a non-limiting embodiment, the above-mentioned initial volume VI can be electronically acquired via for example a reading of an alphanumeric code / bar code present on the bag 1 , or transmitted to the data processing unit of device 300 by a remote electronic device.

[0483] Through said alphanumeric code / bar code, can also be identified auxiliary data such as for example a preferred heating temperature for the growth medium 200.

[0484] It is intended that if the device 300 has to operate on several bags 1 , the above will be calculated and / or determined for each of said bags 1. Finally, it is noted that although the preferred embodiment of device 300 is such that it is carried out an extraction of the growth medium 300 from the first bag 1 and / or from the second bag 1 after the addition of said growth supplement, carried out outside of said device 300, a non-limiting embodiment of said device 300 is specifically configured to add said supplement, preferably automatically, and to extract from the first bag 1 and / or from the second bag 1 the growth medium 200 already added.

[0485] The device 300 can be configured to automatically stop the collection of growth medium 200 from the first bag 1 and / or from the second bag 1 when the residual volume Vr is next or equal to zero.

[0486] ***

[0487] The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in figures; for this reason, the reference numbers and signs in the claims are provided for the purpose of increasing their intelligibility and should not be considered as limiting.

[0488] It is finally clear that to the object of the present disclosure can be applied additions, modifications or variants, which are obvious for an expert in the art, without thereby departing from the scope provided by the attached claims.

Claims

Claims1. Bag (1), comprising:- a substantially floppy and / or deformable body (2), comprising at least one lateral wall (5) which defines an internal portion (2i) of the body (2), said internal portion (2i) being configured to define at least one first volume (V1) and at least one second volume (V2) obtained by deformation of said at least one lateral wall (5);- at least one first access port (3) opening on said internal portion (2i), said first access port (3) being configured to allow an at least partial filling and / or an at least partial emptying of said internal portion (2i); wherein:- said first access port (3) has a closed operating configuration and an open operating configuration alternative to said closed operating configuration and allowing the communication of said internal portion (2i) with an external environment;- the bag (1) is configured to, and specifically destined to, contain, within said internal portion (2i), a growth medium (200), preferably of agarised type and to allow its distribution in fluid, preferably liquid, form, through at least the first access port (3) at at least one predetermined temperature.

2. Bag according to claim 1, configured to, and specifically destined to, contain, or containing, within said internal portion (2i), a growth medium (200), in solid, semi-solid, gel, sol and / or colloidal form at least at room temperature and / or at a cooling and / or storing temperature and / or at temperatures under 40°C, and in fluid, preferably liquid, form, when placed at temperatures above 35°C, or at temperatures above 40°C, or at temperatures above 45°C, or at temperatures above 50°C, or at temperatures above 55°C; and / or configured to, and specifically destined to, contain, or containing, within said internal portion (2i), a growth medium (200) which:- is in solid, or semi-solid, or gel, or sol and / or colloidal form when brought from room temperature or from a cooling and / or storing temperature to temperatures comprised in the range [40 - 65]°C, preferably [45 - 60]°C, and / or- passes from a solid, or semi-solid, or gel, or sol and / or colloidal form to a substantially liquid form when brought from room temperature or from a cooling and / or storing temperature to temperatures comprised in the range [80 - 130]°C, preferably [85 - 125]°C and, optionally, subsequently, remains in said substantially liquid form if cooled from said temperatures comprised in the range [80 - 130] °C, preferably [85 - 125] °C to temperatures comprised in the range [40 - 65]°C, preferably [45 - 60]°C, and / or wherein the predetermined temperature is a temperature comprised in the range [35 - 100]°C, preferably in the range [40 - 95]°C, more preferably in the range [45 - 90]°C; or, alternatively, indicatively comprised in the range [10- 40] °C, more preferably in the range [15 - 35] °C; optionally wherein said cooling and / or storing temperature is comprised in the range [-5 - 15]°C, preferably [-3- 13]°C, more preferably [0 - 10]°C and / or is a temperature lower than said room temperature, and / or wherein said room temperature is comprised in the range [13 - 35] °C, preferably [17 - 30] °C.

3. Bag according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a second access port (4) opening on said internal portion (2i), said second access port (4) being configured to allow an at least partial filling and / or an at least partial emptying of said internal portion (2i); said first access port (3) and / or said second access port (4) being selectively openable and / or closable by effect of an external action.

4. Bag according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein at least one between said first access port (3) and said second access port (4), is substantially rigid and / or protrudes, preferably axially, outside a shape defined by said body (2).

5. Bag according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein at least one between said first access port (3) and said second access port (4) comprises a respective plug (3c, 4c), and / or wherein at least one between said first access port (3) and said second access port (4) comprises at least one respective seal (3s, 4s), preferably in sheet form, configured to be removed for allowing an extraction of at least part of said growth medium (200) from said internal portion (2i) of the body (2); optionally, said seal (3s, 4s) being accessible after an opening of said plug (3c, 4c) or being configured to be removed in order to allow an opening of said plug (3c, 4c); preferably at least one between said first access port (3) and said second access port (4) comprising a substantially rigid portion opening on said internal portion (2i); preferably at least one between said first access port (3) and said second access port (4) being configured to be opened via a duct (12) or a needle (12n) and / or being of the self-sealing type, re-closing automatically after the opening and / or after, preferably immediately after, the removal of said duct (12) or needle (12n), and / or wherein at least one between said first access port (3) and said second access port (4) is configured to house and / or retain at least temporarily said duct (12) and / or said needle (12n).

6. Bag according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising said growth medium (200), preferably of agarised type, optionally a growth medium (200) comprising a supplement, said bag being configured to withstand a temperature up to 150°C, or up to 125°C or up to 100°C, and / or configured to be placed, in use, in a heater, preferably in a bain-marie, microwave or steamer or air incubator heater, and / or configured to be autoclavable, preferably to be subjected to a sterilization process via at least one among the following techniques: autoclave introduction, sterilization gas, electromagnetic radiation, preferably radiation comprising gamma rays and / or beta rays, and / or wherein at least in a configuration of use, optionally in a configuration of use wherein the internal portion (2i) of said body (2) assumes said first volume (V1) or a volume lower with respect to said first volume (V1), said body (2) assumes a substantially planar shape; optionally wherein said bag (2) comprises at least one auxiliary bag (2x) having at least one open configuration and one closed configuration;said auxiliary bag (2x) being housed within said internal portion (21) or being placed at least partially outside said internal portion (21) and being configured to open on said internal portion (21); said auxiliary bag (2x) being configured to house, or housing, said supplement; said auxiliary bag (2x), in said closed configuration, insulating said supplement from said growth medium (200), said auxiliary bag (2x), in said open configuration, allowing a contact and / or a mixing of said supplement with said growth medium (200); said auxiliary bag (2x) being configured to be opened, passing from said closed configuration to said open configuration by means of a pressure force exerted by a user, or by means of a perforation carried out by said duct (12) and / or said needle (12n); preferably wherein said auxiliary bag (2x) comprises a predefined opening portion, in correspondence of which said supplement is at least partially extracted from said auxiliary bag (2x) at the passage from the closed configuration to the open configuration, said predefined opening portion being a weakened portion; preferably said auxiliary bag (2x) being placed in a fixed position with respect to said body (2) and / or with respect to said internal portion (2i), or being movable, preferably freely movable, within said internal portion (2i).

7. Bag according to one or more of the preceding claims, configured to be hung and / or to be supported, preferably at least during a step of extraction of said growth medium (200) from said internal portion (2i) and / or when said duct (12) or needle (12n) is introduced in said at least one first access port (3); the bag (1) comprising at least one eyelet (2z), preferably positioned in correspondence of a peripheral portion of the body (2), and optionally in a portion substantially opposed with respect to the position of said first access port (3) and / or of said second access port (4); said body (2) comprising:- a central portion (2c) wherein said lateral wall (5) comprises a first portion (2j) and a second portion (2k) separable to define said internal volume, and- a portion at least partially peripheral (2p) substantially laminar wherein said first portion (2j) and said second portion (2k) are joined together; said eyelet (2z) being arranged in said portion at least partially peripheral (2p).

8. Bag according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said body (2) is realized in multilayer material, preferably wherein at least said lateral wall (5) is realized in multilayer material; said multilayer material is a plastic material, preferably comprising at least one among polypropylene or styrene or polyethylene, preferably a low density one; said multilayer material comprising a first and a second external layer and an intermediate layer enclosed between said first layer and said second layer; preferably wherein said intermediate layer has a thickness greater with respect to the thickness of said first layer and / or of said second layer; and / or wherein said body (2) is realized in a non-toxic and / or inert material and / or in a material configured to, and specifically destined to, keep unaltered the chemical / physical characteristics of said growth medium (200), preferably said material being configured to, and specifically destined to, keep unaltered the pH of said growth medium (200).

9. Bag according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said body (2) is a low-oxygen permeability body, preferably lower than 1750cm3 / (m2-24h-0.1 MPa), more preferably lower than 1500cm3 / (m2-24h-0.1 MPa), more preferably lower than 1250cm3 / (m2-24h-0.1 MPa); optionally wherein said body (2) has oxygen permeability lower than 1000cm3 / (m2-24h-0.1 MPa), more preferably lower than 900cm3 / (m2-24h-0.1 MPa); and / or wherein said body (2) is cold-resistant, and preferably is a body capable of withstanding temperatures equal to or lower than -10°C, or temperatures equal to or lower than -5°C, or temperatures equal to or lower than 0°C, preferably without fracturing; and / or wherein at least part of said body (2) has a thickness substantially lower than 1 mm, preferably having thickness lower than 0,5mm and more preferably comprised between 250 pm and 350 pm.

10. Filling method of a bag (1), wherein the bag (1) comprises:- a substantially floppy and / or deformable body (2), comprising at least one lateral wall (5) which defines an internal portion (2i) of the body (2), said internal portion (2i) being configured to define at least one first volume (V1) and at least one second volume (V2) obtained by deformation of said at least one lateral wall (5);- at least one first access port (3) opening on said internal portion (2i), said first access port (3) being configured to allow an at least partial filling and / or an at least partial emptying of said internal portion (2i); wherein:- said first access port (3) has a closed operating configuration and an open operating configuration alternative to said closed operating configuration and allowing the communication of said internal portion (2i) with an external environment;- the bag (1) is configured to, and specifically destined to, contain, within said internal portion (2i), a growth medium (200), preferably of agarised type and to allow its distribution in fluid, preferably liquid form, through at least the first access port (3) at at least one predetermined temperature; the method comprising:- a supply, through an adduction duct (1 1), of said growth medium (200) inside said internal portion (2i) of the body (2),- said supply determining an increase of a quantity of said growth medium (200) contained in said internal portion (2i).

11. Method according to claim 10, wherein the supply occurs by making said growth medium (200) flow through at least said first access port (3); preferably, said supply determining an increase of the volume of said internal portion (2i), preferably from said first volume (V1) to said second volume (V2) or, alternatively, said supply determining a volume maintenance of said internal portion (2i) via an air extraction corresponding to the volume of growth medium (200) introduced in said internal portion (2i), and wherein the predetermined temperature is a temperature comprised in the range [35 - 100]°C, preferably in the range [40 - 95]°C, more preferably in the range [45 - 90]°C; or, alternatively, indicatively comprised in the range [10- 40] °C, more preferably in the range [15 - 35] °C.

12. Method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the supply, through an adduction duct (11), of a growth medium (200) inside said internal portion (2i) of the body (2), is a supply of heated growth medium and / or in at least one among the following forms: substantially fluid, or solid, or semi-solid, or gel, or sol and / or colloidal, and / or wherein the supply provides for an introduction of said adduction duct (11) or of a needle (11 n) connected to said adduction duct (11) in said first access port (3).

13. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims 10-12, wherein at the end of said supply, said at least one first access port (3) is sealed, preferably automatically sealed, optionally by effect of a removal of said adduction duct (11) or of said needle (11 n) from said first access port (3).

14. Emptying method of at least one first bag (1), wherein the bag (1) comprises:- a substantially floppy and / or deformable body (2), comprising at least one lateral wall (5) which defines an internal portion (2i) of the body (2), said internal portion (2i) being configured to define at least one first volume (V1) and at least one second volume (V2) obtained by deformation of said at least one lateral wall (5);- at least one first access port (3) opening on said internal portion (2i), said first access port (3) being configured to allow an at least partial filling and / or an at least partial emptying of said internal portion (2i); wherein:- said first access port (3) has a closed operating configuration and an open operating configuration alternative to said closed operating configuration and allowing the communication of said internal portion (2i) with an external environment;- the bag (1) is configured to, and specifically destined to, contain, within said internal portion (2i), a growth medium (200), preferably of agarised type and to allow its distribution in fluid, preferably liquid, form, through at least the first access port (3) at at least one predetermined temperature, the emptying method comprising:- a connection of the first access port (3) to an extraction duct (12);- an extraction, through at least one pump (301) operatively connected with said extraction duct (12), of at least part of said growth medium (200), comprising making said at least part of said growth medium flow in said extraction duct (12) through said first access port (3);- said extraction determining a reduction of a quantity of said growth medium (200) contained in said internal portion (2i).

15. Method according to claim 14, comprising distributing at least part of the growth medium (200) extracted from the internal portion (2i) of said bag (1) on, or in, at least one first auxiliary support or container, said auxiliary support or container being configured to contain or support samples of biological or microbiological material, optionally being a Petri plate; preferably comprising distributing at least part of the growth medium (200) extracted from the internal portion (2i) of said bag (1) at a temperature higher than room temperature and / or comprising activating a heater (310) anddistributing, preferably kept heated, or heated before the distribution, at least part of the growth medium (200) extracted from the internal portion (21) of said bag (1) in a predefined range of temperatures, and, preferably, at a temperature at least equal to 35°C, or at least equal to 40°C, or at least equal to 45°C, or at least equal to 50°C or at least equal to 55°C.

16. Method according to claim 14 or claim 15, comprising:- a connection of the first access port (3) and / or of a second access port (4) of said first bag (1) to an extraction duct (12);- a connection of the first access port (3) and / or of a second access port (4) of a second bag (1) to a further extraction duct (12);- an extraction, via said first pump (301) or via a second pump (301) connected with said further extraction duct (12), of at least part of said growth medium (200) from said first bag (1) and / or from said second bag (1), comprising making said at least part of said growth medium flow in said extraction duct (12) and / or in said further extraction duct (12) through said first access port (3) and / or said second access port (4) of said first bag (1) and / or through said first access port (3) and / or said second access port (4) of said second bag (1);- said extraction determining a reduction of a quantity of said growth medium (200) contained in said internal portion (2i) of said first bag (1) and of said second bag (1).

17. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims 14-16, wherein said extraction duct (12), and / or said further extraction duct (12), is a compressible duct and / or wherein said first pump (301) and / or said second pump (301) determines a compression, preferably cyclic and / or repeated, of said extraction duct (12) and / or of said further extraction duct (12), and / or wherein at least one between said first pump (301) and said second pump (301) is an occlusive pump.

18. Method according to one or more of claims 14-17, wherein when at room temperature and / or at temperatures under 40°C, said growth medium (200) is in solid, or semi-solid, or gel, or sol and / or colloidal form, and / or comprising a heating of at least part of the growth medium (200), optionally occurring during the extraction of at least part of said growth medium (200) or before the extraction of at least part of said growth medium (200), wherein the heating preferably comprises bringing the growth medium (200) in fluid, preferably liquid form, bringing said growth medium (200) to temperatures above 35°C, or to temperatures above 40°C, or to temperatures above 45°C, or to temperatures above 50°C, or to temperatures above 55°C.

19. Method according to one or more of claims 14-18, comprising:- heating the growth medium (200) from a room temperature or from a cooling and / or storing temperature to temperatures comprised in the range [40 - 65]°C, preferably [45 - 60]°C, and keeping via said heating, the medium in solid, or semi-solid, or gel, or sol and / or colloidal form; and / or- heating the growth medium (200) from a room temperature or from a cooling and / or storing temperature to temperatures comprised in the range [80 - 130] °C, preferably [85 - 125] °C determining a passage from a solid, or semi-solid, or gel, or sol and / or colloidal form for said growth medium (200) to a substantially liquid form, and, subsequently, cooling said growth medium (200) until reaching temperatures comprised in the range [40 - 65]°C, preferably [45 - 60] °C, preferably said method comprising keeping said growth medium at temperatures comprised in the range [40 - 65]°C, preferably [45 - 60]°C, and making said growth medium remain in said substantially liquid form when previously heated at temperatures comprised in the range [80 - 130] °C, preferably [85 - 125] °C, optionally wherein said cooling and / or storing temperature is comprised in the range [-5 - 15]°C, preferably [-3 - 13]°C, more preferably [0 - 10]°C and / or is a temperature lower than said room temperature, and / or wherein said room temperature is comprised in the range [13 - 35] °C, preferably [17 - 30] °C.

20. Method according to one or more of claims 14-19, wherein the extraction determines a reduction of the volume of said internal portion (2i) of the body (2), preferably from said second volume (V2) to said first volume (V1), or wherein said extraction determines a maintenance of the volume of the internal portion (2i) of the body (2), and comprises an introduction of an air quantity corresponding to the volume of growth medium (200) extracted from said internal portion (2i).

21. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims 14-20, wherein the connection of the first access port (3) or of the second access port (4) to said extraction duct (12) comprises an introduction of said extraction duct (12) in said first access port (3) or in said second access port (4) or comprises a connection of a needle (12n), connected to the extraction duct (12), with said first access port (3) or with said second access port (4).

22. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims 14-21 , wherein the heating of at least part of the growth medium (200) occurs via at least one heater (310), preferably of bain-marie, microwave or steamer or air incubator type, and / or comprises an at least partial melting of the growth medium (200), said melting being preferably resulting from said heating; said heating preferably comprising the reaching of a first operating temperature (T1) and of a second operating temperature (T2); said first operating temperature (T1) being up to 110°C, or up to 105°C, or up to 100°C or being a temperature comprised in the range [80 - 130]°C, preferably [85 - 125]°C, said second operating temperature (T2) being up to 65°C, or up to 60°C or up to 55°C or being a temperature comprised in the range [40 - 65]°C, preferably [45 - 60]°C; said heating being a heating having at least one first step and one second step following said first step, wherein:- in said first step said growth medium (200) is brought to said first operating temperature (T1);- in said second step said growth medium (200) is brought to, and preferably kept at, or under, said second operating temperature (T2);at least one between said first step and said second step lasting for a time at least equal to 10 minutes, or 15 minutes or 20 minutes or 25 minutes; optionally, said first step lasting for a time lower than 2h, preferably for a time lower than 1 ,75h, more preferably for a time lower than 1 ,5h, optionally, said second step lasting for a time higher than 1 h, or higher than 2h, or higher than 3h, or higher than 4h, or higher than 6h.

23. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims 14-22, comprising an addition of a supplement to said growth medium (200); the addition of the supplement occurring before the extraction of at least part of said growth medium (200); the addition of the supplement comprising a step of introduction of said supplement through at least said first access port (3) in said internal portion (2i) in such a way that said supplement results to be mixed to said growth medium (200) or comprising an opening of at least one auxiliary bag (2x) housed within said internal portion (2i) or being placed at least partially outside said internal portion (2i) and configured to open on said internal portion (2i), in such a way that said supplement results to be mixed to said growth medium (200); preferably wherein said supplement is a selective supplement, and / or is a supplement comprising at least one among an antibiotic, an alcohol, a hormone, a serum, an egg yolk, an amino acid, a vitamin, a protein and for example a phosphoprotein, a pepton, a carbohydrate, a fermenting agent, for example a gellan gum, a reagent, bile, a growth regulator, a preservative, a cortisone, an alkaloid, for example colchicine, a non-organic compound, for example a salt, a chromogen.

24. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims 14-23, comprising:- a step of calculation of a residual volume Vr of growth medium (200) present within said first bag (1) and / or in said second bag (1) and / or- a step of calculation of a volume Vs subtracted from said growth medium (200),- a step of determination of an initial volume Vi of growth medium (200) contained in said first bag (1) and / or in said second bag (1); wherein said step of calculation of a residual volume Vr and / or said step of calculation of a volume Vs subtracted from said growth medium (200) comprises: knowing and / or determining a volume Vc of growth medium (200) which a pump (301) extracts from said first bag (1) and / or from said second bag (1) at each movement cycle and / or a volume Vc' of growth medium (200) which said pump (301) extracts from said first bag (1) and / or from said second bag (1) per time unit; calculating and / or determining a number N of movement cycles of said pump (301) and / or an activation time t of said pump (301); calculating said residual volume Vr of growth medium (200) in said first bag (1) and / or in said second bag (1) according to the following equation: Vr=Vi-N*Vc, or Vr=Vi-t*Vc', orcalculating said subtracted volume Vs of said growth medium (200) in said first bag (1) and / or in said second bag (1) according to the following equation Vs =N*Vc, or Vs=t*Vc'.

25. Device (300) for the extraction of at least part of the content of at least one first bag (1) comprising:- a substantially floppy and / or deformable body (2), comprising at least one lateral wall (5) which defines an internal portion (2i) of the body (2), said internal portion (2i) being configured to define at least one first volume (V1) and at least one second volume (V2) obtained by deformation of said at least one lateral wall (5);- at least one first access port (3) opening on said internal portion (2i), said first access port (3) being configured to allow an at least partial filling and / or an at least partial emptying of said internal portion (2i); wherein:- said first access port (3) has a closed operating configuration and an open operating configuration alternative to said closed operating configuration and allowing the communication of said internal portion (2i) with an external environment;- the first bag (1) is configured to, and specifically destined to, contain, within said internal portion (2i), a growth medium (200), preferably of agarised type and to allow its distribution in fluid, preferably liquid form, through at least the first access port (3) at at least one predetermined temperature, the device (300) comprising:- an extraction duct (12), configured to be connected with at least said first access port (3) and / or with said second access port (4) of said first bag (1);- a first pump (301), operatively connected with said extraction duct (12), said first pump (301) being configured to extract at least part of said growth medium (200) from the internal portion (2i) of said first bag (1).

26. Device according to claim 25, configured to, and specifically destined to, distribute at least part of the growth medium (200) extracted from the internal portion (2i) of said first bag (1) and / or of said second bag (1), on, or in, at least one first auxiliary support or container, said auxiliary support or container being configured to contain or support samples of biological or microbiological material, optionally being a Petri plate; said device (300) preferably being configured to distribute at least part of the growth medium (200) extracted from the internal portion (2i) of said first bag (1 ) and / or of said second bag (1) at a temperature higher than the room temperature and / or comprising a heater (310) configured to deliver, preferably kept heated, or heated before the distribution, at least part of the growth medium (200) extracted from the internal portion (2i) of said first bag (1) and / or of said second bag (1); optionally wherein said heater (310) is configured to deliver, preferably kept heated, or heated before the distribution, at least part of the growth medium (200) extracted from said internal portion of said first bag (1) and / or of said second bag (1) in a predefined range of temperatures, and, preferably, at a temperature at least equal to 35°C, or at least equal to 40°C, or at least equal to 45°C, or at least equal to 50°C or at least equal to 55°C.

27. Device according to claim 26, wherein the heater (310) is configured to reach a first operating temperature(T1) and a second operating temperature (T2);wherein said heater (310) is configured to carry out a heating of said at least part of said growth medium (200) at least in a first step and in a second step following said first step, wherein:- in said first step said growth medium (200) is brought to said first operating temperature (T1);- in said second step said growth medium (200) is brought to, and preferably kept at, or under, said second operating temperature (T2); or wherein said heater (310) is configured to carry out a heating and / or to keep at least part of said growth medium (200) at, or under, a second operating temperature (T2) and, optionally to operatively cooperate with a further heater, preferably operatively arranged upstream of said heater (310), said further heater being configured to heat at least part of said growth medium (200) at least at a first operating temperature (T1 ), or wherein said further heater operatively acts before said heater (310), preferably in a first step of heating previous to the second step of heating wherein said heater (310) is configured to carry out the heating and / or to keep at least part of said growth medium (200) at, or under, said second operating temperature (T2).

28. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims 25-27, comprising a further extraction duct (12), configured to be connected with at least said first access port (3) and / or with said second access port (4) of a second bag (1); wherein said device (300) comprises a second pump (301) operatively connected with said further extraction duct (12) and configured to extract at least part of the growth medium (200) from the internal portion (2i) of said second bag (1), or wherein said first pump (301) is operatively connected with said further extraction duct (12), said first pump (301) being configured to extract at least part of said growth medium (200) from the internal portion (2i) of said second bag (1).

29. Device according to one or more of claims 25-28, wherein said extraction duct (12), and / or said further extraction duct (12), is a compressible duct and / or wherein said first pump (301) and / or said second pump (301) determines a compression, preferably cyclic and / or repeated, of said extraction duct (12) and / or of said further extraction duct (12), and / or wherein at least one between said first pump (301) and said second pump (301) is an occlusive pump.

30. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims 25-29, comprising at least one supporting element (302) configured to retain said first bag (1) in at least one predefined position, preferably a predefined hung position and / or in a predefined first position within said heater (310).

31. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims 25-30, wherein said heater (310) is preferably of bain-marie, microwave or steamer or air incubator type, and being destined to determine, in use, an at least partial melting of the growth medium (200), optionally said heater (310) being configured to heat, and in particular heat and house, simultaneously, at least one plurality of bags (1).

32. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims 25-31 , comprising a manipulator (305) connected with said extraction duct (12) or with an auxiliary duct connected to said extraction duct (12), said manipulator (305) being configured to carry out a relative movement between at least one predefined portion of said extraction duct (12) or of said auxiliary duct and said first auxiliary support or container (313) or on, or in, a second auxiliary support or container (314) configured to contain or support samples of biological or microbiological material, in order to distribute at least part of the growth medium (200) extracted from the internal portion (2i) of said bag alternatively on, or in, said first auxiliary support or container (313) or on, or in, said second auxiliary support or container (314) configured to contain or support samples of biological or microbiological material, optionally said second auxiliary support or container (314) being a Petri plate; preferably, to carry out said relative movement, said device (300) is configured to keep standstill said extraction duct (12) or said auxiliary duct connected to said extraction duct (12) and to move said first auxiliary support or container (313) and / or said second auxiliary support or container (314), or alternatively, to carry out said relative movement, said device (300) is configured to keep standstill said first auxiliary support or container (313) and / or said second auxiliary support or container (314) and to move said extraction duct (12) or said auxiliary duct connected to said extraction duct (12), optionally said device being configured to, and specifically destined to, distribute at least part of the growth medium (200) extracted from said internal portion (2i) on a support configured to contain or support samples of biological or microbiological material, preferably a Petri plate, preferably directly through said extraction duct (12) or through said auxiliary duct.

33. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims 25-32, configured to:- execute a calculation of a residual volume Vr of growth medium (200) present within said first bag (1) and / or in said second bag (1) and / or- execute a calculation of a volume Vs subtracted from said growth medium (200),- determine an initial volume Vi of growth medium (200) contained in said first bag (1) and / or in said second bag (1); wherein said calculation of a residual volume Vr and / or said calculation of a volume Vs subtracted from said growth medium (200) comprises: a knowledge and / or a determination of a volume Vc of growth medium (200) which a pump (301 ) extracts from said first bag (1 ) and / or from said second bag (1) at each movement cycle and / or a volume Vc' of growth medium (200) which said pump (301) extracts from said first bag (1) and / or from said second bag (1) per time unit; a calculation and / or a determination of a number N of movement cycles of said pump (301) and / or an activation time t of said pump (301); a calculation of said residual volume Vr of growth medium (200) in said first bag (1) and / or in said second bag (1) according to the following equation: Vr=Vi-N*Vc, or Vr=Vi-t*Vc', or a calculation of said subtracted volume Vs of said growth medium (200) in said first bag (1) and / or in said second bag (1) according to the following equation Vs =N*Vc, or Vs=t*Vc'.

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