| abstract |
A cell culture device ( 100, 830 ) incorporating confronting planar anterior and posterior shells or walls ( 110, 140, 834, 836 ) that are joined about peripheral edges to define a media reservoir or cistern ( 170, 850 ). At least one of the shells and walls and edges is optionally formed with an aperture or respirator ( 180, 873 ). At least one fluid transfer port ( 220, 870 ) with a resealable elastomeric septum ( 230, 872 ) compatible for use with a small needle or needleless connector or pipetter tip (T, T′) is preferably formed in least one of the shells and walls ( 110, 140, 834, 836 ) and edges and that is in fluid communication with the media reservoir or cistern or chamber ( 170, 850 ). The device ( 100, 830 ) also includes at least one gas valvule ( 320, 875 ) that is formed in one or more of the shells and walls ( 110, 140, 834, 836 ) and edges and is in fluid communication with the media reservoir ( 170, 850 ) to vent gas from and supply gas to the reservoir ( 170, 850 ). The at least one gas valvule ( 320, 875 ) is preferably hydrophobic and is configured to pass only sterile air and to prevent liquid flow. In various embodiments, the preferred cell culture device ( 100, 830 ) that minimizes non-media containing headspace and that defines an internal surface ( 115, 145 ) having an area that bounds an internal volume whereby the ratio between the volume and the surface area is approximately between 100 microliters per square centimeter and 1000 microliters per square centimeter. |