JP2017195857A - Culture bag and incubator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a culture bag and incubator, which allow a culture solution to be thoroughly stirred while suppressing any damage to a culture target in the culture solution.SOLUTION: According to the present invention, a deformable culture bag 10 containing a culture solution L to carry out cultivation comprises: a first culture space 12d defined by the inner surface of the culture bag 10; a second culture space 12e defined by the inner surface of the culture bag 10 and different from the first culture space 12d; and a flow path 24a through which the first culture space 12d and the second culture space 12e communicate with each other so that the culture solution L can pass therethrough.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a culture bag for culturing and a culture apparatus using the culture bag.

  Conventionally, disposable culture bags have been used for culturing microorganisms and animal and plant tissues. The culture bag is a foldable bag as described in Patent Document 1, for example, and contains a culture solution and a culture object (for example, a cell). The culture bag also includes a port for supplying a gas such as oxygen or carbon dioxide to the inside.

  Moreover, the culture bag described in Patent Document 1 includes a stirring blade for stirring the culture solution in the culture bag. Specifically, the culture bag includes a bearing fixed to the culture bag and a rotating shaft extending from the outside to the inside of the culture bag rotatably supported by the bearing. A stirring blade is attached to one end side of the rotating shaft located in the culture bag. The other end of the rotating shaft located outside the culture bag is connected to a motor. When the motor rotates the rotating shaft, the stirring blade rotates inside the culture bag, and thereby the culture solution in the culture bag is stirred.

JP 2007-282629 A

  However, in the case of the culture bag described in Patent Document 1, nutrients are supplied to the culture object by the rotation (stirring) of the stirring blade, and a large shearing force is generated in the culture solution by the rotation of the stirring blade. May damage the culture target. If the rotation speed of the stirring blade is lowered in order to reduce the shearing force, the nutrient supply amount by stirring cannot catch up with the nutrient consumption of the culture target, and the culture target may be damaged due to lack of nutrition. That is, when a stirring blade is used, there is a trade-off relationship between the shearing force generated by the rotation and the nutrient supply amount.

  Then, this invention makes it a subject to fully stir a culture solution, suppressing the damage to the culture | cultivation object in a culture solution.

In order to solve the above technical problem, according to one aspect of the present invention,
A deformable culture bag that contains a culture solution and performs culture,
A first culture space defined by the inner surface of the culture bag;
A second culture space defined by the inner surface of the culture bag, different from the first culture space;
There is provided a culture bag having a flow path through which a culture solution can be communicated by communicating the first culture space and the second culture space.

According to another aspect of the present invention,
A deformable culture bag that contains a culture solution and performs culture, and is different from the first culture space defined by the inner surface of the culture bag and the first culture space defined by the inner surface of the culture bag. Comprising a second culture space, and a flow path through which the culture solution can be communicated by communicating the first culture space and the second culture space;
By culturing the culture bag, a culture device having a culture bag deforming section for passing the culture solution between the first and second culture spaces via the flow path is provided.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, a culture solution can fully be stirred, suppressing the damage to culture | cultivation object.

The perspective view of the culture bag which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention Sectional view of the culture bag shown in FIG. Schematic of an example culture apparatus using the culture bag shown in FIG. Sectional drawing of the culture bag shown in FIG. 1 in a state in which the second culture space is reduced and deformed Sectional drawing of the culture bag shown in FIG. 1 in a state where the first culture space is reduced and deformed Sectional view of the culture bag shown in FIG. 1 in a folded state Cross-sectional view of a culture bag for explaining different stirring methods of the culture solution Cross-sectional view of a further culture bag for explaining different stirring methods of the culture solution Furthermore, sectional drawing of the culture bag for demonstrating the stirring method of different culture solution Sectional drawing of the culture bag which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention Sectional drawing of the culture bag which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention Sectional drawing of the culture bag which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention Sectional drawing of the culture bag which concerns on Embodiment 5 of this invention Sectional drawing of the culture | cultivation bag shown in FIG. 11 of the state which the 2nd culture space reduced and deformed Sectional drawing of the culture bag which concerns on Embodiment 6 of this invention The perspective view of the culture bag which concerns on Embodiment 7 of this invention

  The culture bag of one embodiment of the present invention is a deformable culture bag that contains a culture solution and performs culture, and includes a first culture space defined by an inner surface of the culture bag and an inner surface of the culture bag. A defined second culture space that is different from the first culture space, and a flow path through which the culture solution can come and go through the first culture space and the second culture space.

  According to this aspect, the culture solution can be sufficiently stirred while suppressing damage to the culture target.

  The culture bag defines a first culture space and a second culture space by dividing the internal space of the culture bag, and serves as a flow path that connects the first culture space and the second culture space. You may have a partition part provided with this through-hole. Thereby, the culture solution can be sufficiently stirred using a culture bag with a simple configuration while suppressing damage to the culture target.

  The culture bag may be configured to extend and contract in the first direction, and the partition portion may be provided in the internal space of the culture bag so that the first and second culture spaces are aligned in the first direction. Thereby, the culture solution moves between the first culture space and the second culture space by the expansion and contraction of the culture bag in the first direction.

  The culture bag may be configured in a bellows shape that can be expanded and contracted in the first direction. In this case, even if the entire culture bag is greatly deformed, the constricted portion of the bellows-shaped culture bag is less deformed than the other parts. It is preferable to dispose the partitioning part.

  The culture bag that can be expanded and contracted in the first direction is larger in size in the second direction and the third direction that are orthogonal to the first direction and orthogonal to each other than the size in the first direction. Is preferred. Thereby, a large amount of culture solution can be sufficiently stirred by expanding and contracting the culture bag in the first direction with a small stroke amount.

  The culture apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention is a deformable culture bag that contains a culture solution and performs culture, and is defined by a first culture space defined by the inner surface of the culture bag and the inner surface of the culture bag. A second culture space different from the first culture space, a flow path through which the first culture space communicates with the second culture space and through which the culture solution can be transferred, and a culture bag And having a culture bag deforming section for allowing the culture medium to pass between the first and second culture spaces via the flow path.

  According to this aspect, the culture solution can be sufficiently stirred while suppressing damage to the culture target.

  The culture bag defines a first culture space and a second culture space by dividing the internal space of the culture bag, and serves as a flow path that connects the first culture space and the second culture space. You may provide the partition part provided with this through-hole. In that case, the culture bag deforming unit may cause the culture solution to pass between the first and second culture spaces via the through hole of the partition unit by moving the partition unit to deform the culture bag. . Thereby, the culture solution can be sufficiently stirred using a culture bag with a simple configuration while suppressing damage to the culture target.

  The culture bag may be configured to extend and contract in the first direction, and the partition portion may be provided in the internal space of the culture bag so that the first and second culture spaces are aligned in the first direction. Thereby, the culture solution moves between the first culture space and the second culture space by the expansion and contraction of the culture bag in the first direction.

  The culture bag may be configured in a bellows shape that can be expanded and contracted in the first direction. In this case, even if the entire culture bag is greatly deformed, the constricted portion of the bellows-shaped culture bag is less deformed than the other parts. It is preferable to dispose the partitioning part.

  The culture bag that can be expanded and contracted in the first direction is larger in size in the second direction and the third direction that are orthogonal to the first direction and orthogonal to each other than the size in the first direction. Is preferred. In this case, the culture bag deforming portion deforms the culture bag in the first direction. Thereby, a large amount of culture solution can be sufficiently stirred by expanding and contracting the culture bag in the first direction with a small stroke amount.

  The culture apparatus may include a culture bag position / posture changing unit that changes the position and posture of the culture bag to generate a flow of the culture solution in the first and second culture spaces. Thereby, the culture solution in a culture bag is further stirred.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 schematically shows a culture bag according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the culture bag shown in FIG. Note that although an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system is shown in the drawings, this is for facilitating understanding of the embodiment of the invention and does not limit the invention. The X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are horizontal directions, and the Z-axis direction is a vertical direction.

  As shown in FIG.1 and FIG.2, the culture bag 10 is comprised so that the culture solution L containing culture | cultivation objects, such as a cell, may be accommodated in the inside. The culture bag 10 is also deformable, and in the case of the first embodiment, has a bellows shape that can be expanded and contracted in the Z-axis direction (first direction).

  Specifically, the culture bag 10 is made of a deformable material such as a resin material, and has a bottomed cylindrical culture medium storage unit 12 having a circular cross section that stores the culture medium L, and the culture medium storage unit 12. A disk-shaped top plate 14 and a bottom plate 16 are attached to both ends in the Z-axis direction.

  The culture solution storage part 12 has a bellows shape that can be expanded and contracted in the Z-axis direction, and is made of a transparent resin material so that the inside thereof can be visually recognized. Specifically, the accordion-shaped culture solution storage part 12 includes a plurality of diameter-enlarged parts 12a having a relatively large circular cross section centered on a central axis C extending in the Z-axis direction, and a plurality of diameter-enlarged parts 12a. And a reduced diameter portion 12b having a relatively small circular cross section.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a culture liquid L including a culture target such as a cell is stored in the internal space 12 c of the culture liquid storage unit 12. The top plate 14 is provided with a sampling port 18 for introducing the culture solution L into the internal space 12c or collecting a sample to be cultured in the internal space 12c. The sampling port 18 is openable and closable, and opens to communicate the internal space 12c of the culture solution storage unit 12 with the outside.

  In addition to the sampling port 18, there are an intake port 20 for supplying a gas such as oxygen to the internal space 12c of the culture medium storage unit 12, and an exhaust port 22 for discharging the gas in the internal space 12c to the outside. The top plate 14 is provided. The intake port 20 is connected to an external gas supply source (not shown). During the culture, a gas such as oxygen and carbon dioxide necessary for the culture is supplied from the gas supply source to the internal space 12 c of the culture solution storage unit 12 through the intake port 20.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the internal space 12c of the culture solution storage unit 12 is divided into a plurality of culture spaces 12d and 12e. In the case of the first embodiment, the internal space 12c is divided into a first culture space 12d and a second culture space 12e. Specifically, the first and second culture spaces 12d and 12e are arranged in the extending direction (Z-axis direction) of the central axis C of the culture solution storage unit 12, that is, in the extending and contracting direction of the culture solution storage unit 12. Yes. Further, the first culture space 12d is arranged on the top plate 14 side, and the second culture space 12e is arranged on the bottom plate 16 side.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in order to divide the internal space 12c of the culture solution storage part 12 into first and second culture spaces 12d and 12e, a partition part 24 is provided in the internal space 12c.

  The partition part 24 is provided in the reduced diameter part 12b of the culture solution storage part 12 whose deformation is relatively small, and is a disk-like part as shown in FIG. 1 and made of a deformable material such as a resin material. It is. In addition, the culture solution storage part 12 and the partition part 24 may be produced from the same material, and thereby may be integrated.

  The partition part 24 defines a different first culture space 12d and second culture space 12e in the culture solution storage part 12. That is, the first culture space is constituted by a part of the inner surface of the culture solution storage part 12 (the inner surface on the top plate 14 side with respect to the reduced diameter part 12b) and the partition part 24 (the surface on the top plate 14 side). 12d is defined. Further, the second culture space 12e is formed by the remainder of the inner surface of the culture solution storage part 12 (the inner surface on the bottom plate 16 side with respect to the reduced diameter part 12b) and the partition part 24 (the surface on the bottom plate 16 side). Is defined.

  As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, at least one through hole 24a is formed in the partition portion 24 as a flow path for the culture medium L to pass between the first culture space 12d and the second culture space 12e. Is provided. In the case of the first embodiment, a plurality of through holes 24 a are provided in the partition portion 24. Further, in the case of the first embodiment, the plurality of through holes 24 a extend in the expansion / contraction direction (Z-axis direction) of the culture solution storage unit 12.

  FIG. 3 schematically shows an example of a culture apparatus that performs culture using the culture bag 10.

  As shown in FIG. 3, an example culture apparatus 50 includes a stage 52 on which the culture bag 10 is placed and a top plate 14 of the culture bag 10 so that the top plate 14 is positioned at a predetermined height from the stage 52. And a bottom chuck 56 for fixing the bottom plate 16 to the stage 52.

  The culture apparatus 50 also has a lifting arm 58 for deforming the culture bag 10 (the culture solution storage unit 12) fixed to the stage 52 via the top chuck 54 and the bottom chuck 56.

  Specifically, the lifting / lowering arm 58 holds the partition portion 24 of the culture bag 10 (in the case of the first embodiment, the reduced diameter portion 12b of the culture solution storage portion 12), in the Z-axis direction (that is, The culture bag 10 is configured to be deformed by reciprocating in the expansion / contraction direction of the culture solution storage unit 12. For example, the lifting arm 58 is lifted and lowered via a ball screw 60 that engages with the lifting arm 58 and a motor 62 that rotates the ball screw 60. By such an elevating arm 58, the culture bag 10 is deformed so that the partition portion 24 approaches the top plate 14 and so that the partition portion 24 approaches the bottom plate 16.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, when the culture bag 10 is deformed so that the partition portion 24 approaches the bottom plate 16 in the downward direction (arrow D1 direction) by the lifting arm 58, the position is set between the partition portion 24 and the bottom plate 16. The second culture space 12e of the culture bag 10 to be reduced is deformed. In contrast, the first culture space 12d is enlarged and deformed.

  Due to such deformation of the culture bag 10, the culture solution L in the second culture space 12 e moves to the first culture space 12 d through the plurality of through holes 24 a of the partition part 24. That is, a flow F1 (upflow) of the culture solution L from the second culture space 12e toward the first culture space 12d through the through hole 24a is generated. By this flow F1, the culture solution L in the first culture space 12d is agitated throughout. Further, a large amount of gas is taken into the culture solution L at the liquid level Ls of the culture solution L by the flow F1.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the culture bag 10 is deformed so that the partition portion 24 approaches the top plate 14 in the upward direction (arrow D2 direction) by the lifting arm 58, the space between the partition portion 24 and the top plate 14 is changed. The first culture space 12d of the culture bag 10 located at is reduced and deformed. On the other hand, the second culture space 12e is enlarged and deformed.

  Due to such deformation of the culture bag 10, the culture solution L in the first culture space 12 d moves to the second culture space 12 e through the plurality of through holes 24 a of the partition part 24. That is, a flow F2 (downflow) of the culture solution L is generated from the first culture space 12d to the second culture space 12e through the through hole 24a. By this flow F2, the culture solution L in the second culture space 12e is agitated throughout.

  Therefore, the culture bag 10 is repeatedly deformed so that the partition 24 is reciprocated between the top plate 14 and the bottom plate 16 in the facing direction (Z-axis direction) between the top plate 14 and the bottom plate 16 by the elevating arm 58. And each culture solution of 2nd culture space 12d and 12e is stirred alternately. At the same time, the culture solution L moves between the first culture space 12d and the second culture space 12e. As a result, the culture solution L in the internal space 12c of the culture solution storage unit 12 of the culture bag 10 is agitated throughout.

  According to this Embodiment 1, the culture solution L can be sufficiently stirred while suppressing damage to the culture target in the culture solution L.

  Specifically, the culture solution L in the culture bag 10 can be stirred by deformation of the culture bag 10 without using a stirring blade. Therefore, damage to the culture object due to the shearing force generated in the culture solution by the stirring of the stirring blade is suppressed.

  Even without an agitating blade, the culture solution is sufficiently agitated by going back and forth through the through hole 24a of the partition 24 that communicates the first culture space 12d and the second culture space 12e. That is, the culture medium L in the second culture space 12e moves to the first culture space 12d through the through hole 24a as shown in FIG. 4A, and the first culture as shown in FIG. 4B. The culture solution L in the space 12d moves into the second culture space 12e through the through hole 24a, so that the culture solution L is sufficiently stirred even without a stirring blade.

  Therefore, according to the first embodiment, the culture bag 10 is deformed and the damage to the culture solution is suppressed as compared with the case where the culture solution is stirred using the stirring blade, and the culture solution is obtained without the stirring blade. Can be sufficiently stirred.

  In addition, the deformation | transformation of the culture bag 10 is useful not only in stirring of the culture solution L in the inside but in storage and disposal. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the culture bag 10 as a whole can be made smaller (folded) than the original state by being reduced in the expansion / contraction direction (Z-axis direction) of the culture solution storage unit 12. it can). Folding the culture bag 10 facilitates storage and disposal.

  Further, in the case of the first embodiment, the culture bag 10 (that is, the internal space 12c of the culture solution storage unit 12) has a horizontal size (X-axis direction, Y-axis direction) that is larger than a vertical size (Z-axis direction). Therefore, many culture solutions L can be used for culture.

  If it demonstrates concretely, when culturing the culture | cultivation object using many culture solutions L, the stirring of the culture solution L becomes important. When the horizontal size of the internal space 12c of the culture solution storage unit 12 that stores the culture solution L is smaller than the vertical size, in order to sufficiently stir the entire culture solution L inside, the partition portion 24 is vertically It is necessary to reciprocate with a large stroke in the direction. Therefore, it takes time to move the partition 24 by one stroke. As a result, there is a possibility that stirring of a large amount of culture solution may be insufficient.

  On the other hand, as in the first embodiment, when the horizontal size of the internal space 12c of the culture solution storage unit 12 is larger than the vertical size, the partition unit 24 necessary for sufficiently stirring the entire culture solution L. The amount of stroke in the vertical direction is small (compared to the case where the horizontal size is smaller than the vertical size). Therefore, the time required for moving the partition 24 by one stroke is short, and as a result, a large amount of the culture solution L can be sufficiently stirred.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the culture bag 10 can be deformed without moving the partition 24 in the parallel direction (Z-axis direction) of the first culture space 12d and the second culture space 12e. Is possible.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the partition 24 is moved in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the parallel direction (Z-axis direction) of the first culture space 12d and the second culture space 12e, for example, the X-axis direction. Then, the culture bag 10 may be deformed.

  In this case, the culture solution L extends in an inclined state from the edge of the through hole 24a so that the culture solution L passes through the through hole 24a of the partition portion 24 that moves in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction). An inclined guide portion 24b that guides the through hole 24a is provided. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6A, when the partition 24 moves horizontally in the direction of arrow D3 (left direction in the figure), the culture solution L in the second culture space 12e is moved to the first culture space by the inclined guide portion 24b. Move to 12d. At this time, the culture solution L flows into the first culture space 12d obliquely with respect to the partition part 24 along the inclined guide part 24b. Thereby, a horizontal flow F3 (a flow including a flow component in the X-axis direction and a flow component in the Y-axis direction) is generated in the first culture space 12d. Thereby, the culture solution L in the first culture space 12d is agitated.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the partition part 24 moves horizontally in the direction of arrow D4 (right side in the figure), the culture solution L in the first culture space 12d is moved into the second culture space 12e by the inclined guide part 24b. Move to. At this time, the culture solution L flows into the second culture space 12e obliquely with respect to the partition part 24 along the inclined guide part 24b. Thereby, a horizontal flow F4 (a flow including a flow component in the X-axis direction and a flow component in the Y-axis direction) is generated in the first culture space 12d. Thereby, the culture solution L in the 2nd culture space 12e is stirred.

  Furthermore, the moving direction of the partition part 24 for deforming the culture bag 10 is not limited to the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) or the horizontal direction (X-axis direction, Y-axis direction), but is also limited to the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, And an oblique direction including at least two components in the Z-axis direction.

  In addition, instead of translating the partition part 24, the culture bag 10 may be deformed by changing the posture of the partition part 24 instead of or in addition to the parallel movement. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the partition portion 24 may be rotated in the direction of arrow D5 around a rotation center line parallel to the horizontal direction (Y-axis direction).

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the partition 24 is fixed by the top chuck 54 and the bottom chuck 56 rather than being displaced relative to the fixed top plate 14 and bottom plate 16. Then, the top plate 14 and the bottom plate 16 may be displaced. Even in this case, the culture bag 10 can be deformed and the culture solution L inside thereof can be stirred.

(Embodiment 2)
The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment described above with respect to the number of culture spaces in the culture bag. Therefore, the second embodiment will be described focusing on the different points. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to substantially the same components as those of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the culture bag according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the culture bag 110, the internal space 112c of the accordion-shaped culture solution storage part 112 is divided into three spaces (first to third culture spaces) 112d, 112e, and 112f. Specifically, the internal space 112c is divided into three by a partition portion 124 provided in each of the two reduced diameter portions 112b.

  The first culture space 112d, the second culture space 112e, and the third culture space 112f are arranged in the expansion / contraction direction (Z-axis direction) of the culture bag 110 (the bellows-shaped culture solution storage unit 112). The first culture space 112d is disposed on the top plate 14 side, the third culture space 112f is disposed on the bottom plate 16 side, and the second culture space 112e is composed of the first culture space 112d and the third culture space. 112f. Therefore, the second culture space 112e directly communicates with the first and third culture spaces 112d and 112f through the through hole 124a of the partition part 124, but the first culture space 112d and the third culture space are connected. It does not communicate directly with 112f.

  According to such a culture bag 110, for example, the culture bag 110 can be deformed into various shapes as compared with the first embodiment by moving each of the two partition portions 124 independently. . Thereby, it is possible to generate a complicated flow of the culture solution L in the culture bag 110. As a result, depending on the culture target, it is even more preferable and appropriately stirred, and the culture efficiency can be improved.

  In addition, when there are three or more culture spaces as in the second embodiment, that is, when there are two or more partition portions between them, the through holes formed in each partition portion are partitioned. The position and number may be different for each part. As a result, when the culture bag is deformed, a more complicated flow of the culture solution is formed in the culture bag. As a result, depending on the culture target, it can be more preferably appropriately stirred, and the culture efficiency can be improved.

(Embodiment 3)
The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment described above with respect to the position of the partition portion. Therefore, the third embodiment will be described focusing on the different points. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to substantially the same components as those of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the culture bag according to the third embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the culture bag 210 according to the third embodiment includes a first culture space 212d and a second culture space 212e as two culture spaces, as in the first embodiment. Have That is, the internal space 212 c of the culture solution storage part 212 of the culture bag 210 is divided by the partition part 224.

  However, in the case of the above-described first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the partition portion 24 is provided in the reduced diameter portion 12 b in the bellows-shaped culture solution storage portion 12. That is, even if the culture bag 10 as a whole is greatly deformed, the partition portion 24 is provided in the reduced diameter portion 12b that changes little compared to other portions, specifically, the cross-sectional area hardly changes.

  On the other hand, in the case of the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the partition part 224 is provided not in the reduced diameter part 212b of the bellows-shaped culture solution storage part 212 but in the enlarged diameter part 212a. Since the cross-sectional area is greatly changed by the deformation of the culture bag 210, the partition portion 224 is made of an elastically deformable material.

  According to such a partition part 224, the cross-sectional area of the through hole 224a changes with the elastic deformation of the partition part 224 during the deformation of the culture bag 210 (its culture solution storage part 212). As a result, the flow rate of the culture medium L that travels between the first culture space 212d and the second culture space 212e through the through hole 224a changes during the deformation of the culture bag 210. Thereby, it is possible to generate a complicated flow of the culture solution L in the culture bag 210. As a result, depending on the culture target, it can be more preferably appropriately stirred, and the culture efficiency can be improved.

(Embodiment 4)
The fourth embodiment is different from the first to third embodiments with respect to the culture medium storage unit. Therefore, the third embodiment will be described focusing on the different points. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to substantially the same components as those of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the culture bag according to the fourth embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the culture solution storage part 312 of the culture bag 310 according to the fourth embodiment includes a cylindrical part 312a and a bellows part 312b. The cylindrical portion 312a is disposed on the top plate 14 side, and the bellows portion 312b is disposed on the bottom plate 16 side.

  In addition, the internal space 312c of the culture solution storage unit 312 is divided into three culture spaces 312d, 312e, and 312f. The first culture space 312d is provided in the cylindrical portion 312a, and the second and third culture spaces 312e and 312f are provided in the bellows portion 312b.

  Since the culture solution storage unit 312 includes the cylindrical portion 312a and the bellows portion 312b, the culture solution storage unit 312 is partially deformed. That is, the cylindrical portion 312a is hardly deformed, and the bellows portion 312b is deformed. Thereby, during the deformation of the culture bag 310, the flow rate of the culture solution L in the first culture space 312d in the cylindrical portion 312a is the same as that in the second and third culture spaces 312e and 312f in the bellows portion 312b. Low compared to L flow rate. As described above, when the flow rate difference of the culture solution L occurs in the internal space 312c of the culture solution storage unit 312, that is, when a pressure difference occurs, the culture solution storage unit 312 is entirely bellows, and the flow rate difference is almost no. Compared to the case where it does not occur, the culture solution is more stirred.

  In addition, the position of the cylindrical part 312a in the culture solution storage part 312 may be anywhere. For example, there may be a cylindrical portion 312 a between the bellows portion 312 b and the bottom plate 16. Further, for example, there may be a cylindrical portion 312a between the two bellows portions 312b.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the cylindrical portion 312a is provided at the uppermost position in the culture solution storage portion 312, and the liquid level Ls of the culture solution L is in the culture space 312d in the cylindrical portion 312a during the deformation of the culture bag 310. In addition to the improvement in stirring properties, another effect occurs. Since the flow rate of the culture solution L is lower in the cylindrical portion 312a than that of the bellows portion 312b, the liquid level Ls in the cylindrical portion 312a is less likely to wave. As a result, bubbles that can damage the culture target are unlikely to occur at the interface (liquid level Ls) between the culture medium L and the gas.

(Embodiment 5)
The fifth embodiment is different from the first to fourth embodiments described above with respect to the culture medium storage unit. Therefore, the fifth embodiment will be described focusing on the different points. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to substantially the same components as those of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the culture bag according to the fifth embodiment.

  In the case of the above-mentioned Embodiment 1, as shown in FIG. 2, the culture solution storage part 12 of the culture bag 10 has a bellows shape. On the other hand, the culture solution storage part 412 of the culture bag 410 according to the fifth embodiment has a folding lantern structure.

  Specifically, the culture solution storage portion 412 of the culture bag 410 is made of a deformable material and has a bottomed cylindrical main body portion 412a having a circular cross section, and a main body portion 412a made of a metal material or a resin material. And a plurality of annular frames 412b provided therein. For example, the main body 412a is made of a thin resin sheet that can be easily deformed. The plurality of frames 412b maintain a circular cross section of the culture solution storage unit 412.

  In addition, the internal space 412c of the culture solution storage unit 412 is divided into a first culture space 412d and a second culture space 412e by a partition unit 424.

  As shown in FIG. 12, when the bottom plate 16 moves upward (in the direction of arrow D6) toward the partition portion 424, the culture solution storage portion 412 is deformed, and the second culture space 412e is contracted and deformed. Thereby, the culture solution L in the second culture space 412e moves to the first culture space 412d through the plurality of through holes 424a of the partition portion 424. On the other hand, when the top plate 14 moves toward the partition portion 424, the first culture space 412d is reduced and deformed. Thereby, the culture solution L in the first culture space 412d moves to the second culture space 412e through the through hole 424a. Thereby, the culture solution L in the internal space 412c of the culture solution storage part 412 is agitated.

(Embodiment 6)
The sixth embodiment is different from the fifth embodiment regarding the frame. Therefore, the sixth embodiment will be described focusing on the different points. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to substantially the same components as those of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the culture bag according to the sixth embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the culture solution storage portion 512 of the culture bag 510 is made of a deformable material and has a bottomed cylindrical main body portion 512 a having a circular cross section, and a main body made of a metal material or a resin material. And a frame 512b provided in the portion 412a. For example, the main body 512a is made of a thin resin sheet that can be easily deformed.

  In the case of the sixth embodiment, there is one frame 512b and a helical coil shape. The helical coil-shaped frame 512b maintains the shape of the culture solution storage portion 412 in a cylindrical shape (the cross section thereof is maintained in a circular shape). That is, the culture bag 510 can stand by itself while maintaining a cylindrical shape by the frame 512b.

(Embodiment 7)
The seventh embodiment is different from the above-described first to sixth embodiments with respect to the culture medium container. Therefore, the seventh embodiment will be described focusing on the different points. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to substantially the same components as those of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the culture bag according to the seventh embodiment.

  In the case of the above-described first to sixth embodiments, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, the culture solution storage portion 12 of the culture bag 10 according to the first embodiment is a bottomed cylindrical shape having a circular cross section and has an enlarged diameter. It has a bellows shape with a portion 12a and a reduced diameter portion 12b.

  On the other hand, in the case of the seventh embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the culture solution storage portion 612 of the culture bag 610 is a bottomed cylindrical shape having a rectangular cross section or a square cross section, and has an enlarged diameter portion 612 a It is a bellows shape provided with the reduced diameter part 612b.

  In the culture bag 610 of the seventh embodiment, since the cross section of the culture medium container 612 is rectangular or square, the cross section of the culture medium container 12 is circular when the footprints are the same. Compared with the culture bag 10, a larger amount of the culture solution L can be accommodated.

  In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the culture solution storage part of the culture bag is not limited to a square or a rectangle, is not limited to a circle, and may be another shape. Moreover, the cross-sectional shape of the culture solution storage part may be different depending on the position in the vertical direction.

  Although the present invention has been described with reference to the above-described plurality of first to seventh embodiments, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

  For example, in the case of the culture bag of the above-described embodiment, the culture solution inside the culture bag is agitated by deforming the culture bag. In addition, the flow of the culture solution may be generated in the first and second culture spaces of the culture bag by changing at least one of the position and posture of the culture bag. In this case, the culture apparatus includes, for example, a culture bag deforming unit (for example, the lifting arm 58 shown in FIG. 3) that deforms the culture bag, and a culture bag position / posture changing unit (for example, FIG. And a stage swinging section for swinging the stage 52 shown in FIG.

  Thereby, compared with the case where the culture solution in this culture bag is stirred only by deformation | transformation of a culture bag, a culture solution is stirred more.

  Moreover, in the case of the above-mentioned embodiment, although the flow path which connects 1st culture space and 2nd culture space is a through-hole of the state always opened, it is not restricted to this. For example, the flow path that connects the first culture space and the second culture space is a valve that opens when the pressure in the first culture space or the second culture space exceeds a predetermined value due to deformation of the culture bag. May be.

  Furthermore, in the case of the above-described embodiment, the culture bag (its culture solution container) expands and contracts in the vertical direction (Z direction), but the expansion and contraction direction of the culture bag is not limited to this. For example, the culture bag may be expanded and contracted in the horizontal direction.

  Furthermore, in the case of the above-described embodiment, the first culture space and the second culture space are provided by dividing the internal space in the culture bag by the partition portion. Further, in the culture bag, in particular, the culture solution storage portion has a bellows shape or a folding lantern shape. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the culture bag includes a constricted portion, and the internal space is divided into a first culture space and a second culture space by the constricted portion, and the first culture space and the second culture space are further separated in the constricted portion. It may be a culture bag communicated by a space (flow path). That is, in a broad sense, the culture bag of the present invention is a deformable culture bag that contains a culture solution and performs culture, and includes a first culture space defined by the inner surface of the culture bag, There is a second culture space defined by the inner surface, which is different from the first culture space, and a flow path through which the culture solution can come and go through the first culture space and the second culture space.

  The present invention is applicable to culture using a culture bag.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Culture bag 12d 1st culture space 12e 2nd culture space 24a Flow path (through hole)

Claims (11)

A deformable culture bag that contains a culture solution and performs culture,
A first culture space defined by the inner surface of the culture bag;
A second culture space defined by the inner surface of the culture bag, different from the first culture space;
A culture bag having a flow path through which a culture solution can be communicated by communicating the first culture space and the second culture space.   By dividing the internal space of the culture bag, a first culture space and a second culture space are defined, and a through-hole as a flow path that connects the first culture space and the second culture space is provided. The culture bag of Claim 1 which has a partition part with which it is equipped. The culture bag is extendable in the first direction,
The culture bag according to claim 2, wherein the partition portion is provided in the internal space of the culture bag so that the first and second culture spaces are arranged in the first direction. The culture bag has a bellows shape that can expand and contract in the first direction,
The culture bag according to claim 3, wherein the partition portion is disposed in a constricted portion of the bellows-like culture bag.   The culture bag according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the size of the culture bag in the second direction and the third direction, which are orthogonal to the first direction and orthogonal to each other, is larger than the size in the first direction. A deformable culture bag that contains a culture solution and performs culture, and is different from the first culture space defined by the inner surface of the culture bag and the first culture space defined by the inner surface of the culture bag. Comprising a second culture space, and a flow path through which the culture solution can be communicated by communicating the first culture space and the second culture space;
A culture apparatus comprising: a culture bag deforming portion that causes the culture solution to pass between the first and second culture spaces via the flow path by deforming the culture bag. The culture bag defines a first culture space and a second culture space by dividing the internal space of the culture bag, and serves as a flow path that connects the first culture space and the second culture space. With a partition with a through hole,
The culture bag deforming portion moves the partition portion to deform the culture bag, thereby causing the culture medium to pass between the first and second culture spaces through the through holes of the partition portion. Culture equipment. The culture bag is extendable in the first direction,
The culture apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the partition portion is provided in the internal space of the culture bag so that the first and second culture spaces are arranged in the first direction. The culture bag has a bellows shape that can expand and contract in the first direction,
The culture apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the partition part is disposed in a constricted part of the bellows-like culture bag. The size of the culture bag in the second direction and the third direction, which are orthogonal to the first direction and orthogonal to each other, is larger than the size of the first direction,
The culture device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the culture bag deforming portion deforms the culture bag in the first direction.   The culture bag position / orientation changing unit that changes at least one of the position and orientation of the culture bag to generate a flow of the culture solution in the first and second culture spaces. The culture apparatus described.

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