JP4415343B2 - Cell culture equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a cell culture device, and more particularly to a cell culture device that controls culture by obtaining information on a culture state by photographing a cultured cell directly or through a microscope with a camera.

  As a cell culture device that controls the culture by obtaining information on the culture state, for example, the number of cells, cell concentration, cell occupation area, etc. by photographing the cultured cells with a camera, the cells based on the culture state information There has been proposed a cell culture device that determines the passage time of the cells and automatically performs the passage culture (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-275659 (page 4-9, FIG. 1)

  By the way, it is necessary to cultivate cells for the production of various cells for regenerative medicine, and for the production of products obtained from cells such as organelles, antibodies and other cell production substances. It is desirable to obtain the required amount of cells at the required time.

  In contrast, in conventional cell culture, an operator obtains the required amount of cells at the required time, so the culture conditions are determined by the operator's experience, and the cell culture state is sequentially determined during cell culture. And adjusting the culture conditions as necessary. In addition, in a conventional cell culture device that controls the culture by obtaining information on the culture state by photographing the cultured cells with a camera, the passage time can be determined, but the required amount Cell culture such as obtaining cells at the required time is not possible.

  As described above, in the conventional cell culture technology, the operator has to perform complicated work in cell culture, and whether or not the required amount of cells can be obtained at a required time is determined by the operator. There are problems such as being influenced by experience. For this reason, to reduce the work of the operator in cell culture, and to eliminate the problem of whether the required amount of cells can be obtained at the required time depending on the experience of the operator, etc. Therefore, there is a need for a cell culture apparatus that can obtain a required amount of cells at a required time.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a cell culture device capable of obtaining a required amount of cells at a required time.

Cell culture device of the present invention includes a database unit for the type and culture conditions of a cell when the obtained specific growth rate is stored in association with the specific growth rate, the input unit for inputting the required number of cells and timing to be obtained by culturing And a cell culture unit for culturing cells in a set environment, and an image data creation unit for creating image data by photographing the culture state of the cells in the culture container accommodated in the cell culture unit with a camera And a culture solution supply / discharge unit that supplies and discharges the culture solution to and from the culture container accommodated in the cell culture unit, and a database unit, an input unit, a cell culture unit, an image data creation unit, and a culture solution supply / discharge unit. A control unit connected to the control unit, the control unit calculates a specific growth rate based on the initial cell number when starting culture, the required cell number and the required time, and based on the type of cells to be cultured From the database department Select closer specific growth rate, obtains the information of the culture conditions corresponding to the selected specific growth rate, based on the information of the acquired culture conditions, controls the operation of the cell culture unit and the cultures supply and discharge unit The above-described problem is solved by adopting a configuration to do so.

  With such a configuration, the cell culture device automatically calculates the cell type and the initial cell number when starting the culture, the necessary cell number obtained by the culture and the necessary time to obtain the necessary cell number, Culture conditions for obtaining a necessary amount of cells at a necessary time can be selected, and cell culture can be performed according to the culture conditions. That is, the required amount of cells can be obtained at the required time.

  Further, the control unit calculates the number of cells based on the image data from the image data creation unit during cell culture, calculates the specific growth rate based on the calculated cell number, and calculates the calculated specific growth rate. Compare the number of cells obtained at the required time calculated based on the required number of cells to determine whether the required number of cells can be obtained at the required time, and this determination will give the required number of cells at the required time. If not, the specific growth rate is calculated based on the calculated number of cells, the required number of cells and the required time, and the specific growth rate closest to the database unit is calculated based on the calculated specific growth rate and the cell type. A configuration for selecting a speed, acquiring information on a new culture condition corresponding to the selected specific growth rate, and controlling operations of the cell culture unit and the culture solution supply / discharge unit based on the acquired information on the culture condition And With such a configuration, even when cells are not growing at the required specific growth rate during cell culture, the culture conditions can be corrected to correct the specific growth rate to the required specific growth rate. For this reason, the control precision of the cell culture for obtaining the required number of cells at the required time can be further improved.

  Furthermore, during the cell culture, the control unit obtains the specific growth rate based on the number of cells calculated based on the image data from the image data creation unit, and determines the specific growth rate information and the specific growth rate. It is set as the structure which associates with the information of the culture conditions at the time of obtaining, and stores in a database part. With such a configuration, it is possible to increase the number of specific growth rate data corresponding to the cell type and culture conditions stored in the database, and it becomes possible to select a more specific specific growth rate. In addition, it is possible to further improve the accuracy of cell culture control for obtaining the necessary number of cells.

  Further, if the control unit is configured to detect the cell type and the initial cell number based on the image data from the image data creation unit, the operation of inputting the cell type and the initial cell number from the input unit can be omitted. The work performed by the operator for cell culture can be further reduced.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the cell culture apparatus which can obtain a required quantity of cells at a required time can be provided.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a cell culture device to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration and operation of a cell culture apparatus to which the present invention is applied. 2 and 3 are flow charts showing the culture control operation of the cell culture apparatus to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a database included in the database unit.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the cell culture apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an incubator 3 serving as a cell culture unit in which a culture vessel 1 is housed, and a culture solution supply / discharge unit that supplies and discharges the culture solution to and from the culture vessel 1. 5, control unit 9 for controlling operations of image data creation unit 7, image incubator 3, culture solution supply / discharge unit 5, image data creation unit 7 and the like for photographing the inside of the culture vessel and performing image processing, various setting information For example, and a database unit 13 for storing information such as specific growth rate and culture conditions.

  The incubator 3 can adjust the culture environment such as the temperature in the culture chamber in which the culture vessel 1 that is generally used is accommodated, and the atmosphere if necessary. Such an incubator 3 is electrically connected to the control unit 9 through a cable 14 so that signals can be exchanged. The culture solution supply / discharge unit 5 supplies the culture solution to the culture vessel 1, discharges the culture solution from the culture vessel 1, and exchanges the culture solution in the culture vessel 1.

  Since the culture solution supply / discharge unit 5 of the present embodiment can select and supply a culture solution having a composition according to the type of cells, a plurality of culture solutions that individually contain culture solutions having different compositions. Tank 15a, 15b, 15c, culture fluid tanks 15a, 15b, 15c each connected to one end of culture fluid conduits 17a, 17b, 17c, and switching valve connected to the other end of culture fluid conduits 17a, 17b, 17c 19, a culture medium supply pipe 21 provided between the switching valve 19 and the culture container 1 to guide the culture medium to the culture container 1, a supply pump 23 provided in the culture liquid supply pipe 21, and the like. is doing. The switching valve 19 selects the culture solution to be supplied to the culture vessel 1 by switching the conduit communicating with the culture fluid supply conduit 21 to one of the culture fluid conduits 17a, 17b, and 17c.

  Furthermore, since the culture solution supply / discharge part 5 of this embodiment discharges the culture solution in the culture vessel 1, a waste solution line 27 having one end connected to the culture vessel 1 and the other end connected to the waste solution tank 25, a waste solution pipe. The passage 27 has a valve 29 for opening and closing a waste liquid flow path provided in order from the culture vessel 1 side, a waste liquid pump 31 and the like. The switching valve 19, the supply pump 23, the valve 29, the waste liquid pump 31, and the like included in the culture solution supply / discharge unit 5 are electrically connected to the control unit 9 via the wiring 33. In FIG. 1, the culture solution supply / discharge unit 5 is installed outside the incubator 3, but the culture solution supply / discharge unit can also be installed in the incubator 3. Moreover, when controlling the temperature of the culture solution supplied to the culture vessel 1 to the culture temperature, the culture solution tanks 15 a, 15 b, 15 c and the like can be configured to be installed in the incubator 3.

  As described above, the culture vessel 1 to which the culture solution is supplied and discharged by the culture solution supply / discharge unit 5 is unlikely to have an influence on or outflow of cells due to the supply and discharge of the culture solution by the culture solution supply / discharge unit 5. If it is a thing, the thing of various shapes and structures can be used.

  The image data creation unit 7 is installed in the incubator 3 and performs a binarization or more multivalue processing of the image data photographed by the camera 35 such as a CCD camera for photographing the culture vessel 1 and the camera 35, and the like. It is formed by image processing means 37 for creating image data for counting the number. The camera 35 and the image processing means 37 are electrically connected via a cable 39 so that signals and data can be exchanged. The image processing unit 37 is electrically connected to the control unit 9 through a cable 39 so that signals and data can be exchanged. Note that the image data created by the image processing means 37 is not particularly limited as long as position information and shading information of each bit can be obtained. Also, the image data from the camera 35 can be moving image data or still image data depending on the cell growth rate.

  Although not shown, the control unit 9 includes a central processing unit, that is, a CPU, a storage unit such as a hard disk storing a program for various processing, a memory for temporarily storing image data, an image processing unit 37, An interface for connecting other devices and the like, an image taken by the camera 35, a display screen showing a culture state, a display serving as a display means for displaying an operation screen, and the like are provided. The input unit 11 electrically connected to the control unit 9 via the cable 41 is formed by a mouse for various operations, a keyboard having keys and switches for inputting various settings, and the like. ing. Therefore, the control unit 9 can be formed using a personal computer or the like.

  Further, the control unit 9 includes a database unit 13 formed by an external storage device that stores data such as cell types, culture conditions, and specific growth rates in association with each other. It is electrically connected so that it can be exchanged.

  Such a control unit 9 includes a database data input function, a culture information setting function, a specific growth rate calculation function, a culture condition selection function, a cell number counting function, an incubator control function, a culture solution supply / discharge unit control function, and image data creation. Each program for providing these functions to the control unit 9 is stored in a storage means such as a hard disk.

  The database data input function uses the input unit 11 and the like, and the specific growth rate data, the type of cell that has obtained the specific growth rate, the composition of the culture solution, the culture temperature, the culture atmosphere, the replacement frequency of the culture solution, This is a function of registering these data in association with each other in the database unit 13 via the control unit 9 by inputting data relating to culture conditions such as the replacement time. In the database unit 13, the specific growth rate obtained by manual culture using this database data input function, the cell type, the composition of the culture solution, the culture temperature, and further, if necessary, the culture atmosphere and culture A plurality of data such as liquid replacement frequency are registered and stored. Note that the composition of the culture solution is registered in the database unit 13 with unique identification information such that names of all the different compositions are given.

  The culture information setting function includes the types of cells to be cultured using the input unit 11, the initial number of cells that is the number of cells when the culture is started, the required number of cells that are desired to be obtained by the culture, and the necessary cells. It is a function that sets information on the culture that you want to carry out, such as the required time, such as the date you want to obtain.

  The specific growth rate calculation function is a function that calculates the specific growth rate necessary to obtain the required number of cells at the required time based on the initial cell number, required cell number, and required time set by the culture information setting function. is there.

  The culture condition selection function is based on the specific growth rate calculated by the specific growth rate calculation function and the type of cells to be cultured that are input using the input unit 11, and the cell from the database stored in the database unit 13. This is a function for searching and selecting a specific growth rate closest to the type and specific growth rate, and acquiring data on the culture conditions when the selected specific growth rate is obtained.

  The incubator control function is a function of controlling the operation of the incubator 3 according to the culture conditions acquired by the culture condition selection function and adjusting the culture temperature and, if necessary, the atmosphere. The culture solution supply / discharge unit control function controls the operation of the switching valve 19, the supply pump 23, the valve 29, the waste solution pump 31 and the like of the culture solution supply / discharge unit 5 according to the culture conditions acquired by the culture condition selection function, This is a function of supplying the culture solution corresponding to the culture condition acquired by the condition selection function to the culture vessel 1. In addition, the culture medium supply / discharge unit control function allows the culture in the culture vessel 1 to be performed at the exchange time and frequency of the culture condition obtained by the culture condition selection function when the culture medium needs to be replaced during the culture. It also has a function to exchange liquids.

  The image data creation unit control function controls the operation of the image processing means 37 and the camera 35 of the image data creation unit 7 in order to acquire image data by photographing cells in culture at a preset timing during culture. It is a function to do.

  The cell count function is a function that counts the number of cells based on the image data obtained from the image data creation unit 7 by the image data creation unit control function. For counting cells from image data, for example, if the boundary is clear, image processing software such as Image Pro PLUS (Media Cybernetics) is used, and after background removal processing, γ conversion, etc., morphological processing such as contraction is performed. It is done by applying and measuring automatically. On the other hand, if the boundary is unclear and automatic measurement is difficult, the number of cells can be measured by calculating parameters on the image that are proportional to the number of cells, such as the area of the area below a certain luminance value on the image. Can do.

  For example, human bone marrow stem cells with unclear cell boundaries, so-called hMSC objective 4X microscope images, were automatically measured after performing background removal, gamma conversion, and contraction using Image Pro PLUS with Large Spectral Filter Since the value is proportional to the number of cells, if the proportionality constant is obtained, the number of cells can be calculated from the automatically measured value.

  In addition, the cell density can be calculated from the image data, the number of cells can be calculated from the calculated cell density and the culture area of the culture vessel 1, and the number of cells from the image data can be counted using various methods. It can be carried out. The cell number counting function also has a function of comparing the calculated number of cells with the required number of cells set by the culture information setting function to determine the end of the culture.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control part 9 also has a culture condition correction function, and a program for giving this function to the control part 9 is also stored in a storage means such as a hard disk. The culture condition correction function calculates the specific growth rate in the actual culture based on the number of cells calculated over time by the cell number counting function at the set time interval, and the calculated specific growth rate in the actual culture. And the required specific growth rate calculated by the specific growth rate calculation function, whether the required number of cells can be obtained at the required time set by the culture information setting function with the specific growth rate in the actual culture Determine whether. When it is determined that the required number of cells cannot be obtained at the required time, the specific growth rate is calculated based on the current number of cells and the required number of cells using the specific growth rate calculation function. This is a function of using the selection function to acquire new culture condition data based on the newly calculated specific growth rate and to correct the culture condition.

  In addition, in this embodiment, the control unit 9 also has a culture data feedback function, and a program for giving this function to the control unit 9 is also stored in storage means such as a hard disk. When the culture data feedback function is performed using the cell culture apparatus of the present embodiment, after the culture is performed, the change in the number of cells over time obtained by the image data creation unit 7 and the cell number calculation function in the culture is performed. Specific growth rate data obtained from the above, data on culture conditions such as the type of cultured cells, culture medium composition, culture temperature, and culture atmosphere when the culture atmosphere is adjusted. This is a function of automatically registering in the database unit 13 in association with each other.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the database unit 13 includes, as an example, a cell type, a specific growth rate, a culture solution type, a culture temperature, and a culture solution exchange frequency registered by the database data input function or the culture data feedback function. In addition, data such as culture medium exchange intervals for determining the timing are stored in association with each other. The database unit 13 stores not only the specific growth rate but also the growth curve data in association with other data, and when determining the culture conditions, it is closest to the specific growth rate calculated by the specific growth rate calculation function. It is also possible to employ a configuration for searching for growth curve data that can obtain a specific growth rate.

  In the present embodiment, the culture information setting function is used to input and set the type of cells to be cultured using the input unit 11 and the initial cell number that is the number of cells when the culture is started. However, in place of such a configuration, the control operation of the control unit 9 becomes complicated, but the culture information setting function starts the culture obtained from the image data creation unit 7 using the image data creation unit control function. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the type of cells, the initial number of cells, etc. are detected and set based on the image data of the previous culture vessel 1.

  In the present embodiment, the specific growth rate corresponding to the cell type is selected. However, even if the cell type is the same, the growth state may differ depending on the cell shape. In such a case, the specific growth rate is stored in the database unit 13 in association with the cell form in addition to the cell type, and the cell information is set in addition to the cell type with the culture information setting function, The culture condition selection function searches and selects the specific growth rate based on the specific growth rate and the cell type and cell form, and acquires the culture condition data when the selected specific growth rate is obtained. It can also be configured.

  The operation of the cell culture apparatus having such a configuration and the features of the present invention will be described. In the following description, the database unit 13 includes various types of cells already obtained by manual culture, specific growth rate data obtained under culture conditions, the types of cells that have obtained the specific growth rate, It is assumed that data such as culture conditions are input and accumulated. Further, the storage means of the control unit 9 includes the identification information of the culture medium tanks 15a, 15b, 15c and the composition of the culture medium stored in each of the culture medium tanks 15a, 15b, 15c corresponding to the identification information, that is, It is assumed that the type information is input in advance.

  The operator, for example, puts a buffer solution or the like adapted to the cells to be cultured in the culture container 1, plants cells to be cultured therein, and counts the initial number of cells planted in the culture container 1. After counting the initial number of cells, the culture vessel 1 in which the cells to be cultured are planted is placed in the culture chamber of the incubator 3, and the culture solution supply line 21 and the waste solution line 27 of the culture solution supply / discharge unit 5 are connected to the culture vessel 1. Connect to

  Thereafter, when the operator instructs the start of culture using the input unit 11 or the like, the control unit 9 displays a culture information setting screen on a display or the like as shown in FIGS. In accordance with this setting screen, the information such as the type of cells to be cultured, the initial number of cells, the required number of cells to be obtained by culturing, and the required time to obtain the required number of cells is input using the input unit 11 or the like. Then, the culture information is set (step 101). When the culture information is set in step 101, the control unit 9 calculates the specific growth rate necessary for obtaining the necessary cell number at the necessary time based on the initial cell number, the necessary cell number, and the necessary time ( Step 103).

  After step 103, the control unit 9 searches the database unit 13 for data on the specific growth rate closest to the calculated specific growth rate corresponding to the type of cell to be cultured and selects it (step 105). The database also contains data such as the culture conditions associated with the selected specific growth rate data, that is, the type of culture medium, the culture temperature, and, if necessary, the culture atmosphere and the timing and frequency of culture medium replacement. Obtained from the unit 13 (step 107).

  After step 107, the control unit 9 sets the type of culture solution, the culture temperature, the replacement time and frequency of the culture solution, and the like according to the acquired culture conditions. In accordance with this setting, the incubator 3 adjusts the temperature in the culture chamber. Further, in the culture solution supply / discharge unit 5, by switching the switching valve 19, the culture solution tank containing the necessary culture solution among the culture solution tanks 15 a, 15 b, 15 c is in communication with the culture vessel 1, and the valve 29 When the waste liquid pump 31 is driven and the supply pump 23 is driven with the open state, the buffer solution in the culture vessel 1 is exchanged with the culture medium selected as the culture condition, and the culture is started. (Step 109).

  Further, at the same time when the culture is started in step 109, the control unit 9 sets the observation interval of the culture state by the image data creation unit 7, that is, the creation interval of the image data, operates the image data creation unit 7, Observation of the culture state is started (step 111).

  When the culture is started, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the control unit 9 obtains image data via the image data creation unit 7 when the observation time set in step 111 is reached (step 113). The number of cells is counted based on the acquired image data (step 115). In step 115, when the step 115 is performed for the first time, only the number of cells is counted. In the second and subsequent steps, the number of cells obtained in the previous step 115 and the current number obtained in the current step 115 are obtained. The specific growth rate in actual culture is calculated from the number of cells.

  After step 115, the control unit 9 compares the current number of cells obtained in step 115 with the required number of cells set in step 101 (step 117). In step 117, if the current number of cells obtained in step 115 does not reach the required number of cells, the specific growth rate in the actual culture obtained in step 115 and the specific growth rate calculated in step 103 are calculated. By comparison, it is determined whether or not the necessary number of cells can be obtained at the necessary time set in Step 101 at the specific growth rate in the current culture (Step 119). Note that step 119 is skipped when step 115 is performed for the first time.

  In step 119, when the required number of cells can be obtained at the required time at the specific growth rate in the current culture, the process returns to step 113, and when the current number of cells obtained in step 115 has not reached the required number of cells, Step 113 to step 119 are repeated. On the other hand, in step 119, when the required number of cells can be obtained at the required time at the specific growth rate in the current culture, when returning to step 113, in step 117, the current number of cells obtained in step 115 is the required number of cells. If it is determined that the number has been reached, the culture is terminated (step 121).

  In Step 119, when it is determined that the required number of cells cannot be obtained at the required time at the specific growth rate in the current culture, the process returns to Step 103 shown in FIG. Based on the number of cells, the required number of cells and the required time, a new specific growth rate necessary for obtaining the required number of cells at the required time is calculated. In step 105, the data closest to the calculated new specific growth rate is searched and selected from the specific growth rate data. Thereafter, in step 107, the culture conditions associated with the selected specific growth rate data, that is, the type of culture solution, the culture temperature, the timing and frequency of replacement of the culture solution, and if necessary, the culture atmosphere, etc. Data is acquired from the database unit 13.

  After step 107, in step 109, the control unit 9 sets the type of the culture solution, the culture temperature, and the culture atmosphere and the replacement time and frequency of the culture solution as necessary according to the acquired new culture conditions. And correct the culture conditions. At this time, since the observation by the image data creation unit 7 is continued, step 111 is skipped, and after step 109, step 113 to step 117 or step 119 are repeated as shown in FIG. If it is determined that the current number of cells obtained in step 115 has reached the required number of cells, the process proceeds to step 121 and the culture is terminated.

  In this embodiment, in step 121, the culture is terminated, and as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, time-lapse cells obtained by the image data creation unit 7 and the cell number calculation function in this culture are displayed. Specific growth rate data obtained based on changes in the number of cells, the type of cultured cells, and the culture atmosphere, culture medium replacement frequency and interval when the culture medium composition, culture temperature, and culture atmosphere are adjusted. Data relating to culture conditions such as are automatically registered in the database unit 13 in association with each other.

  As described above, in the cell culture device of this embodiment, the database unit 13 stores the specific growth rate, the cell type, and the culture condition in association with each other, the input unit 11 that inputs the necessary number of cells and the necessary time, and the set environment. An incubator 3 for culturing cells, an image data creating unit 7 for creating image data by photographing a cell culture state with a camera 35, and a culture solution supply / discharge unit 5 for supplying and discharging a culture solution to and from the culture vessel 1 It has. Further, the specific growth rate is calculated based on the initial number of cells when starting culture, the required number of cells and the required time, and from the database unit 13 based on the calculated specific growth rate and the type of cells to be cultured. The closest specific growth rate is selected, information on the culture conditions corresponding to the selected specific growth rate is acquired, and the operations of the incubator 3 and the culture solution supply / discharge unit 5 are controlled based on the acquired information on the culture conditions. A control unit 9 having each function is provided.

  Therefore, the necessary amount of cells is automatically obtained at the necessary time from the cell type and the initial number of cells at the start of cultivation, the necessary number of cells obtained by culturing and the necessary time to obtain this necessary number of cells. Therefore, the culture conditions can be automatically determined and cultured. That is, it is possible to provide a cell culture device that can obtain a required amount of cells at a required time.

  Furthermore, since the culture conditions for obtaining the required amount of cells at the required time can be determined automatically, the operator's work in cell culture can be reduced, and the operator's experience, etc. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the problem that it depends on whether or not the required amount of cells can be obtained at the required time.

  In addition, during the cell culture, the control unit 9 calculates the number of cells based on the image data from the image data creation unit 7, calculates the specific growth rate based on the calculated number of cells, and calculates the calculated ratio. Compare the growth rate with the required number of cells and the required time to determine whether the required number of cells can be obtained at the required time. If the required number of cells cannot be obtained at the required time in this determination, a new specific growth rate is calculated based on the calculated number of cells, the required number of cells and the required time, and the calculated new specific growth is calculated. Select the nearest specific growth rate from the database unit based on the speed and cell type, acquire information on new culture conditions, and control each function of the incubator 3 and the culture fluid supply / discharge unit 5 It has the composition that it has. Therefore, even when cells are not growing at a required specific growth rate during cell culture, the specific growth rate can be corrected to the required specific growth rate by correcting the culture conditions. For this reason, the control precision of the cell culture for obtaining the required number of cells at the required time can be further improved.

  Furthermore, the control unit 9 obtains a specific growth rate based on the number of cells calculated based on the image data from the image data creation unit 7 during cell culture, information on the obtained specific growth rate, and this specific growth. It has a configuration having a function of storing the information in the culture condition when the speed is obtained in the database unit 13 in association with the information. For this reason, the number of data of the specific growth rate corresponding to the cell type and culture conditions in the database stored in the database unit 13 can be increased, and a more accurate specific growth rate can be selected. In addition, it is possible to further improve the accuracy of cell culture control for obtaining the necessary number of cells.

  In addition, the control unit 9 has a function of detecting the type of cells and the initial number of cells based on the image data from the image data creation unit 7. For this reason, the operation | work which inputs the kind and initial cell number of a cell from an input part can be abbreviate | omitted, and the operation | work which an operator performs in a cell culture can be reduced more.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 9 having each function is formed by one personal computer, and the image processing unit 37 is provided separately from the control unit 9. However, each function of the control unit 9 is configured with a single computer for each function, or a configuration using a computer having both the functions of the control unit 9 and the functions of the image processing unit 37. For example, the control unit 9 and the image processing unit 37 can be configured as a single unit or a plurality of units as appropriate.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 9 has a culture condition correction function and a culture data feedback function. However, the control unit 9 may not have a culture condition correction function and a culture data feedback function. it can. However, when it is necessary to improve the control accuracy of the culture for obtaining the required number of cells at the required time, it is desirable to have a configuration having a culture condition correction function and a culture data feedback function.

  Further, the cell culture device of the present invention is not limited to the configuration shown in the present embodiment, and includes a control unit 9 having each function shown in the present embodiment, and a cell culture unit that performs the same function as the incubator 3, Various configurations are possible as long as the configuration includes an image data creation unit that performs the same function as the image data creation unit 7, a culture solution supply / discharge unit that performs the same function as the culture solution supply / discharge unit 5, and the like.

  In addition, the cell culture device of the present invention is not limited to the case where the culture is completed only in one generation, but can be applied to various cell culture devices such as a cell culture device that performs cell culture such as subculture. When performing subculture, for example, information such as the subculture item and the cell concentration used as the subculture timing is registered and stored in the database unit 13, and the culture medium supply / discharge is performed based on the information. The operation of the unit 5 and the like is controlled to perform cell transplantation for passage.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure and operation | movement of one Embodiment of the cell culture apparatus to which this invention is applied. It is a flowchart which shows the control operation | movement until it actually starts culture | cultivation among the control operations of culture | cultivation of one Embodiment of the cell culture apparatus which applies this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control operation | movement after starting culture | cultivation among the control operations of culture | cultivation of one Embodiment of the cell culture apparatus which applies this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the database which the database part of one Embodiment of the cell culture apparatus to which this invention is applied has.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Culture container 3 Incubator 5 Culture solution supply / discharge part 7 Image data preparation part 9 Control part 11 Input part 13 Database part 19 Switching valve 23 Supply pump 29 Valve 31 Waste liquid pump 35 Camera 37 Image processing means

Claims (2)

A database unit storing cell types and culture conditions when specific growth rate is obtained in association with the specific growth rate, an input unit for inputting the required number and period of cells to be obtained by culture, and cells in a set environment A cell culture unit for culturing the cells, an image data creation unit for creating image data by photographing the culture state of the cells in the culture container accommodated in the cell culture unit, and the cell culture unit Electrically connected to the culture solution supply / discharge unit for supplying and discharging the culture solution to and from the culture vessel, and the database unit, the input unit, the cell culture unit, the image data creation unit, and the culture solution supply / discharge unit The control unit calculates the specific growth rate based on the initial cell number when starting culture, the necessary cell number and the necessary time, and based on the type of cells to be cultured. The database The specific growth rate closest to the cell portion is selected, information on the culture conditions corresponding to the selected specific growth rate is acquired, and the cell culture unit and the culture solution supply are obtained based on the acquired information on the culture conditions. A cell culture device that controls the operation of the drainage section. The control unit calculates a cell number based on the image data from the image data creation unit during cell culture, calculates a specific growth rate based on the calculated cell number, and calculates the specific growth rate. The number of cells obtained at the necessary time calculated based on the required number of cells is compared to determine whether the required number of cells can be obtained at the required time. When the number of cells cannot be obtained, the specific growth rate is calculated based on the calculated number of cells, the required number of cells and the required time, and the closest to the database unit based on the type of the cells. Select a specific growth rate, acquire information on a new culture condition corresponding to the selected specific growth rate, and operate the cell culture unit and the culture solution supply / discharge unit based on the acquired information on the culture condition It is characterized by being controlled Cell culture device according to claim 1 that.

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