WO2010004569A2

WO2010004569A2 - Device for seeding and culturing microbial organisms

Info

Publication number: WO2010004569A2
Application number: PCT/IL2009/000696
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chanan De Lange; Yehonatan Assoulin
Original assignee: Bezalel Laboratories Ltd.
Priority date: 2008-07-10
Filing date: 2009-07-12
Publication date: 2010-01-14
Also published as: IL192755A0; WO2010004569A3

Abstract

The present invention provides a device for seeding and growing microorganisms. The device comprises a base adapted to accommodate a substrate for growing microorganisms, a cover adapted to close the base and an opening provided at said cover or on said base, which can be sealed by a suitable closing member. The present invention further provides a method and a kit for encouraging treatment compliance utilizing the device in accordance with the invention.

Description

DEVICE FOR SEEDING AND CULTURING MICROBIAL

ORGANISMS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a device for seeding and culturing microbial organisms. The present invention is further directed to a teaching aid for demonstrating and observing the life cycle of a microbial organism seeded on the device in accordance with the invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One type of a device adapted and used for culturing microbial organisms is an agar plate. The agar plate is typically in the form of a sterile Petri dish containing a growth medium (typically agar plus nutrients). However agar plates are typically used in laboratory and research facilities.

When culturing of a microbial organism is required, microorganisms are placed (e.g. using a loop of wire known as inoculator) on the plate, i.e., seeded, and these will typically grow into individual colonies, each a clone genetically identical to the ancestor organism.

Illness can sometimes be a difficult concept to accept for many people, and it is particularly hard for children. Children do not understand why or how they get ill, and similarly, how they recover, or what they are supposed to do to recover.

Children's medicines have come a long way in terms of improving tastes and colors, as well as dosages and mode of administration in order to improve patient's compliance. Nonetheless, every parent knows the difficulties of administering medicine to their young. Similarly, inculcating good personal hygiene habits into a child seems sometimes like a lost battle. Again, it is likely that the difficulty of it lies on the fact that its purpose (that of personal hygiene) is not tangible.

Various types of devices and methods adapted to teach for example children about bacterial growth and raise awareness to the importance of hygiene are known in the art.

One example of such a device and method is disclosed in US2007065792 directed towards a dental hygiene tutorial toy and a method for instructing children about dental hygiene using the toy which is configured to look like a child's doll and which contains a sound generating device that offers a child user information regarding proper dental hygiene and encouragement regarding brushing.

Science kits for teaching about growing bacteria and fungi are available on the market. One example of such a kit may be found under the following website link http://www.kidsciencekits.com/products-ysl.html, the kit being identified as "Kit 10".

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed towards a device and a teaching aid for seeding and growing of microbial organisms (microorganisms, germs etc.) and for demonstrating and observing the life cycle of a microbial organism seeded on a substrate within a device in accordance with the invention.

Terminology and general principles

The term "substrate" is used to refer to a medium which allows the growth of microorganisms (or germs), such as bacteria and fungi. The substrate may be a semi-solid or of a gel type composition. One example of such substrate is agar. Typically, a substrate or a growth medium for bacteria will contain.- agar, combined with the nutrients, such as beef extract, yeast extract, peptone and glucose, and the mixture of all the ingredients is dissolved in water. Typically a preferred substrate for the growth of fungi contains yeast extract, peptone, glucose and agar, all dissolved in water.

Minimal medium for the growth of bacteria contains sucrose, K₂HPO₄, KH₂PO₄, (NH₄)₂HPO₄, MgSO₄.7H₂O, FeSO₄JH₂O and MnSO₄.7H₂O.

The substrate may be selective for non-pathogen bacteria, in order to avoid a potential risk of contamination, so that the toy/device does not become the source of disease. Selective substrates will typically comprise antibiotics. Alternatively, selective substrates may comprise additives which selectively favor the growth of certain bacterial strains at the expense of other strains, not adapted to such specific additives. Specific additives may include any combination of amino acids, trace elements, purines and pyrimidines, vitamins, etc. Minimal medium, as described above, is one kind of selective substrate.

Optionally the substrate may comprise a dye, in order to be colorful.

Alternatively, the substrate may contain a chromogenic substance, and change color upon bacterial or yeast growth. The substrate may optionally contain a fluorescent or phosphorescent dye.

The terms "microorganism"and "microbial organisms" are used interchangably and are used to refer to a minute living organism, such as a bacterium, virus, rickettsia, yeast, or fungus.

Generally, the substrate is infected with microorganisms whose source is the user (e.g. a child). Alternatively, the microorganism may be from other sources, like food, surfaces, water, sewer, air, ground, other animals, plants, or any other ^'microorganism-containing media. The microorganisms may also be provided in as a starter colony, which may be a starter colony of bacteria or fungi.

In accordance with one aspect, the present invention provides a device for seeding and growing microorganisms, wherein said device comprises:

^■ a base at least partially accommodating a substrate for growing microorganisms ; - a cover adapted to close said base and define therebetween an incubation space; and

^■ an opening provided at said cover or on said base, which can be sealed by a suitable closing member.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, at least two of said devices may be attached to each other. In accordance with yet an embodiment of the invention, at least two such devices may be attached via a hinge formed therebetween. According to another embodiment, at least two of said devices are provided with snap elements adapted to secure the devices together, forming an integral unit.

According to another embodiment of the invention the closing member may be in the form of a stopper, cap, screw-cap, detachably attachable septum, or any combination thereof (or any other sealing device).

In accordance with a modification of the invention, other functional openings may be formed on the device as well. In accordance with an embodiment, an opening suitable for attachment to visualization device such as camera or a microscope may be provided on the device in a shape and size corresponding to the visualization device. According to an embodiment of the invention, the opening may be provided at an overlap of the cover and the device.

According to another embodiment, the cover is fitted with at least one engaging member adapted to attach the cover to the base so that after the device has been seeded, i.e., when the microbial organisms were brought in contact with the substrate, said cover cannot be removed.

According to yet an embodiment of the invention, said device optionally has a base adapted for accommodating a substrate on each side thereof.

According to one example, the device is adapted for seeding and growing of microbial organisms from both sides of the base and is provided with two covers one on each side of said base.

According to another example of the embodiment, the device may optionally have a second opening on the other side of said base or on the second cover.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the closing member comprises a closed flexible container for accommodating a solution, said container comprising a sealable outlet for dispensing said solution. According to one example, the portion of the closing member that fits into said opening functions as a dropper.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, said solution affects the growth of the microbial organism. The solution may be selected from the group consisting of an antibiotic, a bacteriostatic solution, a bactericidal solution, saline, water, alcohol, vinegar, syrup (a sweet solution, or a sugar-containing solution) and the like.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the device optionally further comprises a magnifying glass on at least one side of the device. The magnifying glass is such that the user will be able to observe the colonies developed on the substrate.

In accordance with yet an embodiment of the invention, the device may be at least partially transparent to allow the user to view the inside of the device, e.g. observe the life cycle of the seeded microorganism(s).

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, the substrate may be applied to the base in various geometrical shapes. Such shapes may either be implanted into an existing, substantially non active matrix, i.e. the inoculation will occur only on the substrate and not the matrix surrounding it. In accordance with another embodiment, the substrate may be selectively dyed such that the inoculated portions on the base of the device will be dyed, alternatively, the matrix surrounding the substrate may be dyed.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, such a device may be of any geometrical shape and may also have a shape designed to be attractive to a child, without being limited by the example, said device may be in the shape of an animal, such as a dog, a rat, a mouse, a cow, a giraffe, a dinosaur, an elephant, a rabbit, a horse, a lion, a cat, etc., or in the shape of a body organ, human body, a tree, a flower, a leaf, etc.

Such a device may be manipulated by a child or a caregiver for observing the growth life-cycle of microorganisms (germs) and optionally for demonstrating how microorganism growth affecting solution, such as antibiotics, treats the microorganisms.

Such a device creates a new kind of experience for the child, wherein unseen germs that usually cause any kind of disease or malaise, for example sore throat, tooth cavity and other sicknesses are transformed into a game and, as a byproduct, the child learns about the germs, therefore developing a new way of coping with the illness. Studies show that children often form emotional connections with their toys or articles provided to them. Moreover, children often transfer their emotions to others, i.e. the toy or article acting as a surrogate, and express their feelings or actions through such toys or articles. In the present case, the child may view the device of the invention as his/her extension and/or view the device as a surrogate. Namely, the infected child may seed his germs on the device, i.e. infect the device, observe the progression of his own illness through the growth process of the seeded microorganism(s) and treat the device with the same or similar solution administered to him. Thus the child is more compliant to the treatment as he/she better understands his/her medical condition and understands the treatment prescribed to him/her. This being an added value to the child's understanding of the microbiological process.

In another aspect the present invention provides a teaching aid for demonstrating the life-cycle of microorganism growth, wherein said aid comprises a device as defined by the invention, and instructions for use, whereby said aid is to be used for teaching children about any one of the life cycle of microorganisms, personal hygiene, disease, disease and therapy, and therapeutic drugs comprising the steps of seeding the substrate with microorganisms, closing the opening, growing the microorganisms and applying a solution affection the growth of the microorganisms. All steps of the demonstration may be accompanied by visualization via a visualization device such as a camera, electronic microscope, microscope and the like. In yet another aspect of the invention, a method of encouraging treatment compliance of a user is provided. In accordance with an embodiment of this aspect, the method comprises providing a user with a device in accordance with the present invention, providing the device with a substrate, seeding/inoculating the substrate with microorganism(s), observing the inoculation and growth of the microorganism(s) and applying to the inoculated substrate a solution affecting the life cycle of the microorganism.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the source of the microorganisms is the user, e.g. Streptococcus from a child having a sore throat. In accordance with yet an embodiment, the solution affecting the life cycle of the microorganism may be antibiotics. The antibiotics may be of a type administered to the user so as to connect the disease of the user and the device.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit for encouraging treatment compliance of a patient. In accordance with an embodiment of the aspect, the kit comprises a device in accordance with the present invention, an essentially selective substrate adapted to facilitate culturing of at least one type of microorganism and a solution affecting a life cycle of the at least one type of microorganism. The substrate may be pre-applied to the device or provided separately from the device. The substrate may be selective such as to allow culturing/growth of a specific microorganism and the solution is of a type affecting the microorganism cultured on the substrate.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the source of the microorganism may a user and the solution may be the treatment solution, e.g. a medicament (solid, powdered, gel-like, liquid form, etc.) of a type similar/identical to the type administered/prescribed to the user. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, such a kit will encourage the user to comply to the prescribed treatment by inoculating/infecting the substrate in the device with microorganism(s), e.g. from his body, observing the growth of the microorganism(s) and treating the device by "administering" the solution to affect the life cycle of the microorganism, e.g. by killing.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the kit may further comprise a medicament to be used for treating the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a schematic isometric exploded representation of a device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic, isometric exploded view of a device in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3 is an illustrative flow-chart for the usage of the device in accordance with the invention; and Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a device in accordance with yet an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present invention discloses a device and teaching aid for seeding and growing of microbial organisms (microorganisms, germs etc.) and for demonstrating and observing the life cycle of a microbial organism seeded on the device in accordance with the invention.

Attention is first directed to Figs. 1 of the drawings, illustrating a device in accordance with one aspect of the invention, generally designated 10. In accordance with one example, the device comprises a base 12 adapted to accommodate a substrate 11 suitable for growing microorganisms and a cover 14, together forming an incubation space. The cover is provided with a sealable opening 16 and a closing member in the form of a cap 18 adapted to seal the opening 16. The cap is removable to facilitate insertion of the solution into the cavity formed between the base and the cover of the device. Alternatively, the cap may be formed of a resilient material through which the solution, e.g. similar to the solution administered to the user of the device, may be administered using a syringe.

According to this example the opening 16 is fitted with a slit 13 opening through a resilient membrane 15 which opens upon deformation thereof and spontaneously seals the membrane 15 attached to the opening 16 such that when the cap 18 is removed the interaction of the elements within the device and the environment is minimized.

Although the device illustrated in Fig. 1 is provided with an opening 16 on the cover 14 thereof, it should be appreciated that the opening may be provided at either part of the device, e.g. a side wall, bottom of the device, an overlap of the sidewalls of the base and the cover, etc. The opening and the closing member may be of any desired shape and dimensions.

The cap is optionally provided with a top portion 19 adapted for holding a solution for affecting the growth of the microorganisms grown on the substrate medium and a dispensing portion 17 for dispensing the solution therethrough such as to allow dispensing of the solution into the space defined by the base and the cover and subsequently the substrate medium (not seen).

The top portion 19 of the cap 18 may optionally be made from a flexible material, such that when the user whishes to release the solution contained therein, the top portion 19 is squeezed to dispense the solution through the dispensing portion. Alternatively, the dispensing portion may be provided with a removable seal, such that when the user whishes to dispense the solution contained in the top portion the seal is removed.

The device is further provided with locking elements 21a and 21b being in the form of projections 21a formed at the cover 14 adapted for snap engagement with corresponding recesses 21b formed at sides of the base 12. It will be appreciated that the locking elements may be any type of locking element, securing the cover to the base of the device. In accordance with an example of the invention the cover is hermetically secured to the base along the perimeter thereof.

In accordance with an example of the invention, at least two of said devices 10 may be attached to each other as seen in Fig. 4, where similar reference numerals are used to describe elements similar to those represented in Fig.1 . Such devices may be attached via a hinge 120 formed therebetween. In addition, the two devices are provided with elements adapted to secure the devices together, forming an integral unit. In accordance with an example of the invention, the device is at least partially transparent to allow the user to view the inside of the device, e.g. observe the life cycle of the seeded microorganism.

In accordance with yet an example of the invention, the substrate 11 may be applied to the base 12 in various geometrical shapes. Such shapes 11a are either implanted into an existing, substantially non active matrix lib, i.e. the inoculation will occur only on the substrate 11a and not the matrix surrounding it lib. In accordance with another example, the substrate may be selectively dyed such that the inoculated portions on the base of the device will be dyed, alternatively, the matrix surrounding the substrate may be dyed. Attention is now drawn to Fig. 2 illustrating a device in accordance with an example of the invention. The device 30 has a double-sided base 31, and is fitted with two covers 33, one on each side of said base 31 and is adapted to accommodate a substrate 32 applied on each side of the base 31. The substrate occupies an entire surface of the base or portions thereof as described herein. Each cover together with the base form a distinct incubating space 41a and 41b.

The covers 33 are detachably attached to the base 31, though it is highly appreciated that opening of the cover(s) may expose the substrate and/or the user of the device to contamination, thereby rendering the option of the re-openable covers undesired. In this case, when the covers remain un-openable, inoculation and or treatment with the solution is performed through an opening formed in each incubating space or through an opening common to both spaces.

A conduit 39 is provided facilitating a fluid flow path into each of the incubation spaces 41a and 41b for delivering microorganisms and/or solution into the incubation space(s). A stopper 34 is provided for sealing engagement with the opening of the conduit 39. The stopper may be made of rubber, cork, glass, plastic, etc. and may be fastened to the opening 35 of the conduit 39 by appropriate threading or press fit.

The device 30 is further provided with a cap 36 comprising a closed container for accommodating a solution, said container comprising a sealable outlet for dispensing said solution. Preferably, said cap 36 is in the form of a dropper, i.e., the portion of said cap that fits into said opening 35 functions as a dropper 37.

The cap 36 according to an example of the invention, constitutes a "missing piece". The idea being that each device, being for example in the shape of an animal, has a missing part of its body, which has been cut apart from the integral shape (a hand, a leg, the tail, or for example a branch in the case of trees, etc.). This missing piece (the cap) completes the shape of the animal figure and contains antibiotic\antiseptic matter. Once the cap is inserted into the device, the antibiotic\antiseptic solution kills the germs (the mircroorganisms growing inside the toy/device) colonies and optionally dyes them. By doing so it represents (simulates) the action of real medicine to the body, e.g. the body has a "defect" which is corrected/treated by the medicine.

In accordance with the invention, the solution affects the growth of said microorganism, and therefore provides the treatment. Thus, said solution may be selected from the group consisting of an antibiotic, a bacteriostatic solution, a bactericidal solution, saline, water, alcohol, vinegar and syrup (a sweet solution, or a sugar-containing solution).

A device formed with two incubation spaces, namely with a double-sided base, having two covers and two openings, typically will allow for different treatments on each side of the base. Thus, one side may be left without treatment, while the other side is treated with a solution. Alternatively, each side may be treated with a different solution.

The device optionally comprises a magnifying glass on at least one side of said device. In accordance with an example of the invention the device may be shaped as a doll. According to this example, the magnifying glass may be located at an area which is in need of treatment. For example, in the event that the user has an ear infection, the ear of the doll will be fitted with the magnifying glass thus facilitating observation and visualization of the microorganism growth. As an option, a coupling is formed on the cover 33 for articulating thereto of an optic element of a visualization device such as a microscope, a web cam, camera etc.

Where a visualization device, e.g. a web cam is provided, the visualization device allows observation of the growing bacteria, or bacterial colonies inside the device, through a computer.

A software that supports the web cam is based on principals of image recognition. Since inside each animal there are specific germ colonies growing the camera captures the germ in real-time and transfers it to the computer. The software with its data base can demonstrate illustratively how the germs look from the inside and what is there in the inner layers, just as zooming inside a picture.

|Optionally, a cotton swab, or an applicator, is be used for collecting germ samples and transferring the same to the substrate, may accompany the device.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a teaching aid, wherein said aid comprises a device as defined by the invention, and instructions for use, whereby said aid is to be used for teaching children about the life cycle of microorganisms, personal hygiene, disease, disease and therapy, and therapeutic drugs.

In the teaching aid, the device is to be used as follows (attention is directed to Fig. 3): (a) During an illness period of the child, the child infects the device with its own microorganism(s)/germs;

(b) The- device which contains biological substrate reacts to the presence of microorganism(s)/germs so that the child can view the colonies; (c) After the period of microorganism(s)/germs growth the child can treat the "device" by adding/administrating a solution into the device for treatment.

The child then observes the whole process of growth and substantial inactivation/eradication of the microorganism.

The teaching aid may further comprise a source of microorganisms, which may be a starter culture of bacteria or fungi, which may be brought into contact with the substrate by the user of the device.

Through all the stages during microorganism(s)/germ growth and after the child can explore inner layers of the microorganism(s)/germs colonies by using the visualization device. For example, a camera transfers the microorganism(s)/germs status to an associated computer. Optionally, a computer software is also provided, which completes the details of the analysis of the microorganisms into levels of smaller scale, such as the cell, the protein, the nucleic acid up to the level of the atomic particle. The software is adaptable according to the child's age. Thus, the child can explore and discover the unseen world of microorganism(s)/germs and microbiology.

In a further aspect, the device of the invention may be used in sales promotion, being provided with the medicament to be administered to the child. The device, and particularly the closing member comprising the container which comprises the "treating solution" may be decorated or labeled similarly to the medicament. When used in sales promotion, the device of the invention may be a means for improving patient compliance, an important factor in the treatment of children.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a method of encouraging treatment compliance of a user is provided. In accordance with this aspect, the method comprises providing a user with a device in accordance with the present invention, providing the device with a substrate, seeding/inoculating the substrate with microorganism(s), observing the inoculation and growth of the microorganism(s) and applying to the inoculated substrate a solution affecting the life cycle of the microorganism. In accordance with an example of the invention, the source of the microorganisms is the user, e.g. Streptococcus from a child having a sore throat. In accordance with yet another example, the solution affecting the life cycle of the microorganism may be antibiotics. In accordance with yet an example of the invention, the antibiotics may be of a type administered to the user. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit for encouraging treatment compliance of a patient. The kit comprises a device in accordance with the present invention, an essentially selective substrate adapted to facilitate culturing of at least one type of microorganism and a solution affecting a life cycle of the at least one type of microorganism. In accordance with an example of the invention, the substrate is pre-applied to the device. In accordance with yet an example of the invention, the substrate is selective such as to allow culturing/growth of a specific microorganism and the solution is of a type affecting the microorganism cultured on the substrate.

In accordance with an example of the invention, the source of the microorganism may a user and the solution may be the treatment solution, e.g. a medicament (solid, powdered, gel-like, liquid form, etc.) of a type similar/identical to the type administered/prescribed to the user. In accordance with an example of the invention, such a kit will encourage the user to comply to the prescribed treatment by inoculating/infecting the substrate in the device with microorganism(s), e.g. from his body, observing the growth of the microorganism(s) and treating the device by "administering" the solution to affect the life cycle of the microorganism, e.g. by eradicating/inactivating the microorganism culture.

In accordance with an example of the invention, the kit may further comprise a medicament to be used for treating the user. The described herein invention is suited for encouraging treatment compliance by the user through the use of the device in accordance with the invention. For example, it will be beneficial for a child having inflamed tooth cavity and prescribed with a medicinal treatment, e.g. antibiotics, to receive a device in accordance with the invention (in which case it would be advantageous for the device to have a shape mimicking a tooth), seeding the substrate within the device with the microorganisms from the child's oral cavity and treating the microorganism colonies growing on the substrate within the device with the antibiotics. In such a case, the child will be able to observe the change inferred by the medicinal treatment prescribed to him, to the device and subsequently to his own condition.

While the foregoing description describes in detail only a few specific embodiments of the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited thereto and that other variations in form and details may be possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention herein disclosed.

The present invention is defined by the claims, the contents of which are to be read as included within the disclosure of the specification.

Disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular examples, process steps, and materials disclosed herein as such process steps and materials may vary somewhat. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and not intended to be limiting since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps..

The following Examples are representative of techniques employed by the 5 inventors in carrying out aspects of the present invention. It should be appreciated that while these techniques are exemplary of preferred embodiments for the practice of the invention, those of skill in the art, in light of the present disclosure, will recognize that numerous modifications can be made without departing from the intended scope of the invention. 10

Examples Example 1

A teaching aid for teaching children about illness or disease, and therapy

15 The device initially has its opening closed by the stopper. The child opens the cover of the device, and contacts one of the following with the substrate: saliva, nose secretion, flam, pus, or a mouth swab. The child then closes the device with the closing member. After microbial colony develops (following 24, 48 or 72 hours), the child administers a solution, which may be 70% ethanol,

20 antibiotic, etc. The child then observes the change in the life cycle of the microbial colonies.

Example 2

A teaching aid for teaching children about personal hygiene

25 The child opens the device, and, with dirty fingers, touches the substrate.

The child then closes the device with the cover. After washing his/her hands, the child opens a second device, or the other side of a double sided device, if that what was used, and touches the substrate with the clean fingers. The child can observe the number of colonies that grow in each substrate, following 24, 48 and

30 72 hours. Example 3

A teaching aid for teaching children about the life cycle of microorganisms The device initially has its opening closed by the stopper. The child opens the cover of the device, and contacts one of the following with the substrate: saliva, nose secretion, flam, pus, or a mouth swab. The child then closes the device with the cover. After germ colony growth (following 24, 48 or 72 hours), the child substitutes the stopper by the cap comprising the container which comprises the solution. The procedure may be effected in a few devices in parallel, in order to compare the different effects of different solutions, such as 70% ethanol, an antibiotic, water, saline, water with sugar, juice, vinegar, etc. The child then observes and compares the growth (or not) in the various devices under the different treatments.

Claims

Claims:

1. A device for seeding and growing microorganisms, wherein said device comprises: - a base at least partially accommodating a substrate for growing microorganisms; a cover adapted to close said base; and an opening provided at said cover or on said base, which can be sealed by a suitable closing member.

2. A device of claim I₅ wherein the device is at least partially transparent.

3. A device of Claim 1, wherein the substrate is of any geometrical shape and is substantially surrounded by a non active matrix.

4. A device of claim 1, comprising two or more isolated incubation spaces.

5. A device of claim 4, provided on each side of the base with a substrate for growing microorganism, each side of the base being adapted to be coupled with a respective cover which together form an isolated incubating space on each side of the base.

6. A device of claim 5, wherein said device optionally has a second opening, on the second side of said base or on the second cover.

7. A device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said closing member comprises a container for accommodating a solution for selective dispensing, the solution being adapted to affect the growth of said microorganism(s) .

8. A device of claim 7, wherein the portion of said cap that fits into said opening functions as a dropper.

9. A device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said device further comprises a magnifying glass on at least a portion of the device.

10. A device of claim 1, having a shape mimicking a body or body part.

11. A device according to claim 1, wherein the substrate is accommodated within the incubation space.

12. - A device of claim 7, wherein the closing member constitutes a part complementary to the shape of the device.

13. A teaching aid comprising a device defined in any one of claims 1 to 12, and instructions manual, whereby said aid is to be used for teaching children about a microorganism life cycle, personal hygiene, disease, disease and therapy, and therapeutic drugs.

14. A method of encouraging treatment compliance of a user comprising: providing a user with a device as defined in any one of claims 1 to 13; - providing a substrate; seeding/inoculating the substrate with microorganism(s);

- observing the inoculation and growth of the microorganism(s); - applying to the inoculated substrate a solution affecting the life cycle of the microorganism; and

- observing the microorganism's life cycle alterations.

15. A kit for encouraging treatment compliance of a patient comprising a device as defined in any one of claims 1 to 13, an essentially selective substrate adapted to facilitate culturing of at least one type of microorganism and a solution affecting a life cycle of the

Ϊ at least one type of microorganism.