WO2023244321A2

WO2023244321A2 - Inoculation test tube device

Info

Publication number: WO2023244321A2
Application number: PCT/US2023/019725
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stephen KASSINGER
Original assignee: Absci Corporation
Priority date: 2022-06-16
Filing date: 2023-04-25
Publication date: 2023-12-21
Also published as: WO2023244321A3

Abstract

A delayed inoculation test tube device includes a container comprising an elongated annular wall disposed along a central longitudinal axis, an access opening disposed at a top portion of the container, and a bottom wall disposed at a bottom portion of the container. The access opening of the container in fluid communication with a hollow cylindrical cavity defined between the elongated annular wall and the bottom wall. The receptacle further includes an aperture defined by the container and extending through the elongated annular wall or the bottom wall. Further, the receptacle may include a window disposed in the aperture, the window comprising a soluble material.

Description

INOCULATION TEST TUBE DEVICE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Priority is claimed to US Provisional Patent Application No. 63/352,978, filed June 16, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a laboratory apparatus and, more particularly, to an inoculation test tube apparatus.

BACKGROUND

[0003] In some laboratory experiments, a scientist or laboratory technician prepares an initial culture or solution that must be inoculated with a secondary substance several hours after the initial culture or solution is prepared. The initial culture or solution could be a bacterial or fungal culture or a chemical solution that requires an extended period of time to reach completion or equilibrium.

[0004] In many situations, the scientist or laboratory technician needs to carefully plan the preparation of the experiment to ensure the initial culture or solution is ready for the inoculation during normal business hours. For example, if it takes more than a few hours for the initial culture or solution to be ready for the secondary substance, the scientist or laboratory technician may need to prepare the initial culture such that the initial culture or solution would be ready at the beginning of the next business day, which could be inconvenient.

SUMMARY

[0005] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a receptacle, including a container comprising an elongated annular wall disposed along a central longitudinal axis, an access opening disposed at a top portion of the container, and a bottom wall disposed at a bottom portion of the container. Additionally, the access opening is in fluid communication with a hollow cylindrical cavity defined between the elongated annular wall and the bottom wall. The receptacle further includes an aperture defined by the container and extending through the elongated annular wall or the bottom wall. The receptacle also includes a window disposed in the aperture, the window comprising a soluble material.

[0006] In some variations, the container comprises a non-soluble material. Additionally, the soluble material of the window may include a water-soluble material. In some examples, the water-soluble material is soluble in a water-based solution at temperatures above approximately 25 degrees Celsius (°C). [0007] In yet other variations, the aperture is a plurality of apertures and the window is a plurality of windows, each window disposed in one of the plurality of apertures. Further, the plurality of windows are all approximately equal in thickness, include windows of different thicknesses, or are each of a distinct thickness. Additionally, the plurality of windows are all approximately the same shape and/or size, include windows of distinct shapes and/or sizes, or are each of a distinct shape and/or size. In some examples, the plurality of windows all comprise the same soluble material, includes windows comprising different soluble materials, or each comprises a distinct soluble material.

[0008] In further variations, the aperture is defined through the elongated annular wall of the container. Also, the aperture may have a central aperture axis that is disposed at an angle relative to the central longitudinal axis, the angle being less than or equal to approximately ninety-degrees or greater than or equal to approximately ninety-degrees. Alternatively, the aperture could be defined through the bottom wall of the container.

[0009] In other variations, the window comprises a window thickness and the aperture comprises an aperture thickness that is either substantially equal to the window thickness or distinct from the window thickness. The aperture and the window may each comprises any one or more of the following: a generally circular shape, a generally polygonal shape, and/or a generally ring shape that extends around the entire circumference of the elongated cylindrical wall to bifurcate the container into at least two discrete sections separated by the aperture and window.

[0010] Additionally, the receptacle may include a shoulder carried by the container adjacent the top portion, the shoulder extending radially outwardly from the elongated annular wall. In some examples, the shoulder includes at least one vent defined by an opening extending through the shoulder. The shoulder can be sized and configured to engage with a rim of a supporting container, to thereby suspend the receptacles in the supporting container, the supporting container comprising an Erlenmeyer flask, an aerosolization chamber, a glassware container, a reservoir, a petri dish, or a well plate.

[0011] In yet further examples, the cavity of the receptacle includes multiple compartments. Accordingly, the multiple compartments can include a first compartment having a first window and a second compartment having a second window. The receptacle may include one or more dividers disposed in the cavity and carried by the container, the one or more dividers dividing the cavity into multiple compartments.

[0012] In other embodiments, the soluble material comprises any one or more of the following: (a) polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), (b) universal support material (USM), (c) high impact polystyrene (HIPS), (d) acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), (e) VXL, (f) butene-diol vinyl alcohol (BVOH), (g) salt, (h) polyethylene glycol (PEG), (I) Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), (j) polyacrylic acid (PAA), (k) sugar, (m) polyphosphoesters (PPE), (n) xantham gum, (o) dextran, (p) cellulose ethers, (q) albumin, (r) starch based derivatives, (s) keratin, (t) gelatin, (u) zerin, (v) methacrylic acid copolymer, (w) polyethylene oxide, (x) wax, and (y) polycaprolactone. Additionally, the soluble material may be configured to have a first density and a fluid disposed in the container has a second density, the first density greater than the second density.

[0013] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure includes a method of manufacturing a receptacle. The method includes forming a container comprising an elongated annular wall disposed along a central longitudinal axis, an access opening disposed at a top portion of the container, and a bottom portion of the container including a bottom wall. The access opening is in fluid communication with a hollow cavity defined between the elongated annular wall and the bottom wall. The method further includes forming an aperture in the container, the aperture formed through the elongated annular wall or the bottom wall. Furthermore, the method includes disposing a window in the aperture, the window comprising a soluble material.

[0014] In other variations, forming the container includes one of injection molding the container, additive manufacturing the container, extruding the container, casting the container, blowing the container, or machining the container. Additionally, disposing the window in the aperture can comprise one of dipping the container in the soluble material, rolling the container in the soluble material, additive manufacturing the soluble material, heat pressing in the soluble material. Further, disposing the window in the aperture includes forming a window having a soluble window thickness.

[0015] In yet other variations, forming the container includes defining a wall thickness of the elongated annular wall, the soluble window thickness is equal to the wall thickness. Additionally, forming the container may include forming the container from a non-soluble material. Also, forming the container may further include disposing one or more dividers in the cavity of the container to form multiple compartments.

[0016] Also, in other variations, forming the aperture comprises forming a plurality of apertures, and wherein disposing the window in the aperture comprises disposing a plurality of windows, each window disposed in one of the plurality of apertures. In some such variations, disposing the plurality of windows includes forming all windows with approximately equal thickness, forming a first subset of the windows to have a first thickness and a second subset of windows to have a second thickness, different from the first thickness, or forming each window to have a distinct thickness. Additionally, disposing the plurality of windows includes forming all windows to have approximately the same shape and/or size, forming a first subset of windows to have a first shape and size and a second subset of windows to have a second shape and size, the second shape and size different from the first shape and/or size, or forming each window to have a distinct shape and/or size. And, forming the plurality of windows can include forming all windows to have the same soluble material, forming a first subset of windows to have a first soluble material and second subset of windows to have a second soluble material, the second soluble material different from the first soluble material, or forming each window to have a distinct soluble material.

[0017] In yet other examples, forming the plurality of apertures includes forming a first aperture in a first compartment, the first compartment including a first window, and forming a second aperture in a second compartment, the second compartment including a second window. Additionally or alternatively, forming the aperture includes disposing the aperture along a central aperture axis, the central aperture axis disposed at an angle relative the central longitudinal axis, the angle being less than or equal to ninety degrees. Also, forming the aperture may include disposing the aperture along a central aperture axis, the central aperture axis disposed at an angle relative the central longitudinal axis, the angle being greater than or equal to ninety degrees. In some examples, forming the aperture includes forming the aperture through the bottom wall of the container.

[0018] In some other variations, the method includes forming a shoulder adjacent the top portion of the container, the shoulder extending radially outwardly from the elongated annular wall. Forming the shoulder may include forming at least one vent extending through the shoulder. In some examples, forming the shoulder includes sizing the shoulder to be configured to engage a rim of a supporting container to suspend the container in the supporting container, the supporting container comprising a laboratory container, an Erlenmeyer flask, an aerosolization chamber, a glassware container, a reservoir, a petri dish, or a well plate.

[0019] In yet other variations, soluble material includes any one or more of the following: (a) polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), (b) Universal Support Material (USM), (c) high impact polystyrene (HIPS), (d) acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), (e) VXL, (f) butene-diol vinyl alcohol (BVOH), (g) salt, (h) polyethylene glycol (PEG), (i) Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), (j) polyacrylic acid (PAA), (k) sugar, (m) polyphosphoesters (PPE), (n) xantham gum, (o) dextran, (p) cellulose ethers, (q) albumin, (r) starch based derivatives, (s) keratin, (t) gelatin, (u) zerin, (v) methacrylic acid copolymer, (w) polyethylene oxide, (x) wax, and (y) polycaprolactone. [0020] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure includes a method of providing delayed release of a fluid medium from a receptacle. The method includes at least partially filling a hollow cylindrical cavity of the receptacle with the fluid medium, the receptacle comprising a container including an elongated annular wall disposed along a central longitudinal axis, an access opening disposed at a top portion of the container, and a bottom wall disposed at a bottom portion of the container. The access opening in fluid communication with the hollow cylindrical cavity defined between the elongated annular wall and the bottom wall. The receptacle further includes an aperture defined by the container and extending through the elongated annular wall or the bottom wall, the aperture disposed in fluid communication with the hollow cavity, a window disposed in the aperture, the window comprising a soluble material. The method also includes disposing the receptacle in a supporting container and exposing the window to the fluid medium for a duration of time sufficient for the fluid medium to at least partially dissolve the window. Additionally, the method includes releasing at least a portion of the fluid medium through the aperture and into the supporting container after the fluid medium at least partially dissolves the window.

[0021] In some variations, the method includes vibrating the receptacle and supporting container while exposing the window to the fluid medium. Additionally or alternatively, the method includes heating the receptacle and the fluid medium while exposing the window to the fluid medium.

[0022] In some variation, the method includes at least partially filling the receptacle with a fluid medium includes at least partially filling the receptacle with any one or more of the following: water, alcohol, viruses, prions, nucleic acids, proteins, amino acids, cofactors, vitamin mixes, selective factors, pH indicators, stains, blood, fats, carbohydrates, inducers, quorum molecules, chemical agents, salts, buffering agents, or any combination thereof. Additionally, the soluble material comprises any one or more of the following: (a) polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), (b) Universal Support Material (USM), (c) high impact polystyrene (HIPS), (d) acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), (e) VXL, (f) butene-diol vinyl alcohol (BVOH), (g) salt, (h) polyethylene glycol (PEG), (i) Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), (j) polyacrylic acid (PAA), (k) sugar, (m) polyphosphoesters (PPE), (n) xantham gum, (o) dextran, (p) cellulose ethers, (q) albumin, (r) starch based derivatives, (s) keratin, (t) gelatin, (u) zerin, (v) methacrylic acid copolymer, (w) polyethylene oxide, (x) wax, and (y) polycaprolactone.

[0023] In other examples, the method includes exposing the window to the fluid medium for a duration of time sufficient for the fluid medium to at least partially dissolve the window comprises at least a portion of the soluble material dissolving and displacing into the receptacle, the soluble material having a first density and the fluid medium having a second density, the first density greater than the second density. Additionally or alternatively, the method includes heating the receptacle and the fluid medium includes heating the receptacle and fluid medium above 25 degrees Celsius (°C). In some such examples, heating the receptacle and the fluid medium includes heating the receptacle and fluid medium to a temperature between approximately 30 °C and approximately 50 °C.

[0024] In yet additional variations, the method includes exposing the window to the fluid medium for a duration of time sufficient for the fluid medium to at least partially dissolve the window comprises the fluid medium dissolving at least a portion of the window via enzymatic action. Additionally, disposing the receptacle in the supporting container may include suspending the receptacle in the supporting container via a shoulder of the receptacle engaging a rim of the supporting container. Additionally or alternatively, the receptacle is a test tube and the supporting container is an Erlenmeyer flask.

[0025] In some examples, at least partially filling the receptacle may include filling a first compartment with a first fluid and filling a second compartment with a second fluid, the second compartment separate from the first compartment by a divider. Further, releasing at least a portion of the fluid medium through the aperture can include releasing at least a portion of the fluid medium through at least one of a plurality of apertures, and wherein exposing the window to the fluid medium for a duration of time sufficient for the fluid medium to at least partially dissolve the window comprises exposing a plurality of windows to the fluid medium to dissolve at least a portion of one of the plurality of windows, each window disposed in one of the plurality of apertures. Furthermore, releasing at least a portion of the fluid medium through the aperture after the fluid medium dissolves at least a portion of the window of a plurality of windows can include releasing at least a portion of the fluid medium through each window at the same time, releasing at least a portion of the fluid medium through each window at different times, releasing at least a portion of the fluid medium through each window at distinct times.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The present disclosure may be best understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an inoculation test tube constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a side view of the example inoculation test tube of FIG. 1 .

[0029] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the example inoculation test tube of FIG. 1 .

[0030] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of second example inoculation test tube made in accordance with the present disclosure. [0031] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of third example inoculation test tube made in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of fourth example inoculation test tube made in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of fifth example inoculation test tube made in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of sixth example inoculation test tube made in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of seventh example inoculation test tube made in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of eighth example inoculation test tube made in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of ninth example inoculation test tube made in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of tenth example inoculation test tube made in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 13 is a top view of the example inoculation test tube of any one of FIGS. 1-10 made in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an example soluble window of any one of FIGS. 1-10 made in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of the example inoculation test tube of FIG. 1 disposed in an Erlenmeyer flask.

[0042] FIG. 16 illustrates a method of forming the example inoculation test tube of FIGS. 1-10.

[0043] FIG. 17 illustrates a method of using the inoculation test tube of FIGS. 1-10.

[0044] The figures depict preferred embodiments for purposes of illustration only and are not to scale. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the systems and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The preparation of various laboratory experiments require certain delays as bacterial, fungal, viral, and/or chemical tests can take several hours of preparation. It can be inconvenient for a scientist or laboratory technician to wait for an initial culture or chemical solution to be ready for administering a secondary fluid or substance. As a result, in accordance with the present disclosure, a receptacle such as an inoculating test tube is provided that automatically releases a secondary fluid or substance onto or into an initial culture or solution after a specified or predetermined delay, for example.

[0046] A receptacle (e.g., an inoculating test tube) of the present disclosure includes a container having a cavity configured to be at least partially filled with a fluid substance. The container further includes an aperture at least partially occupied by a window made of a soluble material. The soluble material is configured to be dissolvable in the fluid substance, such that, the fluid substance is released once the window is dissolved. In various examples, the rate of dissolving the window can be controlled for administering the fluid substance at a desired time.

[0047] In a first example, the fluid substance in the receptacle is a chemical solution for adding to a chemical solution disposed in the supporting container. In a second example, the fluid substance could include living organisms (e.g., bacteria, fungus, etc.) and the fluid substance in the supporting container could be a culture media (e.g., agar, etc.). In the second example, the receptacle could include multiple compartments and multiple windows and evaluate how different living organisms interact with different soluble materials. In such an example, measuring the amount of growth on the culture media can determine which window was dissolved first.

[0048] Furthermore, the receptacle could be used to evaluate how different chemicals and organisms affect various human proteins. For example, the receptacle could have a window made of a human produced protein such as keratin (keratin is a protein that makes up hair and nails, for example). With a window made of keratin, the receptacle can be filled with a fluid medium. The speed and extent of the effect the fluid medium has on the human produced protein Is informative to determine the effects different organisms and chemicals have on the human body.

[0049] Turning now to the figures, FIGS. 1-3 illustrate one embodiment of a receptacle 100 (e.g., an inoculation test tube) constructed in accordance with the present disclosure. The receptacle 100 includes a container 102, a hollow cylindrical cavity 104, a shoulder 106, an aperture 116 and a window 118 in the aperture 116 for providing delayed release of contents of the receptacle 100 as described. In the illustrated example, the shoulder 106 is radially symmetrical and the hollow cylindrical cavity 104 is centrally disposed relative the shoulder 106. In other examples, the shoulder 106 can be asymmetrical and the hollow cylindrical cavity 104 can be offset relative the shoulder 106. Furthermore, in some examples, the receptacle 100 is shaped similar to a laboratory test tube, however, the receptacle 100 can take any shape and can be sized or configured to be larger or smaller than a common laboratory test tube.

[0050] The container 102 includes a top end 112a and a bottom end 112b. As shown, the shoulder 106 is disposed proximate the top end 112a, however, in other examples, the shoulder 106 could be disposed between the top end 112a and the bottom end 112b or proximate the bottom end 112b. Additionally, in the illustrated example of FIG. 1, the container 102 defines a generally uniform, cylindrical body. However, the container 102 could define other body shapes, and may, for example, define a polygonal cross sectional shape (e.g., rectangular, hexagonal, etc.) or any appropriate three-dimensional shape.

[0051] The container 102 includes an elongated annular wall 122 and a bottom wall 124 that is generally made of a non-soluble material or water insoluble material. As used herein, a non-soluble material is a material that is incapable of being dissolved in a liquid (e.g., water, alcohol) or is only soluble to a slight degree when exposed to a solvent for extended periods of time (e.g., longer than one day, one week, one month). In various examples, the non-soluble material could be an amorphous thermoplastic for its good formability (e.g., polycarbonate, polystyrene, acrylic, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polysulfone, etc.). Alternatively, the container 102 could be formed from a thermoplastic formed with superior chemical resistance such as a semicrystalline thermoplastic (e.g., acetal, polypropylene, nylon, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), etc.) or an imidized material (e.g., polyamide-imide, etc.). Further, the container 102 can be made from a wide variety of non-polymer materials including various metals (e.g., aluminum, titanium, steel, etc.) or non-crystalline materials (e.g., glass). The container 102 can be made by any of a variety of manufacturing methods, including, but not limited to, injection molding, additive manufacturing, extrusion, casting, blowing, or machining.

[0052] The aperture 116, defined by the container 102, extends through the elongated annular wall 122 or the bottom wall 124 of the container 102 (shown in better detail in FIGS. 3-10). As shown in FIG. 1 , the aperture 116 has a square cross sectional shape. In the various examples disclosed in accordance with the present disclosure, the aperture 118 can comprise any shape, size, and thickness. The window 118 is disposed in and seals the aperture 116 closed. Additionally, the window 118 is made of a soluble material, and may be configured to dissolve in a specific solution (e.g., water, alcohol, etc.). Furthermore, the window 118 may be configured to dissolve at a faster rate or in a more controlled manner when heated above a minimum threshold. For example, the window may dissolve more rapidly or in a more controlled manner after being heated above approximately 25 degrees Celsius (°C), above approximately 30 °C, above approximately 35 °C, or higher temperatures. [0053] In various examples, the soluble material may include, optionally amongst other things, one or more of: (a) polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), (b) universal support material (USM), (c) high impact polystyrene (HIPS), (d) acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), (e) VXL, (f) butene-diol vinyl alcohol (BVOH), (g) salt, (h) polyethylene glycol (PEG), (i) Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), (j) polyacrylic acid (PAA), (k) sugar, (m) polyphosphoesters (PPE), (n) xantham gum, (o) dextran, (p) cellulose ethers, (q) albumin, (r) starch based derivatives, (s) keratin, (t) gelatin, (u) zerin, (v) methacrylic acid copolymer, (w) polyethylene oxide, (x) wax, and (y) polycaprolactone. In some examples, the soluble material may be a combination of two or more of the foregoing materials and/or other materials (soluble or insoluble) not specifically listed. Additionally, the soluble material may be soluble in any solvent or a particular solvent such as, water, alcohol, acids, bases, etc. as may be desired for a given application.

[0054] In accordance with the present disclosure, the container 102 includes the hollow cylindrical cavity 104. The cavity 104 is formed between the elongated annular wall 122 and the bottom wall 124 of the container 102 and is configured to hold a fluid. The cavity 104 includes an access opening 128 disposed at the top end 112a of the container 102, opposite the bottom wall 124 disposed at the bottom end 112b of the container 102. The access opening 128 is in fluid communication with the hollow cylindrical cavity 104.

[0055] Furthermore, the receptacle 100 includes the shoulder 106. The shoulder 106 can be integrally formed with the container 102 or can be mechanically fastened to the container using an adhesive, a fastener, a threaded connection, etc. Additionally, the shoulder 106 is configured to extend radially outward from the elongated annular wall 122 in order to engage and rest on a rim of a supporting container. For example, the supporting container could be an Erlenmeyer flask (as shown in FIG. 13) or another piece of laboratory glassware (e.g., a beaker, a petri dish, etc.). In other examples, the shoulder 106 could engage a rim of other containers and reservoirs such as aerosolization chambers or generic plastic or glassware containers. The shoulder 106 extends radially beyond the container 102 such that the shoulder 106 engages the rim of the supporting container and the container 102 is suspended at least partially inside of the supporting container, as seen in FIG. 13. The shoulder 106 further includes a plurality of vents 132 (discussed in greater detail in connection with FIG. 11). The vents 132 permit airflow around the inoculation tube 100, into and out of the supporting container. However, in other examples, the shoulder 106 does not need to include any vents 132.

[0056] As shown, the shoulder 106 has an approximately frustoconical shape (i.e. , having the shape of a frustum of a cone). The frustoconical shape is beneficial because it helps to self-center the container 102 in a supporting container. However, the shoulder 106 can have an alternative structure configured to engage a supporting container. For example, the shoulder 106 could comprise a shelf, a curved surface, or a cylindrical plug.

[0057] FIG. 2 is a side view of the example receptacle 100 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the aperture 116 and window 118 are disposed at a first height 202 above the bottom end 112b of the container 102. In various examples, the aperture 116 and the window 118 may be disposed at a height greater or lesser than the first height 202. In some examples, the window 118 is configured to be dissolved by a fluid disposed in the container 102. After the window 118 is dissolved, at least a portion of the fluid disposed in the container 102 passes out through the aperture 116, and in most examples, only the fluid disposed above the height 202 of the aperture 116 passes through the aperture 116.

[0058] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 2, the container 102 is formed about a central longitudinal axis 212. In various other examples, the shape of the container 102 could be asymmetrically formed about a central longitudinal axis 212. Additionally, the container 102 is radially symmetric about the central longitudinal axis 212, however, the container 102 could have a polygonal or other cross sectional shape and is not radially symmetric about the central longitudinal axis 212

[0059] FIGS. 3-10 illustrate cross sectional views, based on cross sectional view Ill-Ill of FIG. 1 , illustrating various alternative examples of the inoculation test tube of the disclosure. In the various examples, alternative arrangements of apertures and windows, similar to the aperture 116 and the window 118 of FIG. 1 are shown. Although a variety of alternative configurations are shown in FIGS. 3-10, these are shown by way of example and further alternatives are considered within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in FIGS. 4, 5, 8, and 9, a plurality of aperture and window combinations are shown on one side of the container 102, but could be placed anywhere on the container 102 and even at the same height circumferentially.

[0060] FIG. 3 illustrates the receptacle 100 formed to include a single aperture 302 and window 304 disposed in an annular wall 308 of the container 102. The aperture 302 and the window 304 pass through the elongated annular wall 122 of the container 102 and each of the aperture 302 and the window 304 has a height 306a and a thickness 306b. As shown, the thickness 306b of the aperture 302 and the window 304 is the same as a thickness of the annular wall 308 of the container 102. In contrast, FIG. 4 illustrates a plurality of apertures 312a, 312b, 312c, 312d and a plurality of windows 314a, 314b, 314c, 314d. Each of the plurality of windows 314a, 314b, 314c, 314d is disposed in one of the plurality of apertures 312a, 312b, 312c, 312d. As shown in FIG. 4, each of the plurality of the aperture 312 and window 314 combinations is identical to the others. However, in some examples, a subset of the aperture 312 and window 314 combinations are different. In some examples, each of the aperture 312a and window 314 combinations are unique.

[0061] As shown, the receptacle 100 includes a bulbous cavity 310 at the bottom end 112b of the container 102. Specifically, the bulbous cavity 310 is the intersection between a spherical cavity and the hollow cylindrical cavity 104. However, in various other examples, the bulbous cavity 310 could be any of a variety of other shapes including hollow cylindrical, conical, frustoconical, pyramidal, etc.

[0062] Additionally, in FIG. 4, each of the aperture 312 and window 314 combinations may be configured to dissolve at different rates. For example, the first window 314a could be configured to dissolve in two hours, the second window 314b could be configured to dissolve in four hours, the third window 314c could be configured to dissolve in six hours, and the fourth window 314d could be configured to dissolve in eight hours, however each of these example time periods could be longer or shorter. In various examples, each of the aperture 312 and window 314 combinations may optionally be provided with an adhesive tab 316. Accordingly, a scientist or lab technician could remove the adhesive tab 316 corresponding to a desired dissolve time. As a result, the receptacle 100 could be manufactured before the usage parameters are known by a scientist or lab technician.

[0063] FIG. 5 illustrates a receptacle 100 including a plurality of aperture 322 and window 324 combinations disposed at different angles. As shown in FIG. 5, the container 102 includes apertures 322a, 322b, 322c and windows 324a, 324b, 324c, each disposed at a different angle relative a central longitudinal axis 212. For example, the first aperture 322a and window 324a define a first central aperture axis 328a, the second aperture 322b and window 324b define a second aperture axis 328b, and the third aperture 322c and window 324c define a third central aperture axis 328c. In the illustrated example, the first central aperture axis 328a is disposed at an acute angle 330a (less than 90 degrees (°)) relative the central longitudinal axis; the second central aperture axis 328b disposed perpendicular (at 90°) relative the central longitudinal axis 212; and the third central aperture axis 328c is disposed at an obtuse angle 330c (greater than 90°) relative the central longitudinal axis 212. As shown in FIG. 5, each aperture 322 and window 324 combination is disposed at a different angle relative the central longitudinal axis, however in some examples a plurality of aperture 322 and window 324 combinations can be disposed at the same angle (acute, perpendicular, or obtuse) relative the central longitudinal axis 212.

[0064] FIG. 6 illustrates a receptacle 100 formed to include a container 102 having two apertures 332 and windows 334 combinations disposed on opposite sides of the container 102. The container 102 includes a divider 336 disposed offset from the central longitudinal axis 212. The example divider 336 divides the cavity 104 into a first compartment 338a and a second compartment 338b. As shown, the first compartment 338a includes the first window 334a and the second compartment 338b includes the second window 334b. In such examples, each of the first and second compartments can be separately filled with a first and second fluid. However, the cavity 104 could include more than one divider 336 and divide the cavity 104 into multiple compartments more than two. In yet other examples, the divider 336 can be disposed on the central longitudinal axis 212 such that the first compartment 338a and the second compartment 338b have the same volume, but the divider 336 can be placed anywhere in the cavity 104 and can, in some example, even be disposed at an angle relative the central longitudinal axis 212.

[0065] In the example of FIG. 6, the first compartment 338 is configured to hold a first fluid and the second compartment is configured to hold a second fluid, which can be different from the first fluid. Additionally, the first window 334a is made of a first soluble material and the second window is made of a second soluble material, which can be different from the first soluble material. As a result, the container 102 can release a first fluid at a first time and a second fluid at a second time. Additionally, each of the first window 334a and the second window 334b can be angled, as shown in FIG. 5. In some examples, when the container 102 includes more than two windows, each window could be made of a different soluble material.

[0066] FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative to the divider of FIG. 6. In contrast to the vertical divider 336 of FIG. 6, the receptacle 100 includes two aperture 342 and window 344 combinations on either side of a horizontal divider 346. In this example, a first compartment 348a is disposed beneath the divider 346 and the second compartment 348b is disposed above the divider 346. In various examples, the first compartment 348a may be filled prior to the divider 346 being installed into the container 102. Alternatively, the container 102 may be formed to include the divider 346 and the first compartment 348a needs to be filled through the aperture 342a prior to disposing the window 344a into the aperture 342a. The second compartment 348b can be filled normally through the top end 112a.

[0067] FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 illustrate forming a receptacle 100 having an alternative arrangements of the windows. FIG. 8 illustrates a plurality of aperture 352 and window 354 combinations. As shown the aperture 352a and window 354a define a height 356a and a thickness 356b while the aperture 352b and the window 354b define a height 356c and a thickness 356d. In the present example, the height 356a is the same as height 356c and the thickness 356b is greater than the thickness 356d. In various other examples, the heights 356a, 356c can be different and the thicknesses 356b, 356d can be the same size. In some examples, altering the thickness 356b, 356d increases or reduces the time to dissolve the window. In accordance with the present disclosure, in various examples the plurality of windows of a container are all approximately equal in thickness, include windows of different thicknesses, or each window has a distinct thickness.

[0068] FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative plurality of aperture 362 and window combinations. As shown in FIG. 9, the aperture 362 defines a thickness 366, however the window 364a defines a thickness 368a, the window 364b defines a thickness 368b, and the window 364c defines a thickness 368c. The thickness 368a and the thickness 368b are thinner than the thickness 366 of the aperture 366. Further, the window 364a is fully disposed in the aperture 362a, however, the window 364b partially aligns with the wall 122 and the window 364c fully fills the aperture 362c. In various examples, the window 364 can fill any portion of the aperture 362.

[0069] FIG. 10 illustrates an aperture 372 and a plurality of windows 374 disposed in the aperture 372. As shown, the container 102 of FIG. 10 includes four windows 374, but in other examples, the container 102 can include more or fewer windows 374 disposed within aperture 372.

[0070] FIG. 11 illustrates an aperture 382 and window 384 combination comprising a generally ring shape. In this example, the aperture 382 extends around the entire circumference of the container 102, and the container 102 is bifurcated into a top section 386a and a bottom section 386b. Further, the container 102 includes a window 384 that secures the bottom section 386b to the top section 386a. In some such examples, the window 384 entirely dissolves and the bottom section 386b is separated from the top section 386a. FIG. 12 presents yet a further additional example of the container 102 including an aperture 392 and window 394 combination. In the example of FIG. 12, the aperture 392 is disposed through a bottom wall 124 at a bottom end 112b of the container 102. As a result, a window 194 disposed on the bottom portion 112b can be dissolved and all fluid disposed in the cavity 104 can pass through the aperture 392. In both the examples shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the entire cavity 104 is emptied when the window 384, 394 is dissolved by a fluid disposed in the cavity 104.

[0071] FIG. 13 illustrates a top view of the receptacle 100 of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 13, the container 102 includes the cavity 104 having a first radius 412 and a shoulder 106 having a second radius 414. The second radius 414 is sized and configured so that the shoulder 106 can engage with a rim of a supporting container at some point between the first radius 412 and the second radius 414. Furthermore, the shoulder 106 includes vents 132 defined by angle 416 in the shoulder 106. In various examples, the radius 414 can be adjusted to be longer or shorter to accommodate different supporting containers (discussed in greater detail in connection with FIG. 13). As shown in FIG. 13, the shoulder 106 includes twelve arms 422. However, in various examples, the shoulder 106 could include as few as one arm 422 or more than twelve arms 422. In some examples, the shoulder 106 does not include any vents 132.

[0072] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an example soluble window 118 made in accordance with the present disclosure. In some examples, the soluble window 118 is manufacture and later inserted into an aperture of a container (e.g., the aperture 116 of the container 102). In other examples, the soluble window 118 is manufactured into the aperture, for example by dipping the container in the soluble material, rolling the container in the soluble material, additive manufacturing the soluble material, injection molding the soluble material, and/or heat pressing the soluble material, for example. Additionally, in the illustrated example, the soluble window 118 defines a rectangular prism 502 having a height 512, a thickness 514, and a width 516. However, the soluble window 118 can comprise any three-dimensional shape and of various sizes and thicknesses. For example, the soluble window 118 can have a generally circular cross section (e.g., cylindrical) or polygonal cross section (e.g., triangular or hexagonal prism). In some examples, when a container 102 includes a plurality of apertures and a plurality of windows, the plurality of windows may all be approximately the same shape and/or size, the plurality of windows may include at least two distinct shapes and sizes, or each window may have a distinct shape and size.

[0073] FIG. 15 illustrates the example receptacle 100 of FIG. 1 disposed in a supporting container 600, specifically, an Erlenmeyer flask 612. As shown, the receptacle 100 includes the shoulder 106 engaging a rim 614 of the supporting container 600, such that a portion of the receptacle 100 and, more specifically, at least a portion of the container 102 is suspended in the Erlenmeyer flask 612. In other examples, the shoulder 106 could be configured to engage a rim of a different supporting container, such as an aerosolization chamber, glassware container, reservoir, petri dish, well plate, etc. In other examples, the shoulder 106 could be configured to engage a rim of the supporting container 600 such that the supporting container 600 can be capped or covered (e.g., with a Pasteur cap).

[0074] In the illustrated example of FIG. 15, the supporting container 600 includes a first fluid 616 and the receptacle 100 includes a second fluid 626. In the present example, the second fluid 626 is capable of dissolving the window 118 disposed in the aperture 116. As a result, the window 118 is dissolved and the second fluid 626 at least partially empties into the supporting container 600 and the first fluid 616. The first fluid 616 could include a cell culture or other chemical solution. The second fluid 626 could include water, alcohol, viruses, prions, nucleic acids, proteins, amino acids, cofactors, vitamin mixes, selective factors, pH indicators, stains, blood, fats, carbohydrates, inducers, quorum molecules, chemical agents, salts, buffering agents, or any combination thereof. [0075] In some examples, the supporting container 600, is disposed on or in other laboratory equipment 630. The laboratory equipment 630 may provide a heating source and/or vibrating surface to facilitate mixing and/or heating the first fluid 616. Additionally or alternatively, the second fluid 626 could, at least partially, dissolve the window 118 via enzymatic action.

[0076] FIG. 16 illustrates an example method 700 of forming the receptacle 100 in accordance with the present disclosure. The method 700 begins with forming the container 102 including an elongated annular wall 122 disposed along a central longitudinal axis 212 at block 702. Additionally, at block 702, forming the container 102 includes disposing an access opening 128 at a top portion 112a of the container 102 in fluid communication with a hollow cavity 104 defined between the elongated annular wall 122 and a bottom wall 124 of the container 102.

[0077] At block 704, the method 700 includes forming an aperture 116 in the container 102. The aperture 116 is formed through the elongated annular wall 122 of the container 102. In some examples, the aperture 116 is formed at the same time the container 102 is formed, however, the aperture 116 can be formed after the container 102 is fully formed.

[0078] Further, at block 706, the method 700 includes disposing a window 118 in the aperture 116. The window 118 is formed of a soluble material. In various examples, the window 118 can be formed directly in the aperture 116 or the window 118 can be formed and later disposed in the aperture 116.

[0079] FIG. 17 illustrates an example method 800 of using the receptacle 100 in accordance with the present disclosure. The method 800 begins at block 802 with at least partially filling a hollow cylindrical cavity 104 of the receptacle 100. The cavity 104 is filled with a fluid medium (e.g., fluid medium 626). The receptacle 100 includes an aperture 116 and a window 118, the window 118 disposed in the aperture 116.

[0080] Proceeding to block 804, the receptacle 100 is disposed in a supporting container 600 (e.g., an Erlenmeyer flask 612). In some examples, the receptacle 100 includes a shoulder 106 configured such that the receptacle 100 is suspended in the supporting container 600.

[0081] In some examples, the method 800 includes the step 806, which includes vibrating and/or heating the receptacle 100 and the supporting container 600. In some examples, the window 118, made of a soluble material, is soluble above a predetermined temperature (e.g., above 25 degrees Celsius (°C), 35 °C, 45 °C, etc.). Additionally, in some examples, vibrating the receptacle 100 and the supporting container 600 accelerates the dissolving of the window 118. [0082] Moving to block 808, the method 800 includes exposing the window 118 to the fluid medium 626 for at least a duration of time sufficient to partially dissolve the window 118. The time sufficient to partially dissolve the window 118 is a predetermined time based on a variety of factors including the soluble material comprising the window, the solute in the fluid medium 626, the concentration of the solute, the temperature and vibration, and the thickness of the window. By varying the foregoing factors, a scientist and/or laboratory technician can control the predetermined time by which the fluid medium 626 is released.

[0083] Further, at block 810 and after the sufficient time of block 808, the method 800 includes releasing at least a portion of the fluid medium through the aperture 116. The fluid 626 falls into the supporting container 600. In some examples, the fluid 626 falls into a fluid 616 already disposed in the supporting container 600. In some examples, the receptacle 100 includes a plurality of aperture 116 and window 118 combinations, and the aperture 116 and window 118 combinations may release at least a portion of the fluid medium at the same time or at different times.

[0084] In accordance with the present disclosure, the receptacle 100 of FIGS. 3-10 is provided by way of example. However, in various other additional embodiments, the features of any example disclosed in FIGS. 3-10 can be combined, in whole or in part, with any or all of the other examples disclosed in FIGS. 3-10.

[0085] Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect to the above described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention(s) disclosed herein, and that such modifications, alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the ambit of the inventive concept(s).

Claims

What is claimed is:

1 . A receptacle, comprising: a container comprising an elongated annular wall disposed along a central longitudinal axis, an access opening disposed at a top portion of the container, and a bottom wall disposed at a bottom portion of the container, the access opening in fluid communication with a hollow cylindrical cavity defined between the elongated annular wall and the bottom wall; an aperture defined by the container and extending through the elongated annular wall or the bottom wall; and a window disposed in the aperture, the window comprising a soluble material.

2. The receptacle of claim 1 , wherein the container comprises a non-soluble material.

3. The receptacle of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the soluble material of the window comprises a water-soluble material.

4. The receptacle of claim 3, wherein the water-soluble material is soluble in a water-based solution at temperatures above approximately 25 degrees Celsius (°C).

5. The receptacle of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aperture comprises a plurality of apertures and the window comprises a plurality of windows, each window disposed in one of the plurality of apertures.

6. The receptacle of claim 5, wherein the plurality of windows (a) are all approximately equal in thickness, (b) include windows of different thicknesses, or (c) are each of a distinct thickness.

7. The receptacle of any one of claims 5-6, wherein the plurality of windows (a) are all approximately the same shape and/or size, (b) include windows of distinct shapes and/or sizes, or (c) are each of a distinct shape and/or size.

8. The receptacle of any one of claims 5-7, wherein the plurality of windows (a) all comprise the same soluble material, (b) includes windows comprising different soluble materials, or (c) each comprises a distinct soluble material.

9. The receptacle of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aperture is defined through the elongated annular wall of the container.

10. The receptacle of claim 9, wherein the aperture comprises a central aperture axis that is disposed at an angle relative to the central longitudinal axis, the angle being less than or equal to approximately ninety-degrees.

11 . The receptacle of claim 9, wherein the aperture comprises a central aperture axis that is disposed at an angle relative to the central longitudinal axis, the angle being greater than or equal to approximately ninety-degrees.

12. The receptacle of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aperture is defined through the bottom wall of the container.

13. The receptacle of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the window comprises a window thickness and the aperture comprises an aperture thickness that is (a) substantially equal to the window thickness, or (b) distinct from the window thickness.

14. The receptacle of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aperture and window each comprises any one or more of the following: (a) a generally circular shape, (b) a generally polygonal shape, and/or (c) a generally ring shape that extends around the entire circumference of the elongated cylindrical wall to bifurcate the container into at least two discrete sections separated by the aperture and window.

15. The receptacle of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a shoulder carried by the container adjacent the top portion, the shoulder extending radially outwardly from the elongated annular wall.

16. The receptacle of claim 15, wherein the shoulder comprises at least one vent defined by an opening extending through the shoulder.

17. The receptacle of any one of claims 15-16, wherein the shoulder is sized and configured to engage with a rim of a supporting container, to thereby suspend the receptacles in the supporting container, the supporting container comprising an Erlenmeyer flask, an aerosolization chamber, a glassware container, a reservoir, a petri dish, or a well plate.

18. The receptacle of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cavity comprises multiple compartments.

19. The receptacle of claim 18, wherein the multiple compartments includes a first compartment having a first window and a second compartment having a second window.

20. The receptacle of claim 18, further comprising one or more dividers disposed in the cavity and carried by the container, the one or more dividers dividing the cavity into multiple compartments.

21 . The receptacle of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the soluble material comprises any one or more of the following: (a) polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), (b) universal support material (USM), (c) high impact polystyrene (HIPS), (d) acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), (e) VXL, (f) butene-diol vinyl alcohol (BVOH), (g) salt, (h) polyethylene glycol (PEG), (i) Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), 0) polyacrylic acid (PAA), (k) sugar, (m) polyphosphoesters (PPE), (n) xantham gum, (o) dextran, (p) cellulose ethers, (q) albumin, (r) starch based derivatives, (s) keratin, (t) gelatin, (u) zerin, (v) methacrylic acid copolymer, (w) polyethylene oxide, (x) wax, and (y) polycaprolactone.

22. The receptacle of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the soluble material has a first density and a fluid disposed in the container has a second density, the first density greater than the second density.

23. A method of manufacturing a receptacle, the method comprising: forming a container comprising an elongated annular wall disposed along a central longitudinal axis, an access opening disposed at a top portion of the container, and a bottom portion of the container including a bottom wall, the access opening in fluid communication with a hollow cavity defined between the elongated annular wall and the bottom wall; forming an aperture in the container, the aperture formed through the elongated annular wall or the bottom wall; and disposing a window in the aperture, the window comprising a soluble material.

24. The method of manufacturing of claim 23, wherein forming the container comprises one of injection molding the container, additive manufacturing the container, extruding the container, casting the container, blowing the container, or machining the container.

25. The method of manufacturing of any one of claims 23-24, wherein disposing the window in the aperture comprises one of dipping the container in the soluble material, rolling the container in the soluble material, additive manufacturing the soluble material, heat pressing in the soluble material.

26. The method of manufacturing of any one of claims 23-25, wherein disposing the window in the aperture includes forming a window having a soluble window thickness.

27. The method of manufacturing of claim 26, wherein forming the container includes defining a wall thickness of the elongated annular wall, the soluble window thickness is equal to the wall thickness.

28. The method of manufacturing of any one of claims 23-27, wherein forming the container includes forming the container from a non-soluble material.

29. The method of manufacturing of any one of claims 23-28, wherein forming the container further includes disposing one or more dividers in the cavity of the container to form multiple compartments.

30. The method of manufacturing of any one of claims 23-28, wherein forming the aperture comprises forming a plurality of apertures, and wherein disposing the window in the aperture comprises disposing a plurality of windows, each window disposed in one of the plurality of apertures.

31. The method of manufacturing of claim 30, wherein disposing the plurality of windows includes (a) forming all windows with approximately equal thickness, (b) forming a first subset of the windows to have a first thickness and a second subset of windows to have a second thickness, different from the first thickness, or (c) forming each window to have a distinct thickness.

32. The method of manufacturing of any one of claims 30-31 , wherein disposing the plurality of windows includes (a) forming all windows to have approximately the same shape and/or size, (b) forming a first subset of windows to have a first shape and size and a second subset of windows to have a second shape and size, the second shape and size different from the first shape and/or size, or (c) forming each window to have a distinct shape and/or size.

33. The method of manufacturing of any one of claims 30-32, wherein forming the plurality of windows includes (a) forming all windows to have the same soluble material, (b) forming a first subset of windows to have a first soluble material and second subset of windows to have a second soluble material, the second soluble material different from the first soluble material, or (c) forming each window to have a distinct soluble material.

34. The method of manufacturing of any one of claims 30-33, wherein forming the plurality of apertures includes forming a first aperture in a first compartment, the first compartment including a first window, and forming a second aperture in a second compartment, the second compartment including a second window.

35. The method of manufacturing of any one of claims 23-34, wherein forming the aperture includes disposing the aperture along a central aperture axis, the central aperture axis disposed at an angle relative the central longitudinal axis, the angle being less than or equal to ninety degrees.

36. The method of manufacturing of any one of claims 23-34, wherein forming the aperture includes disposing the aperture along a central aperture axis, the central aperture axis disposed at an angle relative the central longitudinal axis, the angle being greater than or equal to ninety degrees.

37. The method of manufacturing of any one of claims 23-36, wherein forming the aperture includes forming the aperture through the bottom wall of the container.

38. The method of manufacturing of any one of claims 23-37, further comprising forming a shoulder adjacent the top portion of the container, the shoulder extending radially outwardly from the elongated annular wall.

39. The method of manufacturing of claim 38, wherein forming the shoulder comprises forming at least one vent extending through the shoulder.

40. The method of manufacturing of claim 39, wherein forming the shoulder includes sizing the shoulder to be configured to engage a rim of a supporting container to suspend the container in the supporting container, the supporting container comprising a laboratory container, an Erlenmeyer flask, an aerosolization chamber, a glassware container, a reservoir, a petri dish, or a well plate.

41 . The method of manufacturing of any one of claims 23-40, wherein the soluble material comprises any one or more of the following: (a) polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), (b) Universal Support Material (USM), (c) high impact polystyrene (HIPS), (d) acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), (e) VXL, (f) butene-diol vinyl alcohol (BVOH), (g) salt, (h) polyethylene glycol (PEG), (I) Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), (j) polyacrylic acid (PAA), (k) sugar, (m) polyphosphoesters (PPE), (n) xantham gum, (o) dextran, (p) cellulose ethers, (q) albumin, (r) starch based derivatives, (s) keratin, (t) gelatin, (u) zerin, (v) methacrylic acid copolymer, (w) polyethylene oxide, (x) wax, and (y) polycaprolactone.

42. A method of providing delayed release of a fluid medium from a receptacle, comprising: at least partially filling a hollow cylindrical cavity of the receptacle with the fluid medium, the receptacle comprising a container including an elongated annular wall disposed along a central longitudinal axis, an access opening disposed at a top portion of the container, and a bottom wall disposed at a bottom portion of the container, the access opening in fluid communication with the hollow cylindrical cavity defined between the elongated annular wall and the bottom wall, an aperture defined by the container and extending through the elongated annular wall or the bottom wall, the aperture disposed in fluid communication with the hollow cavity, a window disposed in the aperture, the window comprising a soluble material; disposing the receptacle in a supporting container; exposing the window to the fluid medium for a duration of time sufficient for the fluid medium to at least partially dissolve the window; and releasing at least a portion of the fluid medium through the aperture and into the supporting container after the fluid medium at least partially dissolves the window.

43. The method of claim 42, further comprising vibrating the receptacle and supporting container while exposing the window to the fluid medium.

44. The method of any one of claims 42-43, further comprising heating the receptacle and the fluid medium while exposing the window to the fluid medium.

45. The method of any one of claims 42-44, wherein at least partially filling the receptacle with a fluid medium includes at least partially filling the receptacle with any one or more of the following: water, alcohol, viruses, prions, nucleic acids, proteins, amino acids, cofactors, vitamin mixes, selective factors, pH indicators, stains, blood, fats, carbohydrates, inducers, quorum molecules, chemical agents, salts, buffering agents, or any combination thereof.

46. The method of any one of claims 42-45, wherein the soluble material comprises any one or more of the following: (a) polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), (b) Universal Support Material (USM), (c) high impact polystyrene (HIPS), (d) acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), (e) VXL, (f) butene-diol vinyl alcohol (BVOH), (g) salt, (h) polyethylene glycol (PEG), (i) Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), (j) polyacrylic acid (PAA), (k) sugar, (m) polyphosphoesters (PPE), (n) xantham gum, (o) dextran, (p) cellulose ethers, (q) albumin, (r) starch based derivatives, (s) keratin, (t) gelatin, (u) zerin, (v) methacrylic acid copolymer, (w) polyethylene oxide, (x) wax, and (y) polycaprolactone.

47. The method of any one claims 42-46, wherein exposing the window to the fluid medium for a duration of time sufficient for the fluid medium to at least partially dissolve the window comprises at least a portion of the soluble material dissolving and displacing into the receptacle, the soluble material having a first density and the fluid medium having a second density, the first density greater than the second density.

48. The method of any one of claim 44-47, wherein heating the receptacle and the fluid medium includes heating the receptacle and fluid medium above 25 degrees Celsius (°C).

49. The method of any one of claims 44-48, wherein heating the receptacle and the fluid medium includes heating the receptacle and fluid medium to a temperature between approximately 30 °C and approximately 50 °C.

50. The method of any one of claims 42-49, wherein exposing the window to the fluid medium for a duration of time sufficient for the fluid medium to at least partially dissolve the window comprises the fluid medium dissolving at least a portion of the window via enzymatic action.

51 . The method of any one of claims 42-50, wherein disposing the receptacle in the supporting container includes suspending the receptacle in the supporting container via a shoulder of the receptacle engaging a rim of the supporting container.

52. The method of any one of the claims 42-51 , wherein the receptacle is a test tube and the supporting container is an Erlenmeyer flask.

53. The method of any one of claims 42-52, wherein at least partially filling the receptacle includes filling a first compartment with a first fluid and filling a second compartment with a second fluid, the second compartment separate from the first compartment by a divider.

54. The method of any one of claims 42-53, wherein releasing at least a portion of the fluid medium through the aperture comprises releasing at least a portion of the fluid medium through at least one of a plurality of apertures, and wherein exposing the window to the fluid medium for a duration of time sufficient for the fluid medium to at least partially dissolve the window comprises exposing a plurality of windows to the fluid medium to dissolve at least a portion of one of the plurality of windows, each window disposed in one of the plurality of apertures.

55. The method of claim 54, wherein releasing at least a portion of the fluid medium through the aperture after the fluid medium dissolves at least a portion of the window of a plurality of windows includes releasing at least a portion of the fluid medium through each window at the same time, releasing at least a portion of the fluid medium through each window at different times, releasing at least a portion of the fluid medium through each window at distinct times.