Abstract: A cell culture apparatus includes a cell culture chamber formed by a first major surface, an opposing second major surface spaced apart from the first major surface, and a first side wall around the first chamber and extending between the first and second major surfaces. A portion of the first sidewall proximate the first major surface comprises an infrared absorbent material, and a portion the first sidewall proximate the second major surface is formed from substantially non-infrared absorbent material. The first major surface is formed by a gas permeable polymeric film that is impermeable to cell culture liquid.

Abstract: A multilayered cell culture apparatus for the culturing of cells is disclosed. The cell culture apparatus includes a unitary flask body including a rigid upper and lower surface, connected by side walls. The cell growth apparatus comprises multiple cell growth chambers stacked in vertical alignment and orientation within the unitary flask body. The stacked chambers are held in position by unitary connecting columns that run through each cell growth chamber and terminate at the rigid upper and lower surfaces of the apparatus. The cell growth chambers are separated by tracheal spaces that allow air from the external environment to contact the cell growth surface of each individual cell growth chamber.

Abstract: A cell culture apparatus includes a housing, a bag and an inflatable bladder. The bag is disposed in the housing and has an interior surface defining a chamber for culturing cells. The bladder is disposed in the housing, external to the bag, and is sufficiently inflatable and expandable to exert pressure on the bag when the chamber is substantially free of fluid. The bladder may be inflated and expanded to reduce movement of the bag within the housing. Alternatively, or in addition, the bladder may be inflated and expanded to apply a mechanical stress on cells cultured within the chamber of the bag.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flask having a top piece 20 and a bottom piece 22 with optical properties on the interior surface 24 of which cells are grown. The top piece 20 and the bottom piece 22 are joined by a removable elastomeric seal 26. By disengaging the elastomeric seal 26 from the flask body 12, the top piece 20 can be separated from the bottom piece 22 providing access to the flask interior.

Abstract: A cell culture apparatus includes a cell culture chamber formed by a first major surface, an opposing second major surface spaced apart from the first major surface, and a first side wall around the first chamber and extending between the first and second major surfaces. A portion of the first sidewall proximate the first major surface comprises an infrared absorbent material, and a portion the first sidewall proximate the second major surface is formed from substantially non-infrared absorbent material. The first major surface is formed by a gas permeable polymeric film that is impermeable to cell culture liquid.

Abstract: A cell culture apparatus includes a housing, a bag and an inflatable bladder. The bag is disposed in the housing and has an interior surface defining a chamber for culturing cells. The bladder is disposed in the housing, external to the bag, and is sufficiently inflatable and expandable to exert pressure on the bag when the chamber is substantially free of fluid. The bladder may be inflated and expanded to reduce movement of the bag within the housing. Alternatively, or in addition, the bladder may be inflated and expanded to apply a mechanical stress on cells cultured within the chamber of the bag.

Abstract: A multilayered cell culture apparatus for the culturing of cells is disclosed. The cell culture apparatus includes a unitary flask body including a rigid upper and lower surface, connected by side walls. The cell growth apparatus comprises multiple cell growth chambers stacked in vertical alignment and orientation within the unitary flask body. The stacked chambers are held in position by unitary connecting columns that run through each cell growth chamber and terminate at the rigid upper and lower surfaces of the apparatus. The cell growth chambers are separated by tracheal spaces that allow air from the external environment to contact the cell growth surface of each individual cell growth chamber.