Abstract: A fixed-bed bioreactor system for culturing cells is provided. The system includes a plurality of cell culture subunits, each cell culture subunit including a distribution plate with a major surface to support a cell culture substrate, an inlet, and a plurality of outlets disposed on the major surface and in fluid communication with the inlet. The subunit also includes a cell culture substrate disposed on the major surface of the distribution plate. The system further includes a plurality of input lines for supplying at least one of cells, cell culture media, nutrients, and reagents to the plurality of cell culture subunits, each input line of the plurality of input lines being fluidly connected to the inlet. The plurality of outlets is configured to distribute at least one of cells, cell culture media, nutrients, and reagents from the plurality of input lines substantially uniformly across the cell culture substrate.

Abstract: Devices and systems for product transfer, such as a dissolvable microcarriers, are described. In one example, the product delivery device may include an inlet port; a conical section that may include a wide end and a narrow end; an outlet port flush with the narrow end of the conical section and extending away from the conical section; and a securement feature configured to connect the wide end of the conical section to a container. In another example, a system for aseptic dry product delivery may include a container at least partially filled with the aseptic dry product; a product delivery device; a pressure source connected to an inlet port; and a receiving vessel where the aseptic dry product is collected.

Abstract: Devices and systems for product transfer, such as a dissolvable microcarriers, are described. In one example, the product delivery device may include an inlet port; a conical section that may include a wide end and a narrow end; an outlet port flush with the narrow end of the conical section and extending away from the conical section; and a securement feature configured to connect the wide end of the conical section to a container. In another example, a system for aseptic dry product delivery may include a container at least partially filled with the aseptic dry product; a product delivery device; a pressure source connected to an inlet port; and a receiving vessel where the aseptic dry product is collected.

Abstract: A closure assembly is provided. The closure assembly includes a cap portion, a tubular neck extending from a top surface of the cap portion, and at least one reinforcing member extending between the top surface of the cap portion and an exterior surface of the tubular neck, wherein the cap portion, the tubular neck and the at least one reinforcing member are a unitary integral piece. The closure assembly design provides stability to the tubular neck and the cap portion when a force is applied to either one or both of the tubular neck and the cap portion.

Abstract: Various implementations of a pipette tip system are disclosed having a number of innovative features. In one implementation, a pipette tip tray includes a support plate and one or more sleeves extending downward from the bottom of the support plate. The sleeves can be configured to increase the stability of pipette tips stored in the tray. In another implementation, a pipette tip rack includes a rack base having one or more support walls extending underneath a pipette tip tray having downward extending sleeves. The thickness of the sidewalls of the sleeves can be reduced in the area of the support walls so that the support walls can reach the bottom of the support plate. In another implementation, a pipette tip rack includes a cover having a cushioning layer on the bottom of the cover that contacts the top of the pipette tips and stabilizes them during handling and transport.

Abstract: Devices and systems for product transfer, such as a dissolvable microcarriers, are described. In one example, the product delivery device may include an inlet port; a conical section that may include a wide end and a narrow end; an outlet port flush with the narrow end of the conical section and extending away from the conical section; and a securement feature configured to connect the wide end of the conical section to a container. In another example, a system for aseptic dry product delivery may include a container at least partially filled with the aseptic dry product; a product delivery device; a pressure source connected to an inlet port; and a receiving vessel where the aseptic dry product is collected.

Abstract: A closure assembly for a cell culture apparatus includes a port and a snap cap. The port has an annular sidewall defining an opening in communication with a cell culture chamber of a cell culture apparatus. The sidewall has (i) external threads for cooperating with internal threads of a twist cap and (ii) an annularly protruding snap cap engagement feature. The snap cap has a top and an annular sidewall extending from the top. The sidewall of the snap cap has an inwardly annularly projecting element configured to engage with the annularly protruding snap cap engagement feature of the port such that, when fully engaged, the snap cap is not readily removed from the port by unaided human force.

Abstract: A closure assembly is provided. The closure assembly includes a cap portion, a tubular neck extending from a top surface of the cap portion, and at least one reinforcing member extending between the top surface of the cap portion and an exterior surface of the tubular neck, wherein the cap portion, the tubular neck and the at least one reinforcing member are a unitary integral piece. The closure assembly design provides stability to the tubular neck and the cap portion when a force is applied to either one or both of the tubular neck and the cap portion.

Abstract: A closure assembly for a cell culture apparatus includes a port and a snap cap. The port has an annular sidewall defining an opening in communication with a cell culture chamber of a cell culture apparatus. The sidewall has (i) external threads for cooperating with internal threads of a twist cap and (ii) an annularly protruding snap cap engagement feature. The snap cap has a top and an annular sidewall extending from the top. The sidewall of the snap cap has an inwardly annularly projecting element configured to engage with the annularly protruding snap cap engagement feature of the port such that, when fully engaged, the snap cap is not readily removed from the port by unaided human force.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are flow-through apparatuses for delivering microcarriers, the apparatuses comprising a body having a fixed volume and comprising an inlet, an outlet, and a cavity configured to contain at least one microcarrier; a first seal attached to the inlet and comprising at least one inlet port; a second seal attached to the outlet and comprising at least one outlet port; and at least one conduit attached to the at least one inlet port and/or the at least one outlet port. Systems comprising such flow-through apparatuses in fluid contact with a bioreactor are also disclosed herein. Further disclosed herein are methods for delivering microcarriers into a reactor, the methods comprising placing a delivery apparatus comprising at least one microcarrier in fluid contact with the reactor; and applying a force sufficient to induce flow of the at least one microcarrier into the reactor.

Abstract: A closure assembly for a cell culture apparatus includes a port and a snap cap. The port has an annular sidewall defining an opening in communication with a cell culture chamber of a cell culture apparatus. The sidewall has (i) external threads for cooperating with internal threads of a twist cap and (ii) an annularly protruding snap cap engagement feature. The snap cap has a top and an annular sidewall extending from the top. The sidewall of the snap cap has an inwardly annularly projecting element configured to engage with the annularly protruding snap cap engagement feature of the port such that, when fully engaged, the snap cap is not readily removed from the port by unaided human force.

Abstract: A cap for use in a neck of a laboratory vessel, such as a roller bottle, is disclosed. In embodiments, the cap is assembled from two parts, an annular skirted cap body and a cap insert. In embodiments the cap insert has integral connectors for attaching tubing, vents, filters, or the like. In embodiments, the cap insert fits into the annular skirted cap body through a rotatable fitting. In embodiments, when the cap is assembled, the top portion of the cap, having integral connectors, is rotatably fitted to the annular side wall of the cap.

Abstract: A closure assembly for a cell culture apparatus includes a port and a snap cap. The port has an annular sidewall defining an opening in communication with a cell culture chamber of a cell culture apparatus. The sidewall has (i) external threads for cooperating with internal threads of a twist cap and (ii) an annularly protruding snap cap engagement feature. The snap cap has a top and an annular sidewall extending from the top. The sidewall of the snap cap has an inwardly annularly projecting element configured to engage with the annularly protruding snap cap engagement feature of the port such that, when fully engaged, the snap cap is not readily removed from the port by unaided human force.

Abstract: A cap for use in a neck of a laboratory vessel, such as a roller bottle, is disclosed. In embodiments, the cap is assembled from two parts, an annular skirted cap body and a cap insert. In embodiments the cap insert has integral connectors for attaching tubing, vents, filters, or the like. In embodiments, the cap insert fits into the annular skirted cap body through a rotatable fitting. In embodiments, when the cap is assembled, the top portion of the cap, having integral connectors, is rotatably fitted to the annular side wall of the cap.