Packing device for transporting confluent cell monolayers

Abstract

A disposable or recyclable device is provided for packaging and transporting ready-to-use viable cell monolayers, particularly confluent cell monolayers. The device includes a liquid impervious housing having a housing base defining an interior filled with fluid medium, a plurality of detachable and spatially separated permeable membrane inserts each having a confluent cell monolayer attached thereon, and a removable lid. The permeable membrane inserts are disposed in an interior of the housing in a spatially addressable array and the housing base is sealed by the lid so as to separate the membrane inserts from an external environment and to exclude excess air from the fluid filled interior. The device optionally includes a disposable or recyclable environmental control system for regulating chemical and/or physical conditions during transport. Cell monolayers of the device are protected from mechanical injury so that assays or other experiments requiring even growth and dense cell populations can be performed upon delivery. The device of the invention also can be utilized for packaging and transporting multiple different types of cell monolayers on a variety of solid and microporous substrata, the cells normalized to any desired stage of cell cycle and/or growth, without the need to recalibrate cell cycle or synchronize growth upon receipt.