Frequently Asked Questions.

 

What is the material used for the surface of the PetakaG3 device on which cells grow?

 

What are the optical properties of a PetakaG3 device?

A PetakaG3 device has a refraction index of 1.57. Its light absorption spectrum is from 310 nm to 670 nm absorbance < 1%. A Petaka device has auto fluorescence wl < 485 nm and an admitted optical resolution of 0.0005mm. Cell attachment and cell morphology can be monitored with any type of light microscope. While the maximum thickness of a PetakaG3 device is only 5.2 mm, either inverted or regular microscopes can be used depending on the condenser specifications. The thickness of a PetakaG3 device  wall is 1 mm and thus all 6x, 10x, 20x, 25x, and the majority of 40x dry objectives can be used. Short distance, immersion, 63x, and 100x objectives are not compatible with a PetakaG3 device.

 

How does the PetakaG3 device foster cell growth?

Cell growth is optimized by providing adequate surface energy (Dynes) on the cell growth surfaces and by maintaining a balanced amount of Oxygen dissolved in the media.

 

How much dehydration occurs over time if I preload my PetakaG3 device with media?

Media inserted in a Petaka has a negligible dehydration rate. Spontaneous dehydration occurs at the following rates: TABLE

 

What is the filter material?

The filter is made of polytetrafluoro-ethylene combined with 100% polypropylene support components. All materials conform to FDA requirements. The filters are 100% integrity tested and lot coded.

 

How does the PetakaG3 device allow for cell dormancy?

The PetakaG3 device isolates the cell culture growing inside the chamber from environmental conditions (ambient air and moisture), thereby avoiding oxygen excess and slowing down pH changes.

 

Does the PetakaG3 device require carbon dioxide for incubation?

No, the PetakaG3 device cell culture device does not need a supplemented carbon dioxide atmosphere.

 

Do I need an incubator when using the PetakaG3 device to culture cells?

Yes. The PetakaG3 device can use any type of standard incubator: dry, humid, and with or without controlled CO₂, so long as temperature control is provided for temperature stability.

 

What kinds of cell yields should I expect when culturing cells in a PetakaG3 device?

The PetakaG3 device has 150 cm2 of surface available for cell attachment, and 20 ml of media capacity. The yield depending on specific cell type is approximately 200,000 cells per cm2 or; 30,000,000 cells. The experimental average yield is about 750,000 cells/ml of media.

 

How long can cells remain dormant in a PetakaG3 device?

Cells can remain dormant in a PetakaG3 device for between 7 and 100 days. During longer periods, depending on cell type, initial pH, and temperature stability during dormancy; a 50% survival may be achieved.

 

Is the PetakaG3 device Petaka?reusable?

For a given culture, media can be exchanged several times in the same PetakaG3 device. However after that, the PetakaG3 device should be recycled or discarded.

 

What will happen to the cells in a PetakaG3 device if it is dropped on a hard surface?

While the PetakaG3 device itself is very strong, if a device is dropped on a hard surface, a certain percentage of cells could detach from the growth surfaces. After a few minutes of incubation, those cells will generally reattach without incident.

 

Can I use the PetakaG3 device to obtain cell byproducts, like proteins or antibodies?

Yes, particularly with traditional cell culture methods for all kinds of anchored cells, such as CHO cells. However, with suspended cells, such as hybridomas, that need high concentrations of dissolved O₂ in the medium, there may be restricted growth and cellular by-product production.

 

Can the contents of my PetakaG3 device be contaminated by outside environmental conditions, such as bacteria or viruses?

While highly unlikely, the PetakaG3 device  contents can become contaminated. There is a risk when using a contaminated tip or if the PetakaG3 device  septum surface is contaminated and then cells are inserted into the PetakaG3 device through the port. To minimize the risk of introducing contaminants into the PetakaG3 device  interior chamber, we recommend disinfecting the port surface before tip penetration.