阅读说明：本技术 用于冷冻脂肪组织的装置 (Device for freezing adipose tissue ) 是由 L·帕梅吉亚尼 S·劳雷蒂 于 2019-02-01 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于冷冻脂肪组织的装置(1),其包括第一构件(2)和第二构件(3),它们相互可联接以便获得至少一个封闭构造；第一构件包括至少一个手动抓握部分(4)和供脂肪组织粘附至其的至少一个支承部分(5)；第二构件包括供第一构件的至少支承部分插设在其中的至少一个壳体(6)。第二构件包括至少一个安全阀(20),该安全阀(20)包括至少一个可分离部分(21),该可分离部分(21)适于在内部和外部之间的压力差超过预定值的情况下从所述第二构件的主体部分地或完全地脱离。一旦可分离部分(21)已经脱离,则第二构件包括可分离部分(21)的保持装置(24)。可分离部分的脱离在第二构件中形成开口(26),并且限定用于排放被包含在壳体(6)内的气体的间隙(25)。(Device (1) for freezing adipose tissue, comprising a first member (2) and a second member (3) mutually couplable so as to obtain at least one closed configuration; the first member comprises at least one manual gripping portion (4) and at least one supporting portion (5) to which the adipose tissue adheres; the second member comprises at least one housing (6) in which at least the support portion of the first member is inserted. The second component comprises at least one safety valve (20), the safety valve (20) comprising at least one detachable portion (21), the detachable portion (21) being adapted to be partially or completely detached from the body of said second component in case the pressure difference between the inside and the outside exceeds a predetermined value. Once the detachable portion (21) has been detached, the second member comprises retaining means (24) of the detachable portion (21). Disengagement of the separable portion forms an opening (26) in the second member and defines a gap (25) for discharging gas contained within the housing (6).)

1. A device (1) for freezing adipose tissue, said device (1) comprising a first member (2) and a second member (3), said first member (2) and said second member (3) being mutually couplable so as to obtain at least one closed configuration of cryopreservation of adipose tissue, said first member (2) comprising at least one manual gripping portion (4) and at least one supporting portion (5), wherein said adipose tissue is adhered to said supporting portion (5), said second member (3) comprising at least one shell (6), at least said supporting portion (5) of said first member (2) being insertable in said shell (6), said second member (3) comprising at least one safety valve (20), said at least one safety valve (20) being adapted to be activated in the event of a difference between an external pressure and an internal pressure of said shell (6) exceeding a predetermined value, wherein the safety valve (20) comprises at least one detachable portion (21) of the second member (3), said at least one detachable portion (21) being adapted to be partially or completely detached from the body of said second member (3) in case the pressure difference between the inside and the outside exceeds a predetermined value, and wherein the detachable portion (21) is delimited by a frangible region (22), characterized in that said second member (3) comprises retaining means (24) of said detachable portion (21) once said detachable portion (21) is detached, and the disengagement of the detachable portion (21) determines the formation of an opening (26) in the second member (3), a gap (25) for discharging the gas contained in the housing (6) is defined between the opening (26) and the detachable portion (21) held by the holding means (24).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said frangible zone (22) is defined by a notch (23) made in said second member (3) so as to obtain a weakened zone which breaks when a certain mechanical stress is reached due to the difference between the internal and external pressure.

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that said notch (23) is circular or substantially circular and is made in the base (3a) of said second member (3).

4. A device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the recess (23) has a triangular cross-section.

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said retaining means (24) are adapted to form an undercut between said detachable portion (21) and said hole (26), so as to prevent the detachment between the two parts.

6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that said retaining means (24) comprise at least one appendage (27) of said detachable portion (21), said at least one appendage (27) being shaped so as to abut against an inner surface (6a) of said casing (6).

7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that said appendage (27) has a substantially divergent shape and in that the divergence proceeds from a connection zone (27a) with said detachable portion (21) towards a free end (27 b).

8. Device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that said retaining means (24) comprise a plurality of said appendages (27), said plurality of appendages (27) being angularly spaced with respect to each other with respect to the centre of said detachable portion (21).

9. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: -a constraint device (15) of the snap coupling type of the first member (2) to the second member (3).

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said supporting portion (5) comprises at least one substantially flat elongated element (13), said elongated element (13) having a given concave shape.

11. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said elongated element (13) comprises a plurality of holes (14) adapted to improve its thermal conductivity.

12. Liquid nitrogen container (31) comprising at least one support (29, 30) for a plurality of devices (1) for freezing adipose tissue according to one of claims to 11.

13. Container according to claim 12, characterized in that it comprises a first support (29) and a second support (30) provided by respective first and second shaped apertures (32, 33), into which first and second supports (29, 30) respective devices (1) can be inserted.

14. Container according to claim 13, characterized in that the second member (3) of the device (1) comprises at least one coupling portion (28) coupled to the first support (29), the coupling portion (28) comprising at least one peripheral groove (28a) in which an edge of a respective first shaped aperture (32) can engage.

15. The container according to claim 14, wherein the grip portion (4) of the first member (2) and the second member (3) of the device (1) have a substantially prismatic shape, with a triangular section with rounded vertices, each first shaped aperture (32) having the same shape as the section of the second member (3), each second shaped aperture (33) having a three-lobed shape to allow each device (1) to rotate about its own longitudinal axis to engage with the edge of the corresponding first shaped aperture (32) in the respective groove (28 a).

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a device for freezing adipose tissue.

More specifically, the invention relates to a device for freezing adipose tissue 5, which is suitable for being immersed in liquid nitrogen.

Background

Human adipose tissue is a source of stem cells, which is an ideal choice for autologous cell therapy. The preferred conditions for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications are "fresh" cells and cell products that are immediately available from a clinical perspective.

Adipose tissue may be obtained from a site that accumulates within the body and immediately subsequently transplanted back into the site to be treated in the same patient.

Autologous adipose tissue was removed by liposuction. To avoid repeating liposuction procedures multiple times, adipose tissue may be cryopreserved in a sterile manner for subsequent re-implantation.

The re-transplantation of frozen/thawed adipose tissue has not been widely used clinically, but certain freezing techniques enable the obtaining of thawed adipose tissue with the same function as fresh tissue.

Cell and tissue freezing protocols aim to prevent the formation of intracytoplasmic water crystals, which would otherwise damage the cytoskeleton.

This can be achieved by vitrification, which refers to the transition to a glassy state when a high viscosity liquid is cooled below the glass transition temperature.

Any material can be vitrified, which is directly dependent on its viscosity and cooling rate, and vice versa on the volume of the sample.

In the case of cell vitrification, viscosity is increased by dehydration and high cooling rates are ensured by direct immersion in liquid nitrogen; for this purpose, specific devices for the vitrification of individual cells have been developed.

Vitrification techniques have been widely used in the field where frozen survival must be maximized, particularly in human embryology for oocytes and embryos.

In particular, human germ cells and tissues are frozen by vitrification induced by direct immersion in liquid nitrogen; for this purpose, the protocols and devices are used in a way that reduces the risk of contamination of the biological sample and are also manufactured in a way that reduces the risk of frostbite to which germ cells and tissues are particularly exposed due to their abundance in intracellular water.

An example of a device for vitrifying germ cells or tissues by immersion in liquid nitrogen is described in document EP 2765183B 1.

The device generally comprises an elongate-shaped container, also called stopper, open on one side, and a support for cells or tissue insertable into the opening of such a container.

A support for cells or tissue comprising in sequence: elongated portion-usually made of a material with good thermal conductivity (such as metal) -to which cells or tissue adhere themselves; and a grip portion (associated with the elongate portion) which remains on the exterior of the container when the two parts are joined.

Protocols for freezing adipose tissue studied to date are those envisaged for mechanical cold storage in liquid nitrogen, rapid freezing or slow controlled freezing.

As the technology described above, which is currently used for germ cells or tissues, can provide satisfactory results and can guarantee significant advantages from an infinite number of points of view (for example, from the cost of the device, the practicality of use, the operating times and others), the operators of the industry feel the need to be able to invoke it in different types of applications, and mainly-but not exclusively-in cryopreservation of adipose tissue in order to exploit the characteristics and capabilities of the mesenchymal cells located between the adipocytes.

Object of the Invention

Accordingly, the technical scope of the present invention is to improve the prior art in the field of freezing and cryopreservation of adipose tissue.

Within this technical scope, the object of the present invention is to develop a device that also allows the use of the technique of direct immersion in liquid nitrogen for the cryopreservation of adipose tissue.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for freezing adipose tissue that is reliable and safe to use, in particular (and not exclusively) from the point of view of eliminating the risk of contamination or loss of removed tissue and from the point of view of operator safety.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a device that is improved and specifically developed for optimal freezing of adipose tissue.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a device for freezing adipose tissue that is particularly practical and comfortable to use.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a device for freezing adipose tissue that is simple and inexpensive to construct.

This scope and these objects are all achieved by a device for freezing adipose tissue according to the appended claim 1.

The device comprises a first member and a second member which are mutually couplable in order to obtain at least one closed configuration of cryopreservation of adipose tissue.

The first member includes at least one manual gripping portion and at least one support portion to which adipose tissue is adhered.

The second member includes at least one housing in which at least the support portion of the first member is insertable.

The second component comprises at least one safety valve adapted to activate when the difference between the external pressure and the internal pressure of the housing of the second component exceeds a predetermined value; such a safety valve comprises at least one detachable portion of the second member adapted to be partially or completely detached from the body of the second member if the pressure difference between the inside and the outside exceeds a predetermined value; the separable portion is defined by a frangible region.

According to one aspect of the invention, once the detachable portion has been detached, the second member comprises retaining means of the detachable portion; disengagement of the separable portion may determine that an opening is formed in the second member, thus defining a gap between the opening and the separable portion held by the holding means for discharging the gas contained in the housing.

In this way, if for some reason the pressure inside the casing increases (for example if any liquid nitrogen droplets that have accidentally penetrated inside the casing expand in an uncontrolled manner), the presence of the safety valve allows, on the one hand, to discharge the gas contained in the casing to the outside through the above-mentioned gap, thus protecting the operator, and, on the other hand, to allow the same safety valve to retain the fatty tissue still inside the casing, preventing its dispersion. The dependent claims relate to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention.

Drawings

These and other advantages will be better understood by those skilled in the art from the following description, provided by way of non-limiting example, with the aid of the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded isometric view of a device according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of the device at various angles;

figures 3A to 3F are also isometric views of the device at different angles;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the device;

FIG. 4A is a front view of the device;

FIG. 4B is a rear view of the device;

FIGS. 4A to 4I are sectional views of the device according to plane C-C, D-D, E-E, F-F, G-G, H-H, I-I, respectively, of FIG. 4;

FIG. 5 is a side view and a partial cross-sectional view of the device;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the device in a stage of coupling of the first and second members;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the device with the first member and the second member coupled;

figure 8 is a detailed isometric view of the mouth of the housing provided in the second member;

FIG. 9 is a front view of a second member of the device;

FIG. 10 is a detailed cross-sectional side view of a second member of the device in a closed configuration;

FIG. 11 is a detailed cross-sectional side view of a second member of the device in an open configuration;

FIG. 12 is a schematic axonometric view of a plurality of devices according to the invention, immersed in a liquid nitrogen container;

FIGS. 13, 14 are plan views of details of the construction of the liquid nitrogen container;

FIG. 15 is an exploded isometric view of a device according to another embodiment of the invention;

fig. 16 is an exploded isometric view of the device of fig. 15 from a different angle.

Detailed Description

With particular reference to fig. 1, the reference numeral 1 generally designates a device for freezing adipose tissue according to the present invention.

The device 1 comprises a first member 2.

The device 1 further comprises a second member 3.

The first member 2 and the second member 3 are mutually couplable in a manner described in greater detail hereinafter, so as to obtain at least one closed adipose tissue cryopreservation configuration.

Such a closed configuration is shown, for example, in fig. 7 and 12.

The first member 2 comprises at least one manual gripping portion 4; furthermore, the first component 2 comprises at least one bearing portion 5 for adipose tissue.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the grip portion 4 and the support portion 5 are constituted by two distinct elements rigidly fixed to each other.

This ultimately allows the two components to be manufactured in different materials, which materials are associated with specific use requirements, for example, having different thermal conductivities or other characteristics.

In other embodiments of the invention, the grip portion 4 and the support portion 5 may be made in a single piece.

The second member 3 comprises at least one housing 6; the support portion 5 of the first member 2 can be inserted into the housing 6.

When the two members 2, 3 are coupled in the closed configuration of the device 1, the housing 6 may define a volume for cryopreservation of adipose tissue adhered to the support portion 5.

The grip portion 4 comprises an end portion 7 for coupling to the support portion 5. The end portion 7 in turn comprises a seat 8; correspondingly, the supporting portion 5 comprises a terminal shank (terminal shank)9 insertable in said seat 8.

The seat 8 and the end shank 9 have a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shape; they may also have different geometries in order to obtain, for example, a shape coupling suitable for connecting the support portion 5 to the grip portion 4 in a desired orientation with respect to each other.

The grip portion 4 has a substantially prismatic shape with a triangular cross-section with rounded vertices for a more ergonomic manual grip.

The grip portion 4 thus comprises three sides 4a, 4b, 4 c; the three sides 4a, 4b, 4c are therefore arranged according to respective planes inclined by 120 ° with respect to each other.

In its end region opposite to the end 7, the grip portion 4 comprises several first recesses 10 giving it a substantially three-lobed cross-section, which allows a more comfortable and safe manual grip (see, for example, the cross-section of fig. 4C).

Furthermore, the grip portion 4 comprises a second recess 11.

At least one identification element 12 can be engaged/inserted in the second recess 11 (see also the cross-section of fig. 4D), for example to unambiguously distinguish a fat tissue sample accommodated in the housing 6 of the second member 3.

The identification element 12 may be of any known type (e.g., bar code, RFID tag, or otherwise) suitable for the application.

The support part 5 can be made of a material that is a good thermal conductor.

For example, the support portion 5 may be made of a suitable metal material.

The support portion 5 comprises at least one elongated element 13.

The elongated element 13 is substantially flat and has a given concave shape.

Furthermore, the elongated element 13 has free rounded ends with a large radius of curvature.

Such a concavity of the elongated element 13 is clearly visible, for example, in fig. 3D, 3F or 4F.

Such concavity of the elongated element 13 facilitates the removal and/or retention/containment of the adipose tissue; in more detail, it can retain/contain a certain amount of adipose tissue (in a greater amount compared to other known types of devices): this brings great advantages to the cryopreservation process.

According to another aspect of the invention, the elongated element 13 comprises a plurality of holes 14.

The presence of the holes 14 serves to improve the thermal conductivity of the elongated elements 13.

The bore 14 may have, for example, a circular cross-section or other shape.

The holes 14 may be distributed in a uniform manner or substantially uniformly over the surface of the elongated element 13; alternatively, the holes 14 may be concentrated only in certain areas of the elongated element 13.

For example, the holes 14 may be concentrated only at the free end of the elongated element 13, where adhesion to the adipose tissue to be frozen is most likely to occur, or where adhesion is more often found.

The second member 3 has a substantially prismatic shape with a triangular cross-section with rounded vertices for a more ergonomic manual grip.

For example, the second member 3 may be made to have a shape and size very similar to the grip portion 4 of the first member 2.

For example, as shown in fig. 5, the housing 6 provided in the second member 3 may be made along substantially the entire length of the second member 3, or only for a specific portion of the second member 3.

The housing 6 may have a cylindrical cross-section: this makes it possible to insert manually the elongated element 13 of the first member 2 inside the housing 6 according to different orientations, thus facilitating it.

The housing 6 may also have a cross-section of different shape, for example associated with specific use requirements.

According to one aspect of the invention, the device 1 comprises a constraint means 15 of the first member 2 to the second member 3.

In particular, the constraint means 15 are of the selective type, that is to say they make it possible to lock the first member 2 with respect to the second member 3 when the user desires and therefore when the user performs a specific operation. The constraint means 15 are more particularly of the snap-coupling type.

In the latter, therefore, the locking of the first member 2 relative to the second member 3 is performed manually by relative rotation between the two components after the support portion 5 is inserted in the housing 6.

The constraint means 15 comprise at least one protrusion 16, the protrusion 16 being provided in the end 7 of the grip portion 4; correspondingly, the constraint means 15 comprise at least one grooved seat 17 made in the mouth 18 of the casing 6.

The projection 16 is substantially disc-like or frusto-conical in shape, having a non-planar base which follows the cylindrical curvature of the end portion 7 of the grip portion 4.

As shown in fig. 8, the grooved seat 17 is substantially L-shaped, with a rounded or rounded end portion 19; also, the shape of the grooved seat 17 is such that the insertion of the projection 16 inside it, and the subsequent rotation of the first member 2 with respect to the second member 3, determines the engagement of the projection 16 itself in the aforementioned terminal portion 19 (as shown in the coupling sequence shown in figures 6, 7).

In this way, the first member 2 is locked in the axial direction with respect to the second member 3.

In the case where the projection 16 is truncated, the cross-section of the grooved seat 17 may be slightly conical: in this case, the coupling between the two parts is particularly precise, sealed and free of any gaps.

To unlock the first member 2 relative to the second member 3, the first member 2 is rotated in a direction opposite to the locking direction.

In the particular embodiment shown in the figures, the constraint means 15 comprise a plurality of protrusions 16 provided in the end portion 7 of the grip portion 4.

In more detail, three projections 16 are provided in the end portion 7; these projections 16 are positioned equiangularly (at 120 deg. to each other).

Correspondingly, a plurality of grooved seats 17 are provided in the mouth 18 of the casing 6, said projections 16 being respectively selectively engaged with the seats 17 (in particular, three grooved seats 17 are thus provided in the mouth 18).

According to another aspect of the invention, and with particular reference to fig. 10, 11, the second component 3 comprises at least one safety valve 20. The safety valve 20 is adapted to be activated in case the difference between the pressure outside the housing 6 and the pressure inside the housing 6 exceeds a predetermined value.

Typically, but not exclusively, this pressure difference may be caused by the expansion of drops of liquid nitrogen accidentally deposited inside the casing 6 itself before the device 1 is closed, i.e. before the first component 2 is hermetically constrained to the second component 3.

Thus, in the event of such an excessive pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the device 1, the activation of the safety valve 20 makes it possible to save the adipose tissues contained in the device 1 and also to protect the safety of the operator, avoiding a possible explosion of the device 1 itself.

In fact, it is known that liquid nitrogen expands to about 700 times its volume when it warms, and that this does cause explosions or other uncontrollable dangerous phenomena when it compresses.

More particularly, the safety valve 20 comprises at least one detachable portion 21 of the second member 3.

The detachable portion 21 is adapted to be partially or completely detached from the main body of the second member 3 when the pressure difference between the inside and the outside exceeds a predetermined value.

In more detail, the detachable portion 21 is provided at the base portion 3a of the second member 3; the base 3a is opposed to the insertion mouth 18 of the support portion 5.

The detachable portion 21 is delimited by a frangible zone 22.

The detachable portion 21 may be, for example, substantially disc-like in shape and is therefore delimited by a circular or substantially circular frangible region 22.

As shown in fig. 10, the thickness of the fragile region 22 is smaller than the thickness of the second member 3 (particularly, the base portion 3a) of the housing 6.

A weak area of the base 3a is obtained at the frangible zone 22, which breaks when a certain mechanical stress is reached due to the difference between the internal and external pressure.

The frangible region 22 is in turn defined by a notch 23 made in the second member 3, in particular in the base 3a of the second member 3. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the recess 23 is closed and circular (or substantially circular); the recess 23 has a triangular cross-section for example or any other suitable shape.

In one embodiment of the invention, the frangible region 22 may be made of a different material than the second member 3 and the detachable portion 21; for example, the frangible region 22 may consist of a ring of adhesive material or plastic that is applied to connect the two components between them.

According to another aspect of the invention, the second member 3 also comprises retaining means 24 of the detachable portion 21 once the detachable portion 21 has been detached.

The retaining means 24 prevent the detachable portion 21 from spreading into the environment in an uncontrolled manner and also allow this detachable portion 21 to remain constrained to the second member 3 in any case after any breakage of the frangible region 22 has occurred. In other words, after any breakage at the frangible region 22, a gap 25 is obtained in the second component 3, through which gap 25 the pressure that may have developed inside the housing 6 can be vented; however, as a result of this fact, the detachable portion 21 does not accidentally project into the environment, but is still constrained to the second member 3, so that the size of the gap 25 is such as to allow the discharge of gas, but not of fat, which is still protected inside the casing 6.

Thus, disengagement of the separable portion 21 forms an opening 26 in the second member 3.

The opening 26 may be constituted by, for example, a circular or other shaped opening. Thus, a gap 25 is defined between said opening 26 and the detachable portion 21 itself, the detachable portion 21 remaining constrained to the second member thanks to the retaining means 24.

In the case where the opening 26 consists of a circular hole, the gap 25 consists substantially of a circular crown, suitably sized to prevent leakage of adipose tissue from the housing 6.

This arrangement is extremely important because, as previously mentioned, it makes it possible to preserve and prevent the loss of adipose tissue and to protect the operator from any risks associated with a possible explosion of the device 1.

The triangular cross-section of the recess 23 facilitates the formation of an outwardly flared opening 26 and thus a gap 25 with a suitable surface.

The retaining means 24 is adapted to form an undercut between the detachable portion 21 and the opening 26 of the second member 3, thereby preventing detachment between the two parts.

More particularly, the retaining means 24 comprise at least one appendage 27 of the detachable portion 21.

The appendix 27 is shaped so as to abut against the inner surface 6a of the casing 6, in particular so as to abut against the inner periphery of the opening 26; an undercut is thus obtained that can prevent the detachable portion 21 from completely detaching from the second member 3.

The appendage 27 has a substantially divergent shape and the divergence proceeds from the connection zone 27a with said detachable portion 21 towards the free end 27 b.

The appendage 27 can also have a certain curvature (in the direction in which the divergence proceeds) when viewed in section, so as to increase the distance from the free end 27b away from the centre of the detachable portion 21, which makes it possible to further increase the degree of undercut of the retaining means 24.

The detachable portion 21 and the accessory 27 can be made in a single piece or in separate parts connected to each other.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the retaining means 24 more particularly comprise a plurality of appendages 27 of the aforementioned type.

Appendages 27 are angularly spaced from each other relative to the center of separable portion 21, or arranged in any other manner deemed convenient.

For example, from two to six, or even more, accessories 27 may be provided. The dimensions of the appendages 27 and their number may be suitably modified in order to obtain a gap 25 of the desired width.

As best understood by viewing fig. 11 (which shows second member 3 in detail with detachable portion 21 removed), the increase in size of gap 25 may facilitate the venting of pressurized gas that may have formed within housing 6; at the same time, the size of the gap 25 may increase the risk of leakage of a portion of adipose tissue in addition to the risk of leakage of gas. Therefore, there is a need to strike a fair balance between two conflicting requirements. According to another aspect of the invention, the second member 3 of the device 1 comprises at least one coupling portion 28 coupled to at least one support 29, 30 provided in a container 31 of liquid nitrogen, wherein the device 1 is intended to be submerged in order to obtain cryopreservation of the adipose tissue contained therein.

The coupling portion 28 may comprise, for example, at least one peripheral groove 28a, in which the corresponding bearing areas 29, 30 are engageable.

The bottom of the peripheral groove 28a has a cylindrical surface.

Fig. 12 schematically shows a plurality of devices 1 according to the invention immersed in a liquid nitrogen container 31.

A liquid nitrogen container 31 is also an object of the present invention.

In contrast, fig. 13, 14 show construction details of the same container 31; in particular, these figures show two different supports 29, 30 (i.e. in particular a first support 29 and a second support 30) associated with a container 31 for storing a plurality of devices 1 immersed in liquid nitrogen.

The shape and size of the container 31 may be arbitrary with respect to the specific application requirements.

In one form of the invention, it may be provided with a single support 29, 30 associated with the container 31.

Each support 29, 30 is constituted by a plate or disc (for example, but not necessarily made of metal material) and comprises a plurality of first and second shaped holes 32, 33 insertable in the respective device 1.

The first shaped apertures 32 and the second shaped apertures 33 are arranged in exactly the same way in both the first support 29 and the second support 30.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 13, the first shaped hole 32 provided in the first support 29 has the same shape as the section of the second member 3 of the device 1, allowing the latter to be easily inserted.

As shown in fig. 12, the various devices 1 are then held in an orderly manner in a container 31, optimizing the use of the available volume inside this container 31.

The edge of the first shaped aperture 32 can then engage in the groove 28a of the respective device 1.

In this way, by rotating the device 1 itself, after being inserted in the respective first shaped hole 32, it is possible to engage the edge of the first shaped hole 32 in the peripheral groove 28a of the respective device 1, so as to obtain a suspended support of the device 1 and so as to prevent the device 1 from coming into contact with the bottom of the container 31 (so as to avoid the formation of thermal bridges in the contact between the two parts).

In contrast, the second shaped apertures 33 of the second support 30 have a three-lobed (trilobal) shape, which allows each device 1 to be rotated about its own longitudinal axis so as to engage the edges of the corresponding first shaped apertures 32 in the respective grooves 28a as described. Fig. 15, 16 show a simplified version of the device according to the invention, which differs from the previous device in that the grip portion 4 of the first component 3 is free of the identification element 12.

In view of what has been described, the method of use of the device 1 according to the invention is entirely intuitive.

The adipose tissues to be frozen are placed on the supporting portion 5 of the first member 2, and the first member 2 is inserted inside the housing 6 of the second member 3.

Using a constraint device 15 of the snap-coupling type, the first member 2 and the second member 3 are joined and locked with respect to each other, so as to obtain a closed configuration of the device 1.

The device 1 can then be immersed in a container 31, possibly using supports 29, 30 for stable and orderly placement.

In the event that any liquid nitrogen droplets that have accidentally penetrated inside the casing 6 would expand in an uncontrolled manner, on the one hand the presence of the detachment safety valve 20 with the detachable portion 21 allows to discharge the gas through the gap 25 to the outside, thus protecting the operator, and on the other hand the safety valve 20 can still hold the adipose tissue inside the casing 6, preventing its dispersion, thanks to the presence of the retaining means 24.

Thus, it has been seen how the present invention achieves the intended objects.

The device 1 according to the invention also allows the use of the technique of direct immersion in liquid nitrogen for the cryopreservation of adipose tissue, with numerous advantages from various points of view.

Furthermore, the device 1 is reliable and safe, in particular from the point of view of eliminating the risk of contamination or the loss of removed tissue, and from the point of view of operator safety.

Due to the size of the supporting portion 5, the device can preserve a relatively large amount of adipose tissue, a result which cannot be obtained with other known types of devices; furthermore, due to the particular shape of the support portion 5 and the presence of the holes 14 therein, the film (film) of adipose tissue is rapidly frozen. The constraint means 15 of the snap-coupling type make it possible to hermetically seal the device 1 in a simple and practical manner, and are particularly important in view of the fact that the device 1 is immersed in liquid nitrogen.

Last but not least, the device 1 is structurally very simple and cheap, made of a small number of parts that are easy to assemble.

The invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments, but equivalent variations are possible without departing from the scope of the appended claims.