Patent Publication Number: US-2019185799-A1

Title: Container for transporting cells and biotissue

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a technology for transporting cells or biological tissues, and more particularly relates to a container suitable for transporting cells or biological tissues while maintaining the cultured state of the cells or the biological tissues. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Despite recent advances in development of cell preparations for use in regenerative medicine, methods for transporting them have not been established yet. In order to transport living cells from a facility in which they are produced to a medical facility safely without freezing them, it is necessary to transport them while avoiding vibrations and shocks as well as preventing leakage and contamination, and for some types of cells, also while maintaining ventilated conditions at a suitable temperature. Accordingly, establishment of such a transportation system and realization of practical utilization thereof are matters that require immediate attention. Conventional general purpose laboratory containers are not applicable as transportation containers in which living cells are placed directly. 
     As general purpose containers that have been used for culturing cells and biological tissues, petri dishes (receivers), well plates, probes, and the like are known, for example. These culture containers are designed for culture under ventilated conditions. Accordingly, even if such a culture container has a lid, the lid is designed so as to be merely placed on the culture container and cannot seal the culture container. A method commonly employed to seal the culture container is, for example, to attach a film with adhesive to an upper edge portion of the tubular wall of the container. Also, covering the upper edge portion of the tubular wall of the container using an elastomer sheet as a lid has been proposed (see Patent Document 1, for example). 
     In the case where an opening of the culture container is closed using the above-described film with adhesive for transportation of the culture container, although the culture container maybe sealed, the culture medium may come into direct contact with the adhesive surface of the film. Accordingly, there is a risk of contamination resulting from elution of the adhesive. In addition, the contents of the culture container may spill out of the container in reaction to the action of removing the adhesive film. The method of covering the container using the elastomer sheet as a lid does not achieve sufficiently reliable liquid sealing performance during the transportation. 
     For a well plate as one type of culture container, there has been developed a technology for preparing a cell sheet for use in regenerative medicine using a device called a cell culture insert to be set in the well plate. However, also for a device on which a cell sheet is overlaid, a container suitable for transporting such a device stably has not been provided yet. 
     If the cell sheet peels away from the device, it is difficult for the cell sheet to retain its sheet-like shape. Accordingly, there is a demand for a transportation container that holds the device stably, prevents detachment of the cell sheet by filling the container with a culture medium so as to restrict shaking of the culture medium, and exhibits sufficient liquid sealing performance. 
     PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS 
     Patent Document 
     Patent Document 1: JP 2002-159284A 
     DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION 
     Problem to be Solved by the Invention 
     The present invention was devised in light of the above-described circumstances, and a main object of the present invention is to provide a cell and biological tissue transporting container suitable for transporting cells or a biological tissue while maintaining the cultured state of the cells or the biological tissue. 
     Means for Solving the Problem 
     In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention employs the following technical solutions. 
     A first aspect of the present invention provides a cell and biological tissue transporting container including: a base member including an opening at an upper end and a first tubular portion that extends vertically; a lid body including a top plate portion to close the opening and a second tubular portion that extends from an outer peripheral side of this top plate portion in a thickness direction of the top plate portion and fits onto the first tubular portion of the base member; and a container body formed separately from the base member using a flexible material, the container body including a bottom wall portion, a tubular side wall portion that rises from a peripheral edge of this bottom wall portion and is inserted into the opening, and a flange that extends outward from an upper edge of this side wall portion. The base member and the lid body are provided with a lock that prevents relative movement between the base member and the lid body with the flange of the container body being clamped between a peripheral edge portion of the opening of the base member and the top plate portion of the lid body. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the side wall portion of the container body includes a large-diameter portion that is located closer to the flange and a small-diameter portion that is located closer to the bottom wall portion and has a smaller radial dimension than the large-diameter portion. 
     In a preferred embodiment, an outer surface of the small-diameter portion is provided with a plurality of outer surface projections that are disposed radially as viewed in a vertical direction and each of which can abut against an inner surface of the first tubular portion of the base member. 
     In a preferred embodiment, an outer surface of the side wall portion of the container body abuts against an inner surface of the first tubular portion of the base member while opposing the inner surface. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the lock includes an external thread that is provided in one of the first tubular portion and the second tubular portion and an internal thread that is provided in the other one of the first tubular portion and the second tubular portion and is threadedly engageable with the external thread. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the flange of the container body is constituted by a thick portion that is relatively thick, and at least one of the bottom wall portion and the side wall portion of the container body includes a thin portion that is relatively thin and gas permeable. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the base member includes a bottom portion that is connected to a lower end of the first tubular portion or a vicinity thereof and extends inwardly of the first tubular portion as viewed in a vertical direction. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the bottom portion of the base member extends inwardly of the first tubular portion from a position displaced upward from the lower end of the first tubular portion and has a through hole that passes through the base member in a thickness direction, and a slit is formed at the lower end of the first tubular portion. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the bottom portion of the base member closes an internal space of the first tubular portion, and the top plate portion of the lid body has a through hole that passes through the top plate portion in a thickness direction. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the flange of the container body is constituted by a thick portion that is relatively thick, and the bottom wall portion of the container body includes a thin portion that is relatively thin and transparent. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the base member includes a bottom portion that is connected to a lower end of the first tubular portion or a vicinity thereof and closes an internal space of the first tubular portion. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the lid body includes a protruding portion that is accommodated inside the side wall portion of the container body and protrudes toward the bottom wall portion of the container body. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the lid body includes a small-diameter tubular nozzle portion that protrudes upward and a cap that can close a tip of the nozzle portion. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the lid body includes: 
     an inner lid including the top plate portion; and an outer lid including a presser portion that is stacked on the top plate portion as viewed in a thickness direction of the top plate portion and the second tubular portion that is connected to an outer peripheral edge of the presser portion. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the outer lid has an opening hole formed inside the presser portion, and the inner lid is provided with ports that are configured such that the ports overlap the opening hole as viewed in the thickness direction of the top plate portion, upper ends thereof are open to an outside, and lower ends thereof are open to an internal space of the container body. 
     In a preferred embodiment, in the inner lid, a first port, a second port, a third port, and a fourth port are provided as the ports, the first and second ports are provided in the vicinity of the side wall portion of the container body, and the third and fourth ports are provided farther inward in a radial direction of the top plate portion than the first and second ports. 
     In a preferred embodiment, at least a central portion of the inner lid is transparent, and the third and fourth ports are provided at positions displaced from the central portion so as to avoid the central portion. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the transparent central portion of the inner lid has a recessed shape recessed downward. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the bottom wall portion of the container body is provided with one or more protrusions that protrude upward. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the one or more protrusions are in a substantially circular shape or in arc shapes that constitute parts of the same circle as viewed in a vertical direction. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the side wall portion of the container body includes an overhanging portion that overhangs farther inward than a remaining portion as viewed in a vertical direction. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the side wall portion of the container body is provided with a plurality of ribs each of which extends inward and that are disposed radially as viewed in a vertical direction. 
     Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of the cell and biological tissue transporting container according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the cell and biological tissue transporting container shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the cell and biological tissue transporting container shown in  FIG. 1  in a state where a lid body is removed therefrom. 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the cell and biological tissue transporting container shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a container body. 
         FIG. 6  is a plan view of the container body. 
         FIG. 7  is a sectional view taken in the same manner as  FIG. 4  and showing a state where contents are in the container body. 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view showing a modified example of the cell and biological tissue transporting container shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view showing the cell and biological tissue transporting container shown in  FIG. 8  in a state where a lid body is removed therefrom. 
         FIG. 10  is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the cell and biological tissue transporting container shown in  FIG. 8  in an assembled state. 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional end view taken along line XI-XI in  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a container body. 
         FIG. 13  is a plan view of the container body. 
         FIG. 14  is a sectional view taken in the same manner as  FIG. 10  and showing a state where contents are in the container body. 
         FIG. 15  is an enlarged vertical sectional view showing another modified example of the cell and biological tissue transporting container shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 16  is an enlarged vertical sectional view showing still another modified example of the cell and biological tissue transporting container shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 17  is an enlarged vertical sectional view showing still another modified example of the cell and biological tissue transporting container shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 18  is a plan view of a container body in the cell and biological tissue transporting container shown in  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 19  is an enlarged vertical sectional view showing still another modified example of the cell and biological tissue transporting container shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 20  is an enlarged vertical sectional view showing still another modified example of the cell and biological tissue transporting container shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 21  is an enlarged vertical sectional view showing still another modified example of the cell and biological tissue transporting container shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 22  is a bottom view of a container body in the cell and biological tissue transporting container shown in  FIG. 21 . 
         FIG. 23  is an enlarged vertical sectional view showing still another modified example of the cell and biological tissue transporting container shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the cell and biological tissue transporting container according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 25  is an exploded perspective view of the cell and biological tissue transporting container shown in  FIG. 24 . 
         FIG. 26  is a plan view of the cell and biological tissue transporting container shown in  FIG. 24 . 
         FIG. 27  is a sectional view taken along line XXVII-XXVII in  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 28  is a cross-sectional end view taken along line XXVIII-XXVIII in  FIG. 27 . 
         FIG. 29  is a sectional view taken in the same manner as  FIG. 27  and showing an example of a state where contents are in the container body. 
         FIG. 30  is a sectional view taken in the same manner as  FIG. 27  and showing another example of a state where contents are in the container body. 
         FIG. 31  is a perspective view showing another example of a member on which cultured cells are to be placed. 
         FIG. 32  is a vertical sectional view of the member shown in  FIG. 31 . 
         FIG. 33  is a perspective view showing a third embodiment of the cell and biological tissue transporting container according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 34  is an exploded perspective view of the cell and biological tissue transporting container shown in  FIG. 33 . 
         FIG. 35  is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the cell and biological tissue transporting container shown in  FIG. 33 . 
         FIG. 36  is an exploded perspective view showing a modified example of the cell and biological tissue transporting container shown in  FIG. 33 . 
         FIG. 37  is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the cell and biological tissue transporting container shown in  FIG. 36  in an assembled state. 
         FIG. 38  is a plan view showing a cell and biological tissue transporting container according to a reference example of the present invention. 
         FIG. 39  is an exploded perspective view of the cell and biological tissue transporting container shown in  FIG. 38 . 
         FIG. 40  is a sectional view taken along line XL-XL in  FIG. 38 . 
     
    
    
     MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described specifically below with reference to the drawings. 
       FIGS. 1 to 4  show the first embodiment of the cell and biological tissue transporting container according to the present invention. A cell and biological tissue transporting container A 10  of the present embodiment includes a base member  1 , a lid body  2 , and a container body  3 .  FIGS. 1 and 4  show an assembled state in which the base member  1 , the lid body  2 , and the container body  3  are combined with one another, and this will be described more specifically below. In the present embodiment, as can be seen in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , a device  4  is held by the container body  3 .  FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing the components of the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 10  in a disassembled state.  FIG. 3  is a perspective view showing a state where the lid body  2  is removed. 
     In the present embodiment, the base member  1  is in the form of a container including a first tubular portion  11  and a bottom portion  12  and having an opening  110  at an upper end of the first tubular portion  11 . The first tubular portion  11  is generally cylindrical, and an external thread  111  is formed on an upper outer peripheral surface of the first tubular portion  11 . A slit  112  is formed at the lower end of the first tubular portion  11 . In the present embodiment, the bottom portion  12  has a circular through hole  121  that passes through the bottom portion  12  in the thickness direction at a central portion thereof. The significance of the through hole  121  will be described below. 
     The lid body  2  has a top plate portion  21 , a second tubular portion  22 , and a protruding portion  23 , and is a component for sealing the container body  3 . The outer shape of the top plate portion  21  is generally circular, and a flange  33  (to be described below) of the container body  3  is clamped between this top plate portion  21  and an upper end portion  113  (a peripheral edge portion of the upper end opening) of the first tubular portion  11  of the base member  1 . The second tubular portion  22  extends from the peripheral edge of the top plate portion  21  in the thickness direction of the top plate portion  21  (downward in the drawings), and is generally cylindrical. An internal thread  221  is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the second tubular portion  22 , and the internal thread  221  is threadedly engageable with the external thread  111  of the base member  1  (the first tubular portion  11 ). As can be seen in  FIG. 4 , the protruding portion  23  is accommodated inside a side wall portion  32  (to be described below) of the container body  3 , and protrudes in the vertical direction toward a bottom wall portion  31  of the container body  3 . In the present embodiment, the protruding portion  23  has an inner cylindrical portion  231  that extends downward from the top plate portion  21  and a bottom plate portion  232  that closes the lower end of the inner cylindrical portion  231 . 
     The base member  1  and the lid body  2  are formed of a translucent or transparent plastic material, for example. As such a plastic material, a plastic material having transparency is suitable, and examples thereof include, but not limited to, polystyrene and methylpentene, and in addition, polycarbonate, cycloolefin polymers, and cycloolefin copolymers. 
     The container body  3  is a component for containing cultured cells and a culture medium therein. The container body  3  is formed of a flexible and resilient material. Examples of the material of the container body  3  include silicone rubber, natural rubber, urethane rubber, and elastomer resin. In light of the contact between the container body  3  and the contents (the cultured cells and the culture medium) to be described specifically below, it is more preferable that the material of the container body  3  is medical grade silicone rubber, which is free of cytotoxicity and has biocompatibility. Regarding the hardness of the container body  3 , it is preferable that the container body  3  has a rubber hardness of about 20 to 40 degrees. 
     The container body  3  is a rubber molded product, for example, and as shown in  FIGS. 4 to 6 , the container body  3  has the bottom wall portion  31 , the side wall portion  32  that rises from the peripheral edge of the bottom wall portion  31 , and the flange  33 . The bottom wall portion  31  is substantially circular in a plan view. The side wall portion  32  is generally cylindrical. The flange  33  is generally annular, and extends radially outward from the upper edge of the side wall portion  32 . The flange  33  has an appropriate thickness and appropriate elastic resilience against the loads applied from above and below. The flange  33  has a thickness of about 1 to 3 mm, for example. The flange  33  corresponds to the thick portion of the present invention. In the assembled state shown in  FIG. 4 , the outer surface of the side wall portion  32  abuts against the inner surface of the first tubular portion  11  of the base member  1  while opposing the inner surface. In the assembled state, the side wall portion  32  is inserted into the opening  110  of the base member  1 , and the side wall portion  32  and the bottom wall portion  31  are placed inside the first tubular portion  11  of the base member  1  by the insertion. 
     The bottom wall portion  31  is provided with protrusions  312 . The protrusions  312  extend upward, and the multiple (two in the present embodiment) protrusions are provided. These protrusions  312  are provided in such a manner that they are in arc shapes that constitute parts of the same circle in a plan view (i.e., as viewed in the vertical direction). 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , in the present embodiment, the bottom wall portion  31  has a thin portion  311  provided in a central portion thereof. As clear from  FIG. 4 , the thin portion  311  has a smaller thickness than other portions. The thin portion  311  has a thickness of about 0.2 to 0.3 mm, for example. The thin portion  311  is gas permeable. When viewed in the vertical direction, the thin portion  311  is substantially circular and is surrounded by the circle (same circle) constituted by the multiple protrusions  312 . 
     The device  4  to be held by the container body  3  is, for example, a device generally called a cell culture insert, which is used for carrying out a predetermined cell culture method. 
     The device  4  has a culture portion  41 , a thin film  42 , coupling portions  43 , and a ring-shaped portion  44 . The culture portion  41  is a cylindrical portion for containing cultured cells, and the lower end of this culture portion  41  is closed by the thin film  42 . The thin film  42  is used as a culture surface on which cultured cells are to be placed, and the cultured cells on the thin film  42  are immersed in a culture medium. The thin film  42  is in a film shape having a thickness of about 0.2 to 10 μm, for example, and the culture medium to be used for cell culture can pass through the thin film  42 . The coupling portions  43  couple the culture portion  41  and the ring-shaped portion  44  in a state where the culture portion  41  and the ring-shaped portion  44  are apart from each other. In the present embodiment, the ring-shaped portion  44  is coupled to the culture portion  41  via the three coupling portions  43  extending from the upper end of the culture portion  41 . The ring-shaped portion  44  has a partially cutaway annular shape in a plan view. 
     The device  4  with the above-described configuration is typically set in a culture container called a well plate to perform cell culture. In the present embodiment, the inner diameter dimension D 1  (see  FIG. 6 ) of the circle constituted by the multiple protrusions  312  in the above-described container body  3  is substantially the same as the outer diameter dimension D 2  (see  FIGS. 2 and 4 ) of the culture portion  41  (the cylindrical portion) or slightly smaller than the outer diameter dimension D 2 . Accordingly, by inserting the culture portion  41  inside the multiple protrusions  312 , the device  4  is held in a predetermined orientation inside the container body  3 , as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
     Next, usage and functions of the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 10  will be described. 
     The cell and biological tissue transporting container A 10  is used for containing cultured cells or a biological tissue in the container body  3  together with a culture medium and transporting the cultured cells or the biological tissue while maintaining the cultured state (cultured state-maintaining transportation). The cells, biological tissue, and culture medium to be contained in the container body  3  are not particularly limited. 
     For example, a cell preparation for use in regenerative medicine can be contained in the form of a suspension or a cell sheet overlaid on the device. When transporting the cell suspension or cell sheet in a non-frozen state, in order to prevent the culture medium from being shaken to damage the cells, it is necessary to fill the container body  3  completely with the culture medium to restrict the movement of the culture medium. 
       FIG. 7  shows the assembled state of the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 10  when the container body  3  is filled with a culture medium M 1 . In the present embodiment, the container body  3  is formed of a flexible material, and the tubular side wall portion  32  of the container body  3  is inserted into the opening  110  of the base member  1 . Then, by screwing the internal thread  221  of the lid body  2  (the second tubular portion  22 ) onto the external thread  111  of the base member  1  (the first tubular portion  11 ), the flange  33  of the container body  3  is clamped between the peripheral edge portion of the opening  110  of the base member  1  (the upper end portion  113  of the first tubular portion  11 ) and the top plate portion  21  of the lid body  2 , whereby the assembled state is maintained. With this configuration, the contents (the cultured cells and the culture medium) of the container body  3  are sealed in a liquid-tight manner. Accordingly, spilling of the contents due to vibrations and the like is prevented during cultured state-maintaining transportation. The external thread  111  of the base member  1  (the first tubular portion  11 ) and the internal thread  221  of the lid body  2  (the second tubular portion  22 ) constitute the lock of the present invention. 
     According to the present embodiment, by the cooperation of the base member  1 , the lid body  2 , and the container body  3 , the contents of the container body  3  can be sealed duly in a liquid-tight manner. Besides, since the container body  3  is flexible, cells or a biological tissue contained in the container body  3  is less likely to be damaged when the cells or the biological tissue is unintentionally brought into direct contact with the container body  3 . Therefore, the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 10  provided with the container body  3  is suitable for cultured state-maintaining transportation. 
     In the present embodiment, the bottom wall portion  31  of the container body  3  is provided with the multiple protrusions  312 , and the device  4  can be held by these protrusions  312 . According to this configuration, for the device  4  applied to cell culture in a state of being set in a well plate, cultured state-maintaining transportation is possible while maintaining a liquid-tight state by replacing it from the well plate to the container body  3 . 
     The bottom wall portion  31  of the container body  3  is provided with the gas permeable thin portion  311 . Thus, the contents of the container body  3  remain in communication with the atmosphere outside the container body  3 . Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to culture the contents of the container body  3  under ventilated conditions during the transportation. 
     The through hole  121  is formed in the bottom portion  12  of the base member  1 . Also, the slit  112  is formed at the lower end of the first tubular portion  11 . According to this configuration, even when the base member  1  in the form of a container is placed on a flat surface, the thin portion  311  of the container body  3  is not blocked by the base member  1 . Therefore, this configuration is suitable for ensuring that the container body  3  is in communication with the atmosphere outside the container body  3 . 
     The lid body  2  has the protruding portion  23  (the inner cylindrical portion  231  and the bottom plate portion  232 ), and the inner cylindrical portion  231  and the bottom plate portion  232  protrude toward the bottom wall portion  31  inside the side wall portion  32  of the container body  3 . This configuration reduces the volume of a space for containing a culture medium and the like in the container body  3 . Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of the culture medium M 1  to be used in cultured state-maintaining transportation. 
     After the transportation of the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 10 , the lid body  2  can be detached from the base member  1  by loosening the threaded engagement portion between the base member  1  and the lid body  2 , whereby the upper portion of the container body  3  can be opened. Therefore, unlike the case where an opening of a container is closed with an adhesive film or the like, it is possible to prevent a trouble that the contents of the container body  3  may spill out when detaching the lid body  2 . 
       FIGS. 8 to 11  show a modified example of the above-described cell and biological tissue transporting container A 10 . The cell and biological tissue transporting container shown in these drawings is different from the above-described cell and biological tissue transporting container A 10  mainly in the configuration of a container body. In  FIG. 8  and the subsequent drawings, components that are identical or similar to those of the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those used in the above embodiment, and the descriptions thereof may be omitted as appropriate. 
     In a cell and biological tissue transporting container A 11  shown in  FIGS. 8 to 11 , a side wall portion  32  of a container body  3  has a large-diameter portion  32 A and a small-diameter portion  32 B. The large-diameter portion  32 A is located closer to a flange  33 , and opposes the inner surface of a portion where an external thread  111  is formed in a first tubular portion  11  of a base member  1 . The small-diameter portion  32 B is located closer to a bottom wall portion  31  and has a smaller radial dimension than the large-diameter portion  32 A. 
     In the present modified example, multiple outer surface projections  320  are provided on the outer surface of the small-diameter portion  32 B. The multiple outer surface projections  320  are disposed radially as viewed in the vertical direction. Each outer surface projection  320  can abut against the inner surface of the first tubular portion  11 . 
     In the present modified example, the bottom wall portion  31  of the container body  3  is also provided with multiple protrusions  312 . These protrusions  312  have the same configuration as the protrusions  312  in the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 10 . In the present modified example, the inner diameter dimension D 1  (see  FIG. 13 ) of the circle constituted by the multiple protrusions  312  in the container body  3  is also substantially the same as the outer diameter dimension D 2  (see  FIGS. 8 and 10 ) of the culture portion  41  (the cylindrical portion) or slightly smaller than the outer diameter dimension D 2 . Accordingly, by inserting the culture portion  41  inside the multiple protrusions  312 , the device  4  is held in a predetermined orientation inside the container body  3 , as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , in the state where the device  4  is held, the upper end of the small-diameter portion  32 B of the container body  3  is in a recess  441  provided on the lower side of the outer periphery of a ring-shaped portion  44  in the device  4 , and thus the upper end is in close proximity to the ring-shaped portion  44 . 
       FIG. 14  shows the assembled state of the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 11  when the container body  3  is filled with a culture medium M 1 . The container body  3  is formed of a flexible material, and the tubular side wall portion  32  of the container body  3  is inserted into the opening  110  of the base member  1 . Then, by screwing the internal thread  221  of the lid body  2  (the second tubular portion  22 ) onto the external thread  111  of the base member  1  (the first tubular portion  11 ), the flange  33  of the container body  3  is clamped between the peripheral edge portion of the opening  110  of the base member  1  (the upper end portion  113  of the first tubular portion  11 ) and the top plate portion  21  of the lid body  2 , whereby the assembled state is maintained. With this configuration, the contents (cultured cells and a culture medium) of the container body  3  are sealed in a liquid-tight manner. Accordingly, spilling of the contents due to vibrations and the like is prevented during cultured state-maintaining transportation. 
     According to the present modified example, by the cooperation of the base member  1 , the lid body  2 , and the container body  3 , the contents of the container body  3  can be sealed duly in a liquid-tight manner. Besides, since the container body  3  is flexible, cells or a biological tissue contained in the container body  3  is less likely to be damaged when the cells or the biological tissue is unintentionally brought into direct contact with the container body  3 . Therefore, the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 11  provided with the container body  3  is suitable for cultured state-maintaining transportation. 
     The bottom wall portion  31  of the container body  3  is provided with the multiple protrusions  312 , and the device  4  can be held by these protrusions  312 . According to this configuration, for the device  4  applied to cell culture in a state of being set in a well plate, cultured state-maintaining transportation is possible while maintaining a liquid-tight state by replacing it from the well plate to the container body  3 . 
     The side wall portion  32  of the container body  3  has the large-diameter portion  32 A and the small-diameter portion  32 B. The small-diameter portion  32 B is located closer to the bottom wall portion  31 , and the culture portion  41  of the device  4  is housed in this small-diameter portion  32 B. According to such a configuration, the radial dimension of the small-diameter portion  32 B can be set so as to be closely analogous to the radial dimension of a well plate in which the device  4  is set. Therefore, during the transportation of the device  4 , it is possible to provide an environment similar to that when the device  4  is housed inside the well plate. Furthermore, according to the configuration in which the small-diameter portion  32 B is provided, the volume of a space for containing a culture medium and the like in the container body  3  is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of the culture medium M 1  to be used in cultured state-maintaining transportation. 
     On the outer surface of the small-diameter portion  32 B, the multiple outer surface projections  320  are provided radially. According to such a configuration, it is possible to perform positioning of the container body  3  in the radial direction with respect to the base member  1 . 
     The bottom wall portion  31  of the container body  3  is provided with the gas permeable thin portion  311 . Thus, the contents of the container body  3  remain in communication with the atmosphere outside the container body  3 . Therefore, according to the present modified example, it is possible to culture the contents of the container body  3  under ventilated conditions during the transportation. 
     A through hole  121  is formed in a bottom portion  12  of the base member  1 . Also, a slit  112  is formed at the lower end of the first tubular portion  11 . According to this configuration, even when the base member  1  in the form of a container is placed on a flat surface, the thin portion  311  of the container body  3  is not blocked by the base member  1 . Therefore, this configuration is suitable for ensuring that the container body  3  is in communication with the atmosphere outside the container body  3 . 
     The lid body  2  has the protruding portion  23  (the inner cylindrical portion  231  and the bottom plate portion  232 ), and the inner cylindrical portion  231  and the bottom plate portion  232  protrude toward the bottom wall portion  31  inside the side wall portion  32  of the container body  3 . This configuration reduces the volume of a space for containing a culture medium and the like in the container body  3 . Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of the culture medium M 1  to be used in cultured state-maintaining transportation. 
     After the transportation of the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 11 , the lid body  2  can be detached from the base member  1  by loosening the threaded engagement portion between the base member  1  and the lid body  2 , whereby the upper portion of the container body  3  can be opened. Therefore, unlike the case where an opening of a container is closed with an adhesive film or the like, it is possible to prevent a trouble that the contents of the container body  3  may spill out when detaching the lid body  2 . 
       FIGS. 15 to 17  show other modified examples of the above-described cell and biological tissue transporting container A 10 . Cell and biological tissue transporting containers shown in these drawings are each different from the above-described cell and biological tissue transporting container A 10  only in the configuration of a container body. 
     In a cell and biological tissue transporting container A 12  shown in  FIG. 15 , a container body  3  has an overhanging portion  321  instead of the protrusions  312  in the above embodiment. The overhanging portion  321  is a portion of a side wall portion  32  on the lower end side, which overhangs radially inward such that this portion has a smaller diameter than a remaining portion. The inner diameter dimension of the overhanging portion  321  is substantially the same as the outer diameter dimension D 2  of a culture portion  41  (a cylindrical portion) or slightly smaller than the outer diameter dimension D 2 . Accordingly, by inserting a culture portion  41  inside the overhanging portion  321 , a device  4  is held in a predetermined orientation inside the container body  3 . 
     In the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 12  of the present modified example, by screwing an internal thread  221  of a lid body  2  (a second tubular portion  22 ) onto an external thread  111  of a base member  1  (a first tubular portion  11 ), a flange  33  of the container body  3  is clamped between the peripheral edge portion of an opening  110  of the base member  1  (an upper end portion  113  of the first tubular portion  11 ) and a top plate portion  21  of the lid body  2 , whereby the assembled state is maintained. With this configuration, during cultured state-maintaining transportation, the contents (cultured cells and a culture medium) of the container body  3  are sealed in a liquid-tight manner and spilling of the contents due to vibrations and the like is prevented. 
     In addition to the above, the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 12  of the present modified example exhibits the same functions and effects as the above-described cell and biological tissue transporting container A 10 . 
     In a cell and biological tissue transporting container A 13  shown in  FIG. 16 , a container body  3  has an overhanging portion  321  instead of the protrusions  312  in the above-described cell and biological tissue transporting container A 10 . The overhanging portion  321  is a central portion of a side wall portion  32  in the vertical direction, which overhangs radially inward such that this portion has a smaller diameter than a remaining portion. The inner diameter dimension of the overhanging portion  321  is substantially the same as the outer diameter dimension D 2  of a culture portion  41  (a cylindrical portion) or slightly smaller than the outer diameter dimension D 2 . Accordingly, by inserting a culture portion  41  inside the overhanging portion  321 , a device  4  is held in a predetermined orientation inside the container body  3 . 
     In the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 13  of the present modified example, by screwing an internal thread  221  of a lid body  2  (a second tubular portion  22 ) onto an external thread  111  of abase member  1  (a first tubular portion  11 ), a flange  33  of the container body  3  is clamped between the peripheral edge portion of an opening  110  of the base member  1  (an upper end portion  113  of the first tubular portion  11 ) and a top plate portion  21  of the lid body  2 , whereby the assembled state is maintained. With this configuration, during cultured state-maintaining transportation, the contents (cultured cells and a culture medium) of the container body  3  are sealed in a liquid-tight manner and spilling of the contents due to vibrations and the like is prevented. 
     In addition to the above, the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 13  of the present modified example exhibits the same functions and effects as the above-described cell and biological tissue transporting container A 10 . 
     In a cell and biological tissue transporting container A 14  shown in  FIG. 17 , a container body  3  has multiple ribs  322  instead of the protrusions  312  in the above-described cell and biological tissue transporting container A 10 . The multiple ribs  322  each extend radially inward from a side wall portion  32 , and as shown in  FIG. 18 , the multiple ribs  322  are disposed radially as viewed in the vertical direction. The diameter D 3  (see  FIG. 18 ) of a virtual circle formed by the respective inner ends of the multiple ribs  322  is substantially the same as the outer diameter dimension D 2  of a culture portion  41  (a cylindrical portion) or slightly smaller than the outer diameter dimension D 2 . Accordingly, by inserting the culture portion  41  inside the multiple ribs  322 , the device  4  is held in a predetermined orientation inside the container body  3 . 
     In the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 14  of the present modified example, by screwing an internal thread  221  of a lid body  2  (a second tubular portion  22 ) onto an external thread  111  of a base member  1  (a first tubular portion  11 ), a flange  33  of the container body  3  is clamped between the peripheral edge portion of an opening  110  of the base member  1  (an upper end portion  113  of the first tubular portion  11 ) and a top plate portion  21  of the lid body  2 , whereby the assembled state is maintained. With this configuration, during cultured state-maintaining transportation, the contents (cultured cells and a culture medium) of the container body  3  are sealed in a liquid-tight manner and spilling of the contents due to vibrations and the like is prevented. 
     In addition to the above, the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 14  of the present modified example exhibits the same functions and effects as the above-described cell and biological tissue transporting container A 10 . 
       FIG. 19  shows still another modified example of the above-described cell and biological tissue transporting container A 10 . A cell and biological tissue transporting container A 15  shown in this drawing is different from the above-described cell and biological tissue transporting container A 10  only in the configuration of a lid body. 
     In the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 15  shown in  FIG. 19 , a lid body  2  has a small-diameter tubular nozzle portion  24  and a cap  25 . In the present modified example, the nozzle portion  24  is provided in a protruding portion  23  (a bottom plate portion  232 ) and is in communication with the internal space of a container body  3 . The nozzle portion  24  is generally cylindrical, and an external thread is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle portion  24 . The cap  25  is configured such that, for example, the upper end of a tubular portion  251  that extends generally in a cylindrical shape is closed by a top plate  252 . An internal thread is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion  251 , and the top plate  252  is provided with a sheet-like sealing member  253  made of rubber, for example. By screwing the internal thread of the cap  25  onto the external thread of the nozzle portion  24 , the tip of the nozzle portion  24  is closed. 
     In the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 15  of the present modified example, by screwing an internal thread  221  of the lid body  2  (a second tubular portion  22 ) onto an external thread  111  of abase member  1  (a first tubular portion  11 ), a flange  33  of the container body  3  is clamped between the peripheral edge portion of an opening  110  of the base member  1  (an upper end portion  113  of the first tubular portion  11 ) and a top plate portion  21  of the lid body  2 , whereby the assembled state is maintained. With this configuration, during cultured state-maintaining transportation, the contents (cultured cells and a culture medium) of the container body  3  are sealed in a liquid-tight manner and spilling of the contents due to vibrations and the like is prevented. 
     In the present modified example, the lid body  2  has the small-diameter tubular nozzle portion  24  and the cap  25  that can close the nozzle portion  24 . According to such a configuration, after the lid body  2  is attached to the base member  1 , it is possible to refill the internal space of the container body  3  with a culture medium (liquid) via the nozzle portion  24 . This allows the internal space of the container body  3  to be filled with the culture medium (liquid) with the amount of air (gas) remaining in the internal space of the container body  3  being reduced as much as possible. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of air entrainment at the time of screwing the lid body  2  and also to restrict shaking of the culture medium during cultured state-maintaining transportation. Also, at the time of screwing the lid body  2 , a pressure may be applied to cultured cells contained in the container body  3 . However, by opening the cap  25  once and then closing the cap  25 , it is possible to relieve the pressure. 
     In addition to the above, the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 15  of the present modified example exhibits the same functions and effects as the above-described cell and biological tissue transporting container A 10 . 
       FIGS. 20 and 21  show still other modified examples of the above-described cell and biological tissue transporting container A 10 . Cell and biological tissue transporting containers shown in these drawings are each different from the above-described cell and biological tissue transporting container A 10  in the configuration of a container body. Besides, these cell and biological tissue transporting containers are each configured such that a device is not housed in a container body. 
     In a cell and biological tissue transporting container A 16  shown in  FIG. 20 , a container body  3  does not have the protrusions  312  provided in the above-described cell and biological tissue transporting container A 10 . Also, at the time of cultured state-maintaining transportation, cultured cells or a biological tissue is placed inside the container body  3  directly, and the container body  3  is filled with a culture medium. 
     In the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 16  of the present modified example, by screwing an internal thread  221  of a lid body  2  (a second tubular portion  22 ) onto an external thread  111  of a base member  1  (a first tubular portion  11 ), a flange  33  of the container body  3  is clamped between the peripheral edge portion of an opening  110  of the base member  1  (an upper end portion  113  of the first tubular portion  11 ) and a top plate portion  21  of the lid body  2 , whereby the assembled state is maintained. With this configuration, during cultured state-maintaining transportation, the contents (cultured cells and a culture medium) of the container body  3  are sealed in a liquid-tight manner and spilling of the contents due to vibrations and the like is prevented. 
     A bottom wall portion  31  of the container body  3  is provided with a gas permeable thin portion  311 . Thus, the contents of the container body  3  remain in communication with the atmosphere outside the container body  3 . Therefore, according to the present modified example, it is possible to culture the contents of the container body  3  under ventilated conditions during the transportation. 
     A through hole  121  is formed in a bottom portion  12  of the base member  1 . Also, a slit  112  is formed at the lower end of the first tubular portion  11 . According to this configuration, even when the base member  1  in the form of a container is placed on a flat surface, the thin portion  311  of the container body  3  is not blocked by the base member  1 . Therefore, this configuration is suitable for ensuring that the container body  3  is in communication with the atmosphere outside the container body  3 . 
     The lid body  2  has a protruding portion  23  (an inner cylindrical portion  231  and a bottom plate portion  232 ), and the inner cylindrical portion  231  and the bottom plate portion  232  protrude toward the bottom wall portion  31  inside a side wall portion  32  of the container body  3 . This configuration reduces the volume of a space for containing a culture medium and the like in the container body  3 . Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of the culture medium to be used in cultured state-maintaining transportation. 
     After the transportation of the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 16 , the lid body  2  can be detached from the base member  1  by loosening the threaded engagement portion between the base member  1  and the lid body  2 , whereby the upper portion of the container body  3  can be opened. Therefore, unlike the case where an opening of a container is closed with an adhesive film or the like, it is possible to prevent a trouble that the contents of the container body  3  may spill out when detaching the lid body  2 . 
     In a cell and biological tissue transporting container A 17  shown in  FIG. 21 , a container body  3  does not have the protrusions  312  provided in the above-described cell and biological tissue transporting container A 10 . In the present modified example, an entire bottom wall portion  31  and an entire side wall portion  32  of the container body  3  are relatively thin and gas permeable. Multiple reinforcing ribs  34  are provided at appropriate positions in the bottom wall portion  31  and the outer surface of the side wall portion  32 . As shown in  FIG. 22 , these reinforcing ribs  34  are provided radially as viewed in the vertical direction. In the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 17  shown in  FIG. 21 , at the time of cultured state-maintaining transportation, cultured cells or a biological tissue is placed inside the container body  3  directly, and the container body  3  is filled with a culture medium. 
     In the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 17  of the present modified example, by screwing an internal thread  221  of a lid body  2  (a second tubular portion  22 ) onto an external thread  111  of a base member  1  (a first tubular portion  11 ), a flange  33  of the container body  3  is clamped between the peripheral edge portion of an opening  110  of the base member  1  (an upper end portion  113  of the first tubular portion  11 ) and a top plate portion  21  of the lid body  2 , whereby the assembled state is maintained. With this configuration, during cultured state-maintaining transportation, the contents (cultured cells and a culture medium) of the container body  3  are sealed in a liquid-tight manner and spilling of the contents due to vibrations and the like is prevented. 
     The entire bottom wall portion  31  and the entire side wall portion  32  of the container body  3  are gas permeable thin portions. Thus, the contents of the container body  3  remain in communication with the atmosphere outside the container body  3 . Therefore, according to the present modified example, it is possible to culture the contents of the container body  3  under ventilated conditions during the transportation. 
     In addition to the above, the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 17  of the present modified example exhibits the same functions and effects as the above-described cell and biological tissue transporting container A 16 . 
     In each of the above-described cell and biological tissue transporting containers A 10  to A 17 , the through hole  121  is formed in the bottom portion  12  of the base member  1 . However, when it is not necessary to ensure the ventilated conditions in view of the transportation conditions and the like, a through hole need not be formed in the bottom portion  12  of the base member  1  and the bottom portion  12  may be closed. 
       FIG. 23  shows still another modified example of the above-described cell and biological tissue transporting container A 10 . A cell and biological tissue transporting container A 18  shown in this drawing is different from the above-described cell and biological tissue transporting container A 10  in the configurations of a base member, a lid body, and a container body. 
     In the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 18  shown in  FIG. 23 , a bottom portion  12  of a base member  1  does not have the through hole  121  provided in the above-described cell and biological tissue transporting container A 10 . Therefore, the base member  1  is in the form of a cylindrical container with the bottom portion  12  being closed. A container body  3  does not have the protrusions  312  provided in the above-described cell and biological tissue transporting container A 10 . Also, a device is not housed in the container body  3 . On the other hand, a lid body  2  is configured such that a top plate portion  21  is flat, and in the top plate portion  21 , a through hole  211  that passes through the top plate portion  21  in the thickness direction is formed. 
     In the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 18  of the present modified example, at the time of cultured state-maintaining transportation, cultured cells or a biological tissue is placed inside the base member  1  directly, and a space between the base member  1  and the container body  3  is filled with a culture medium, unlike the case of the above embodiment. 
     In the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 18  of the present modified example, by screwing an internal thread  221  of the lid body  2  (a second tubular portion  22 ) onto an external thread  111  of the base member  1  (a first tubular portion  11 ), a flange  33  of the container body  3  is clamped between the peripheral edge portion of an opening  110  of the base member  1  (an upper end portion  113  of the first tubular portion  11 ) and the top plate portion  21  of the lid body  2 , whereby the assembled state is maintained. With this configuration, during cultured state-maintaining transportation, the contents (cultured cells and a culture medium) of the base member  1  are sealed in a liquid-tight manner and spilling of the contents due to vibrations and the like is prevented. 
     A bottom wall portion  31  of the container body  3  is provided with a gas permeable thin portion  311 . Thus, the contents of the base member  1  remain in communication with the atmosphere in the internal space of the container body  3 . Therefore, according to the present modified example, the contents of the base member  1  can be cultured under ventilated conditions during the transportation. 
     The through hole  211  is formed in the top plate portion  21  of the lid body  2 . According to such a configuration, the internal space of the container body  3  is in communication with the outside of the lid body  2  via the through hole  211 . Thus, this configuration is suitable for ensuring that the contents filling the space between the base member  1  and the container body  3  are in communication with the outside atmosphere. 
     After the transportation of the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 18 , the lid body  2  and the container body  3  can be detached one by one from the base member  1  by loosening the threaded engagement portion between the base member  1  and the lid body  2 , whereby the upper portion of the base member  1  can be opened. Therefore, unlike the case where an opening of a container is closed with an adhesive film or the like, it is possible to prevent a trouble that the contents of the base member  1  may spill out when detaching the lid body  2 . 
       FIGS. 24 to 28  show the second embodiment of the cell and biological tissue transporting container according to the present invention. A cell and biological tissue transporting container A 20  of the present embodiment includes a base member  1 , a lid body  2 , and a container body  3 .  FIGS. 24, 26, and 27  show an assembled state in which the base member  1 , the lid body  2 , and the container body  3  are combined with one another, and this will be described more specifically below. In the present embodiment, as can be seen in  FIG. 27 , a device  4  is held by the container body  3 .  FIG. 25  is a perspective view showing the components of the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 20  in a disassembled state. 
     According to the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 20  of the present embodiment, processes from cell culture to transportation can be carried out using only the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 20 . That is, while cell culture using the device  4  is performed using a culture container different from the cell and biological tissue transporting container in the above embodiment, cell culture using a device  4  is also performed using the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 20  in the present embodiment. The cell and biological tissue transporting container A 20  is a sealed container adapted so that cell culture can be performed therein using an automated culture apparatus without opening a lid. 
     The cell and biological tissue transporting container A 20  of the present embodiment is greatly different from the cell and biological tissue transporting containers A 10  and A 11  of the above-described embodiments in the configuration of a lid body  2 . The lid body  2  includes an inner lid  2 A and an outer lid  2 B. The inner lid  2 A has a top plate portion  21 , a stepped portion  26 , and multiple (four in the present embodiment) ports  271 ,  272 ,  273 , and  274 . 
     The inner lid  2 A is a component for sealing a container body  3 . In the present embodiment, the top plate portion  21  of the inner lid  2 A is annular. On the top plate portion  21 , a presser portion  28  (the outer lid  2 B) to be described below is stacked in the thickness direction of the top plate portion  21 . The stepped portion  26  is located inside the top plate portion  21 . The stepped portion  26  is accommodated inside a side wall portion  32  (a large-diameter portion  32 A) of the container body  3  and protrudes toward a bottom wall portion  31  of the container body  3  in the vertical direction. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the stepped portion  26  is provided with a bottom plate portion  261  having a recessed shape. The bottom plate portion  261  is recessed downward to be located closer to the bottom wall portion  31  of the container body  3  and is located at a central portion in the radial direction. 
     In the present embodiment, the four ports  271 ,  272 ,  273 , and  274  (first port, second port, third port, and fourth port) are provided in the stepped portion  26 . These ports  271 ,  272 ,  273 , and  274  are provided for supplying a culture medium and the like to the inside of the container body  3  or for discharging the culture medium in the container body  3  to the outside. The ports  271 ,  272 ,  273 , and  274  are each configured such that an upper end thereof is open to the outside and a lower end thereof is open to the internal space of the container body  3 . To the upper ends of the respective ports  271 ,  272 ,  273 , and  274 , tubes (not shown) are connected when necessary. The two ports  271  and  272  are provided near the side wall portion  32  (the small-diameter portion  32 B) of the container body  3 . The remaining two ports  273  and  274  are provided farther inward in the radial direction of the top plate portion  21  than the ports  271  and  272 . Of the ports  273  and  274 , the port  274  has its lower end at a relatively high position and is used for supplying, e.g., a cell suspension, a culture medium, and a predetermined gas to the inside of the device  4 . Of the ports  273  and  274 , the port  273  has its lower end at a relatively low position and is used for discharging the culture medium and the like inside the device  4 . Of the ports  271  and  272 , the port  272  has its lower end at a relatively high position and is used for supplying, e.g., a culture medium and the like to the inside of the container body  3 . Of the ports  271  and  272 , the port  271  has its lower end at a relatively low position and is used for discharging the culture medium and the like inside the container body  3 . 
     The inner lid  2 A is formed of a translucent or transparent plastic material, for example. In the inner lid  2 A, at least the bottom plate portion  261  is transparent. The bottom plate portion  261  is relatively thin and has a smooth surface. Accordingly, the bottom plate portion  261  is a transparent portion through which an internal space can be observed visually from the outside. 
     The outer lid  2 B has the presser portion  28  and a second tubular portion  22 , and presses the top plate portion  21  toward a flange  33  of the container body  3 . The presser portion  28  is stacked on the top plate portion  21  as viewed in the thickness direction of the top plate portion  21 . In the present embodiment, the presser portion  28  is annular, and an opening hole  281  is formed inside the presser portion  28 . The second tubular portion  22  is connected to the outer peripheral edge of the presser portion  28 . The second tubular portion  22  has the same configuration as the second tubular portion  22  in the above-described cell and biological tissue transporting container A 11 . 
     The container body  3  in the present embodiment has the same configuration as the container body  3  in the above-described cell and biological tissue transporting container A 11 . That is, the container body  3  has the bottom wall portion  31 , the side wall portion  32  that rises from the peripheral edge of the bottom wall portion  31 , and the flange  33 . The side wall portion  32  of the container body  3  has the large-diameter portion  32 A and the small-diameter portion  32 B. Multiple outer surface projections  320  are provided on the outer surface of the small-diameter portion  32 B. As shown in  FIG. 28 , the multiple outer surface projections  320  are disposed radially as viewed in the vertical direction. Each outer surface projection  320  can abut against the inner surface of a first tubular portion  11 . As shown in  FIG. 27 , the bottom wall portion  31  has a thin portion  311  provided in a central portion thereof. 
     In the present embodiment, the base member  1  is a sealed container without a through hole in the bottom portion  12 , and therefore, the thin portion  311  need not be gas permeable. On the other hand, the thin portion  311  has a smooth surface and is transparent. For example, in the case of a material like silicone rubber, it is important to make the material thin in order to ensure transparency. The bottom wall portion  31  is provided with multiple protrusions  312 . In the present embodiment, the inner diameter dimension of the circle constituted by the multiple protrusions  312  in the container body  3  is also substantially the same as the outer diameter dimension D 2  (see  FIGS. 25 and 27 ) of a culture portion  41  (a cylindrical portion) or slightly smaller than the outer diameter dimension D 2 . Accordingly, by inserting the culture portion  41  inside the multiple protrusions  312 , the device  4  is held in a predetermined orientation inside the container body  3 , as shown in  FIG. 27 . As shown in  FIG. 27 , in the state where the device  4  is held, the upper end of the small-diameter portion  32 B of the container body  3  is in a recess  441  provided on the lower side of the outer periphery of a ring-shaped portion  44  in the device  4 , and thus the upper end is in close proximity to the ring-shaped portion  44 . 
     As can be understood from  FIGS. 25 to 27 , among the four ports  271  to  274 , the two ports  273  and  274  are provided at positions to be inside the culture portion  41 . These ports  273  and  274  are provided at positions displaced from the center of the bottom plate portion  261  so as to avoid a central portion of the bottom plate portion  261  and thus are located at positions near the inner peripheral surface of the culture portion  41 . The remaining two ports  271  and  272  are provided at positions to be in a region between the culture portion  41  and the side wall portion  32  (the small-diameter portion  32 B) of the container body  3 . 
     In the present embodiment, the bottom portion  12  of the base member  1  does not have the through hole  121  provided in the above-described cell and biological tissue transporting containers A 10  and A 11 . Therefore, the base member  1  is in the form of a cylindrical container with the bottom portion  12  being closed. 
     Next, usage and functions of the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 20  will be described. 
     The cell and biological tissue transporting container A 20  of the present embodiment is used for performing cell culture in this container A 20  and then transporting the cells while maintaining the cultured state (cultured state-maintaining transportation). 
     In the present embodiment, the lid body  2  includes the inner lid  2 A and the outer lid  2 B, the inner lid  2 A is provided with the top plate portion  21  and the ports  271 ,  272 ,  273 , and  274 , and the outer lid  2 B is provided with the presser portion  28  and the second tubular portion  22  (an internal thread  221 ). According to such a configuration, at the time of attaching the lid body  2  to the base member  1 , the inner lid  2 A provided with the ports is set at a predetermined position, and thereafter, the outer lid  2 B is screwed, during which the inner lid  2 A (the ports  271 ,  272 ,  273 , and  274 ) does not move. Therefore, the lid body  2  provided with the ports can be assembled to a predetermined position in the sealed container properly. 
     At the time of cell culture, a cell suspension, a culture medium, and a predetermined gas (e.g., CO 2  gas or the like) is supplied into the device  4  via the port  274 , for example. To the tube (not shown) connected to the port  274 , containers filled with the cell suspension, the culture medium, and the predetermined atmosphere gas are connected, for example, and the substance desired to be supplied is selected as appropriate from these containers by the switching of a valve or the like and is supplied into the device  4  via the port  274 . To the container body  3 , a culture medium is supplied via the port  272 , for example. 
       FIG. 29  shows an example of a state where cell culture is performed using the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 20 . During the cell culture, for example, the internal space of the container body  3  is maintained at a predetermined temperature by the temperature adjustment function of the automated culture apparatus. Furthermore, the internal space of the container body  3  is maintained in a predetermined gas atmosphere, and the culture medium in the container body  3  and the culture medium in the device  4  are discharged as appropriate via the port  271  and the port  273 , respectively, for replacement. 
     In the cell culture performed using the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 20 , a cell sheet is produced by, for example, adding highly transparent collagen gel, which is not shown in the drawings, onto a thin film  42  of the device  4  and seeding cells on the collagen gel. In the present embodiment, the bottom plate portion  261  is transparent. Accordingly, from above the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 20 , the state in the culture portion  41  of the device  4  can be observed through the transparent bottom plate portion  261 . 
     In the present embodiment, the thin portion  311  of the container body  3  is transparent. When the base member  1  is transparent, also from below the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 20 , the state in the culture portion  41  of the device  4  can be observed through the transparent bottom portion  12  (the base member  1 ) and the thin portion  311 . With such a configuration, regardless of whether a light source is placed above or below the container, irradiation light can be transmitted, and therefore, the cells can be observed using various types of microscopes including an optical microscope and a phase-contrast microscope. 
     The ports  273  and  274  provided in the inner lid  2 A are at the displaced positions avoiding the central portion of the inner lid  2 A. According to such a configuration, at the time of observing the state in the culture portion  41  of the device  4  from above the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 20  through the transparent bottom plate portion  261 , interference of the ports  273  and  274  is avoided. 
     In the present embodiment, the bottom plate portion  261  (the transparent portion at the center) of the inner lid  2 A has a recessed shape that is recessed downward. By disposing the bottom plate portion  261  at a low position as described above, a culture solution in the device  4  is in contact with the surface of the bottom plate portion  261 . Accordingly, the surface of the culture solution becomes flat owing to a water glass effect, whereby diffuse reflection of irradiation light is suppressed, and this is expected to bring about an effect that focusing of a microscope is performed easily. 
     In the present embodiment, the bottom wall portion  31  of the flexible container body  3  is provided with the multiple protrusions  312 , and the device  4  can be held by these protrusions  312 . Such a configuration is suitable for microscopic observation because the device  4  in which cell culture is performed is fixed to a predetermined position accurately. 
       FIG. 30  shows the assembled state of the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 20  when the container body  3  is filled with a culture medium Ml. The container body  3  is formed of a flexible material, and the tubular side wall portion  32  of the container body  3  is inserted into an opening  110  of the base member  1 . Then, by screwing the internal thread  221  of the lid body  2  (the second tubular portion  22 ) onto the external thread  111  of the base member  1  (the first tubular portion  11 ), the flange  33  of the container body  3  is clamped between the peripheral edge portion of the opening  110  of the base member  1  (the upper end portion  113  of the first tubular portion  11 ) and the top plate portion  21  of the lid body  2 , whereby the assembled state is maintained. With this configuration, the contents (cultured cells and the culture medium) of the container body  3  are sealed in a liquid-tight manner. Accordingly, spilling of the contents due to vibrations and the like is prevented during cultured state-maintaining transportation. Furthermore, by filling the container body  3  completely with the culture medium without leaving a space in the container body  3 , shaking of the culture medium due to vibrations and the like is prevented, and the cells immersed in the culture medium can be transported safely while maintaining the cultured state of the cells. At the time of transportation of the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 20 , the tubes (not shown) connected to the ports  271 ,  272 ,  273 , and  274  are sealed by appropriate means such as heat sealing. 
     According to the present embodiment, by the cooperation of the base member  1 , the lid body  2 , and the container body  3 , the contents of the container body  3  can be sealed duly in a liquid-tight manner. 
     In the present embodiment, the bottom wall portion  31  of the flexible container body  3  is provided with the multiple protrusions  312 , and the device  4  can be held by these protrusions  312 . With this configuration, for the device  4  in which cell culture is performed, vibrations during transportation can be relieved by the flexibility of the protrusions  312 , and the device  4  can be subjected to cultured state-maintaining transportation in the state of being held by the container body  3  while maintaining a liquid-tight state. 
     The side wall portion  32  of the container body  3  has the large-diameter portion  32 A and the small-diameter portion  32 B. The small-diameter portion  32 B is located closer to the bottom wall portion  31 , and the culture portion  41  of the device  4  is housed in this small-diameter portion  32 B. According to the configuration in which the small-diameter portion  32 B is provided, the volume of a space for containing a culture medium and the like in the container body  3  is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of the culture medium M 1  to be used in cultured state-maintaining transportation. 
     On the outer surface of the small-diameter portion  32 B, the multiple outer surface projections  320  are provided radially. According to such a configuration, it is possible to perform positioning of the container body  3  in the radial direction with respect to the base member  1 . 
     The lid body  2  (the inner lid  2 A) has the stepped portion  26 , and the stepped portion  26  protrudes toward the bottom wall portion  31  inside the side wall portion  32  of the container body  3 . This configuration reduces the volume of a space for containing a culture medium and the like in the container body  3 . Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of the culture medium M 1  to be used in cultured state-maintaining transportation. 
     After the transportation of the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 20 , the lid body  2  can be detached from the base member  1  by loosening the threaded engagement portion between the base member  1  and the lid body  2 , whereby the upper portion of the container body  3  can be opened. 
     Regarding the above-described cell and biological tissue transporting container A 20 , the above description is directed to a case where, as a member on which cultured cells are to be placed, the device  4  is set in the container body  3 . However, the shape of the member on which cultured cells are to be placed is not limited thereto. For example, instead of the above-described device  4 , a support  40  shown in  FIGS. 31 and 32  may be used. The support  40  has a frame  46  and a thin film  47 . The frame  46  is in a ring shape, and the thin film  47  is formed so as to cover a space inside this frame  46 . The thin film  47  is a portion on which cultured cells (a cell sheet) are to be placed, and the cultured cells on the thin film  47  are immersed in a culture medium. Alternatively, the member on which the cultured cells are to be placed need not be used. For example, a cell suspension may be contained in a region surrounded by the container body  3  and the lid body  2 , and a biological tissue or the like may be placed in a region surrounded by the protrusions  312  protruding from the bottom wall portion  31  of the container body  3 . The shape of each protrusion  312  is not limited to an arc shape. 
       FIGS. 33 to 35  show the third embodiment of the cell and biological tissue transporting container according to the present invention. A cell and biological tissue transporting container A 30  of the present embodiment includes a base member  1 , a lid body  2 , and a container body  3 .  FIGS. 33 and 35  show an assembled state in which the base member  1 , the lid body  2 , and the container body  3  are combined with one another.  FIG. 34  is a perspective view showing the components of the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 30  in a disassembled state. 
     In the present embodiment, the base member  1  includes a first tubular portion  11  and an upper plate  13 . The first tubular portion  11  is generally cylindrical, and an external thread  111  is formed on an upper outer peripheral surface of the first tubular portion  11 . The upper plate  13  is in an annular shape that is connected to an upper end of the first tubular portion  11  and extends radially inward from the upper end. An opening  130  is formed at an inner edge of the upper plate  13 , and the opening  130  is located at the upper end of the base member  1 . 
     The lid body  2  has a top plate portion  21  and a second tubular portion  22 , and is a component for sealing the container body  3 . A flange  33  (to be described below) of the container body  3  is clamped between the top plate portion  21  and the upper plate  13  of the base member  1 . The second tubular portion  22  extends from the peripheral edge of the top plate portion  21  in the thickness direction of the top plate portion  21  (downward in the drawings), and is generally cylindrical. An internal thread  221  is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the second tubular portion  22 , and the internal thread  221  is threadedly engageable with the external thread  111  of the base member  1  (the first tubular portion  11 ). 
     The container body  3  is formed of a flexible and resilient material as in the above-described first embodiment, and the container body  3  has a bottom wall portion  31 , a side wall portion  32 , and a flange  33 . The bottom wall portion  31  has a gas permeable thin portion  311  provided in a central portion thereof. On the other hand, in the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 30 , the container body  3  does not have the protrusions  312  provided in the above-described cell and biological tissue transporting container A 10 . At the time of cultured state-maintaining transportation, cultured cells or a biological tissue is placed inside the container body  3  directly, and the container body  3  is filled with a culture medium. 
     In the assembled state shown in  FIG. 35 , the outer surface of the side wall portion  32  opposes the inner surface of the first tubular portion  11  in the base member  1 . In the assembled state, the side wall portion  32  is inserted into the opening  130  of the base member  1 , and the side wall portion  32  and the bottom wall portion  31  are located inside the first tubular portion  11  of the base member  1 . 
     Next, functions of the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 30  will be described. 
     In the present embodiment, the container body  3  is formed of a flexible material, and the tubular side wall portion  32  of the container body  3  is inserted into the opening  130  of the base member  1 . Then, by screwing the internal thread  221  of the lid body  2  (the second tubular portion  22 ) onto the external thread  111  of the base member  1  (the first tubular portion  11 ), the flange  33  of the container body  3  is clamped between the peripheral edge portion (the upper plate  13 ) of the opening  130  of the base member  1  and the top plate portion  21  of the lid body  2 , whereby the assembled state is maintained. With this configuration, the contents (cultured cells and a culture medium) of the container body  3  are sealed in a liquid-tight manner. Accordingly, spilling of the contents due to vibrations and the like is prevented during cultured state-maintaining transportation. 
     According to the present embodiment, by the cooperation of the base member  1 , the lid body  2 , and the container body  3 , the contents of the container body  3  can be sealed duly in a liquid-tight manner. Besides, since the container body  3  is flexible, cells or a biological tissue contained in the container body  3  is less likely to be damaged when the cells or the biological tissue is unintentionally brought into direct contact with the container body  3 . Therefore, the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 30  provided with the container body  3  is suitable for cultured state-maintaining transportation. 
     The bottom wall portion  31  of the container body  3  is provided with the gas permeable thin portion  311 . Thus, the contents of the container body  3  remain in communication with the atmosphere outside the container body  3 . Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to culture the contents of the container body  3  under ventilated conditions during the transportation. 
     After the transportation of the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 30 , the lid body  2  can be detached from the base member  1  by loosening the threaded engagement portion between the base member  1  and the lid body  2 , whereby the upper portion of the container body  3  can be opened. Therefore, unlike the case where an opening of a container is closed with an adhesive film or the like, it is possible to prevent a trouble that the contents of the container body  3  may spill out when detaching the lid body  2 . 
       FIGS. 36 and 37  show a modified example of the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 30  according to the third embodiment. A cell and biological tissue transporting container A 31  shown in these drawings is different from the above-described cell and biological tissue transporting container A 30  in the configurations of a base member and a lid body. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 36 and 37 , a base member  1  includes a first tubular portion  11  and an upper plate  13 . The first tubular portion  11  is generally cylindrical, and an external thread  111  is formed on an upper outer peripheral surface of the first tubular portion  11 . The first tubular portion  11  in the present modified example has a larger radial dimension than the first tubular portion  11  in the third embodiment. The upper plate  13  is in a circular shape that closes the upper end of the first tubular portion  11 . The upper plate  13  has multiple (seven in the present modified example) openings  130  that are formed so as to be apart from each other. These openings  130  are located at the upper end of the base member  1 . 
     A lid body  2  has a top plate portion  21  and a second tubular portion  22 , and is a component for sealing container bodies  3 . Flanges  33  (to be described below) of the container bodies  3  are clamped between the top plate portion  21  and the upper plate  13  of the base member  1 . The second tubular portion  22  extends from the peripheral edge of the top plate portion  21  in the thickness direction of the top plate portion  21  (downward in the drawings), and is generally cylindrical. An internal thread  221  is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the second tubular portion  22 , and the internal thread  221  is threadedly engageable with the external thread  111  of the base member  1  (the first tubular portion  11 ). 
     The cell and biological tissue transporting container A 31  of the present modified example includes multiple (seven in the present modified example) container bodies  3 . Each of these container bodies  3  has the same configuration as the container body  3  in the above-described cell and biological tissue transporting container A 30 . In the assembled state shown in  FIG. 37 , side wall portions  32  of the respective container bodies  3  are inserted into the openings  130  of the base member  1 , and the respective side wall portions  32  and the respective bottom wall portions  31  are located inside the first tubular portion  11  of the base member  1 . At the time of cultured state-maintaining transportation, cultured cells or a biological tissue is placed inside each container body  3  directly, and each container body  3  is filled with a culture medium. 
     Next, functions of the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 31  will be described. 
     In the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 31  of the present modified example, the respective container bodies  3  are formed of a flexible material, and the tubular side wall portions  32  of the respective container bodies  3  are inserted into the openings  130  of the base member  1 . Then, by screwing the internal thread  221  of the lid body  2  (the second tubular portion  22 ) onto the external thread  111  of the base member  1  (the first tubular portion  11 ), the flanges  33  of the respective container bodies  3  are clamped between the peripheral edge portions (the upper plate  13 ) of the openings  130  in the base member  1  and the top plate portion  21  of the lid body  2 , whereby the assembled state is maintained. With this configuration, the contents (cultured cells and a culture medium) of the container body  3  are sealed in a liquid-tight manner. Accordingly, spilling of the contents due to vibrations and the like is prevented during cultured state-maintaining transportation. 
     In the present modified example, by providing the multiple container bodies  3 , it becomes possible to transport multiple types of cultured cells or biological tissues at the same time. 
     In addition to the above, the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 31  of the present modified example exhibits the same functions and effects as the above-described cell and biological tissue transporting container A 30 . 
       FIGS. 38 to 40  show a cell and biological tissue transporting container of a reference example as a variation of the present invention. 
     The cell and biological tissue transporting container A 40  of the present reference example includes a base member  1 , a container body  3 , a presser plate  5 , and holders  6 .  FIGS. 38 and 40  show an assembled state in which the base member  1 , the container body  3 , and the pressure plate  5  are stacked.  FIG. 39  is a perspective view showing the components of the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 40  in a disassembled state. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 39 and 40 , the base member  1  includes a first tubular portion  11  and an upper plate  13 . The first tubular portion  11  is generally in a rectangular tubular shape. The upper plate  13  is in a rectangular shape that closes the upper end of the first tubular portion  11 . The upper plate  13  has multiple (six in the present reference example) openings  130  that are formed so as to be apart from each other. These openings  130  are located at the upper end of the base member  1 . 
     The container body  3  is a component for containing cultured cells and a culture medium. The container body  3  is formed of a flexible and resilient material. Also, the container body  3  is preferably self-adhesive. Examples of the material of the container body  3  include silicone rubber, natural rubber, urethane rubber, and elastomer resin. Among them, silicone rubber is preferable. In light of the contact between the container body  3  and the contents (the cultured cells and the culture medium) to be described specifically below, it is more preferable that the material of the container body  3  is medical grade silicone rubber, which is free of cytotoxicity and has biocompatibility. Regarding the hardness of the container body  3 , it is preferable that the container body  3  has a rubber hardness of about 20 to 40 degrees. 
     The container body  3  is a rubber molded product, for example, and as shown in  FIG. 40 , the container body  3  includes bottom wall portions  31 , side wall portions  32  that rise from the peripheral edges of the bottom wall portions  31 , and a flange  33 . Each bottom wall portion  31  is substantially circular in a plan view. Each side wall portion  32  is generally cylindrical. In the present reference example, the container body has six bottom wall portions  31  and six side wall portions  32 . Each bottom wall portion  31  and the side wall portion  32  connected thereto constitute a vessel  35 . In the present reference example, the container body  3  has six vessels  35 . 
     The flange  33  is generally in a rectangular shape, and extends outward from the upper edges of the respective side wall portions  32  so as to surround the side wall portions  32 . The flange  33  has an appropriate thickness and appropriate elastic resilience against loads applied from the top and the bottom of the flange  33 . The flange  33  has a thickness of about 1 to 3 mm, for example. In the assembled state shown in  FIG. 40 , the respective side wall portions  32  are inserted into the openings  130  of the base member  1 , and the respective vessels  35  (the side wall portions  32  and the bottom wall portions  31 ) are located inside the first tubular portion  11  of the base member  1 . At the time of cultured state-maintaining transportation, cultured cells or a biological tissue is placed inside each vessel  35  directly, and each vessel  35  is filled with a culture medium. 
     As shown in  FIG. 40 , in the present reference example, each bottom wall portion  31  has a thin portion  311  provided in a central portion thereof. As clear from  FIG. 40 , the thin portion  311  has a smaller thickness than other portions. The thin portion  311  has a thickness of about 0.2 to 0.3 mm, for example. The thin portion  311  is gas permeable. 
     The presser plate  5  is placed on the flange  33  in the container body  3 . The presser plate  5  is in a rectangular plate shape, and the external size thereof is substantially the same as the external size of the flange  33 . The presser plate  5  is formed of hard synthetic resin such as polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polyethylene, and polystyrene, for example. 
     The holders  6  hold the base member  1 , the container body  3 , and the presser plate  5  in the state where they are stacked (the assembled state). As shown in  FIG. 39 , each holder  6  has a flat bottom plate  61 , a ceiling plate  62  that extends parallel to this bottom plate  61 , and a pair of side plates  63 , and these plate members together form a loop shape. Both ends of each of the pair of side plates  63  are connected to the bottom plate  61  and the ceiling plate  62 , respectively. The cell and biological tissue transporting container A 40  of the present reference example is provided with two holders  6 . 
     The distance from the upper surface of the bottom plate  61  to the lower surface of the ceiling plate  62  is slightly shorter than the height dimension of an assembly formed by stacking the base member  1 , the container body  3 , and the presser plate  5  without undue force. When the base member  1 , the container body  3 , and the presser plate  5  are held altogether by gripping the assembly with a hand while applying pressure from above and below the assembly, the flange  33  in the container body  3  is compressed, whereby the height dimension of the assembly is reduced. As a result, it becomes possible to insert the assembly between the bottom plate  61  and the ceiling plate  62  of each holder  6 . Then, when the hand is released, the height dimension is caused to increase owing to the elastic resilience of the flange  33 . However, the bottom plate  61  and the ceiling plate  62  restrict the movement in a direction to increase the height dimension. At this time, the base member  1 , the container body  3 , and the presser plate  5  are pressed from above and below by the bottom plates  61  and the ceiling plates  62  in the assembled state where they are stacked on one another, whereby they are held integrally by the holders  6 . 
     Next, usage and functions of the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 40  will be described. 
     The cell and biological tissue transporting container A 40  is used for containing cultured cells or a biological tissue in the container body  3  (each vessel  35 ) together with a culture medium and transporting the cultured cells or the biological tissue while maintaining the cultured state (cultured state-maintaining transportation). The cells, biological tissue, and culture medium to be contained in each vessel  35  are not particularly limited. 
     For example, a cell preparation for use in regenerative medicine can be contained in the form of a suspension or a cell sheet overlaid on the device. When transporting the cell suspension or cell sheet in a non-frozen state, in order to prevent the culture medium from being shaken to damage the cells, it is necessary to fill each vessel  35  completely with the culture medium to restrict the movement of the culture medium. 
     In the present reference example, the container body  3  is formed of a flexible material, and the respective tubular side wall portions  32  of the container body  3  are inserted into the openings  130  of the base member  1 . Then, by holding the base member  1 , the container body  3 , and the presser plate  5  integrally by the holders  6  in a state where they are stacked together, the flange  33  of the container body  3  is clamped between the peripheral edge portion (the upper plate  13 ) of the openings  130  of the base member  1  and the presser plate  5 , whereby the assembled state is maintained. With this configuration, the contents (cultured cells and a culture medium) of the container body  3  (each vessel  35 ) are sealed in a liquid-tight manner. Accordingly, spilling of the contents due to vibrations and the like is prevented during cultured state-maintaining transportation. 
     According to the present reference example, by cooperation of the base member  1 , the container body  3 , the presser plate  5 , and the holders  6 , the contents of the container body  3  can be sealed duly in a liquid-tight manner. Besides, since the container body  3  is flexible, cells or a biological tissue contained in the container body  3  is less likely to be damaged when the cells or the biological tissue is unintentionally brought into direct contact with the container body  3 . Therefore, the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 40  provided with the container body  3  is suitable for cultured state-maintaining transportation. 
     The bottom wall portion  31  of the container body  3  (vessels  35 ) is provided with the gas permeable thin portions  311 . Thus, the contents of the container body  3  remain in communication with the atmosphere outside the container body  3 . Therefore, according to the present reference example, it is possible to culture the contents of the container body  3  under ventilated conditions during the transportation. 
     After the transportation of the cell and biological tissue transporting container A 40 , by pulling out the base member  1 , the container body  3 , and the presser plate  5  in the assembled state from the holders  6 , the base member  1 , the container body  3 , and the presser plate  5  can be disassembled easily. That is, the base member  1 , the container body  3 , and the presser plate  5  in the assembled state are merely stacked on one another. Accordingly, the presser plate  5  can be detached smoothly to open the upper part of the container body  3 . Therefore, unlike the case where an opening of a container is closed with an adhesive film or the like, it is possible to prevent a trouble that the contents of the container body  3  may spill out when opening the upper part of the container body  3 . 
     While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is by no means limited thereto, and various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Various changes and modifications in design may be made freely to specific configuration of respective portions of the cell and biological tissue transporting container according to the present invention. 
     Although the above embodiments have been described with reference to the examples where the lock is a threaded fastening mechanism (the external thread  111  of the first tubular portion  11  and the internal thread  221  of the second tubular portion  22 ), the present invention is not limited thereto. The lock may have any configuration as long as it can prevent relative movement between the base member and the lid body. For example, the following configurations may be employed as the lock: a configuration in which protrusions are provided in one and the other one of the first tubular portion and the second tubular portion, and by mutual engagement of these protrusions, the state where the relative movement between the base member and the lid body is prevented is maintained; or a configuration in which a recess is formed in one of the first tubular portion and the second tubular portion and a protrusion is provided in the other one of the first tubular portion and the second tubular portion, and by fitting the protrusion into the recess, the state where the relative movement between the base member and the lid body is prevented is maintained. Furthermore, as another example of the configuration of the lock, it is also possible to employ a hinge mechanism using pivotable locking members.