Patent Publication Number: US-2020276588-A1

Title: Sterile probe sampling for a single-use vessel

Description:
The technical field of the present application is the transfer of chemical, pharmaceutical, and/or biological material into or out of a container, such as a bioreactor. More specifically, aspects of the application relate to a disposable container, such as a disposable bioreactor, and a transfer interface connectable to a port of the disposable container. 
     Chemical, pharmaceutical, or biological material may be in the form of a fluid, such as a solution or a suspension. The (disposable) container may be a bioreactor (e.g., a fermenter), a mixer, a storage container or any other type of container used for fluid management in pharmaceutical and bioprocess industries. The container may be used for culturing cells or microorganisms. For example, the container may be used in culturing one or more of the following: bacteria, fungi, algae, plant cells, animal cells, protozoans, nematodes. Further, the container may accommodate cells and microorganisms that are aerobic, anaerobic, adherent or non-adherent. The system of the present application can also be used in the production of media, chemicals, food products, medicines, beverages, and other liquid products. 
     The disposable container may also be referred to as a single-use container or a single-use vessel (e.g., a single-use bioreactor). A majority of the components of the disposable container that contact the material inside the container may be disposed of after use. Use of disposable containers may substantially eliminate the burden of cleaning and sterilization required when using standard stainless steel equipment. Moreover, sterility can be easily and consistently maintained in the disposable container during repeated processing of multiple batches of chemical, pharmaceutical, or biological material. 
     The disposable container has at least one port for accessing the interior or inside of the container. The port may also be used for accessing the contents of the container. According to one example, the disposable container includes a chamber, and the at least one port includes an inlet port and an outlet port. 
     The at least one port may have a variety of uses. In particular, the port may deliver controlled volumes of fluid to the interior of the container. Further, ports may be used for extracting or sampling material, such as fluid, from the container or inserting probes, such as a temperature probe, to monitor conditions within the disposable container. 
     Periodic sampling of the contents of a container may be carried out in order to ensure that development of the contents is proceeding as desired. Further, it may be desirable to ensure that such sampling is carried out in a sterile manner, i.e., without having a negative effect on the contents of the container. 
     The disposable container may be manufactured from polymeric materials. In particular, the disposable container may be manufactured from fluoropolymers, or thermoplastics such as, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene, Etlylene-Vynil Acetate, or polyurethane. The disposable container may also be made from layers of different materials, e.g., one layer of polyethylene and a second layer of polyamide. Other materials may also be used. 
     The disposable container may be sterilized before use with gamma radiation, steam, and/or aggressive chemicals such as ethylene oxide. Other sterilization methods may also be used. The disposable container may have various sizes, shapes, and configurations. For example, the disposable container may include a chamber having a capacity of at least 10 liters, 30 liters, 50 liters, 100 liters, 250 liters, 500 liters, 750 liters, 1000 liters, 1500 liters, or 3000 liters. Other volumes are also possible. According to one example, the disposable container may have a capacity of between 10 liters and 3000 liters, or between 50 liters and 2000 liters. 
     The disposable container may include a variety of components for processing chemical, pharmaceutical, or biological material. In particular, the disposable container may include one or more of the following: an impeller, a conductivity sensor, a thermowell. The disposable container may be at least partially filled with chemical, pharmaceutical, or biological material. The interior or chamber of the disposable container may be inflated. The disposable container may be made from a flexible, e.g. film, material. More specifically, the disposable container may have flexible walls. In particular, the disposable container may include a pre-sterilized, plastic bag. In some cases, the disposable container could be rigid, e.g. rigid thermoplastic, glass, or metal. 
     According to an aspect, a system for transferring chemical, pharmaceutical, and/or biological material into or out of a container is provided. The system comprises a disposable container having at least one port for accessing the interior of the container. The system further comprises a transfer interface connectable to the at least one port. The transfer interface comprises a plurality of extensible transfer elements for extracting one or more samples from the disposable container, preferably in a sterile manner. 
     The transfer elements may also be referred to as extracting elements, sampling elements, extractors, or probes. Each of the transfer elements has a corresponding biasing element for retracting the transfer element. The transfer interface further comprises a locking mechanism for locking one of the transfer elements such that the locked transfer element cannot be extended. Each of the transfer elements may have a corresponding locking mechanism. The biasing element may be implemented as a spring or as another device capable of applying a biasing force. 
     The transfer interface may be implemented as a fluid transfer interface. Unless otherwise indicated (e.g., via the term “multi-use”), the term “transfer interface” refers to a transfer interface for use with the disposable container. The transfer interface may be referred to as a sampling device. 
     The term “sterile manner” is used in the sense that transfer (e.g., fluid transfer) is performed aseptically. Accordingly, samples can be extracted or substances can be added to the disposable container in a process that is free from contaminants, such as microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, viruses or other exogenous microbes). Thus, during use of the transfer interface microorganisms (e.g., germs) or substances are prevented from getting from the outside into the interior of the container. 
     In some cases, extracting samples of material from the container in a sterile manner is carried out by ensuring one or more of the following:
         the transfer elements are pre-sterilized,   the transfer elements remain sterilize until used.       

     Transfer elements may be repeatedly used as long as sterility is maintained. For example, testing has shown that some transfer elements remain sterile for up to 40 uses (e.g., 40 separate extractions of material from the container, 20 extractions and 20 insertions/additions, etc.). 
     At least one transfer element may include a sharp instrument, such as a needle. The needle may be hollow. More particularly, the transfer element may be implemented as a cannula, i.e., a flexible tube containing a sharp instrument (e.g. a trocar needle) at one end. The tube of the cannula may surround the inner or outer surface of the sharp instrument, thereby extending the effective length of the instrument by at least about 50% of its original length. 
     The transfer element may be used to extract or collect samples from the container, e.g. by extracting material, such as a fluid, contained within the container. Further, the transfer element can be used to introduce a material or substance into the container. The transfer elements of the transfer interface may collect samples from the container by connecting to a port of the container and extracting chemical, pharmaceutical, or biological material from the container via the port. 
     The locking mechanism may lock one of the transfer elements after the transfer element has collected a sample from the container. 
     The locking mechanism may be used to ensure that transfer elements that have already been used are not reused. 
     The transfer interface may further comprise a septum or membrane. The transfer elements may extend axially (i.e., substantially parallel to the long axis or lengthwise) along the interior of the transfer interface. In order to collect samples from the disposable container, the transfer elements may extend beyond the septum. In particular, the transfer elements may pierce or breach the septum in order to collect samples from the container. The transfer elements may retreat behind the septum when retracted. In particular, the transfer elements may extend and retract along the longitudinal axis of the transfer interface. 
     The septum may be used to ensure that the transfer elements remain sterile until use. 
     After one of the transfer elements retracts behind the septum, the septum may reseal, i.e., sterile extraction may again be possible using the same transfer element. A side of each transfer element may include a hole for fluid transfer. Accordingly, each one of the transfer elements may include a hole on its side, between the middle of the transfer element and a tip of the transfer element, where the tip extends into the container. For example, if a distance between the middle of the transfer element and the tip of the transfer element is X, the hole may be located about one fourth (or about one fifth) of X from the tip of the transfer element. The hole may be perpendicularly situated from the tip of the transfer element. 
     Locating the hole of the side of the transfer element and transferring fluid through the hole may have the effect of preventing the transfer element from coring the septum. 
     In addition, the transfer interface may include a guide for guiding transfer elements along the same path during each actuation and retraction. The transfer interface may include a guide for each transfer element. 
     The transfer interface may further comprise a plate covering the septum, the plate having holes or apertures corresponding to each of the transfer elements. In particular, a transfer element may pass through its corresponding hole as it extends and retreat within the hole when it retracts. Each of the holes may be covered by the septum, such that a part of the septum covering the hole is pierced or breached when the transfer element corresponding to the hole extends. 
     The plate may be located between the septum and the container when the transfer interface is connected to the at least one port. The plate may be made of metal, such as steel. According to one example, when an transfer element extracts or collects a sample from the disposable container, the transfer element passes through the septum and extends beyond the septum and the plate. 
     The at least one port may be a plurality of ports. The at least one part may include a sensor port for arranging a sensor on the container in order to sense at least one parameter of the content of the container. The sensor port may be or comprise a pH port for measuring a relative amount of hydrogen and/or hydroxide ions within the container. The sensor may be attached to a wall of the container. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor may access the content of the container via a tube protruding from the sensor port into the container. 
     The transfer interface may comprise a grip. The grip may have an ergonomic shape, such as a crescent shape. The grip may be arranged such that the tips of the crescent protrude from opposing sides of the transfer interface. The longitudinal axis of the grip may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the transfer interface. The grip may be detachable. 
     The transfer interface may further comprise a switch. Activation of the switch may cause one of the transfer elements to extend from the transfer interface (i.e. beyond the plate) to collect a sample from the container. Deactivation of the switch may cause the extended transfer element to retract into the transfer interface. The switch may be referred to as an actuator, and may be implemented as a button. In one example, activation of the switch may occur when a user presses a button on the transfer interface. Deactivation of the switch may occur when the user releases the button. 
     The locking mechanism may be triggered to lock the transfer element upon activation of the switch. For example, the user may activate the switch to cause the transfer element to extend from the transfer interface to collect material (e.g., a sample from the disposable container). 
     The user may toggle the switch to cause the activation of the switch, which in turn causes the extended transfer element to retract. The retracted transfer element is then locked. Accordingly, it will no longer be possible to cause the locked transfer element to extend, even upon a repeated activation of the switch. In particular, further (or repeated) activation of the switch may cause another one of the transfer elements to extend from the transfer interface to collect a sample from the container. In some cases, e.g. when all the transfer elements have already been used to collect samples from the container, further activation of the switch will not result in extension of an transfer element to collect samples from the container. 
     The transfer interface may be connectable to the at least one port via a fastening means, possibly designed to be non-removable. The fastening means may be implemented using a bayonet connection, a sanitary clamp, a screw system or a snapping system between the transfer interface and the port may be implemented via a fastening mechanism. The fastening mechanism may consist of a cylindrical male side with one or more radial pins, and a female receptor with matching L-shaped slots along with one or more biasing elements (e.g., springs) to keep to two parts locked together. 
     The transfer interface may comprise a body including the transfer elements. The transfer interface may further comprise a plurality of tubes extending away from the body and the transfer elements. In particular, there may be a tube corresponding to each one of the transfer elements. The tube may be attached to an end of its corresponding transfer element opposing the plate. In other words, the plate is on (or near) one end of the body of the transfer interface and the tube is attached to an transfer element at the other end. The ends are referred to with regard to the longitudinal axis of the transfer interface. Further, the tube may extend from the end of the transfer element away from the other components of the transfer interface. 
     The system may further comprise a housing. The container may be provided within the housing and the housing may support the container. The housing may be made from a rigid plastic (e.g., thermoplastic, rigid nylon or rigid PVC) or metal, such as stainless steel. 
     A mounting bracket may be attached to the housing. For example, components of the mounting bracket may be arranged in front of the at least one port so as to support the transfer interface when the transfer interface is connected to the port. 
     The housing may comprise an opening for accessing the container. In particular, the opening may be sized so that the ports of the container can be accessed and other parts of the container cannot be accessed. In other words, the housing may cover portions of the container other than the ports. The mounting bracket may be arranged in front of or over the opening. 
     According to another aspect, a method for configuring a system to transfer chemical, pharmaceutical, and/or biological material into or out of a container is provided. The method comprises providing a disposable container having at least one port. The at least one port is suitable for accessing the interior of the container. The method may further comprise connecting a transfer interface to the at least one port, the transfer interface comprising a plurality of transfer elements. The method further comprises extending one of the transfer elements from the transfer interface to the container to collect a sample from the container in a sterile manner. The method further comprises retracting the extended transfer element from the container by means of a biasing element corresponding to the extended transfer element. The method further comprises locking the transfer element such that the transfer element cannot be extended. In some cases, the locking step occurs after the retracting step. It is also possible that the locking and retracting steps are carried out at the same time or that the locking step is carried out while the retracting is ongoing. 
     According to yet another aspect, a use of a transfer interface for accessing the interior of a disposable container is provided. The transfer interface comprises a plurality of extendable transfer elements for collecting samples from the disposable container in a sterile manner. Each of the transfer elements has a corresponding biasing element for retracting the transfer element. The transfer interface further comprises a locking mechanism for locking one of the transfer elements such that the locked transfer element cannot be extended. In some cases, distinct locking mechanisms may be provided for locking each transfer element or one locking mechanism may be provided for locking all of the transfer elements. The transfer interface is to be connected to at least one port of the disposable container. 
     According to a further aspect, a system for transferring chemical, pharmaceutical, and/or biological material into or out of a container is provided. The system comprises a disposable container having at least one port for accessing the interior of the container. The port comprises at least one connecting protrusion extending parallel to the container, i.e., parallel to an exterior surface of the container. The system further comprises a transfer interface connectable to the port. The transfer interface comprises a plate. The transfer interface further comprises at least one connecting flange extending from the plate. The connecting flange may be arranged under the respective connecting protrusion to connect the transfer interface to the port such that when the transfer interface is connected to the port the plate is parallel to a surface of the container when the transfer interface is connected to the port. 
     The arrangement of the connecting flange and the connecting protrusion may have the effect of keeping (holding) the transfer interface in place when the transfer interface is connected to the port. In particular, the connecting flange and the connecting protrusion may hinder or prevent a deformation of the transfer interface, such that the plate remains parallel to a surface (i.e., an exterior surface) of the container. 
     The plate may be adapted to conform to the surface of the container. When the transfer interface is connected to the port, the plate may at least partly contact the surface of the container. In some cases, the plate may be substantially flush with the surface of the container when the transfer interface is connected to the port. 
     The arrangement of the connecting flange and the connecting protrusion (in addition to the shape of the plate) may also help ensure that the plate remains parallel to the surface of the container when the transfer interface is connected to the port. 
     Alternatively, the plate may be opposite an opening in the container, such that the plate does not contact the surface of the container. Accordingly, the arrangement of the connecting protrusion and the connecting flange may ensure a sterile connection between the transfer interface and the port by keeping the plate parallel to the surface of the container (e.g., the exterior surface extending away from the opening). 
     In some cases, the port further comprises at least one stopping protrusion extending away from the container. Accordingly, the connecting protrusion may extend inward (i.e., toward the center of the port) from the stopping protrusion. The system may further comprise at least one stopping flange extending from the transfer interface. The stopping flange may be located between the plate and an end of the transfer interface opposite the plate. 
     The stopping flange may abut the stopping protrusion when the transfer interface is connected to the port. The term “abut” may be understood in the sense of contact and/or support. In other words, the stopping flange may contact or support the stopping protrusion when the transfer interface is connected to the port. 
     The stopping flange may comprise an extending portion and a flat portion. The extending portion may extend radially outward from the flat portion. The stopping protrusion may comprise an extending part and a parallel part. The extending part may extend away from the container. The parallel part may extend in a direction parallel to the surface of the container. The parallel part may be parallel to the connecting protrusion. The parallel part may be spaced further away from the container than the connecting protrusion. 
     When the transfer interface is connected to the port, the extending portion may abut the parallel part of the stopping protrusion and the flat portion may abut the extending part of the stopping protrusion. 
     In the context of the present application, abut may be understood as contact or touch. 
     The arrangement of the stopping flange and the stopping protrusion may have the effect of keeping the plate parallel to the surface of the container, when the transfer interface is connected to the port, and hindering or preventing deformation of the transfer interface. In particular, the extending part may support the flat portion, even when pressure is exerted on the transfer interface, e.g., in view of the weight of the transfer interface (possibly combined with the weight of material to be transferred) and/or user handling of the transfer interface. 
     The combination of the arrangement of the stopping protrusion and the stopping flange with the arrangement of the connecting protrusion and the connecting flange may be particularly effective for keeping the plate parallel to the surface of the container and hindering deformation of the transfer interface. 
     The stopping protrusion may extend radially away from the container. In some cases, at least part of a circumference of the stopping protrusion is not covered by the connecting protrusion. The stopping protrusion may have the form of a hollow cylinder. The parallel part of the stopping protrusion may be further from the surface of the container than any other part of the stopping protrusion. 
     The stopping protrusion may be a right circular cylinder. Alternatively, the stopping protrusion may be an elliptic cylinder. 
     The stopping flange may extend radially outward from the transfer interface. The stopping flange may cover the entire circumference of the transfer interface. In other words, the stopping flange may form a complete ring extending from the transfer interface. 
     The connecting flange may extend radially outward from the plate. In some cases, at least part of a circumference of the transfer interface is not covered by the connecting flange. The connecting flange may be in contact with the surface of the container when the transfer interface is connected to the port. 
     In some cases, an O-ring may be located between the connecting flange and the stopping flange. Accordingly, the system may further comprise two internal flanges located between the connecting flange and the stopping flange. Each internal flange may extend radially outward from the transfer interface. Each internal flange may cover the entire circumference of the transfer interface. For example, when the transfer interface is shaped like a right circular cylinder, each internal flange may form a complete circle extending radially from the surface of the cylinder. 
     The O-ring may be located between the two internal flanges. The O-ring may be supported by the two internal flanges. 
     The port may comprise a port flange. The port flange may be attached to the disposable container. In particular, the port flange may be glued or welded to the disposable container. 
     The O-ring may be colored such that the O-ring is visible from outside the transfer interface. For example, the O-ring may be brightly colored so that a user can see that the O-ring is correctly positioned. 
     The connecting flange and the connecting protrusion may be parts of a bayonet connection to connect the transfer interface to the port. 
     The stopping protrusion may stop progress of the transfer interface toward the container. The stopping protrusion may also help prevent deformation of the transfer interface and keep the plate parallel to the surface of the container, as described above. 
     There may be two connecting flanges, a first gap, and a second gap. The two connecting flanges may extend around different parts of the circumference of the plate. The two connecting flanges may be diametrically opposed. The two gaps may be diametrically opposed. 
     The system may further comprise a holder for supporting the transfer interface when the transfer interface is connected to the port. The holder may be attachable to one or more of the following: the transfer interface, the port. 
     The holder may be made of metal, e.g. aluminum. Alternatively, the holder may be made from a plastic, e.g., a flexible plastic and/or a thermoplastic. 
     The holder may comprise an attachment for the transfer interface in the shape of a ring or a horseshoe. 
     The holder may comprise lateral extensions that contact the surface of the container when the transfer interface is connected to the port. The lateral extensions may support the transfer interface via the attachment for the transfer interface. In other words, the weight of the transfer interface may be transferred through the attachment and distributed to the container via the lateral extensions. The lateral extensions may be referred to as wings. 
     The holder may help keep the plate parallel to the surface of the container when the transfer interface is connected to the port. Moreover, the holder may hinder or prevent deformation of the transfer interface, e.g., resulting from the weight of the transfer interface or use of the transfer interface. 
     The combination of two arrangements and the holder may be very effective at keeping the plate parallel to the surface of the container and hindering deformation of the transfer interface. In particular, the combination of the arrangement of the connecting flange and the connecting protrusion, the arrangement of the stopping flange and the stopping protrusion, as well as the holder may work together to hinder or prevent deformation of the transfer interface and ensure that the plate remains parallel to the surface of the container when the transfer interface is connected to the port. The combination may keep the plate parallel to the surface of the container in spite of the weight of the transfer interface and/or continued use of the transfer interface. 
     According to an additional aspect, a system for transferring chemical, pharmaceutical, and/or biological material into or out of a container, such as a bioreactor is provided. The system comprises a disposable container having at least one port for accessing the interior of the container. The port comprises a supporting protrusion. The system further comprises a transfer interface connectable to the port. The transfer interface comprises a plate. The supporting protrusion supports the transfer interface and extends from the surface of the container along at least 25% of the length of the transfer interface, such that the plate is parallel to (e.g., flush with) a surface of the container when the transfer interface is connected to the port. 
     The system may further comprise a triclamp for connecting the transfer interface to the port. The triclamp may be one of the following:
         integrated with the transfer interface,   integrated with the port,   separate from the transfer interface and the port.       

     According to another aspect, a method for configuring a system to transfer chemical, pharmaceutical, and/or biological material into or out of a container, such as a bioreactor, is provided. The method may comprise providing a disposable container having at least one port. The at least one port is suitable for accessing the interior of the container. The port comprises at least one connecting protrusion extending parallel to the container. The method further comprises connecting a transfer interface to the port. The transfer interface comprises a plate. The plate may be adapted to conform to a surface of the container. At least one connecting flange extends from the plate. The connecting may comprise arranging the connecting flange under the connecting protrusion such that the plate is parallel to (e.g., flush with) the surface of the container. The connecting may result in a sterile connection between the transfer interface and the port. 
     When there are multiple connecting flanges and connecting protrusions, the connecting may comprise arranging the respective connecting flange under the respective connecting protrusion. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  shows a housing, a disposable container provided within the housing, and a transfer interface connected to a port of the container. 
         FIG. 2  shows the transfer interface. 
         FIG. 3  shows the transfer interface before, during, and after extension of an transfer element. 
         FIG. 4  also shows the transfer interface. 
         FIG. 5  shows a mounting bracket for supporting the transfer interface when the transfer interface is connected to the port. 
         FIG. 6  shows another transfer interface including a crescent shaped grip. 
         FIG. 7  shows a multi-use transfer interface connected to a container via a triclamp. 
         FIG. 8  shows the single-use container including multiple ports and interfaces. 
         FIG. 9  shows bending of the transfer interface away from the port of the disposable container. 
         FIG. 10  shows the transfer interface connected to the disposable container in which the plate is parallel to a surface of the container. 
         FIG. 11  shows a modified triclamp connection used to connect a transfer interface to the disposable container. 
         FIG. 12A  shows a connection between another transfer interface and the port of the disposable container. 
         FIG. 12B  shows part of the connection of  FIG. 12A  in more detail. 
         FIG. 13  shows the transfer interface assembled on the port of the disposable container. 
         FIG. 14  shows a holder for the transfer interface. 
         FIG. 15  shows the holder used to connect the transfer interface to the disposable container. 
         FIG. 16  shows initial placement of the holder on the transfer interface. 
         FIG. 17  shows the holder after it has been snapped into place. 
         FIG. 18  shows an alternative embodiment of the holder. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following text, a detailed description of examples will be given with reference to the drawings. It should be understood that various modifications to the examples may be made. In particular, one or more elements of one example may be combined and used in other examples to form new examples. 
       FIG. 1  shows a system  100  for transferring chemical, pharmaceutical, and/or biological material into or out of a disposable container  102 , such as a bioreactor. The system includes the disposable container  102  within a housing  104 . The disposable container  102  has at least one port  106  for accessing the interior of the container  102 . The housing  104  includes at least one opening  108  for accessing the at least one port  106 . The at least one port  106  may be a sensor port, such as the pH port. Although only one port is shown, it should be understand that the disposable container  102  may have multiple ports, e.g., more than three ports. 
     The port  106  may be connected to the container  102 . In particular, the port  106  may be adhered or welded to the container  102 . 
     A transfer interface  110  can be connected to the at least one port  106 . The transfer interface  110  may be used to collect samples from the disposable container  102  in a sterile manner. In particular, components of the transfer interface  110  and the disposable container  102  may be pre-sterilized before use. The sterilization/pre-sterilization may be carried out via gamma irradiation, steam, electron beam processing (also referred to as electron irradiation) and/or aggressive chemicals. Some sterilization methods may not be suitable depending on the composition of the container  102  or the transfer interface  110 . 
     It may be desirable to collect the samples in such a way that they reflect the content of the container  102  as a whole. In other words, the content of the collected samples should be homogenous with the content of the container  102 , and not heterogeneous with the content of the container  102 . 
     The disposable container  102  may have at least one port  106  for accessing the material contained within the container  102 . The container  102  may be a flexible, single-use bag, e.g., a plastic film. The container  102  could also be semi-rigid, or rigid. For example, the container  102  may be made from a rigid thermoplastic. Alternatively, the container  102  may be made from metal. 
     The disposable container  102  may be supported by the housing  104 . The housing  104  may be made from metal, such as stainless steel. Other materials are also possible. The housing  104  may be reusable. The opening  108  in the housing  104  may be referred to as a window. The opening  108  may be large enough so that the port  106  can be accessed but small enough so as to minimize exposure of the container  102 . Further, the size of the opening  108  may be minimized in order to maximize the support of the container  102  provided by the housing  104 . 
     The transfer interface  110  may be connected to the port  106  in such a way that the transfer interface  110  cannot be disconnected, e.g., in order to preserve the sterility of the container  102 . In other words, the transfer interface  110  may be permanently connected to the container  102 . 
     Alternatively, the transfer interface  110  may be connected to the container  102  and disconnected from the container  102 . Thus, the transfer interface  110  may be detachably connected to the container  102 . The transfer interface  110  may be disposable or reusable after sterilization. Disposing of the transfer interface  110  after use, e.g., after each of the transfer elements have been used, may have the advantage of making use (e.g., sterilization) of the transfer interface  110  easier. 
     The samples or specimens collected via the transfer interface  110  may be fluid. The transfer interface  110  may also be used to insert or inject chemical, pharmaceutical, or biological material into the container  102 . 
     Once the transfer interface  110  is detachably connected to the port  106 , material may be removed from the container  102  without exposing the material to the atmosphere. In particular, a seal may be established between the transfer interface  110  and the disposable container  102 . The seal may be established via a bayonet connection between the transfer interface  110  and the port  106 . The seal may facilitate extraction of material from the container  102  in a sterile manner. The seal may be facilitated via an O-ring  207 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . In particular, the O-ring  207  may help create the seal between the transfer interface  110  and the port  106 . 
     The bayonet connection may provide a particularly secure fit and help ensure sterility (e.g., ensure that undesired microorganisms do not enter the container  102 ) despite repeated use of the transfer interface  110 . 
       FIG. 2  depicts the transfer interface  110 . The transfer interface  110  may comprise a body including a plurality of extendable transfer elements, and a plate  201  having a plurality of holes  203 .  FIG. 2  shows five holes in the plate  201 , however, there may be more or fewer holes  203 . The holes  203  may have a shape that allows passage of an extendable transfer element through the plate  201 . For example, the holes  203  may be round. 
     The plate  201  may cover a septum. At least one connecting flange  204  may project out from the transfer interface  110  on the plane of the plate  201 . For example, two connecting flanges  204  may project out from the transfer interface  110 . The connecting flanges  204  may be diametrically opposed. In particular, the transfer interface  110  may have a substantially cylindrical shape. The plate  201  may be at one end of the transfer interface  110 . Two internal flanges  205  may be located between the plate and the other end of the transfer interface  110 . 
     There may be another O-ring (not shown) between the plate  201  and the connecting flange  204 , to form a seal between the plate  201  and the connecting flange  204 . 
     Distribution tubes  401  (see  FIG. 4 ) may extend from the other end of the body of the transfer interface  110 . The distribution tubes  401  may be connected to containers for holding samples extracted from the disposable container  102 . An O-ring  207  may be fitted around the transfer interface  110 . According to the example in  FIG. 2 , the O-ring  207  is between the two internal flanges  205 . The connecting flange  204  may be part of the bayonet connection between the transfer interface  110  and the at least one port  106 . 
     The O-ring  207  may be referred to as a gasket or a sealing ring. The O-ring  207  may be colored. In particular, the O-ring  207  may be brightly colored and visible through the transfer interface  110 . Coloring of the O-ring  207  may make it possible to ensure that the O-ring  207  is present and in a correct position. The O-ring  207  may be made from synthetic or natural rubber, thermoplastic, or another elastic or pliable material. 
     The connecting flange  204  may be rotated underneath a corresponding protrusion (e.g., a connecting protrusion  1201 , see  FIG. 12A  below) of the port  106 . The connecting flange  204  may support the transfer interface  110  when the transfer interface  110  is connected to the port  106 . Once the transfer interface  110  is connected to the port  106 , the plate  201  may be parallel to a corresponding surface of the container  102 . 
     In some cases, upon connection of the transfer interface  110  to the port  106 , the plate  201  may be substantially flush the corresponding surface of the container  102 . In other cases, the plate  201  may be arranged opposite an opening in the container  102 . 
     A stopping flange  208  may press against or be substantially flush with the port  106  when the transfer interface  110  is connected to the container  102 . In particular, the stopping flange  208  may extend to a part of the port  106  to keep the transfer interface  110  parallel to the surface of the container  102  and prevent potential deformation of the walls of the port  106  (for example, to maintain the port  106  in a cylindrical shape). Such deformation may lead to a leak. For example, the stopping flange  208  may contact a stopping protrusion  1205 , as shown in  FIG. 12A  below. 
     A containing tube  209  may contain one of the extendable transfer elements. The transfer element may be used for collecting samples from the disposable container  102 . The transfer element may pass through the hole  203  in order to collect the sample and then retract behind the plate  201  once the sample has been retrieved. A biasing element may bring about retraction of the transfer element. In particular, the biasing element may apply a biasing force along the longitudinal axis of the transfer interface  110  to pull the transfer element away from the port  106 . 
     The transfer element may comprise a sharp, hollow needle. In particular, the transfer element may be a cannula. The septum may be a soft, flexible membrane made from organic or inorganic material. For example, the septum may be made from an elastomer, such as a silicone elastomer, a fluoro elastomer, or a perfluoropolyether elastomer. In particular, the septum may be made from platinum-cured silicone. 
     The septum may have a cylindrical shape with a diameter of about 12.5-13.5 mm (e.g., 12.9 mm) and a height of about 2-3 mm (e.g., 2.5 mm). 
       FIG. 3  shows functionality of a locking mechanism  353  for locking transfer elements of the transfer interface  110 . At step S 301 , the transfer interface  110  is shown before extension of one of the transfer elements. The unextended transfer element may be contained within the containing tube  209 . At S 303 , an extended transfer element  351  is shown extending from the containing tube  209  in order to collect a sample from the disposable container  102 . 
     An operating element or switch may cause the transfer element to extend from the transfer interface. The extended transfer element  351  may extend past (or beyond) the plate  201 . During extension, the transfer element may pierce the septum behind the plate  201 . 
     The switch may be activated when pressed by a user. In particular, the switch may be implemented as the button or a toggle switch. At S 305 , the extended transfer element  351  may retract, e.g., because the switch has been deactivated. When implemented as a button, the switch may be deactivated when the user releases the button. The extended transfer element  351  may retract into the containing tube  209 . The transfer element may have a corresponding biasing element and retraction of the extended transfer element  351  may be effected via the biasing element. 
     The biasing element may be implemented as a spring or as another device capable of exerting a biasing force. 
     At S 305  the locking mechanism  353  locks the transfer element such that the transfer element cannot be extended. Accordingly, even if the switch is activated, the transfer element will not be extended. However, activation of the switch may cause the extension of another transfer element of the transfer interface  110 , different from the transfer element that was extended. Retraction of the transfer element may be caused by deactivation of the switch. In particular, deactivation of the switch may cause the extended transfer element  351  to retreat into the body of the transfer interface  110 , as shown at S 305 . 
     The locking mechanism  353  may be triggered to lock the transfer element upon deactivation of the switch. Deactivation of the switch may be effected by the user releasing the button or when the user engages the switch a second time (e.g., press the button once for activation and a second time for deactivation). Alternatively, the switch may be manually toggled (e.g., similar to a light switch being switched off) in order to effect deactivation of the switch. 
     The locking mechanism  353  may also be triggered automatically. For example, the extended transfer element  351  may retract after a certain amount of time rather than upon user-triggered deactivation of the switch. The locking mechanism  353  may then be triggered by the retraction of the extended transfer element  351 . 
     The locking mechanism  353  may help ensure that samples can be extracted or collected from the container  102  in a sterile manner, particularly by preventing an transfer element from being used multiple times. 
       FIG. 4  depicts the transfer interface  110  connected to the port  106 . 
     The distribution tubes  401  extend from the body of the transfer interface  110 . The distribution tubes  401  extend in an axial direction. The distribution tubes  401  may carry samples collected from the container  102  via the transfer elements away from the container  102 . The samples may be fluid. 
       FIG. 5  shows a part of the system  100  for transferring chemical, pharmaceutical, or biological material into or out of the container  102 . Depicted are a part of the housing  104  supporting the container  102 . Also depicted is the port  106 . Connected to the port  106  is the transfer interface  110 . A mounting bracket  501  may support the transfer interface  110 . 
     The mounting bracket  501  may be attachable to the transfer interface  110 . The mounting bracket  501  may fit around a body of the transfer interface  110 . 
     The mounting bracket  501  may be attached to the housing around the opening  108 . Further, the mounting bracket  501  may center the transfer interface at the port  106 . Use of the mounting bracket  501  may prevent the transfer interface  110  from being prematurely detached from or misaligned with the port  106  (as shown in  FIG. 9 ) and may stabilize the transfer interface. Further, the mounting bracket  501  may help keep the plate  201  parallel to the surface of the container  102  and hinder deformation of the transfer interface  110 . Accordingly, use of the mounting bracket  501  may help enable extraction of samples from the container while maintaining sterility, such that undesirable elements (e.g., undesired germs or microorganisms) are not introduced into the container  102 . 
       FIG. 6  shows the transfer interface  110 . According to the depicted example, the transfer interface  110  includes a grip  601 . The grip  601  may have an ergonomic shape enabling easy removal of the transfer interface  110  from the port  106 . The grip  601  may also facilitate attaching the transfer interface  110  to the port  106 . The grip  601  may have a crescent shape such that tips of the crescent protrude from opposing sides of the transfer interface  110 . Other shapes that fulfill the ergonomic function of the grip  601  are also possible. The grip  601  may support the fingers of the user as the transfer interface  110  is attached to or removed from the port  106 . 
       FIG. 7  shows a multi-use transfer interface  710  connected to a container. The container may be the container  102  or a different container (e.g., a reusable container). The multi-use transfer interface  710  may be connected using a triclamp  712 . Accordingly, the container may include a triclamp port  716 . The triclamp  712  may also be referred to as a sanitary clamp. 
     The multi-use transfer interface  710  may be used to collect samples from or insert substances into the container, as discussed in connection with the transfer interface  110  and the container  102 . 
     The triclamp  712  may include two clamp prongs or members pivotably connected to one another at a hinge  713 . The triclamp  712  may include a lock and a fastening element  714 . The lock may be referred to as a triclover and can be removable or permanently locked. 
     Twisting of the fastening element  714  may cause the prongs of the triclamp  712  to close around the transfer interface  710 , thereby securing it to the port  716 . The triclamp  712  may create a compressing clamping force to join the transfer interface  710  to the port  716 . The triclamp  712  may include an elastomeric seal compressed or sandwiched between the two prongs, thereby creating a connection that is air tight and that can withstand elevated pressure conditions. The triclamp  712  may hold the transfer interface  710  in sealed engagement with the port  716 . 
     Advantages of the triclamp  712  (or a similar element) connection as shown in FIG.  7  are that the triclamp  712  is reliable and standardized. In particular, the triclamp  712  (or a similar connection) may be commonly used in equipment (e.g. containers) used to process chemical, pharmaceutical and/or biological material, particularly stainless steel equipment (e.g., vessels, pumps, fluid transfer piping, filtering devices, bioreactors). 
     The triclamp  712  could also be used in the context of a single-use container, e.g. the container  102 . However, the triclamp  712  requires multiple parts. Accordingly, manufacturing and/or assembling the clamp may be complicated. Further, the fastening element  714  may present problems with regard to the sterility of the container  102 . In particular, it might be preferable to use a permanent clamp that cannot be unfastened in order to ensure that the container  102  is kept sterile. Also, the triclamp  712  may be bulky and/or heavy and difficult to assemble for a single user or operator 
     The multi-use transfer interface  710  may be used to collect samples from the container. It may be desirable to collect the samples in such a way that they reflect the content of the container as a whole. In other words, the content of the collected samples should be homogenous with the content of the container. For a 1½″ (3.81 cm) triclamp size, the classical distance between triclamp connection interface and the container wall (or surface) is greater than 20 mm, which may create dead volume in the port  716 . In particular, it may be desirable to reduce the distance between a transfer interface (e.g., the transfer interface  710 ) and a surface (or wall) of the container (e.g., the container  102 ) to less than 20 mm, more specifically, less than 10 mm or less than 5 mm. 
     Accordingly, it may be difficult to connect the transfer interface  110  to the disposable container  102  such that the transfer interface  110  is parallel to a wall or surface of the disposable container  102 . 
     Moreover, it may be difficult to connect the transfer interface  110  to the disposable container  102  such that the plate  201  at least partly contacts the surface of the container and there is less than a specified distance between the plate  201  and the surface of the container. In particular, the specified distance between the surface (i.e. exterior surface, outer surface or wall) of the disposable container  102  and the transfer interface  110  connected to the port  106  may be one to five millimeters. Accordingly, it may be desirable that the plate  201  is substantially flush with the surface of the container  102 , such that that no part of the plate  201  is more than five millimeters from surface of the container  102  when the transfer interface  110  is connected to the port  106 . 
     As noted above, it may be desirable that all samples extracted from the container  102  be representative of the entire contents of the container  102 , i.e., all samples are homogeneous. Maintaining a minimum distance (i.e., the specified distance) between the transfer interface  110  and the container  102  may help ensure that a sample extracted from the container  102  is homogenous with the contents of the container  102 . If the transfer interface  110  is not substantially flush with the surface (e.g., a wall) of the container  102 , e.g., the distance between an end of the transfer interface  110  and the wall of the container  102  is greater than the specified distance, this may result in extraction of a sample that differs from the contents of the container  102  as a whole. In particular, more than the specified distance between the transfer interface and the wall of the container  102  may result in extraction of heterogeneous samples. Such heterogeneous samples may not have the same properties as the contents of the container  102  as a whole, which may limit their usefulness. 
       FIG. 8  shows the container  102 . In the example of  FIG. 8 , a sensor port  802  is used for a pH sensor connection. The sensor port  802  may be an implementation of the port  106 . 
       FIG. 9  shows a problem that may arise when using the transfer interface  110 . In particular, a compromised connection between the transfer interface  110  and the port  106  is shown. In this case, the transfer interface  110  has been connected to the port  106 , but the plate  201  is no longer parallel to the surface of the container  102 . 
     The compromised connection may result in deformation of the port  106  and/or the transfer interface  110 . In the case of the compromised connection, at least part of the stopping flange  208  might no longer contact the port  106 . Such a compromised connection may result in leakage from the container  102  and/or loss of sterility. 
     The problem shown in  FIG. 9  may arise for one or more of the following reasons. 
     In particular, the port  106  may be made of flexible or bendable material. For example, the port  106  may be made from thermoplastics welded onto the container  102  (e.g., polyethylene) rather than a more rigid substance, such as rigid plastic (e.g., rigid PVC) or metal. 
     Further, the length and/or the weight of the transfer interface  110  may be substantially greater than the length of the port  106  which extends from the container  102 . Moreover, extraction of samples from the container  102  may put stress on the connection between the port  106  and the transfer interface  110 . Accordingly, the port  106  may be deformed, such that there is a gap  901  between the stopping flange  208  and the port  106 , as shown. The gap  901  between the stopping flange  208  and the port  106  may be created due to the weight of the transfer interface  110  and/or use of the transfer interface  110 . The gap  901  between the stopping flange  208  and the port  106  may form even after the transfer interface  110  has been permanently connected to the port  106 , e.g., via the bayonet connection, triclamp connection with non-removable triclover, another kind of permanent mechanical connection and/or an adhesive such as glue. However, even the permanent connection may not be sufficient to prevent the gap  901  from forming. 
     When the gap  901  is present, the plate  201  is not parallel to the surface of the container  102 . 
       FIG. 10  shows the transfer interface  110  connected to the port  106 . The O-ring  207  of the transfer interface  110  is visible through the port  106 . 
     When connected to the port  106 , the plate  201  may be aligned with a flange of the port  106  (e.g., the plate  201  may be aligned with the port flange  1203 ). The plate may be parallel to an interior part of the port  106 . Accordingly, the plate  201  may be substantially flush with the surface (i.e., wall) of the container  102 . Alternatively, the plate  201  may be opposite an opening in the surface of the container  102  and substantially parallel to a portion of the surface surrounding the opening. 
     In order to effect connection of the transfer interface  110  to the port  106 , the bayonet connection may be used. In particular, the transfer interface  110  may be pushed into the port  106  such that at least a portion of the transfer interface  110  is contained within the port. The transfer interface  110  is then arranged so that the connecting flange  204  is under the respective connecting protrusion  1201 . The arranging may be effected by twisting the transfer interface  110  in order to lock the transfer interface  110  in place. 
     The plate  201  may contact (e.g., the plate  201  may be substantially flush with) the surface of the container  102 . Accordingly, when connected, the plate  201  may be substantially flush with the surface of the flexible wall of the container  102 . In particular, there may be no more than the specified distance between the wall of the container  102  and the plate  201 . Further, it is possible that the plate  201  is slightly convex, so as to effect a tighter connection between the transfer interface  110  and the container  102 . Thus, when pushed together there may be a plurality of points of contact (e.g., many) between the plate  201  and the surface of the container  102 , such that no more than the specified distance exists between any point on the plate  201  and the surface of the container  102 . It is also possible that the surface of the container  201  is elastic, e.g. compressible silicone, such that it resists a distorting influence or deforming force and returns to its original shape when the force is removed. 
     Further, a surface of the container  102  accessible through the port  106  (i.e., opposite the port  106 ) may differ from the rest of the surface of the container  102 . For example, the surface accessible through the port  106  may be more flexible or compressible than the rest of the container  102 . 
     Rather than being in contact with the surface of the container  102 , the plate  201  may be opposite an opening in the container  102 . In this case, if the surface of the container  201  were contiguous (i.e., the opening did not exist), the plate  201  would contact the surface of the container  201  when the transfer interface  110  is connected to the port  106 . Thus, when the transfer interface  110  is connected, the plate  201  may be substantially level with the surface of the container surrounding the opening. 
     In either case (i.e., with or without an opening in the container  201 ), the plate  201  may be parallel to the surface of the container  201 . 
     The O-ring  207  may be colored such that it is visible when the transfer interface  110  is connected to the port  106 , as shown in  FIG. 10 . The O-ring  207  may be used to ensure that the transfer interface  110  is connected to the port  106  and that the transfer interface  110  is in the correct position. 
       FIG. 11  shows an example of a transfer interface  1100  connected to a port  1101  using a triclamp  1103 . The triclamp  1103  may be similar or identical to the clamp  712  described in the context of  FIG. 7 . Further, the port  1101  may be similar to the port  716  described in the context of  FIG. 7 . The port  1101  may differ from the port  716  in that the port  1101  is connected to the container  102 . The transfer interface  1100  may be similar or identical to the transfer interface  710 . The transfer interface  1100  may include the plate  201  (not shown). 
     The cut-out visible in  FIG. 11  may show a cross-section of the transfer interface  1100  and the port  1101 . The port  1101  may differ from the port  716  in that the port  1101  includes a supporting protrusion  1105  that extends substantially further from the container  102  than any part of the port  716 . In other words, the supporting protrusion  1105  may extend further from the container  102  than any comparable extension of the port  716  extends from the container discussed in connection with  FIG. 7 . For example, the supporting protrusion  1105  may extend about 40-60% further, preferably about 50% further from the container  102  than the port  716  extends from the container described in the context of  FIG. 7 . 
     The supporting protrusion  1105  may provide additional support or guidance for the transfer interface  1100 , particularly in view of its additional length (i.e., the additional distance that the supporting protrusion  1105  extends from the container  102  in comparison to the distance that the port  716  extends from the container described in the context of  FIG. 7 ). This may prevent the connection between the transfer interface  1100  and the port  1101  from being compromised, e.g. as shown in  FIG. 9 . Thus, the supporting protrusion  1105  may keep the plate  201  of the transfer interface  1100  at least partly in contact with the surface of the container  102  when the transfer interface  1100  is connected to the port  1101 . In some cases, the supporting protrusion  1105  may keep the plate  201  parallel to (e.g., substantially flush with) the surface of the container  102  when the transfer interface is connected to the port  1101 . 
     In particular, the design shown in  FIG. 11  may prevent a gap from forming between the transfer interface  1100  and the port  1101  such that the plate  201  is no longer parallel to the surface of the container, as discussed in connection with  FIG. 9 . A clamp gasket  1107  may facilitate provision of an air tight connection between the transfer interface  1100  and the port  1101 . Further, an O-ring  1109  may also facilitate an air tight connection between the transfer interface  1100  and the port  1101 . 
     Accordingly, the configuration shown in  FIG. 11  may limit potential deformation of parts of the transfer interface  1100 . In particular, there may be a risk of such deformation when parts of the transfer interface  1100  are formed from a flexible material, e.g., flexible plastic. 
     The configuration shown in  FIG. 11  may prevent the deformation or disconnection of the transfer interface  1100 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 12A  shows another transfer interface  1210  and the port  106 . Unless otherwise indicated, the transfer interface  1210  corresponds to the transfer interface  110 . Specific parts of the transfer interface  1210  that correspond to (e.g., are the same as) parts of the transfer interface  1210  are given the same reference signs. 
     In  FIG. 12A , the port  106  includes a connecting protrusion  1201  extending parallel to the container  102 .  FIG. 12A  shows a cross-section of the connection between the transfer interface  1210  and the port  106 . The connecting protrusion  1201  may extend radially inward from the stopping protrusion  1205 . 
     In addition, the port  106  includes a port flange  1203 . The configuration of  FIG. 12  may be used to ensure that the plate  201  of the interface  1210  is parallel to the surface of the disposable container  102  (not shown). For example, the transfer interface  1210  may be connected to the port  106  by arranging the connecting flange  204  under the connecting protrusion  1201  such that the plate  201  contacts the surface of the container  102 . Alternatively, the plate  201  may be aligned with an opening of the container  102  when the transfer interface  1210  is connected to the port  106 . 
     The plate  201  may be a relatively inflexible material (e.g. metal, such as aluminum) and the surface of the container  102  may be a flexible material (e.g., a flexible plastic such as flexible PVC). In particular, when the connecting flange  204  is underneath the connecting protrusion  1201  the surface of the container  102  may exert a biasing force on the plate  201 . In other words, the surface of the container  102  pushes against the plate  201 . 
     Similar to the transfer interface  110 , the transfer interface  1210  includes a connecting flange  204  extending from the plate  201 . There may be two diametrically opposed connecting flanges  204 , e.g., as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     Accordingly, to effect connection of the transfer interface  1210  to the port  106 , the transfer interface  1210  may be pushed into the port  106 . For example, the transfer interface  1210  may be pushed against the surface of the container  102  such that the plate  201  is substantially flush with the surface of the container. The transfer interface  1210  may then be twisted so that the connecting flange  204  is arranged under the connecting protrusion  1201 . This arrangement may cause the plate  201  to contact the surface of the container  102 , or may cause the plate  201  to cover the opening in the surface of the container  102  accessible through the port  106 . In particular, the plate  201  may be kept parallel to the surface of the container via the arrangement of the connecting flange  204  under the connecting protrusion  1201 . 
     Arranging the connecting flange  204  under the connecting protrusion  1201  may involve pushing the transfer interface  1210  against the surface of the container  102 . The arrangement of the connecting flange  204  under the connecting protrusion  1201  may ensure that a pressing force is applied against the surface of the container  102  by the plate  201  so as to keep the plate  201  substantially flush with the surface of the container  102 . 
     Further, the plate  201  may be adapted to conform to the surface of the container  102 . For example, the plate may be slightly convex so as to exert a greater pressing force on the surface of the container  102 . The surface of the container accessible through the port  106  may be different from the rest of the surface of the container  102 . In particular, the surface of the container  102  accessible through the port  106  may be silicone whereas the surface of the rest of the container  102  may be nylon or polyethylene. Alternatively, the entire surface of the container  102  may be made of silicone or a flexible plastic material. 
     It may be sufficient that the plate at least partly contacts the surface of the container  102 . In particular, it may be sufficient if there is no more than the specified distance separating portions of the plate  201  from the surface of the container  102 . Alternatively, the entire plate may be in contact with the surface of the container  102 . In some cases, it may also be desirable to reduce the distance between any portion of the plate  201  and the surface of the container  102  to a distance of less than the specified distance, i.e., such that the plate  201  is substantially flush with the port  106 . 
     As noted above, the specified distance may be one to five millimeters. In particular, the specified distance may be three millimeters. 
     The O-ring  207  and the internal flanges  205  may help ensure that there is a seal between the transfer interface and the container  102  and that any extracted sample from the container is homogeneous with the entire content of the container  102 . 
     The configuration of  FIG. 12A  may also help prevent the connection between the transfer interface  1210  and the port  106  from being compromised, e.g., due to the weight of the transfer interface and/or usage of the transfer interface  1210 . In particular, the transfer interface  1210  may include a stopping flange  1208  that differs from the stopping flange  208 . 
     As shown in more detail in  FIG. 12B , the stopping flange  1208  may include a flat portion  1209  and an extending portion  1211 . Further, the port  106  may also comprise a stopping protrusion  1205 . 
     When the transfer interface  1210  is connected to the port  106 , the stopping protrusion  1205  may contact the stopping flange  1208 . More specifically, the stopping protrusion  1205  may include an extending part  1207  that contacts the flat portion  1209  of the stopping flange  1208 . 
     The extending portion  1211  of the stopping flange  1208  may contact a parallel part  1213  of the stopping protrusion  1205 . Accordingly, the extending part  1207  of the stopping protrusion  1205  may extend away from the container  102 . The parallel part  1213  of the stopping protrusion  1205  may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the surface of the container  102 . The parallel part  1213  may be substantially parallel to the connecting protrusion  1201  and the extending portion  1211 . 
     Accordingly, when the transfer interface  1210  is connected to the port  106 , the contact between the stopping flange  1208  and the stopping protrusion  1205  may prevent the connection between the transfer interface  1210  and the port  106  from being compromised, especially because of the weight of the transfer interface  1210  and/or use of the transfer interface  1210 . In particular, the step-configuration of the stopping flange  1208 , shown in  FIGS. 12A and 12B , may provide further support to the rest of the transfer interface  1210  in comparison to the configuration of the transfer interface  110 , thereby preventing the compromised connection shown in  FIG. 9 . Deformation of the transfer interface  1210  and/or the port  106  may also be prevented. 
     More particularly, when the transfer interface  1210  is connected to the port  106 , the extending portion  1211  may contact the parallel part  1213 , as shown in  FIG. 12B . Simultaneously, the flat portion  1209  may contact the extending part  1207 . The combination of the flat portion  1209  and the extending portion  1211  may form a step. Upon connection of the transfer interface  1210 , the step may interact with or engage with the extending part  1207  and the parallel part  1213 . The engagement may provide increased stability of the transfer interface  1210  and prevent deformation of the transfer interface  1210 , e.g., as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     When the transfer interface  1210  is connected to the port  106 , the extending portion  1211  abuts the parallel part  1213  of the stopping protrusion  1205 . Further, the flat portion  1209  abuts the extending part  1207  of the stopping protrusion  1205 . The abutment or contact makes it possible for the stopping protrusion  1205  to provide further support for the transfer interface  1210 . 
     The stopping protrusion  1205  may be substantially cylindrical. In particular, the stopping protrusion  1205  may form a hollow elliptic or circular cylinder. The connecting protrusion  1201  may extend radially inward from the stopping protrusion  1205 . 
     The connecting protrusion  1201  may cover only a part of the inner circumference of the stopping protrusion  1205 . For example, a quarter of the inner circumference of the stopping protrusion  1205  may be covered by the connecting protrusion  1201 . A second quarter of the stopping protrusion  1205  may be covered by a gap, followed by another portion of the stopping protrusion  1201  followed by another gap. Accordingly, about half of the circumference of the stopping protrusion  1205  may be covered by the connecting protrusion  1201 . 
     In the context of the present application, the term “circumference” does not necessarily imply a circular shape. For example, the shape could be elliptical or substantially circular. 
     Similar to the stopping flange  1208  with respect to the transfer interface  110 , the stopping flange  1208  may extend radially outward from the transfer interface  1210 . The stopping flange  1208  may cover the entire circumference of the transfer interface  1210 . In other words, the stopping flange  1208  may extend radially outward along the entire circumference of the transfer interface  1210 . 
     The at least one connecting flange  204  may extend radially outward from the plate  201 . At least part of a circumference of the plate might not be covered by the connecting flange  204 . In other words, the connecting flange  204  might not extend outward from portions of the plate  201 . The pattern of portions of the connecting protrusion  1201  and gaps along the stopping protrusion  1205  may mirror the connecting flange  204  and gaps between the connecting flange  204  along the circumference of the plate  201 . In particular, the may be two diametrically opposed connecting flanges  204  mirrored by two connecting protrusions  1201 . 
     Accordingly, substantially half of the circumference of the transfer interface may be covered by the at least one connecting flange  204 . In other words, the connecting flange  204  may extend radially outward from about half of the circumference of the transfer interface  1210 . Along the other half of the circumference of the transfer interface  1210  there may be gaps between the at least one connecting flange  204 . 
     The connecting flange  204  may extend radially outward from the transfer interface at the location of the plate  201 . The connecting flange  204  may be in contact with the surface of the container  102  when the transfer interface  1210  is connected to the port  106 . Alternatively, the connecting flange  205  may hold the plate  201  over an opening in the surface of the container  102 , such that the plate  201  is substantially level with a portion of the surface surrounding the opening. The transfer interface  1210  may be permanently connected to the port  106 , e.g., through use of an adhesive. The permanent connection between the transfer interface  1210  and the port  106  may help ensure stability. 
     The O-ring  207  may be located between the connecting flange  204  and the stopping flange  1208 . More particularly, the O-ring  207  may be located between two internal flanges  205 . The two internal flanges  205  may be located between the stopping flange  1208  and the connecting flange  204 . Each internal flange  205  may extend radially outward from the transfer interface  1210 . Each internal flange  205  may cover the entire circumference of the transfer interface  1210  or approximately the entire circumference of the transfer interface  1210 . For example, each internal flange  205  may cover enough of the circumference of the transfer interface  1210  in order to support the O-ring  207 . The O-ring  207  may be located between the two internal flanges  205 . 
     The port flange  1203  may extend radially outward from the port  106 . The port flange  1203  may help provide stability and help ensure that the plate  201  remains parallel to the surface of the container  102 . In addition, along with the step configuration discussed above, the port flange  1203  may help ensure that the connection between the transfer interface  1210  and the port  106  is not compromised, and that the transfer interface  1210  is not deformed through use or via its own weight or via the weight of samples extracted from the container  102 . 
     The O-ring  207  may be colored such that the O-ring  207  is visible from outside the transfer interface  1210 . Coloring of the O-ring may facilitate correct insertion of the transfer interface  1210  into the port  106 . In particular, if the colored O-ring  207  appears to be straight and symmetrical when the transfer interface  1210  is inserted into the port  106 , then it may be assumed that the transfer interface  1210  has been inserted correctly. If the O-ring  207  is visibly crooked or not symmetrical, then it may be assumed that the transfer interface  1210  has not been correctly inserted into the port  106 . 
     The connecting flange  204  and the connecting protrusion  1201  may be parts of the bayonet connection used to connect the transfer interface  1210  to the port  106 . 
     The stopping protrusion  1205  may stop further progress of the transfer interface  1210  toward the container  102 . In addition, the stopping protrusion  1205  may impart stability to the transfer interface  1210  and may help prevent the deformation of the transfer interface  1210  shown in  FIG. 9 . In particular, the combination of the extending portion  1211  and the flat portion  1209  of the stopping flange  1208  as well as the extending part  1207  and the parallel part  1213  of the stopping protrusion  1205  may help prevent the compromised connection and deformation of the transfer interface  1210  discussed above. 
     There may be a plurality of connecting flanges  204 . In particular, there may be two connecting flanges  204 . The two connecting flanges  204  may be separated by a first gap and a second gap. Each of the two connecting flanges  204  may extend around approximately a quarter of the circumference of the plate  201 . The two portions may be diametrically opposed. Each of the two gaps may also extend around approximately a quarter of the circumference of the plate. The two gaps may be diametrically opposed. 
     The transfer interface  1210  and the configuration of  FIGS. 12A and 12B  may have advantages in comparison to the configuration of  FIG. 11 . In particular, in comparison to the configuration of  FIG. 11 , the port  106  and the stopping protrusion  1205  might not protrude as far from the container  102  as the supporting protrusion  1105 . In particular, the port  106  may be a standard bioreactor port, while the port  1101  might extend substantially further (e.g., 1-3 cm further) from the surface of the container than the port  106 . Accordingly, the port  106  may be advantageous in comparison to the port  106  because it may be desirable to keep the container as compact as possible. 
     Thus, via the stopping protrusion  1205  and the stopping flange  1280 , it may be possible to provide a way to prevent deformation of the transfer interface (e.g., the transfer interface  1100  or the transfer interface  110 ) without including a port on the container  102  that extends any further from the container  102  than the port  106  (e.g., a standard bioreactor port). In particular, it may be desirable to provide the port  106  such that the distance which the port  106  extends from the container  102  is minimized. 
     The transfer interface  1210  might also be advantageous because of its relatively low weight and simplicity. In particular, the triclamp  1103  may have at least four parts including the gasket  1107 , a fastening element similar to the fastening element  714 , and two prongs to encompass the transfer element  1100  and the supporting protrusion  1105 . Accordingly, while the triclamp  1103  may limit potential deformation of the transfer interface  1100  and keep the transfer interface  1100  substantially flush with the surface of the container, particularly in view of the extended port  1101 , the transfer interface  1210  in combination with the port  106  may be even more advantageous because the transfer interface  1210  is a single piece and potential deformation (e.g., resulting from repeated use) can be hindered without a non-standard port extending further than usual from the container  102  (as discussed in the context of  FIG. 11 ). 
       FIG. 13  shows the transfer interface  110  connected to the port  106 . Unless otherwise indicated, discussion of the transfer interface  110  also applies to the transfer interface  1210 . 
     When connected, the transfer interface  110  is parallel to (e.g., substantially flush with) the surface of the container  102 . Port flanges  1203  are shown inside the housing  104 . As discussed above, the port flanges  1203  may stabilize the port and the transfer interface  1210 . There may be multiple port flanges  1203  or just one port flange  1203 . The transfer interface  110  may contact the port  106  at a junction  1301 . The weight of the transfer interface  110  may exert pressure on the port  106 , particularly at the junction  1301 . 
     In some cases the weight of the transfer interface  110  may be sufficient to compromise the connection between the transfer interface  110  and the port  106 , particularly as shown in  FIG. 9 . In addition, repeated use of the transfer interface  110  may also cause stress on the port  106  at the junction  1301 , possibly in combination with the weight of the transfer interface  110 . The effects of the weight of the transfer interface  110  and repeated use of the transfer interface  110  may be mitigated via the step-like connection between the stopping protrusion  1205  and the stopping flange  1208  of the transfer interface  1210 , as shown in  FIG. 12B . 
     In addition or alternatively, another approach may be used to prevent deformation of the transfer interface  110  as discussed above and as shown in  FIG. 9 . This approach, discussed in connection with  FIGS. 14-18  below, may also be applied to the transfer interface  1210 , in order to decrease the possibility of the compromised connection even further. 
       FIG. 14  shows a holder  1401 . The holder  1401  may be used to prevent deformation or bending of the transfer interface  110 . Although the holder  1401  is discussed in the context of the transfer interface  110  in  FIGS. 14-18 , the discussion also applies to the transfer interface  1210 . 
     The holder  1401  may support the transfer interface  110  when the transfer interface  110  is connected to the port  106 . Accordingly, the holder  1401  may prevent deformation of the transfer interface  110 . In addition, the holder  1401  may prevent damage to the container  102 . In particular, when the connection between the transfer interface  110  and the port  106  is compromised or the transfer interface  110  is deformed, compression or pressure may be brought to bear on the surface of the container  102 , thereby damaging the surface of the container  102 . 
     The holder  1401  may be attachable to the transfer interface  110  and/or the port  106 . For example, the holder  1401  may include an attachment  1403  for the transfer interface  110 . The attachment  1403  may have the shape of a ring, as shown in  FIG. 14 . Other shapes are also possible, as discussed below. 
     The holder  1401  may also include lateral extensions  1405 . The lateral extensions  1405  may contact the housing  104  or the surface of the container  102  when the transfer interface  110  is connected to the port  106 . The lateral extensions  1405  may be referred to as wings or supporting elements. The lateral extensions  1405  may support the transfer interface via the attachment  1403 . In particular, the lateral extensions  1405  may help distribute the weight of the transfer interface  110  across the surface of the container  102 . 
     The arrows shown in  FIG. 14  indicate that the holder  1401  can easily be twisted around the longitudinal axis of the transfer interface  110  until it is placed in the appropriate location. Further, the holder  1401  may be installed after the transfer interface has been permanently fixed to the port  106 , but before the distribution tubes  401  are put in place. 
     The holder  1401  may be plastic or metal. The holder  1401  can be designed with or without the lateral protrusions  1405 . The design of the lateral protrusions  1405  may be adapted to the container  102 . For example, different lateral protrusions  1405  may be used depending on whether the container  102  is within the housing  104  and the lateral protrusions  1405  will rest against the housing  104  or the container  102  is without the housing  104 . 
     In addition, if the housing  104  is not present, the shape of the lateral protrusions  1405  may differ depending on the flexibility or rigidity of the surface of the container  102 . 
     The installation of the holder  1401  onto the transfer interface  110  may be quick and easy. In particular, the holder  1401  may be attached or clipped to the transfer interface  110  and the port  106  after the transfer interface  110  has been connected to the port  106 . Accordingly, the holder  1401  may be attached at virtually any point of the transfer interface rotated until an opening  1407  is vertically aligned with a vertical plane of the container  102  (i.e., the vertical plane of the contents of the container  102 ) and then slid along the longitudinal axis of the transfer interface  110  toward the surface of the container  102  until being fitted into place, as discussed in the context of  FIGS. 16 and 17 . 
       FIG. 15  shows the transfer interface  110  attached to the port  106  using the holder  1401 . The attachment  1403  supports the transfer interface  110 . The lateral extensions  1405  distribute the weight of the transfer interface  110  across the housing  104 . In particular, by use of the lateral extensions  1405 , weight of the transfer interface  110  may be distributed across the housing  104  rather than the surface of the container  102 . The housing  104  may be better able to absorb the weight of the transfer interface  110  than the surface of the container  102 . In particular, the housing  104  may be made of a relatively rigid plastic (e.g., rigid thermoplastic such as nylon) or metal. 
     The holder  1401  may be used in combination with the transfer interface  110  or with the transfer interface  1210  discussed in connection with  FIGS. 12A and 12B . In particular, the holder  1401  may be sufficient to prevent deformation of the transfer interface  110  or damage to the surface of the container  102 . 
     It should be noted that the lateral extensions  1405  are optional. In other words, the holder  1401  may be used without the lateral extensions  1405 . In particular, while the lateral extensions  1405  may help distribute the weight of the transfer interface  110  across the housing  104 , the holder  1401  may be sufficient to support the transfer interface  110  without the lateral extensions  1405 . 
     The lateral extensions may be positioned against the housing  104 , as shown in  FIG. 15 . Alternatively, the lateral extensions may be positioned directly against the surface of the container  102 . The lateral extensions  1405  may help to distribute the weight of the transfer interface  110  across the surface of the container  102 , e.g., in order to reduce the amount of force concentrated in one particular area. 
       FIG. 16  shows the holder  1401  before the holder  1401  has been placed into a final position. In particular, the holder  1401  is depicted upon initial attachment to the transfer interface  110 . Place the holder  1401  in the final position may involve sliding the holder hover a radial projection  1601  of the port  106  and into a groove  1603  of the port  106 . The groove  1603  may be a radial indentation or recess. 
       FIG. 17  shows the holder  1401  after the holder  1401  has been placed into the final position. In particular, the holder  1401  may be slid along the longitudinal axis of the transfer interface  110 , toward the container  102 , over the radial projection  1601  to fit into the groove  1603 . Accordingly,  FIG. 17  shows the holder  1401  after the holder  1401  has been slid over the radial projection  1601  into the groove  1603 . 
       FIG. 18  shows another holder  1801 . Unless otherwise indicated, the characteristics of the holder  1401  apply to the holder  1801 . 
     The holder  1801  includes lateral extensions  1805 . The lateral extensions  1805  may be similar or identical to the lateral extensions  1405 . In addition, the holder  1801  includes an attachment  1803 . Rather than the ring shape of the attachment  1403 , the attachment  1803  has a horseshoe shape. Accordingly, it may be possible to attach the holder  1801  to the transfer interface  110  more easily via the attachment  1803  in comparison to the attachment  1403 . In particular, it might not be necessary to detach the distribution tubes  401  or other components of the transfer interface  110  in order to attach the holder  1801 . 
     LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
     
         
           100  system for transferring chemical, pharmaceutical and/or biological material into or out of a container 
           102  disposable container 
           104  housing 
           106 , 1101  port 
           108  opening 
           110 , 1100 , 1210  transfer interface 
           201  plate 
           203  holes 
           204  connecting flange 
           205  internal flanges 
           207 , 1109  O-ring 
           208  stopping flange 
           209  containing tube 
           351  extended transfer element 
           353  locking mechanism 
           401  distribution tubes 
           501  mounting bracket 
           601  grip 
           710  multi-use transfer interface 
           712 , 1103  triclamp 
           714  fastening element 
           716 , 802  port of multi-use container 
           1105  supporting protrusion 
           1107  clamp gasket 
           1201  connecting protrusion 
           1203  port flange 
           1205  stopping protrusion of the port 
           1207  extending part of the stopping protrusion 
           1208  stopping flange of the transfer interface 
           1209  flat portion of the stopping flange 
           1211  extending portion of the stopping flange 
           1213  parallel part of the stopping protrusion 
           1301  junction 
           1401 , 1801  holder 
           1403 , 1803  attachment 
           1405 , 1805  lateral extension 
           1407 , 1807  opening 
           1601  radial projection 
           1603  groove