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Assay apparatus and methods

  • US 10,384,207 B2
  • Filed: 07/19/2016
  • Issued: 08/20/2019
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/21/2015
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for exposing cells to a test compound solution to determine whether the test compound solution induces progressive cell activity response in the cells, the apparatus comprising:

  • a substrate having an inner surface and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface;

    a plate disposed over the substrate such that a cavity is defined between the plate and the substrate,wherein the plate has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the second surface facing the inner surface of the substrate,wherein the plate defines a through-well extending from the first surface of the plate to the second surface of the plate,wherein the through-well exposes the inner surface of the substrate, andwherein the through-well is in fluid communication with the cavity; and

    a hydrophobic barrier on the substrate and/or the plate,wherein the hydrophobic barrier defines a test site enclosing the through-well when the apparatus is viewed from a plan view perpendicular to a plane defined by the plate,wherein the hydrophobic barrier allows passage of gas outside of the test site while limiting passage of liquid outside of the test site,wherein the substrate, the plate, and the hydrophobic barrier are configured to contain the cells within the test site,wherein the through-well is disposed at a first side portion of the test site when viewed from the plan view, the test site having a second side portion opposite to the first side portion,wherein, when viewed from the plan view, the test site has a length from the first side portion to the second side portion, and the length is greater than a width of the test site,wherein the plate and the substrate define a gap between the substrate and an edge of the through-well at the second surface of the plate, on a side of the through-well facing the second side portion of the test site, andwherein the gap extends substantially across the width of the test site.

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