Microfabricated apparatus for cell based assays
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Abstract
Apparatus and methods are provided for performing cell growth and cell based assays in a liquid medium. The apparatus comprises a base plate supporting a plurality of micro-channel elements, each micro-channel element comprising a cell growth chamber, an inlet channel and an outlet channel, a cover plate positioned over the base plate to define the chambers and connecting channels. Means are incorporated in the cell growth chambers, for cell attachment and cell growth. In particular, the invention provides a rotatable disc microfabricated for performing cell growth and cell based assays. The apparatus and method can be used for the growth of cells and the detection and measurement of a variety of biochemical processes and products using non-invasive techniques, that is techniques which do not compromise the integrity or viability of cells.
120 Citations
20 Claims
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1-19. -19. (canceled)
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20. Apparatus microfabricated for performing cell growth and cell based assays in a liquid medium, said apparatus comprising:
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a) a base plate supporting a plurality of micro-channel elements, each comprising a cell growth chamber, an inlet channel for supplying liquid sample to said chamber and an outlet channel for removal of liquid sample from said chamber;
b) a cover plate positioned over said base plate said cover plate extending over said elements so as to define said chambers and connecting channels;
c) a suspension of cells to be grown in each of said chambers; and
d) wherein one or more components of the apparatus comprise a gas permeable film or membrane adapted to allow the use of CO2-buffered media in the cell growth chamber and to allow oxygen to permeate to the cells for their metabolism during growth.
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Specification