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 variety of biochemical processes and products using non-invasive techniques, that is techniques which do not compromise the integrity or viability of cells.
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Citations
39 Claims
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1-19. -19. (canceled)
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20. An apparatus microfabricated for performing cell growth 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, and an outlet channel; b) a cover plate positioned over said base plate said cover plate extending over said elements so as to define said chambers and channels; and c) a hydrophobic valve in at least one of said chambers or said channels that is defined by positioning said cover plate over said base plate, wherein said valve comprises a localized region of hydrophobicity within said chamber or said channel, wherein the hydrophobic valve prevents liquid flow until subjected to the application of a defined force. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39)
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Specification