Microfabricated apparatus for cell based assays
First Claim
1. Apparatus microfabricated for performing cell growth and cell based assays in a liquid medium, said apparatus comprising:
- 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; and
c) a plurality of holes in said apparatus in communication with said channels for supplying liquid sample to said chamber and removal of liquid sample from said chamber,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, wherein at least some of said micro-channel elements each further comprises one or more assay chambers for performing assays involving cellular constituents, the assay chambers being connected in line between said cell growth chamber and said outlet channel.
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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.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. 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; and c) a plurality of holes in said apparatus in communication with said channels for supplying liquid sample to said chamber and removal of liquid sample from said chamber, 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, wherein at least some of said micro-channel elements each further comprises one or more assay chambers for performing assays involving cellular constituents, the assay chambers being connected in line between said cell growth chamber and said outlet channel. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. An apparatus comprising:
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a) a first element affixed to a second element, wherein one or both of the elements comprise a molded structure that defines in the apparatus a plurality of micro-channel elements, each micro-channel element comprising; i) a cell growth chamber having at least a portion of a surface of the cell growth chamber that is adapted to allow for cell attachment to the surface portion, ii) a first channel connected to the cell growth chamber, the first channel being capable of use for the delivery of liquid into the cell growth chamber, iii) and a second channel connected to the cell growth chamber, the second channel being capable of use for the removal of liquid from the cell growth chamber, iv) a plurality of openings in the apparatus communicating with the first or second channels, 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 cell for its metabolism during growth, and wherein at least some of said micro-channel elements each further comprises one or more assay chambers for performing assays involving cellular constituents, the assay chambers being connected in line between said cell growth chamber and an outlet channel. - View Dependent Claims (19)
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Specification