Apparatus and methods for three-dimensional tissue measurements based on controlled media flow
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for conducting analysis of a three-dimensional cell sample, the apparatus comprising:
- a plurality of wells for holding respective samples and sample media, at least one of the wells comprisinga sample nesting site disposed in a bottom surface of the well,disposed thereabove a bore dimensioned to interfit with a plunger which moves vertically down within and relative to the bore and within the sample media disposed in the well, anda media channel defined by the well, a removable well insert, or both the well and the insert, in fluid communication with the sample nesting site, which permits flow of the sample media therethrough impelled by the plunger and permits exposure of the sample to flowing media as the plunger moves.
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Abstract
An apparatus including a plurality of wells for conducting analysis of three-dimensional cell samples (e.g., tissue samples) and methods for experimenting with a three-dimensional sample. A removable insert for use with the apparatus enables plunger-driven perfusion of the three-dimensional sample.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. An apparatus for conducting analysis of a three-dimensional cell sample, the apparatus comprising:
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a plurality of wells for holding respective samples and sample media, at least one of the wells comprising a sample nesting site disposed in a bottom surface of the well, disposed thereabove a bore dimensioned to interfit with a plunger which moves vertically down within and relative to the bore and within the sample media disposed in the well, and a media channel defined by the well, a removable well insert, or both the well and the insert, in fluid communication with the sample nesting site, which permits flow of the sample media therethrough impelled by the plunger and permits exposure of the sample to flowing media as the plunger moves. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. An apparatus for conducting analysis of three-dimensional cell samples, the apparatus comprising:
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a well for holding a sample and sample media comprising a sample nesting site disposed in a bottom surface of the well, disposed above said nesting site, a bore dimensioned to interfit with a plunger which moves vertically down within the bore and within media disposed in said well, a media channel in fluid communication with said sample nesting site which permits media perfusion about said sample, wherein the media channel is defined by the well, a removable well insert, or both the well and the insert, and a plunger adapted for reciprocal movement in said bore thereby to impel media perfusion about said sample, wherein the media channel permits flow of the sample media disposed in the well therethrough impelled by the plunger and permits exposure of the sample to flowing media as the plunger moves. - View Dependent Claims (16)
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17. A method of impelling media flow about a three-dimensional cell culture sample, so as to maintain viability of the sample and exercise control over its microenvironment, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing a well including a sample nesting site disposed in a bottom surface of the well, a bore dimensioned to interfit with a plunger disposed above the sample nesting site, a media channel in fluid communication with said sample nesting site, wherein the media channel is defined by the well, a removable well insert, or both the well and the insert, and a plunger adapted for reciprocal movement in said bore; placing a sample on the sample nesting site in medium within the well, and moving said plunger within the bore to impel media flow about the sample and through said channel thereby to perfuse the sample with media, wherein the media channel permits flow of the sample media disposed in the well therethrough impelled by the plunger and permits exposure of the sample to flowing media as the plunger moves. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification