Abstract

There are provided cell culture devices and associated methods for preparing a compartmentalized in vitro model. The cell culture device can include a cell culture layer that includes an inlet reservoir configured for receiving an inlet fluid medium therein, an outlet reservoir configured for receiving an outlet fluid medium therein, and a channel extending between the inlet reservoir and the outlet reservoir to establish fluid communication therebetween. The channel can include a multicellular component receiving portion and an elongated component receiving portion provided downstream of the multicellular component receiving portion, the elongated component receiving portion being sized and configured for orienting an elongated component of a biological material away from the inlet reservoir. The cell culture device can further include an electrode layer provided in proximity of the cell culture layer.

IPC Classes  ?

• C12M 3/00 - Tissue, human, animal or plant cell, or virus culture apparatus
• C12M 1/00 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology
• C12M 1/42 - Apparatus for the treatment of microorganisms or enzymes with electrical or wave energy, e.g. magnetism, sonic wave

Abstract

There are provided cell culture devices and associated methods for preparing a compartmentalized in vitro model. The cell culture device can include a cell culture layer that includes an inlet reservoir configured for receiving an inlet fluid medium therein, an outlet reservoir configured for receiving an outlet fluid medium therein, and a channel extending between the inlet reservoir and the outlet reservoir to establish fluid communication therebetween. The channel can include a multicellular component receiving portion and an elongated component receiving portion provided downstream of the multicellular component receiving portion, the elongated component receiving portion being sized and configured for orienting an elongated component of a biological material away from the inlet reservoir. The cell culture device can further include an electrode layer provided in proximity of the cell culture layer.

IPC Classes  ?

• C12M 3/00 - Tissue, human, animal or plant cell, or virus culture apparatus
• C12M 1/00 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology
• C12M 1/12 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology with sterilisation, filtration, or dialysis means
• C12M 1/34 - Measuring or testing with condition measuring or sensing means, e.g. colony counters
• C12M 1/42 - Apparatus for the treatment of microorganisms or enzymes with electrical or wave energy, e.g. magnetism, sonic wave
• C12M 3/06 - Tissue, human, animal or plant cell, or virus culture apparatus with filtration, ultrafiltration, inverse osmosis or dialysis means
• C12N 5/00 - Undifferentiated human, animal or plant cells, e.g. cell linesTissuesCultivation or maintenance thereofCulture media therefor
• C12Q 1/02 - Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganismsCompositions thereforProcesses of preparing such compositions involving viable microorganisms

Abstract

There is provided a cell culture device for preparing a compartmentalized in vitro model using neuronal cells. The cell culture device can include an insert insertable in a reservoir of a cell culture plate, a microfluidic layer receivable on or within the insert and an upwardly extending feed well. The microfluidic layer includes channels for orienting axonal growth, and the feed well includes a seeding chamber to receive the neuronal cells therein, the seeding chamber being configured to be in fluid communication with the channels of the microfluidic layer. Alternatively, the cell culture device can include a multi-well insert that includes a plurality of insert wells configured to receive a microfluidic layer therein, the insert wells being in fluid communication with a feed well that is configured to receive the neuronal cells therein. The cell culture device can further include an electrode layer provided in proximity of the microfluidic layer.

IPC Classes  ?

• C12M 3/04 - Tissue, human, animal or plant cell, or virus culture apparatus with means providing thin layers
• C12M 1/00 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology
• C12M 1/34 - Measuring or testing with condition measuring or sensing means, e.g. colony counters
• C12M 3/00 - Tissue, human, animal or plant cell, or virus culture apparatus
• C12M 3/06 - Tissue, human, animal or plant cell, or virus culture apparatus with filtration, ultrafiltration, inverse osmosis or dialysis means
• C12N 5/00 - Undifferentiated human, animal or plant cells, e.g. cell linesTissuesCultivation or maintenance thereofCulture media therefor
• C12N 5/079 - Neural cells
• C12Q 1/00 - Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganismsCompositions thereforProcesses of preparing such compositions
• C12Q 1/02 - Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganismsCompositions thereforProcesses of preparing such compositions involving viable microorganisms

Abstract

As with many human physiological systems, issues within the central nervous system can arise for individuals leading to a variety of neurological disorders including, but not limited to, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, Alzheimer' disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, demyelination, and axonal degeneration. However, culture devices presently provide researchers with limitations in their research. Embodiments of the invention aims to address these various limitations and allow studies, methods and screenings which cannot be performed with prior art culture devices. These include reducing manufacturing complexity, volumes of pharmaceuticals and cells required, allowing use in fields other than neurobiology, improved adhesion within the desired micro-channel regions of the devices, and increasing cell survival in cultures. Accordingly, microfluidic devices comprising a connecting chamber and micro-channel having the same depth which prevents hydrostatic pressure, end walls of the connecting chamber and micro-channel arrays having a high angle relative to the fluid flow direction for supporting culturing and topside of the connecting chamber that has been profiled in order to improve the adhesion of cells is provided.

IPC Classes  ?

• C12M 3/06 - Tissue, human, animal or plant cell, or virus culture apparatus with filtration, ultrafiltration, inverse osmosis or dialysis means
• B01L 3/00 - Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glasswareDroppers
• C12M 1/00 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology
• C12M 1/12 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology with sterilisation, filtration, or dialysis means
• C12M 1/34 - Measuring or testing with condition measuring or sensing means, e.g. colony counters

Abstract

Systems and methods for culturing and/or analyzing cells are provided. The system can include a microfluidic layer, a multi-well grid layer and a base layer. An electrode layer can optionally be provided. The system can also include an alignment feature for aligning microchannels of the microfluidic layer with electrodes of the electrode layer to achieve a predetermined organized architecture of the microchannels relative to the electrodes. The system can include a plurality of microfluidic layers and a microfluidic layer engaging frame engageable with the plurality of microfluidic layers to form a unitary structure engageable with a multi-well plate comprising a plurality of wells each comprising an electrode layer. A well identification feature associated with a microfluidic unit can be provided on an upper surface of the multi-grid layer to enable visual identification of a well of the multi-well grid layer that is in fluid communication with a microfluidic unit.

IPC Classes  ?

• C12M 1/00 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology
• C12M 1/18 - Multiple fields or compartments
• C12M 1/32 - Inoculator or sampler multiple field or continuous type
• C12M 1/34 - Measuring or testing with condition measuring or sensing means, e.g. colony counters
• C12M 1/42 - Apparatus for the treatment of microorganisms or enzymes with electrical or wave energy, e.g. magnetism, sonic wave
• C12N 1/00 - Microorganisms, e.g. protozoaCompositions thereofProcesses of propagating, maintaining or preserving microorganisms or compositions thereofProcesses of preparing or isolating a composition containing a microorganismCulture media therefor
• C12N 5/00 - Undifferentiated human, animal or plant cells, e.g. cell linesTissuesCultivation or maintenance thereofCulture media therefor
• C12Q 1/00 - Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganismsCompositions thereforProcesses of preparing such compositions
• G01N 1/00 - SamplingPreparing specimens for investigation
• G01N 21/03 - Cuvette constructions

Goods & Services

Cell culture media for laboratory use; cell culture media for scientific or research purposes; cell growth media for growing cells for use in scientific research; laboratory assay kits. Bioreactor for cell culturing; bioreactors for cell culture; disposable plastic bioreactors for cell culture; disposable plastic bioreactors for culturing cells; laboratory instrument for the detection of pathogens and toxins in a biological sample for research use; laboratory slides; silicon chips. Parts molding services for medical equipment. Information on the subject of scientific research in the field of biochemistry and biotechnology; medical research laboratory services; pharmaceutical research services; testing, inspection and research of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and foodstuffs. Consultation services relating to skin care.

Goods & Services

Cell culture media for laboratory use; cell culture media for scientific or research purposes; cell growth media for growing cells for use in scientific research; laboratory assay kits. Bioreactor for cell culturing; bioreactors for cell culture; disposable plastic bioreactors for cell culture; disposable plastic bioreactors for culturing cells; laboratory instrument for the detection of pathogens and toxins in a biological sample for research use; laboratory slides; silicon chips. Parts molding services for medical equipment. Information on the subject of scientific research in the field of biochemistry and biotechnology; medical research laboratory services; pharmaceutical research services; testing, inspection and research of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and foodstuffs. Consultation services relating to skin care.

Goods & Services

Cell culture media for laboratory use; cell culture media for scientific or research purposes; cell growth media for growing cells for use in scientific research; laboratory assay kits. Bioreactor for cell culturing; bioreactors for cell culture; disposable plastic bioreactors for cell culture; disposable plastic bioreactors for culturing cells; laboratory instrument for the detection of pathogens and toxins in a biological sample for research use; laboratory slides; silicon chips. Parts molding services for medical equipment. Information on the subject of scientific research in the field of biochemistry and biotechnology; medical research laboratory services; pharmaceutical research services; testing, inspection and research of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and foodstuffs. Consultation services relating to skin care.

Goods & Services

Cell culture media for laboratory use; cell culture media for scientific or research purposes; cell growth media for growing cells for use in scientific research; laboratory assay kits. Bioreactor for cell culturing; bioreactors for cell culture; disposable plastic bioreactors for cell culture; disposable plastic bioreactors for culturing cells; laboratory instrument for the detection of pathogens and toxins in a biological sample for research use; laboratory slides; silicon chips. Parts molding services for medical equipment. Information on the subject of scientific research in the field of biochemistry and biotechnology; medical research laboratory services; pharmaceutical research services; testing, inspection and research of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and foodstuffs. Consultation services relating to skin care.

Goods & Services

Cell culture media for laboratory use; cell culture media for scientific or research purposes; cell growth media for growing cells for use in scientific research; laboratory assay kits. Bioreactor for cell culturing; bioreactors for cell culture; disposable plastic bioreactors for cell culture; disposable plastic bioreactors for culturing cells; laboratory instrument for the detection of pathogens and toxins in a biological sample for research use; laboratory slides. Parts molding services for medical equipment. Information on the subject of scientific research in the field of biochemistry and biotechnology; medical research laboratory services; pharmaceutical research services; testing, inspection and research of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and foodstuffs. Consultation services relating to skin care.

Goods & Services

Cell culture media for laboratory use; cell culture media for scientific or research purposes; cell growth media for growing cells for use in scientific research; laboratory assay kits comprised of assays for research purposes Bioreactor for cell culturing; bioreactors for cell culture; disposable plastic bioreactors for cell culture; disposable plastic bioreactors for culturing cells; laboratory instrument for the detection of pathogens and toxins in a biological sample for research use; laboratory microscope slides; silicon chips Parts molding services for medical equipment Information on the subject of scientific research in the field of biochemistry and biotechnology; medical research laboratory services; pharmaceutical research services; testing, inspection and research of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and foodstuffs

Goods & Services

Cell culture media for laboratory use; cell culture media for scientific or research purposes; cell growth media for growing cells for use in scientific research; laboratory assay kits comprised of assays for research purposes Bioreactor for cell culturing; bioreactors for cell culture; disposable plastic bioreactors for cell culture; disposable plastic bioreactors for culturing cells; laboratory instrument for the detection of pathogens and toxins in a biological sample for research use; laboratory microscope slides; silicon chips Parts molding services for medical equipment Information on the subject of scientific research in the field of biochemistry and biotechnology; medical research laboratory services; pharmaceutical research services; testing, inspection and research of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and foodstuffs

Goods & Services

Cell culture media for laboratory use; cell culture media for scientific or research purposes; cell growth media for growing cells for use in scientific research; laboratory assay kits comprised of assays for research purposes Bioreactor for cell culturing; bioreactors for cell culture; disposable plastic bioreactors for cell culture; disposable plastic bioreactors for culturing cells; laboratory instrument for the detection of pathogens and toxins in a biological sample for research use; laboratory microscope slides; silicon chips Parts molding services for medical equipment Information on the subject of scientific research in the field of biochemistry and biotechnology; medical research laboratory services; pharmaceutical research services; testing, inspection and research of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and foodstuffs

Goods & Services

(1) Cell culture media for laboratory use; cell culture media for scientific or research purposes; cell growth media for growing cells for use in scientific research; laboratory assay kits (2) Bioreactor for cell culturing; bioreactors for cell culture; disposable plastic bioreactors for cell culture; disposable plastic bioreactors for culturing cells; laboratory instrument for the detection of pathogens and toxins in a biological sample for research use; laboratory slides; silicon chips (1) Parts molding services for medical equipment (2) Information on the subject of scientific research in the field of biochemistry and biotechnology; medical research laboratory services; pharmaceutical research services; testing, inspection and research of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and foodstuffs (3) Consultation services relating to skin care

Goods & Services

(1) Cell culture media for laboratory use; cell culture media for scientific or research purposes; cell growth media for growing cells for use in scientific research; laboratory assay kits (2) Bioreactor for cell culturing; bioreactors for cell culture; disposable plastic bioreactors for cell culture; disposable plastic bioreactors for culturing cells; laboratory instrument for the detection of pathogens and toxins in a biological sample for research use; laboratory slides; silicon chips (1) Parts molding services for medical equipment (2) Information on the subject of scientific research in the field of biochemistry and biotechnology; medical research laboratory services; pharmaceutical research services; testing, inspection and research of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and foodstuffs (3) Consultation services relating to skin care

Goods & Services

(1) Cell culture media for laboratory use; cell culture media for scientific or research purposes; cell growth media for growing cells for use in scientific research; laboratory assay kits (2) Bioreactor for cell culturing; bioreactors for cell culture; disposable plastic bioreactors for cell culture; disposable plastic bioreactors for culturing cells; laboratory instrument for the detection of pathogens and toxins in a biological sample for research use; laboratory slides; silicon chips (1) Parts molding services for medical equipment (2) Information on the subject of scientific research in the field of biochemistry and biotechnology; medical research laboratory services; pharmaceutical research services; testing, inspection and research of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and foodstuffs (3) Consultation services relating to skin care

Abstract

As with many human physiological systems, issues within the central nervous system can arise for individuals leading to a variety of neurological disorders including, but not limited to, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, Alzheimer' disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, demyelination, and axonal degeneration. However, culture devices presently provide researchers with limitations in their research. Embodiments of the invention aims to address these various limitations and allow studies, methods and screenings which cannot be performed with prior art culture devices. These include reducing manufacturing complexity, volumes of pharmaceuticals and cells required, allowing use in fields other than neurobiology, improved adhesion within the desired micro-channel regions of the devices, and increasing cell survival in cultures. Accordingly, microfluidic devices comprising a connecting chamber and micro-channel having the same depth which prevents hydrostatic pressure, end walls of the connecting chamber and micro-channel arrays having a high angle relative to the fluid flow direction for supporting culturing and topside of the connecting chamber that has been profiled in order to improve the adhesion of cells is provided.

IPC Classes  ?

• C12M 3/06 - Tissue, human, animal or plant cell, or virus culture apparatus with filtration, ultrafiltration, inverse osmosis or dialysis means
• C12C 1/00 - Preparation of malt
• C12M 1/12 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology with sterilisation, filtration, or dialysis means
• C12M 1/00 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology
• C12M 1/34 - Measuring or testing with condition measuring or sensing means, e.g. colony counters

Goods & Services

(1) Laboratory assay kits (2) Bioreactor for cell culturing; laboratory instrument for the detection of pathogens and toxins in a biological sample for research use; laboratory slides; (1) Parts molding services for medical equipment