Methods for performing miniaturized dynamic assays using microfluidics and related systems
AssigneeBiobridge Global
InventorAnand Srinivasan
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Some methods of performing an assay comprise culturing target cells in one or more channels of one or more microfluidics chips, where each of the channel(s) can have a volume that is less than or equal to 100 microliters (μL). For each of one or more test liquids that each comprise a therapeutic reagent, the test liquid can flow over the cultured target cells in at least one of the channel(s) and, while the test liquid flows over the cultured target cells, data indicative of an interaction between the target cells over which the test liquid flows and the therapeutic reagent of the test liquid can be captured.
Claims17
A method of performing an assay, the method comprising:
- culturing target cells in one or more channels of one or more microfluidic chips such that the cultured target cells are disposed in the channel(s), each of the channel(s) having a volume that is less than or equal to 100 microliters (μL) and the cultured target cells comprising a first fluorescent agent having an emission spectrum that comprises a first peak wavelength;
- and
- for each of one or more test liquids that each comprise a therapeutic reagent that comprises a second fluorescent agent having an emission spectrum that comprises a second peak wavelength that is at least 10% different than the first peak wavelength:
- flowing the test liquid over the cultured target cells that are disposed in at least one of the channel(s);
- and
- while flowing the test liquid over the cultured target cells, capturing one or more sequences of images, wherein each of the sequence(s) of images is:
- of an area containing at least a portion of at least one of the channel(s) in which the cultured target cells are disposed and over which the test liquid flows;
- and
- captured with a respective one of one or more cameras;
- wherein for each of the sequence(s) of images, capturing the sequence of images comprises receiving light emitted by the first and second fluorescent agents at an image sensor of the camera that captures the sequence of images, wherein:
- a first portion of the light emitted by the first and second fluorescent agents is directed to a first part of the image sensor of the camera, wherein the first portion of the light:
- includes the first peak wavelength;
- and
- does not include the second peak wavelength;
- and
- a second portion of the light emitted by the first and second fluorescent agents is directed to a second part of the image sensor of the camera, wherein the second portion of the light:
- includes the second peak wavelength;
- and
- does not include the first peak wavelength.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.