Microfluidic chip device for optical force measurements and cell imaging using microfluidic chip configuration and dynamics
AssigneeLumacyte, Inc.
InventorsSean Hart, Colin Hebert
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Provided are methods and devices for assessing biological particles for use in cell immunotherapy. By utilizing a microfluidic chip device together with optical force measurement and cell imaging, the methods enable comprehensive assessment and characterization of biological particles with regard to morphology, motility, binding affinities, and susceptibility to external forces, including but not limited to, chemical, biochemical, biological, physical and temperature influences. The methods enable the selection and production of biological particles, such as engineered T-cells, for use in immunotherapy and biomanufacturing.
Claims15
A method for analyzing a biological particle, comprising:
- injecting the biological particle into a first channel disposed vertically within a device, wherein the biological particle is injected in an upwards vertical direction oriented vertically upwards with respect to gravity within the device via pressure or vacuum driven flow through a bottom horizontal planar surface having an opening to the first channel;
- flowing the biological particle through the first channel to a second channel in operable communication with the first channel and disposed horizontally within the device;
- flowing the biological particle from the second channel to a third channel in operable communication with the second channel and disposed vertically within the device;
- flowing the biological particle from the third channel to a fourth channel in operable communication with the third channel and disposed horizontally within the device;
- and
- analyzing the biological particle using a collimated source capable of interacting with the biological particle, wherein analyzing the biological particle occurs in the fourth channel,
- wherein the second and fourth channels are shorter in length than the first channel,
- wherein the first, second, third and fourth channels are disposed in such a manner as to provide a path for movement of the biological particle through the device from the first channel to the second channel to the third channel to the fourth channel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.