Assay device that analyzes the absorption, metabolism, permeability and/or toxicity of a candidate compound

A test device comprising:

• a cell culture support comprising a patterning membrane disposed in the cell culture support and defining a plurality of micro-orifices, wherein each of the plurality of micro-orifices is configured to have immobilized a single cell therein, and wherein said membrane has a first side and a second side;
• a delivery device in fluid communication with the first side of the patterning membrane;
• and
• a removal device in fluid communication with the second side of the patterning membrane.

A device comprising:

• a housing defining at least one chamber therein;
• a plurality of membranes, each of the membranes defining a plurality of micro-orifices and being configured such that each of the plurality of micro-orifices is adapted to receive a single cell therein, the membranes being disposed in the at least one chamber such that the at least one chamber includes a first region on one side of the membranes, and a second region on another side of the membranes;
• a delivery device in fluid communication with the first region of the at least one chamber, the delivery device being adapted to deliver a fluid to the first region;
• and a removal device in fluid communication with the second region of the at least one chamber, the removal device being adapted to remove a fluid from the second region.

A device comprising:

• a housing defining at least one chamber therein;
• a means for controlling fluid flow disposed in the at least one chamber and defining a plurality of micro-orifices, the means for controlling fluid flow being configured such that each of the plurality of micro-orifices is adapted to receive a single cell therein, and such that the at least one chamber includes a first region on one side of the means for controlling fluid flow, and a second region on another side of the means for controlling fluid flow;
• a fluid delivery means in fluid communication with the first region of the at least one chamber, the fluid delivery means being adapted to deliver a fluid to the first region;
• a fluid removal means in fluid communication with the second region of the at least one chamber, the fluid removal means being adapted to remove a fluid from the second region.