Ultrahigh throughput microinjection device
AssigneesIndiana University Research and Technology Corporation, The Regents of the University of California
InventorsChris Ballas, Masa Rao, Yanyan Zhang
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Abstract
Many applications in cell biology, genetic engineering, cell-based therapeutics, and drug discovery require precise and safe methods for introducing membrane-impermeable molecules into cells. This can be implemented satisfactorily by microinjection. However, disadvantages of traditional manual microinjection include high degree of operator skill, low throughput and labor-intensiveness. Many studies have focused on developing automated and high-throughput systems for microinjection to address these limitations. However, none have provided sufficient throughput for applications such as ex vivo cell therapy, where manipulation of many cells is helpful.
Claims41
An apparatus for manipulation of biological cells, comprising:
- a substrate having surface and a plurality of wells, each said well having a boundary shape at the surface adapted and configured to support thereon one of the cells, each said well including a port in fluid communication with a port of each said other well, each said well having a bottom and including a projection extending from the bottom toward the surface of the substrate.
An apparatus for manipulation of biological cells, comprising:
- a first source of fluid;
- a second source of fluid;
- and
- a substrate having surface and a plurality of wells, each said well having an interior adapted and configured to hold therein at least a portion of one of the cells, each said well including a first port in fluid communication with said first source, each said well including a second port in fluid communication with said second source.
A method for manipulating a biological cell, comprising:
- providing a substrate having a surface and a depression in that surface and a projection with that depression;
- introducing the cell to the surface;
- capturing the cell within the depression;
- and
- applying a hydrodynamic force on the captured cell and locally rupturing the wall of the cell with the projection by said applying.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.