Bioresorbable self-folding tools for surgery, single cell capture and manipulation
AssigneeThe Johns Hopkins University
InventorsDavid GRACIAS, Kate MALACHOWSKI
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Abstract
Microgrippers adapted to capture, manipulate, and contain single cells in both in vitro and in vivo cell applications are disclosed. The energy required to actuate these microgrippers is derived from the release of residual stress and does not require any wires, tethers, or batteries. Because the microgrippers are made from biocompatible and biosorbable materials, they do not accumulate in tissue. Accordingly, they can be used for in vivo applications, such as for gripping single cells in tissue biopsies.
Claims28
A device for sampling one or more single cells in a tissue sample or biological fluid, the device comprising a pre-stressed bilayer in operational communication with one or more rigid segments, wherein the one or more rigid segments comprise a plurality of arms having sharp or tapered tips, wherein the device has a first configuration capable of being actuated to at least a second configuration in response to one or more stimuli, and wherein the device is adapted to capture, manipulate, or encapsulate a single cell from the tissue sample or biological fluid when in the at least second configuration.
A method for sampling a single cell in a tissue sample or biological fluid of a subject, the method comprising:
- (a) introducing to the subject a plurality of sampling devices comprising:
- a pre-stressed bilayer in operational communication with one or more rigid segments, wherein the one or more rigid segments comprise a plurality of arms having sharp or tapered tips, wherein the device has a first configuration capable of being actuated to at least a second configuration in response to one or more stimuli, and wherein the device is adapted to capture, manipulate, or encapsulate a single cell from the tissue sample or biological fluid when in the at least second configuration;
- (b) contacting the plurality of sampling devices with a tissue site or biological fluid;
- (c) altering a configuration of the plurality of sampling devices from a first configuration to a second configuration while in contact with the tissue or biological fluid, the second configuration adapted such that the sampling device grasps the tissue or samples the biological fluid at a discrete location;
- and
- (d) releasing and/or collecting the plurality of sampling devices.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.