Methods of diagnosing diseases of mucosal surfaces
AssigneesThe Regents of the University of California, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
InventorsChristopher J. MURPHY, Bernardo YAÑEZ-SOTO, Vijay Krishna RAGHUNATHAN, Nicolas L. ABBOTT
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Abstract
Provided are methods for assessment of surface rugosity of a layer of live cells using tools that determine contact angle and contact angle hysteresis.
Claims53
A device to measure contact angle and contact angle hysteresis on a surface or layer of live/viable cells, the device comprising:
- i) a hollow outer cylinder comprised of a transparent material comprising a top end and a bottom end, the top end comprising an aperture of a diameter sufficient to allow passage of a syringe;
- the bottom end configured to form a liquid impermeable seal between an inner space of the cylinder and the surface of the eye of a mammal;
- ii) a syringe comprising an inner cylinder and plunger, the syringe positioned along the center axis of the cylinder, wherein the plunger dispenses fluid into the inner space of the hollow outer cylinder near the bottom end.
A method of determining the contact angle hysteresis on a surface or layer of live/viable cells, the method comprising:
- a) immersing a layer of live or viable cells attached to a support substrate in a reservoir comprising a transparent solution that is isotonic to a mammalian cell, wherein the support substrate is positioned at or near the bottom of the reservoir and the layer of cells is above the support substrate;
- b) introducing into the solution one or more drops of a second solution that is immiscible with the isotonic solution, wherein the drops contact the layer of cells;
- c) measuring at several points of contact (i) the advancing contact angle, and (ii) the receding contact angle of the drops of the second solution in contact with the layer of cells;
- d) calculating the contact angle hysteresis of the combined measurements of the several points of contact.
A method of determining the contact angle hysteresis on a surface or layer of live/viable cells, the method comprising:
- a) immersing a layer of live or viable cells attached to a support substrate in a transparent reservoir comprising a solution that is isotonic to a mammalian cell, wherein the support substrate is inverted and positioned at or near the top of the reservoir, and the layer of cells is below the support substrate;
- b) introducing into the solution one or more air or gas bubbles, wherein the bubbles contact the layer of cells;
- c) measuring at several points of contact (i) the advancing contact angle, and (ii) the receding contact angle of the bubbles in contact with the layer of cells;
- d) calculating the contact angle hysteresis of the combined measurements of the several points of contact.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.