Mask for generating features in a microwell plate
AssigneeCypre, Inc.
InventorsKolin HRIBAR, Andrew KELLY, Curtis TOM
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Devices and methods for the manipulation and handling of light blocking masks suitable for controlled illumination of the wells of multi-well test plates are described. Such controlled illumination can be used to generate simple or complex three dimensional forms within the wells when used in combination with suitable photoactivatable polymer or gel precursors. Light blocking masks of the inventive concept can include features that stabilize or grip a multiwell plate when in use. Such masks can have apertures having a fixed configuration, or can have apertures with transient or changeable configurations.
Claims37
A light blocking mask, comprising:
- a body configured to conform to an lower surface of a microwell plate, and comprising a light blocking portion and a plurality of transmissive apertures having a first spatial arrangement;
- and
- a handling device coupled to an edge of the body,
- wherein the microwell plate comprises a plurality of wells having a second spatial arrangement, and wherein the first spatial arrangement conforms with the second spatial arrangement.
A method for generating a composite hydrogel form, comprising:
- providing a well comprising a test surface;
- interposing a first mask between the test surface and a light source, wherein the first mask comprises a first aperture;
- instilling a first photoactivatable hydrogel precursor into the well;
- using the light source, illuminating the first photoactivatable hydrogel precursor through the first aperture for a first period of time sufficient to polymerize at least a portion of the first photoactivatable hydrogel precursor to generate a first hydrogel form, wherein the first hydrogel form is coupled to the test surface;
- interposing a second aperture between the test surface and a light source;
- instilling a second photoactivatable hydrogel precursor into the well;
- and
- using the light source, illuminating the second photoactivatable hydrogel precursor through the second aperture for a second period of time sufficient to polymerize at least a portion of the second photoactivatable hydrogel precursor to generate a second hydrogel form, wherein the second hydrogel form is coupled to the first hydrogel form.
A light blocking mask, comprising:
- a body configured to conform to an lower surface of a microwell plate, and comprising a light blocking portion and a plurality of transmissive apertures having a first spatial arrangement, wherein the plurality of transmissive apertures are transient apertures,
- wherein the microwell plate comprises a plurality of wells having a second spatial arrangement, wherein the first spatial arrangement conforms with the second spatial arrangement.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.