Devices, Methods, And Compositions For Restricting Cell Position And Stabilizing Cells In Culture Systems
AssigneePresident and Fellows of Harvard College
InventorsKambez Hajipouran Benam, Richard Novak, Donald E. Ingber
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A device is directed to simulating a function of a tissue, and includes a first structure defining a first chamber, a second structure defining a second chamber, and a porous membrane located at an interface region between the first chamber and the second chamber. The membrane has a first side facing toward the first chamber and a second side facing toward the second chamber, the membrane separating the first chamber from the second chamber. The first side includes a fluid-permeable, stimulus-responsive polymer gel thereon, the second side including at least one layer of cells adhered thereon.
Claims27
1-24. (canceled)
A method of preventing cell differentiation, comprising:
- a) seeding viable cells on to a surface of a device under conditions such that at least a portion adheres thereon;
- and
- b) introducing a stimulus-responsive polymer gel on top of the cells under conditions such that differentiation of the cells is prevented and the cells remain viable.
26-31. (canceled)
A method of preserving cells for storage or shipment, comprising:
- a) seeding viable cells on to a surface of a device under conditions such that at least a portion adhere thereon;
- and
- b) introducing a stimulus-responsive polymer gel on top of the cells under conditions such the adhered cells remain viable, thereby preserving the cells.
37-41. (canceled)
(canceled)
A method for restricting the position of cells in a microfluidic device, the device including a first region and a second region, the method comprising:
- polymerizing a biopolymer material in the first region;
- seeding cells such that they attach to the second region but are prevented from attaching to the first region by the polymerized material;
- and
- after the seeding, depolymerizing and removing the biopolymer material from the first region.
48-57. (canceled)
A method for restricting the position of cells in a microfluidic device, the device including a first compartment and a second compartment separated by a porous membrane, wherein said porous membrane permits the passage of at least a first cell type, the method comprising:
- a) forming a gel in the first compartment or portion thereof so as to block the passage of cells of said first type through at least a portion of said membrane;
- and
- b) seeding cells of the said first cell type in a region of the second compartments;
- and
- c) removing the gel from the microfluidic device.
63-66. (canceled)
A method for restricting the position of cells in a microfluidic device, the device including a porous membrane, the porous membrane including i) pores and ii) first and second sides, the method comprising:
- a) forming a gel in the first or second side of the membrane, or portion thereof;
- and
- b) seeding cells on a region of the membrane on the side opposite to the side comprising the gel under conditions such that the cells are prevented by the gel from moving through the pores, thereby restricting the position of the cells in the microfluidic device.
71-74. (canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.