Single Cell Isolation and Processing System With Reversible Well Shape
AssigneeNortheastern University
InventorsTania KONRY, Giovanni UGOLINI
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Abstract
The technology provides arrays of microwells with reversible shape for culture, analysis, and recovery of individual cells or groups of cells. The microwells are reversibly formed by vacuum-induced deflection of an elastomeric membrane into an array of microwell molds formed in a microwell substrate. The shape of each microwell or groups of microwells can be selectively altered by applying or releasing vacuum to individual microwells. The devices, systems, and methods utilizing the technology enable collection of individual cells for further study or therapeutic use without the need for micromanipulation.
Claims25
A microwell device for isolating, processing, or analyzing cells, the device comprising:
- a microwell substrate comprising a plurality of microwell molds, each microwell mold having an opening at an upper surface of the substrate, and one or more pneumatic microchannels connecting the microwells to an inlet for attaching a controllable vacuum source;
- and
- an elastomeric membrane bonded to the upper surface of the substrate and covering said microwell mold openings;
- wherein the elastomeric membrane is capable of conforming to each microwell mold when vacuum from said controllable vacuum source is applied through a said pneumatic microchannel connected to said microwell mold, thereby forming a microwell, and is capable of relaxing to form a planar surface above each microwell mold when pressure in the pneumatic microchannel connected to said microwell mold is returned to atmospheric pressure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.