# US 5,350,693 A · Multichamber syringe device for fusing cells

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- Number: US 5,350,693 A
- Document ID: US5350693A
- Status: Granted
- Kind: A
- Application number: 08/044,400
- Filed: 1993-04-08
- Granted: 1994-09-27
- Earliest claimed: 1993-04-08
- Assignees: Long Island Jewish Medical Center
- Inventors: Jonathan Maimon; Bruce S. Schneider; Kenneth C. Gorray; Michele Mauro
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US5350693A

## CPC

- C12M 35/02: {Electrical or electromagnetic means, e.g. for electroporation or for cell fusion}
- C12M 33/04: {by injection or suction, e.g. using pipettes, syringes, needles (pipettes in general B01L3/02)}
- C12M: APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; {APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS}

## Abstract

An apparatus for fusing cells which includes a multichamber syringe having a first chamber containing a suspension of cells, a second chamber containing a suspension of cells, and a third chamber containing at least 40% by volume polyethylene glycol (PEG). The exit passageways of the chambers being braided such that the downstream ends thereof are beveled and face one another at the same level. The relative cross sections of the chambers being of a diameter such that a desired ratio of the suspensions and solution form in midair a mixture of 15% to 25% PEG by volume. The apparatus also includes a non-linear tube in fluid communication with the syringe for receiving the mixture therefrom and a device for causing a reciprocating passage of the mixture through the non-linear tube.

## Claims

### Claim 1

Apparatus for fusing cells comprising:
(A) a multichamber syringe having a first chamber containing a suspension of cells of a first type, a second chamber containing a suspension of cells of a second type to be added to the suspension of cells of a first type, and a third chamber containing at least 40% by volume polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution, said first, second and third chambers defining respective exit passageways braided together with the downstream ends thereof beveled and facing one another at the same level, the relative cross sections of said chambers being of sufficient dimensions to provide a desired ratio of the suspensions and solution for forming in midair a mixture of 15%-25% PEG by volume;
(B) a substantially horizontally disposed non-linear tube in fluid communication with said syringe for receiving the mixture therefrom; and
(C) means for causing a reciprocating passage of the mixture through said non-linear tube.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1 additionally including reservoir means for receiving the mixture from said syringe, said non-linear tube being in fluid communication with said reservoir means at one end.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said means for causing is a single-chamber syringe at the other end of said non-linear tube, repeated actuation and de-actuation of said single-chamber syringe causing a reciprocating passage of the mixture through said non-linear tube and between said non-linear tube and said reservoir means.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of said chambers defines a side wall and means in the form of at least one aperture in the chamber sidewall for enabling the filling thereof with the suspension or solution and for the removal of air therefrom, both prior to passage of said suspension or solution through said respective exit passageways.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1 additionally including a flexible magnetic stirrer disposed in each of said first and second chambers and configured and dimensioned for vertical motion therein, and a magnetic driver for said stirrers disposed adjacent said first and second chambers for simultaneous vertical motion relative to said first and second chambers, thereby to cause said stirrers to gently agitate said suspensions.