Method and apparatus for holding cells

An apparatus for using imaging to measure the movement of at least one cell located in a container having a plurality of cells in response to at least one supplied material comprising:

• a housing configured to create an environment in which temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide levels are maintained and in which the cell can be imaged over time while remaining in the container in the housing and maintained environment;
• a camera for generating images of the cell over time while the cell remains in the container in the housing and maintained environment;
• a computer programmed for analyzing said images for determining the movement of the cell over time while the cell remains in the container in the housing and maintained environment;
• and
• a dispenser for periodically dispensing material to the cell while the cell remains in the container in the housing and maintained environment.

An apparatus for using imaging to measure the migration of at least one cell located in at least one container having a plurality of cells in response to at least one stimulus comprising:

• a housing configured to store said container in an environment in which temperature and carbon dioxide levels are maintained;
• said container adapted to enable at least one cell to be imaged while remaining in said container in the housing and maintained environment;
• a camera for generating images of the cell over time while the cell remains in the container in the housing and maintained environment;
• a computer programmed for analyzing said images for determining the migration of the cell over time;
• and
• a dispenser for periodically dispensing a stimulus to the cell.

An apparatus for using imaging to measure the movement of at least one cell located in a container having a plurality of cells in response to at least one supplied material comprising:

• a housing configured to create an environment in which temperature and carbon dioxide levels are maintained and in which the cell can be imaged over time while remaining in the container in the housing and maintained environment;
• a camera for generating images of the cell over time while the cell remains in the container in the housing and maintained environment;
• a computer programmed for analyzing said images for determining the movement of the cell over time while the cell remains in the container in the housing and maintained environment;
• and
• a dispenser for periodically dispensing material to the cell while the cell remains in the container in the housing and maintained environment.