Biomimetic array device and methods of using same
Inventors
Budhwani, Karim I. • Budhwani, Brahma Mubarak K. • Budhwani, Khidr Kishan K.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11097274-B2
Publication Date
2021-08-24
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present disclosure generally pertains to a biomimetic array device and methods of using the device to expose biological samples to an array of fluids. The device includes a cassette and an inlet region, where the cassette comprises at least one microchamber array and at least one microchannel. Each microchamber within a microchamber array has a top interface that is open to the external environment, so that a biological sample placed at the top interface is positioned to draw fluid from the microchambers. The inlet region comprises at least one well and at least one inlet channel, each well in fluid communication with one inlet channel. Fluid deposited into wells flows through each inlet channel and microchannel in fluid communication with each well containing fluid, so that each microchamber within one microchamber array provides an approximately equal volume of fluid to the biological sample.
Core Innovation
A biomimetic array device includes a cassette with at least one microchamber array and at least one microchannel, where each microchamber array comprises at least one microchamber in fluid communication with at least one microchannel. Each microchamber has a top interface that is open to its external environment and is configured to receive a biological sample along the top interface, so that the biological sample positioned at the top interface draws fluid from the microchamber when the microchamber contains fluid.
The device further includes an inlet region with at least one well and at least one inlet channel, where each well is configured to receive fluid through a top opening and direct the fluid into the intake region of one inlet channel through a port located in a base of the well. Each inlet channel has an intake region for receiving fluid from one well and a transport region for transporting fluid from the intake region to at least one microchannel in the cassette.
The biomimetic array device is configured to transport approximately equal volumes of fluid from each well to each microchamber in fluid communication with each well, such that each microchamber within one microchamber array provides an approximately equal volume of fluid to the biological sample at the top interface. A related device configuration specifies alternating microchannel depths and alternating microchannel lengths, such that longer microchannels are more shallow and shorter microchannels are deeper, and fluid transport between adjacent microchannels is substantially prevented.
Claims Coverage
This document provides coverage for three independent claims. Across these claims, the inventive subject matter focuses on a biomimetic cassette with microchamber arrays and microchannels having open top interfaces, an inlet region with wells and inlet channels that deliver fluid through base ports, and a configuration that yields approximately equal volumes of fluid at each microchamber’s top interface while controlling cross-transport between microchannels.
Biomimetic array device with open-top microchambers and approximately equal-volume delivery from wells
A biomimetic array device comprising a cassette with at least one microchamber array and at least one microchannel, each microchamber having a top interface open to external environment and configured to receive a biological sample, and an inlet region with wells and inlet channels where each well directs fluid through a port located in a base of the well into an inlet channel, with the device configured to transport approximately equal volumes of fluid from each well to each microchamber that is in fluid communication with each well so each microchamber provides an approximately equal volume of fluid to the biological sample at the top interface.
Method of using a biomimetic array device to position samples and deliver approximately equal volumes
A method of using a biomimetic array device comprising providing a biomimetic array device with a cassette of microchamber arrays and microchannels having open top interfaces for receiving a biological sample, providing an inlet region with wells and inlet channels where each well directs fluid through a port located in a base of the well into an inlet channel in fluid communication with microchannels, positioning a biological sample along the top interface of at least one microchamber in each microchamber array, and depositing fluid within at least one well such that fluid flows through each inlet channel and microchannel in fluid communication with each well, and each microchamber within one microchamber array provides an approximately equal volume of fluid to the biological sample at the top interface of each microchamber.
Microchannel alternating depth/length to hold equal volumes and substantially prevent cross-transport
A biomimetic array device comprising a cassette with at least one microchamber array and at least one microchannel, where each microchannel has alternating depths and alternating lengths with longer microchannels more shallow and shorter microchannels deeper, such that the microchannels are configured to hold equal volumes of fluid and fluid transport between adjacent microchannels is substantially prevented, and an inlet region with wells and inlet channels where each well receives fluid through a top opening and directs the fluid into one inlet channel through a port located in a base of the well and each inlet channel transports fluid to at least one microchannel in the cassette, with the device configured to transport approximately equal volumes of fluid from each well to each microchamber in fluid communication with each well so each microchamber provides an approximately equal volume of fluid to a biological sample positioned at the top interface of each microchamber.
Across the independent claims, the document describes biomimetic array devices and methods that position a biological sample on open-top microchambers and deliver approximately equal volumes of fluid to each microchamber. The coverage includes an inlet region that introduces fluid into the cassette through ports in the well bases into inlet channels and microchannels, and includes configurations that substantially prevent fluid transport between adjacent microchannels using alternating microchannel depths and lengths.
Stated Advantages
Provides approximately equal volume of fluid to the biological sample at the top interface of each microchamber within one microchamber array.
Substantially prevents fluid transport between adjacent microchannels.
Enables fluid transport from each well to microchambers configured to provide approximately equal exposure at microchamber top interfaces.
Documented Applications
Positioning a biological sample, including patient tumor tissue slices, along the top interface of microchambers.
Exposing tumor tissue to deposited fluids selected as culture media, therapeutic agents, or pharmaceutical compounds.
Assessing cell viability, cell phenotype, and cell morphology after exposure.
Performing analyses including imaging and staining with propidium iodide (PI) and Annexin V.
Performing optional fluid/component assays including ELISA, ELISPOT, Western blot, and nucleic acid detection such as PCR and sequencing.
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