Fluidic array systems and testing for cells, organoids, and organ cultures
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11807842-B2
Publication Date
2023-11-07
Expiration Date
Abstract
A system and method for array system for cells, organoids and organs culture and testing. The system includes a disposable chips and systems with actuators, sensors, software/firmware and smart device App. The disposable includes standard well plates, custom well plates, T-flasks, microfluidic chips. The system includes vascular fluidics using gravity-driven flow and pneumatic flow, media, reagents, protein and collagen dispensers in wells or surfaces, manufacturing techniques for multi-layer chips and plates and culture system with gas and media control.
Core Innovation
The disclosed culture system models fluid flow for maturing organs in a human physiological system by using a fluidic plate with a plurality of wells connected by at least one of a plurality of fluidic channels. A fluid is inserted into at least one well, and the fluidic plate is tilted to create flow within the at least one well. The fluid comprises at least one of a plurality of cells, organs, organoids, and cell media.
Tilting the fluidic plate is performed such that each corner of the fluidic plate raises and lowers individually. This tilting creates unidirectional flow through the plurality of wells connected by the plurality of fluidic channels. A unidirectional fluidic recirculation loop is formed in the fluidic channels connected between at least three wells of the plurality of wells caused by the tilting.
The disclosed refinements further incorporate microfluidic components and monitoring to support organ modeling in a fluidic-array platform. Examples described include applying a microfluidic lid to a fluidic plate to refresh wells with a second fluid using pumps, inserting cell inserts or transwell plates with connected subwells and subwell channels into wells, and perfusing a fluid with at least one programmed concentration comprising at least one of drugs, toxins, or reagents.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim defines a culture system method centered on individually controlled corner tilting of a multi-well, channel-connected fluidic plate to create unidirectional flow and a unidirectional recirculation loop between at least three wells. The independent claim also requires that the fluid comprises cells, organs, organoids, and/or cell media. Only one independent claim is provided in the partial content.
Individually corner-tilted, channel-connected fluidic plate to create unidirectional flow
Using a fluidic plate with a plurality of wells connected by at least one of a plurality of fluidic channels, inserting a fluid into at least one well, and tilting the fluidic plate so that each corner raises and lowers individually to create flow; wherein the tilting creates unidirectional flow through the plurality of wells connected by the plurality of fluidic channels.
Unidirectional recirculation loop formed between at least three wells
Forming a unidirectional fluidic recirculation loop in the fluidic channels connected between at least three wells of the plurality of wells caused by the tilting.
Culture fluid includes cells, organs, organoids, and cell media
The fluid in the culture system comprises at least one of a plurality of cells, organs, organoids, and cell media.
Across the provided independent claim, the core inventive coverage is the use of a channel-connected multi-well fluidic plate that is tilted with individually raised and lowered corners to generate unidirectional flow and a unidirectional recirculation loop between at least three wells, using a culture fluid comprising cells, organs, organoids, and/or cell media.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
High-throughput microphysiological interacting organs, including liver-heart, blood-retinal barrier modeling, vascular disease modeling, white adipose tissue models, proximal tubule kidney injury, and hepatic function and toxicity.
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