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-11833514-B2
Publication Date
2023-12-05
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
The invention is a biomimetic array device that includes a cassette with at least one microchamber array and at least one microchannel, where each microchamber is 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. The biological sample positioned at the top interface draws fluid from the microchamber when the microchamber contains fluid.
The device further includes at least one well in fluid communication with at least one inlet channel, so fluid is transported from each well to each microchamber. The cassette arrangement and fluid communication are configured such that the device transports approximately equal volumes of fluid from each well to each microchamber. This provides approximately equal volume delivery in the microchamber array to the biological sample at the top interface.
In additional structural configurations, the cassette microchannels have alternating depths and alternating lengths that make longer microchannels more shallow and shorter microchannels deeper. This is configured so the plurality of microchannels hold equal volumes of fluid and substantially prevents fluid transport between adjacent microchannels. In another configuration, at least one well includes a spacing structure within its interior that reduces a cross-sectional area parallel to its base, with spacing-structure sizes determined by lengths of inlet channels to provide equal volumes delivered and equal exposure at the microchamber top interfaces.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims are clm-00001, clm-00008, clm-00009, and clm-00014. Across these claims, the coverage focuses on fluid routing between wells, inlet channels, microchannels, and open-top microchambers, together with equal-volume delivery and equal exposure, and specific geometric configurations that substantially prevent fluid transport between adjacent regions.
Open-top microchamber top interface for biological sample-driven fluid drawing
Each microchamber has a top interface open to its external environment and configured to receive a biological sample along the top interface, such that the biological sample at the top interface is positioned to draw fluid from the microchamber when the microchamber contains fluid.
Approximately equal-volume transport from each well to each microchamber
The biomimetic array device is configured to transport approximately equal volumes of fluid from each well to each microchamber.
Spacing structure in well reduces cross-sectional area parallel to base for equal volumes and equal exposure
The at least one well contains a spacing structure within its interior that reduces a cross-sectional area parallel to its base.
Spacing-structure sizing determined by inlet-channel lengths for equal-volume delivery and equal exposure
Sizes of the spacing structures are determined by lengths of the inlet channels, with larger spacing structures in wells that are in fluid communication with longer inlet channels, such that the device is configured to transport equal volumes of fluid deposited into each well to each microchamber and to provide equal exposure of fluid to the biological sample at the top interface of each microchamber.
Equal-volume provision to biological sample via microchannel and microchamber fluid flow
Fluid flows through the at least one microchannel and the at least one microchamber such that the at least one microchamber within the microchamber array provides an approximately equal volume of fluid to the biological sample at the top interface of each microchamber in the microchamber array.
Alternating-depth and alternating-length microchannels hold equal volumes and substantially prevent adjacent transport
The plurality of microchannels have alternating depths and alternating lengths with longer microchannels being more shallow and shorter microchannels being deeper, such that the plurality of microchannels are configured to hold equal volumes of fluid and such that fluid transport between adjacent microchannels is substantially prevented.
Across independent claims, the core coverage combines open-top microchambers that receive a biological sample able to draw fluid, device configuration for approximately equal or equal-volume fluid transport from wells to microchambers, and structural microchannel and well geometry—alternating microchannel depths/lengths and well spacing structures sized by inlet-channel lengths—to hold equal volumes and substantially prevent fluid transport, while providing equal exposure of fluid to the biological sample.
Stated Advantages
transports approximately equal volumes of fluid from each well to each microchamber
provides equal exposure of fluid to the biological sample at the top interface of each microchamber
microchannels are configured to hold equal volumes of fluid
fluid transport between adjacent microchannels is substantially prevented
Documented Applications
using a biomimetic array device by positioning a biological sample along a top interface of microchambers and depositing fluid within wells so the microchambers provide approximately equal volume of fluid to the biological sample
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