System and method for screening therapeutic agents
Inventors
Leduc, Philip • Wan, Li • Neumann, Carola • Skoko, John • Yin, Jun • Zhang, Mei
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Assignees
Member
Carnegie Mellon UniversityCarnegie Mellon University is a global research institution based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, recognized for interdisciplinary education, research, and innovation in science, engineering, arts, technology, and social sciences. The university leads advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, digital health, and performing arts. Located in a technology-driven and culturally rich city, CMU powers real-world impact through research centers, industry engagement, workforce training, and initiatives that shape regional and global communities.
Carnegie Mellon University is a global research institution based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, recognized for interdisciplinary education, research, and innovation in science, engineering, arts, technology, and social sciences. The university leads advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, digital health, and performing arts. Located in a technology-driven and culturally rich city, CMU powers real-world impact through research centers, industry engagement, workforce training, and initiatives that shape regional and global communities.
Publication Number
US-12577522-B2
Publication Date
2026-03-17
Expiration Date
Abstract
A drug screening device is provided. A method of determining optimal drug concentrations and efficacy in a patient using the device are provided. A method of determining effective chemotherapeutic drugs and effective concentrations thereof using the device is provided. Also, a method of determining safety and efficacy of drugs using the device is provided.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a tumor-on-a-chip drug screening device that includes a containment structure with a biocompatible hydrogel held within the structure. The biocompatible hydrogel defines a plurality of wells that retain a therapeutic agent, and diffusion of the therapeutic agent through the hydrogel forms a concentration gradient within the hydrogel.
A live, solid tissue sample is embedded in the hydrogel and spaced apart from the first well. The concentration gradient enables determination of an effective dose of the therapeutic agent based on determination of an effect of the therapeutic agent on the tissue sample.
The disclosed device embodiments include wells formed in the hydrogel, including elongated wells and microfluidic-style channels or slots, with features intended to mimic aspects of vasculature through channel outlets. The disclosure also includes comparative rationale for using biocompatible hydrogel, including collagen or ECM, versus PDMS, and experimental support for diffusion behavior and for differences between 3D gradient delivery and 2D culture in cell viability measurements.
Claims Coverage
The document provides two independent claims. Across both independent claims, the inventive scope centers on a biocompatible hydrogel with wells retaining a therapeutic agent, diffusion forming a therapeutic agent concentration gradient within the hydrogel, and an embedded live solid tissue sample spaced from the well so that the gradient enables determination of an effective dose from an observed effect on the tissue sample.
Hydrogel containment with diffusion-forming wells for therapeutic agent retention
A containment structure comprising a base and one or more walls configured to hold a hydrogel therein; a biocompatible hydrogel contained within the containment structure defining a plurality of wells configured to retain a therapeutic agent; wherein the plurality of wells are formed in the hydrogel and the hydrogel is configured to allow diffusion of the therapeutic agent thereby forming a concentration gradient of the therapeutic agent within the hydrogel.
Embedded live solid tissue sample spaced from the wells
A live, solid tissue sample embedded in the hydrogel and spaced apart from the first well.
Effective dose determination from concentration-gradient effect on tissue
The concentration gradient allows for determination of an effective dose of the therapeutic agent based on a determination of an effect of the therapeutic agent on the tissue sample.
Hydrogel with at least first well for diffusion-forming concentration gradient
A biocompatible hydrogel defining at least a first well configured to retain a therapeutic agent, the at least first well formed in the hydrogel; wherein the hydrogel is configured to allow for diffusion of the therapeutic agent thereby forming a concentration gradient of the therapeutic agent within the hydrogel.
Both independent claims define a device where a biocompatible hydrogel includes wells that retain a therapeutic agent and, through diffusion, create a concentration gradient. With a live, solid tissue sample embedded in the hydrogel and spaced from the well, the resulting concentration gradient enables determination of an effective dose from an effect of the therapeutic agent on the tissue sample.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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