Microfluidic device having offset, high-shear seeding channels
US10836987B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 8, 2016 |
| Grant date | Nov 17, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 8, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01L2300/0887
- WIPO fieldBiotechnology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A microfluidic device for determining a response of cells comprises a microchannel and a seeding channel. The microchannel is at least partially defined by a porous membrane having cells adhered thereto. The microchannel has a first cross-sectional area. The seeding channel delivers a working fluid to the cells within the microchannel. The seeding channel has a second cross-sectional area that is less than the first cross-sectional area such that a flow of the working fluid produces a substantially higher shear force within the seeding channel to inhibit the attachment of cells within the seeding channel. And when multiple seeding channels are used to deliver fluids to multiple microchannels that define an active cellular layer across the membrane, the seeding channels are spatially offset from each other such that fluid communication between the fluids occurs only at the active region via the membrane, not at the seeding channels.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.