Microfluidic-enabled multiwell cell culture devices and systems for precision culture, control and monitoring of living cells

US11946035B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• The Regents of the University of California · US
• Cairn Biosicences, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Mary J. C. LUDLAM · San Francisco, US
• Austin Blanco · Sacramento, US
• David WARTMANN · Berkeley, US
• Richard A. Mathies · Moraga, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 15, 2018
• Grant date: Apr 2, 2024
• Expiry date: Feb 19, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06F3/0481
• WIPO field: Biotechnology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Devices, systems, methods, and techniques regarding a microfluidic-enabled multiwell device with closed-loop monitoring and control of various parameters of the microfluidic environment are provided. A microfluidic-enabled multiwell device may have a removable and disposable microfluidics module layer and a reusable sensor module layer. The sensor module layer may be configured to monitor and control parameters of the environment inside the microfluidics module layer, store data regarding the parameters, and wirelessly transmit the data. The device may be configured to individually address flow of fluid to any one of a plurality of wells, using one or more pneumatic micropumps. The device may be configured to automatically execute one or more live cell cultures, assays, and/or protocols. The device may be configured to be received in a docking station and/or portable manifold adapter, and to be fluidly, pneumatically, and/or electronically coupled to the station, adapter, or other laboratory equipment.