Cell growth chambers and method of use thereof
US4975377A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 14, 1987 |
| Grant date | Dec 4, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 14, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC12M25/14
- WIPO fieldBiotechnology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Growth chambers for anchorage-independent cell growth therein are formed of a gel matrix having a surface disallowing anchorage-dependent cell growth over the full interior thereof. In a preferred form the chambers have a generally cylidnrical wall and an integral convex bottom wall forming an annular volume at the foot of the cylindrical wall which is substantially lower than the central portion to concentrate such anchorage-indpendent cells. The gel matrix is sufficiently permeable to permit passage of cell-growth nutrients and waste product solutes through said wall when the chambers are filled below the open end and submerged in a growth medium. Preferably the gel matrix is formed of 1% to 5% cross-linked polyacrylamide and from 99% to 95% water. In a preferred method of using the growth chambers, undifferentiated tumor cells and normal cells, including fibroblasts, are cultured together. Anchorage-independent tumor cells proliferate while anchorage-dependent cells are unable to grow without attachment. The method is useful for evaluating in vitro therapeutic agents to control tumor growth, normal cell growth or microspheres and generation of immunoglobulins from lymphocyte cel…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.