Method and apparatus for measuring a state variable

US6368851B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Micronas GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Werner Baumann · Bogen, DE
• Ralf Ehret · Merdingen, DE
• Mirko Lehmann · Glückstadt, DE
• Gunter Igel · Teningen, DE
• Hans-Jurgen Gahle · Emmendingen, DE
• Bernhard Wolf · Poing, DE
• Ulrich Sieben · Meßkirch, DE
• Ingo Freund · Endingen am Kaiserstuhl, DE
• Martin Brischwein · Birkenfeld, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: May 27, 1999
• Grant date: Apr 9, 2002
• Expiry date: May 27, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C12N13/00
• WIPO field: Biotechnology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A method is provided for measuring a state variable of a biological cell (3) located in a nutrient medium (2) and supported on and adhering to a support area (5). Within the support area (5) for the cell (3) and at a distance from the support area edge, an opening is made in the membrane of the cell (3). The edge of the cell membrane that surrounds the opening and adheres to the support area (5) seals off the liquid found inside the cell (3) from the nutrient medium (2). Through the opening the state variable (2) is measured. An apparatus for performing the method is also provided.