Modulation of multicellular aggregates by pressure from growth in a matrix
US6368858B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 22, 1998 |
| Grant date | Apr 9, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 22, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC12M35/04
- WIPO fieldBiotechnology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Cells in a matrix or in the matrix in a vessel are grown to form a multicellular aggregate. Pressure is exerted on the growing cells by the matrix or the matrix together with the vessel due to growing cellular mass displacing the matrix. A value representing pressure exerted on the cells is calculated and the pressure is modulated to control growth of the multicellular aggregate, or to produce a multicellular aggregate of a pre-selected size or a pre-selected size and shape. Matrices include agarose, alginate and collagen gels, and the pressure exerted on the cells can be non-isotropic. The cells may be tumor cells, or liver, pancreatic, brain, skin, bone or muscle cells, and cell growth can be in vitro or in vivo. When collagen forms the matrix, the matrix may contain glycosaminoglycan.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.