Droplet-based cell culture and cell assays using digital microfluidics
US8728291B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 11, 2013 |
| Grant date | May 20, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 11, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01L2400/0688
- WIPO fieldBiotechnology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
We introduce a new method for implementing cell-based assays and long-term cell culture. The method is based on digital microfluidics (DMF) which is used to actuate nanoliter droplets of reagents and cells on a planar array of electrodes. DMF method is suitable for assaying and culturing both cells in suspension and cells grown on surface (adherent cells). This method is advantageous for cell culture and assays due to the automated manipulation of multiple reagents in addition to reduced reagent use and analysis time. No adverse effects of actuation by DMF were observed in assays for cell viability, proliferation, and biochemistry. These results suggest that DMF has great potential as a simple yet versatile analytical tool for implementing cell-based assays and cell culture on the microscale.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.