Microfluidic system and method for assembling and for subsequently cultivating, and subsequent analysis of complex cell arrangements

US8968543B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• NMI Naturwissenschaftliches und Medizinisches Institut an der Universität Tübingen · DE

Inventors

• Martin Stelzle · Reutlingen, DE
• Brigitte Angres · Pfullingen, DE
• Massimo Kubon · Trier, DE
• Julia Schuette · Lörrach, DE
• Britta Hagmeyer · Lörrach, DE
• Felix Holzner · Zürich, CH

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 22, 2012
• Grant date: Mar 3, 2015
• Expiry date: Jul 27, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B01L3/5027
• WIPO field: Biotechnology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The present invention provides an apparatus and a method to assemble organotypical tissues which can then be perfused and investigated under preferably physiological conditions. This is achieved by a microfluidic system for assembling and subsequently cultivating complex cell arrangements, comprising: a three-dimensional microstructure in which the cell arrangement is assembled and cultivated, at least two microchannel segments running in the microstructure and defining a flow direction, through which microchannel segments the microstructure can be perfused from outside with a medium, whereby the microchannel segments run approximately parallel or equidistant to one another at least in sections, a wall structure which separates the at least two microchannel segments and in which at least one aperture connecting the at least two microchannel segments is provided, and an electrode arrangement provided in or on the microstructure in order to generate an inhomogeneous electric field in the region of the at least one aperture.