Open-top microfluidic device with structural anchors

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2021214670-A1
Application number	US-202117160617-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	Jan 28, 2021
Priority date	Dec 4, 2015
Publication date	Jul 15, 2021
Grant date	—

Abstract

A microfluidic device is contemplated comprising an open-top cavity with structural anchors on the vertical wall surfaces that serve to prevent gel shrinkage-induced delamination, a porous membrane (optionally stretchable) positioned in the middle over a microfluidic channel(s). The device is particularly suited to the growth of cells mimicking dermal layers.

First claim

1 - 30 . (canceled)

31 . A microfluidic device, comprising i) an open-top cavity, said cavity comprising ii) a gel matrix secured by structural anchors on the vertical wall surfaces, said gel matrix positioned above iii) a porous membrane, said membrane positioned above one or more iv) microfluidic channels.

32 . The microfluidic device of claim 31 , wherein fibroblasts are within the gel matrix and keratinocytes are on top of the gel matrix.

33 . The microfluidic device of claim 32 , wherein the keratinocytes comprise more than one layer on top of the gel matrix.

34 . The microfluidic device of claim 31 , wherein a layer of endothelial cells is positioned on the bottom of the membrane so as to be in contact with the microfluidic channels.

35 . The microfluidic device of claim 31 , wherein said cavity is circular.

36 . The microfluidic device of claim 31 , further comprising a removable cover.

37 . A microfluidic device comprising i) an open-top cavity, said cavity comprising ii) a gel matrix secured by structural anchors on the vertical wall surfaces comprising at least one of neurons and astrocytes, said gel matrix positioned above iii) a porous membrane, said membrane comprising brain microvascular endothelial cells in contact with iv) microfluidic channels.

38 . The microfluidic device of claim 37 , wherein neurons are on, in or under Ihe gel matrix.

39 . The microfluidic device of claim 37 , wherein astrocytes are on, in or under the gel matrix.

Assignees

• Emulate Inc

Inventors

• Levner Daniel
• Hinojosa Christopher David
• Wen Norman
• Varone Antonio
• Nguyen Justin
• Williamson Lina
• Kerns S Jordan
• Karalis Catherine
• Hamilton Geraldine
• Lucchesi Carol

Classifications

• G01N33/5008

  for testing or evaluating the effect of chemical or biological compounds, e.g. drugs, cosmetics · CPC title

• G01N33/5005

  involving human or animal cells (immunoassay G01N33/56966; immunoassays of protozoa G01N33/56905; protozoa in screening assays C12Q1/025) · CPC title

• C12M3/04 Primary

  with means providing thin layers · CPC title

• B01L3/5027

  by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip · CPC title

• C12M23/16

  Microfluidic devices; Capillary tubes (integrated microfluidic structures B01L3/5027; microreactors B01J19/0093) · CPC title