Magnetic three-dimensional cell culture apparatus and method

Abstract

A culture apparatus and method for growing cells and tissue in a three-dimensional configuration harnesses magnetic, paramagnetic, ferromagnetic and diamagnetic forces. The cells or tissue are grown with magnetized core particles and are suspended via magnetic forces in a native, non-restricted, three-dimensional configuration while being maintained in a normal gravity (1 g) growth environment in the absence of rotational alteration of the gravity vector.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED DISCLOSURES[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 11 / 306,478, filed Dec. 29, 2005, which claims the benefit of international patent application number PCT / US2004 / 020908, filed Jun. 30, 2004, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 481,042, filed Jun. 30, 2003.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]This invention relates, generally, to the fields of biophysics, tissue regeneration, tissue culture and neurobiology. More particularly, it relates to a method and apparatus for potentiation of or controlling the growth of biological cells and tissue in vitro.[0004]2. Description of the Prior Art[0005]Conventional cell culturing involves placing a small number of cells into a nutrient-rich media, typically a petri dish or flask, and allowing the cells to grow and multiply. The result is a two dimensional growth of cells. This provides limited insigh...

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Benefits of technology

[0028]In yet another embodiment, at a desired termination of the culture period, the magnetized core particles are removed from the culture chamber by positioning the upper lifter magnet in a predetermined position relative to the culture chamber, and using the upper lifter magnet effectively in the removal of the magnetized core particles.

[0029]Accordingly, the present invention provides a solution to in vitro three-dimensional suspension culture of cells under quiescent growth conditions characterized by zero shear and turbulence while maintaining a 1 g, normal gravity environment as distinguished from a simulated microgravity environment. This facilitates cellular co-localization and three-dimensional aggregate formation akin to an in vivo configuration.

[0030]The present invention provides many advantages over conventional systems and methods for three-dimensional cell growth, including a more realistic and in vivo-like growth condition from which to develop in vitro models of cell and tissue biology and functionality that replicate the conditions in the body within which the cells / tissue normally grow.

[0031]The present invention also eliminates problems associated with altering gene, and thus protein, expression by conventional means of simulated microgravity associated with continuous rotation of the culture chamber that produces constant randomization of the gravity vector.

Problems solved by technology

Without a proper three-dimensional assembly, epithelial and mesenchymal cells, which are the basic cells that differentiate tissue into specific organ functions, lack the proper indicators for growing into a variety of cells that make up a specific tissue.

In balloon angioplasty where artery-clogging plaque is removed, it is desirable to deliver single cells to the damaged artery by following the Consigny teachings but it would be undesirable to deliver an artery-clogging three dimensional mass of cells to such a location.

However, the systems and methods currently known in the art do not provide this desirable realistic environment.

The simulation of microgravity associated with the continuous rotation of a culture chamber creates a problem associated with the alteration of genes and thus protein expression due to the constant randomization of the gravity vector attributed to the continuous rotation.

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