Device for exposing a sample to a millimeter electromagnetic wave

Abstract

The invention is a device (1) for exposing a sample to a millimeter electromagnetic wave. The device comprises: at least one container (11), intended to receive the sample; an exposure module (10), arranged facing each container, the exposure module comprising a millimeter electromagnetic wave emitter connected to a thermal conductor. Figure 1C.

Description

Title of the invention: Device for exposing a sample to a millimeter electromagnetic wave Technical field

[0001] The technical field of the invention is a device for verifying the effect of an electromagnetic wave of millimeter wavelength on skin or on skin cells. PREVIOUS ART

[0002] The application of electromagnetic waves of millimeter wavelength is known to reduce the sensation of pain. A device for exposing a user's skin to millimeter waves is described in WO2019053288. Such a device is intended for nomadic use, being worn by the user, for example using a bracelet.

[0003] The invention described below is based on the possibility that waves Millimeter electromagnetic waves may have an effect on skin aging or healing. It is known that the skin, particularly the dermis, contains fibroblast cells. These cells synthesize protein fibers: collagen and elastin. Elastin gives the dermis properties of flexibility and elasticity. Collagen is considered to be involved in healing or resistance.

[0004] The inventors have designed a device for evaluating the effects of exposing fibroblast cells or skin to millimeter electromagnetic waves. More generally, the invention makes it possible to expose a sample, in particular a biological sample, to an electromagnetic wave of millimeter wavelength. Statement of the invention

[0005] A first object of the invention is a device intended to expose a sample to an electromagnetic wave of millimeter wavelength, the device comprising: - at least one container intended to receive a biological medium, the container comprising a side wall, the side wall extending between an opening and a bottom, the side wall and the bottom of the container delimiting the interior of the container; - a support, configured to support the sample inside the container, on the bottom of the container or facing the bottom of the container; - an exhibition module associated with each container, the exhibition module comprising • an emitter of an electromagnetic wave of millimeter wavelength, configured to emit the electromagnetic wave towards the support, • a heat sink, the heat sink being configured to dissipate heat emitted by the transmitter.

[0006] The device may comprise a base, holding the or each container;

[0007] The device may comprise a removable cover, so as to close the or each container.

[0008] The removable cover can rest on the base, so as to close each container.

[0009] Each container may be the well of a well plate.

[0010] According to one embodiment, called external, for at least one container: - the bottom of the container is interposed between the transmitter and the inside of the container; - the thermal conductor extends from the emitter, away from the bottom of the container.

[0011] The transmitter may be arranged outside the container, in contact with the bottom of the container, or at a distance from the bottom of the container.

[0012] The bottom of the container can form the support for the sample. The transmitter can be held facing the bottom of the container, in particular outside the container.

[0013] The device may then comprise a locking system configured to - keep the lid pressed against the container or containers; - exert pressure on the or each container, so as to press the or each container against a transmitter.

[0014] According to one embodiment, called internal, for at least one exhibition module associated with a container: - the transmitter extends between the opening of the container and the bottom of the container; - the support is placed between the transmitter and the bottom of the container; - the heat sink comprises a thermal conductor extending from the emitter, away from the bottom of the container, through the opening of the container.

[0015] The support may be porous, and extend at a non-zero distance from the bottom of the container.

[0016] The device may comprise a nacelle extending inside the container, the nacelle comprising a nacelle bottom, the nacelle bottom forming the support for the sample.

[0017] According to one possibility: - the exposure module extends through a light formed in the cover; - the transmitter is held suspended in the container by the lid.

[0018] The support may comprise a waterproof housing, the transmitter being arranged in the waterproof housing.

[0019] According to one possibility, the device comprises an adjustment means of a shorter length corresponding to a distance between the transmitter and the cover.

[0020] According to one possibility, the heat sink comprises a thermal conductor, extending from the emitter, through the cover, to a cooling element.

[0021] Whatever the embodiment, the container of each exposure module can have a volume of between 0.1 mL and 10 L.

[0022] Whatever the embodiment, each transmitter is configured to emit an electromagnetic wave with a frequency between 3 GHz and 300 GHz.

[0023] Another object of the invention is a method of exposing a sample to a millimeter electromagnetic wave, the method comprising: a. arrangement of the sample on the support of a device according to any one of the preceding claims; b. activation of the transmitter so as to expose the sample to the millimeter electromagnetic wave.

[0024] According to one embodiment, - the device is a device according to the internal embodiment; - at least one container contains a cell culture medium; - the sample is formed of fibroblast cells, extending to the bottom of the container, the bottom of the container forming the support for the sample.

[0025] According to one embodiment, - the device is a device according to the external embodiment; - at least one container contains a cell culture medium; - the sample is formed from skin, extending over the support placed inside the container.

[0026] The invention will be better understood upon reading the description of the exemplary embodiments presented in the remainder of the description, in conjunction with the figures listed below. FIGURES

[0027] [Fig. 1A] is a perspective view of a device according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0028] [Fig. 1B] is a side view of the device shown in [Fig. 1A].

[0029] [Fig. IC] is a perspective view of the base of the device shown in [Fig. 1A],

[0030] [Fig.1D] is a sectional view of exposure modules intended to be arranged under the wells of the device according to the first embodiment.

[0031] [Fig. 1E] is a perspective view of exposure modules intended to be arranged under the wells of the device according to the first embodiment.

[0032] [Fig.lF] is a detail of [Fig.lE].

[0033] [Fig.lG] is a detail of [Fig.lF].

[0034] [Fig.2A] is a sectional view of a device according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0035] [Fig.2B] shows a perspective view of a well plate of the device according to the second embodiment. The well plate forms a base of the device.

[0036] [Fig.2C] represents a nacelle intended to be arranged inside a well to form a sample support.

[0037] [Fig.2D] shows a boat placed inside a well of the well plate.

[0038] [Fig.2E] shows a diagram of a section of a well in which a nacelle has been placed.

[0039] [Fig.2F] shows the main components of an exposure module immersed in a well.

[0040] [Fig.2G] shows an adjustment means for adjusting a distance between the exposure module and the sample. PRESENTATION OF SPECIAL METHODS OF IMPLEMENTATION

[0041] Figures 1A to 1G represent a device 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention. In this first embodiment, the objective is to expose fibroblast cells to millimeter electromagnetic waves. The fibroblast cells are introduced into a culture medium contained in a well. The device allows exposure of the fibroblast cells after the latter have adhered to the bottom of the well.

[0042] Figures 1A to 1C show the main elements of the device. The device comprises: - a base 2, resting on feet 7, comprising a well plate 5, the well plate comprising the different wells 11 of the device; - a removable cover 3, arranged on the base, allowing the opening or closing of the wells 11 of the base. The cover allows the opening or closing of the wells of the well plate; - a locking system 4, comprising a plate 4a, movable in rotation around a fixed part 4b fixed on the base 2. The fixed part 4b maintains a rotation shaft 4c parallel to the base. The rotation shaft 4c allows rotation of the plate relative to the base 2.

[0043] Under the effect of rotation, the plate 4a can tilt between: - a closed position, in which it keeps the cover 3 pressed against the well plate, the cover closing the wells 11 held on the base. - an open position, in which the cover 3 can be removed so as to allow access to the wells 11.

[0044] In order to allow gas exchanges, the cover 3 is permeable to certain gases, in particular CO2.

[0045] The locking system 4 comprises a flange 4d, making it possible to lock or unlock the plate 4 in the closed position.

[0046] Figures IC and 1D show some important components of the base 2. The base 2 comprises a control board 6, on which a well plate 5 is mounted. The control board is of the PCB (Printed Circuit Board) type.

[0047] In the example shown, the well plate 5 comprises six wells 11. Each well 11 extends between an opening 1 lo and a bottom 1 lf. The interior of each well 11 is delimited by a side wall 1 lp extending between the opening 1 lo and the bottom 1 lf. The side wall extends around an axis perpendicular to the bottom of the well. The side wall and the bottom of the well delimit the interior of the well. The bottom of the well is shown in dotted lines in [Fig.lD]. The volume of each well is for example between 5 and 500 mL.

[0048] Each well 11 may be formed from a plastic, for example polystyrene, which is conventional in a well plate. The bottom of each well may be coated with a coating promoting adhesion of cells that are to be exposed to an electromagnetic wave. The coating may comprise an extracellular matrix protein, for example fibronectin. When adherent cells, for example fibroblasts, are introduced into a well, the coating allows formation of a cell mat at the bottom of the well. The cells adhering to the bottom of each well constitute the sample S intended to be exposed to a millimeter electromagnetic wave. Thus, according to this embodiment, the sample support is formed by the bottom 11f of each well 11.

[0049] Each well 11 is intended to contain a cell culture medium. The cell culture medium is for example based on Dulbecco's modified Eagle's Medium, to which a volume fraction of 20% of FBS (Fetal Bovine Serum) is added and enriched with antibiotic.

[0050] Generally speaking, according to this embodiment, the device comprises one or more exposure modules 10, integrated into the base 2, and respectively arranged under each well 11. Each well is associated with an exposure module 10. Each exposure module 10 comprises one or more adjacent emitters 12, as well as a heat sink 13 connected to each emitter. Each emitter 12 is configured to emit a millimeter electromagnetic wave. By millimeter electromagnetic wave is meant a wave whose wavelength is between 100 mm and 1 mm.

[0051] The control card 6 comprises emitters 12, distributed according to a matrix arrangement. Each emitter 12 comprises an antenna, allowing the emission of the electromagnetic wave. The surface emission power of each emitter is preferably greater than 0.5 mW / cm2, and preferably less than 35 mW / cm2. This power range makes it possible to obtain sufficient exposure while avoiding harmful effects resulting from overexposure. The electromagnetic wave is preferably emitted at an emission frequency between 3 GHz and 300 GHz. Each emitter 12 comprises an electronic circuit, for example an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) connected to at least one antenna. Each emitter may for example be as described in patent application WO2019053288.

[0052] The control card 6 comprises circuits allowing the power supply and control of each emitter 12. The base 2 is configured such that the control card is arranged under the well plate 5. Thus, the bottom 1 lf of each well 11 of the well plate 5 faces at least one emitter 12. It is understood that according to this embodiment, each emitter 12 is arranged outside a well 11. Preferably, the arrangement of the base 2 is such that the bottom 1 lf of each well 11 is in direct contact with at least one emitter 12. It is indeed preferable to avoid a layer of air being interposed between the bottom of a well 1 lf and an emitter 12, so as to limit the variations in refractive index. Direct contact of the bottom of each well with an emitter allows index matching between the emitter 12 and the sample. In this example, the thickness of the bottom of the well is 1.2 mm.The thickness of the bottom of the well can be determined based on the material forming the well and the emission pattern of the antenna of the transmitter 12, so as to optimize the propagation of the electromagnetic waves towards the sample.

[0053] In the example shown, each well is arranged facing two adjacent emitters 12. Taking into account the solid emission angle and the distance between each emitter 12 and the bottom of the well 1 lf, the surface area of ​​the bottom of the well exposed is between 1 cm2 and 3 cm2. Generally speaking, the device is designed to expose, to millimeter waves, samples whose surface area is greater than 0.1 cm2, and preferably greater than 0.5 cm2.

[0054] The device 1 thus allows controlled exposure of a cell sample to a millimeter wave. When the cells are fibroblasts, the device makes it possible to study the influence of millimeter waves on the production of collagen or elastin by the fibroblasts. This makes it possible to study the effect of millimeter electromagnetic waves on slowing down skin aging or on resistance or healing.

[0055] Prolonged operation of the emitters 12 may induce a rise in temperature, which may lead to heating of the exposed samples. In order to control the temperature of each sample, each exposure module 10 comprises a heat sink 13 configured to dissipate the heat emitted by each emitter. In this example, the heat sink comprises a thermal conductor 13a in contact with each emitter 12 of the module. See FIGS. 1E and 1F. The thermal conductor 13a forms a heat pipe and is intended to dissipate, by thermal conduction, the heat emitted by each emitter during its operation. The interface between the thermal conductor 13a and each emitter 12 of the same exposure module 10 may be formed by a thermal paste, so as to avoid the presence of air. The thermal paste also makes it possible to homogenize the temperature on the surface of the exposure module.For example, it may be a silicone-based thermal paste. The thermal conductor is formed from a material with good thermal conduction properties, for example copper or aluminum or graphite. The thermal paste may dry out upon contact with air. This is why it is preferably arranged between an emitter 12 and a thermal conductor 13a. Each exposure module 10 is configured such that the emitter 12 is interposed between the heat sink and the sample S.

[0056] The thermal conductor 13a extends between the emitter 12, and an opposite end, connected to a cooling means 13b, the latter being configured to dissipate the heat transmitted by the thermal conductor 13a. In the example shown, the cooling means is a fan 13b. The thermal conductor 13a extends, from the emitter, away from the bottom of the well. In this example, the end of each thermal conductor 13a is connected to the fan 13b. Each fan is controlled by the control card 6. Thermocouples, or more generally temperature sensors, can be arranged on the control card 6, so as to allow the fans to be actuated when a temperature threshold is crossed.

[0057] Figures 2A to 2G illustrate a device 100 according to the second embodiment. The second embodiment makes it possible to expose a sample formed from skin to millimeter waves. The skin may have been previously taken from an animal or from a human. The objective is to analyze the influence of the waves millimeter electromagnetic waves on the skin, and more precisely on certain characteristics of the skin: composition, elasticity, resistance.

[0058] [Fig.2A] shows the main components of the device 100 according to the second embodiment. The device 100 comprises a base 102 holding different wells 111. In this embodiment, the base 102 is a well plate, in which the wells 111 are arranged. The device comprises a removable cover 103. The cover 103 is configured to be arranged, in a removably manner, on the well plate 102, so as to cover each well. The device comprises as many exposure modules 110 as there are wells 111. As in the first embodiment, each exposure module 110 is associated with a well 111. Each exposure module 110 is intended to expose a sample, arranged inside a well, to a millimeter electromagnetic wave. Each exposure module 110 immerses inside a well, while being suspended from the cover 103.The arrangement of an exhibition module relative to the cover is shown schematically in Figures 2F and 2G.

[0059] [Fig.2B] shows the well plate forming the base 102. In this example, the base has six wells 111. Each well 111 extends between an opening 11 lo and a bottom 11 lf. The interior of each well 111 is delimited by an annular side wall 11 lp extending between the opening 11 lo and the bottom 11 lf. The bottom of the well is shown in dotted lines in [Fig.2A].

[0060] In the first embodiment, the bottom 11f of each well forms a support for the sample. In the second embodiment, the sample support is formed by a wall, preferably porous, arranged inside each well. In the example shown, the sample S is arranged in a nacelle 116. An example of a nacelle 116 is shown in [Fig.2C]. The nacelle comprises an opening 116o and a bottom 116f. The interior of the nacelle 116 is delimited by an annular side wall 116p extending between the opening 116o and the bottom 116f. The bottom of the nacelle 116f forms the support for the sample. Thus, during use of the device, the sample is placed on the bottom of the nacelle 116f. The sample may in particular be a piece of skin, previously removed. The bottom of the 116f nacelle thus forms the support for the sample. The nacelle has several 116' arms.As shown in Figures 2D and 2E, the nacelle 116 is intended to be kept suspended in a well 111, such that the bottom of the nacelle 116f is arranged at a non-zero distance d from the bottom of the well 111f. The distance d between the bottom of the nacelle 116f and the bottom of the well 111f may be a few millimeters, for example 5 mm.

[0061] When using the device, the well 111 is filled with a culture medium. The culture medium may be similar to that described in connection with the first embodiment. The bottom of the nacelle 116f and / or the annular side wall 116p of the nacelle is porous, so as to allow diffusion of the culture medium between the well and the sample placed at the bottom of the boat.

[0062] According to an embodiment not shown, the bottom of the nacelle 116f comprises protrusions forming feet. The nacelle is placed on the bottom of the well 11 lf, the feet of the nacelle maintaining the bottom of the nacelle 116f at a non-zero distance from the bottom of the well 11 lf.

[0063] According to another possibility, the support is formed by a porous membrane or a porous wall deposited inside the well, at a non-zero distance from the bottom. The membrane can rest on lugs provided on the side wall.

[0064] Figures 2F and 2G represent an exposure module 110 intended to expose the sample, placed at the bottom of the nacelle, to a millimeter electromagnetic wave. The exposure module 110 comprises an emitter 112, similar to the emitters 12 described in connection with the first embodiment. The emitter is arranged in a sealed housing 115. The housing is preferably formed from a biocompatible material. In [Fig.2G], the housing 115 has not been shown, so as to show the emitter 112. In this example, each exposure module comprises a single emitter 112. The emitter 112 is intended to be arranged at a distance from or in contact with the sample. In this example, the housing 115 is arranged in contact with the sample. The emitter 12 is in contact with the sample, to within the thickness of the housing.

[0065] In the first embodiment, the bottom of the well 1 lf extends between the sample S and the emitter 12, the latter being arranged outside the well. In the second embodiment, the sample S extends between the bottom of the well 11 lf and the emitter 112, the latter being immersed inside the well 111.

[0066] In order to dissipate the heat emitted by each emitter 112, the exposure module 110 comprises a heat sink 113. In this example, the heat sink comprises a thermal conductor 113a forming a heat pipe. The thermal conductor is intended to evacuate, by thermal conduction, the heat emitted by each emitter during its operation. As in the first embodiment, the interface between the thermal conductor 113a and each emitter 112 of the same exposure module 110 may be formed by a thermal paste, so as to avoid the presence of air. The thermal conductor 113a is formed from a material having good thermal conduction properties, for example copper or aluminum or graphite. As in the first embodiment, in the exposure module 110, the emitter 112 is arranged between the thermal conductor 113a and the sample S.

[0067] The thermal conductor 113a extends between the emitter 112 and an opposite end, connected to a cooling means 113b, the latter being configured to dissipate the heat provided by the thermal conductor 113a. In the example shown, the cooling means is a radiator 113b, dissipating the heat by convection. The thermal conductor 113a extends, from each emitter 112, away from the bottom of the well 111f.

[0068] The exposure module 110 is held in suspension relative to the well 111. The exposure module 110 extends through a slot 103' formed in the cover 103. It is held on the cover 103 by a support washer 117, the latter being integral with the exposure module 110. The support washer 117 being wider than the slot 103', it blocks a translation of the exposure module through the slot 103'.

[0069] The exposure module 110 extends, under the cover 103, along a lower length Linf and, on the cover 103, along a higher length Lsup. The lower length Linf can be adjusted, so as to adjust the distance between the emitter 112 and the sample S. For this purpose, the exposure module 110 can have a means 120 for adjusting the distance between the emitter and the sample. The adjustment means 120 is for example formed by a nut 121 connected to a threaded rod 122 and secured to the latter. The threaded rod penetrates into the support washer 117. The rotation of the nut relative to the support washer makes it possible to lengthen or shorten the lower length Lin f. The distance δ between the emitter 112 and the sample S is thus adjusted. The threaded rod 122 is tubular. It is crossed by the thermal conductor 113a.

[0070] Alternatively, the adjustment means 120 can be motorized. The adjustment means can be associated with a force sensor, so as to adjust the distance between the transmitter 112 and the sample S.

[0071] The exposure module 110 is connected to a control card 106. A wired connection 106', arranged through the radiator 11b and the thermal conductor 113a, allows the transmission of control and electrical power supply signals to each transmitter 112.

[0072] Whatever the embodiment, the device is intended to be placed in a thermostatically controlled enclosure, of the incubator type. Preferably, the CO2 content and the humidity are controlled. For example, the relative humidity is 95%, the CO2 content is 5%, and the temperature is 37°C.

[0073] In the preceding examples, the sample is arranged in the well of a well plate. More generally, the sample may be arranged in another type of container capable of containing a culture medium. Thus, the characteristics of the embodiments previously described are not limited to the wells of a well plate, but may extend to other types of container having a bottom as well as a side wall, extending around the bottom, in particular between the bottom and a opening, the latter being able to be closed by a stopper. This could for example be a flask or another type of container. The volume of the container can for example be between 0.1 mL and 10 L.

[0074] The invention makes it possible to carry out an exposure of skin or dermal cells under controlled conditions, whether it be the temperature, and / or the duration, and / or the periodicity and / or the power of the exposure. These may be fibroblast cells, but also other types of cell, for example keratinocytes, or lymphocytes. Biological analyses of the exposed sample, before and after exposure, make it possible to evaluate the effect of the exposure.

[0075] The cells to be exposed may be cultured in three dimensions. This may include associations of different cell types in the gels to simulate tissues (e.g., skin) or organs.

[0076] Although described in connection with skin cells, the invention can be applied to other types of biological samples, for example, and in a non-limiting manner, other types of cells or microorganisms (bacteria, yeasts, microalgae).

Claims

Claims

1. Device (1) intended to expose a sample (S) to an electromagnetic wave whose frequency is between 3 GHz and 300 GHz, the device comprising: - at least one container (11), intended to receive a biological medium, the container comprising a side wall (1 lp), the side wall extending between an opening (1 lo) and a bottom (1 lf), the side wall and the bottom of the container delimiting the interior of the container; - a support (1 lf), configured to support the sample inside the container, on the bottom of the container or facing the bottom of the container; - an exposure module (10) associated with each container, the exposure module comprising • an emitter (12) of an electromagnetic wave of millimeter wavelength, configured to emit electromagnetic waves towards the support, • a heat sink (13), the heat sink being configured to dissipate heat emitted by the emitter;the device being such that for at least one container, - the bottom of the container (11) is interposed between the emitter (12) and the interior of the container; - the thermal conductor (13) extends, from the emitter, away from the bottom of the container (11f).;

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, comprising a removable cover (3) so as to close the or each container.

3. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the emitter (12) is arranged outside the container, in contact with the bottom of the container (1 lf), or at a distance from the bottom of the container.

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the bottom of the container (1 lf) forms the support for the sample.

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the transmitter (12) is held facing the bottom of the container.

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, dependent on claim 2, comprising a locking system (4) configured to - keep the lid pressed against the container; - exert pressure on the container, so as to press the container against a transmitter.

7. Device (100) for exposing a sample (S) to an electromagnetic wave whose frequency is between 3 GHz and 300 GHz, the device comprising: - at least one container (111), intended to receive a biological medium, the container comprising a side wall (111p), the side wall extending between an opening (111o) and a bottom (111f), the side wall and the bottom of the container delimiting the interior of the container; - a support (116f), configured to support the sample inside the container, on the bottom of the container or facing the bottom of the container; - a removable cover (103) so as to close the or each container;- an exposure module (110) associated with each container, the exposure module comprising • an emitter (112) of an electromagnetic wave of millimeter wavelength, configured to emit electromagnetic waves towards the support, • a heat sink (113), the heat sink being configured to dissipate heat emitted by the emitter; the device being such that for at least one exposure module (110), associated with a container: - the emitter extends between the opening of the container (11 lo) and the bottom of the container (11 lf); - the support (116f) is arranged between the emitter (112) and the bottom of the container (11 lf); - the heat sink (113) comprises a thermal conductor (113a) extending, from the emitter, into; moving away from the bottom of the container, through the opening of the container;

8. Device according to claim 7, in which the support (116f) is porous, and extends at a non-zero distance (d) from the bottom of the container.

9. Device according to claim 7 or claim 8, comprising a nacelle (116), extending inside the container, the nacelle comprising a nacelle bottom (116f), the nacelle bottom forming the support for the sample.

10. Device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, in which: - the exposure module extends through a lumen (103') formed in the cover (103); - the emitter (112) is held in suspension, in the container, by the cover.

11. Device according to any one of claims 7 to 10, comprising a waterproof housing (115), the transmitter (112) being arranged in the waterproof housing.

12. Device according to claim 10 or claim 11, comprising an adjustment means (120) of a lesser length (Linf ) corresponding to a distance between the transmitter (112) and the cover (103).

13. A device according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the heat sink comprises a thermal conductor (113a), extending from the emitter, through the cover, to a cooling element (113b).

14. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each container has a volume of between 0.1 L and 10 L.

15. A method of exposing a sample (S) to a millimeter electromagnetic wave, the method comprising: a. arranging the sample on the support (11f, 116f) of a device according to any one of the preceding claims; b. activating the emitter (12, 112), so as to expose the sample to the millimeter electromagnetic wave.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein - the device is a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6; - at least one container (11) comprises a cell culture medium; - the sample (S) is formed of fibroblast cells, extending at the bottom of the container (11f), the bottom of the container forming the support for the sample.

17. Method according to claim 15, wherein - the device is a device (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 13; - at least one container (111) comprises a cell culture medium; - the sample is formed of skin, extending on the support (116f) arranged inside the container.

Images