3D Cell Culture Mesh Device for Microscopy and Contamination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D cell culture methods face challenges such as difficulty in changing media without losing cells, contamination risks, and interference with light microscopy due to mesh materials in existing devices, particularly when using gelatinous extracts like those from Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm mouse sarcomas.
Innovation Solution
A device with a mesh inserted into a plate and a non-permeable cover around it allows lateral contact between matrices, facilitating faster gas and nutrient exchange, minimizing manipulation steps, and reducing contamination risks, while the mesh design does not obstruct light sources, enabling efficient 3D cell culture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a mesh is placed at the bottom of a well in conventional devices, then cell culture is enabled, but light microscopy is obstructed by the mesh material
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh is repositioned from a horizontal placement at the bottom of the well to a vertical insertion configuration, where it extends upward from the bottom surface. This dimensional change allows light to pass through the well bottom unobstructed while the mesh remains functional for cell culture support.
2Quantity of substance
If gelatinous extract is used in medium changes, then cell culture nutrition is improved, but cell loss occurs due to semi-solid nature being sucked into pipette
Solution Approach 1:
The gelatinous extract containing cells is extracted from the well using a pipette, and the extract is then transferred to a new well. This separation of the gelatinous matrix from the original well environment eliminates the problem of the semi-solid material being sucked into the pipette while maintaining cell viability and nutritional benefits.
3Reliability
If frequent medium changes are performed, then cell nutrition is improved, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gelatinous extract with cells is prepared and transferred to a new well in advance, creating a fresh culture environment. This preliminary action allows for extended culture periods without frequent interventions, reducing contamination opportunities while maintaining cell nutrition through the pre-prepared gelatinous matrix.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces cell loss during medium changes, minimizes contamination, and allows clear imaging of cells without mesh interference, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of 3D cell culture processes.
Implementation Method 1
The mesh may define pores that have an average pore size in a range from 10 micrometers to 100 micrometers... allows faster exchange of nutrients and gases between matrices M1 and M2
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to devices for three dimensional culture of cells in a matrix (M1) which comprise at least one mesh inserted in at least one plate and at least one cover (C1) around the at least one mesh; which can be fluid non-permeable. Furthermore, the present invention relates to methods for three dimensional culture of cells in a matrix (M1), which comprise installing at least one of the at least one mesh in at least one of the at least one plate.