Lateral Flow Microtiter Plate for Multi-Organ Drug Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microtiter plate systems for in vitro testing are limited by restricted multi-organ effect evaluation due to single cell/tissue type per well, and existing microfluidic systems are prone to contamination and incompatible with standard laboratory equipment.
Innovation Solution
Modified microtiter plates with open channels fluidly coupling adjacent wells for unilateral fluid flow, allowing simulation of blood flow between organs and compatibility with standard laboratory equipment through the use of pumps for tissue culture media distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If microfluidic systems with pumps are used to drive unilateral flow of tissue culture media, then the simulation of blood flow and multi-organ effect evaluation is improved, but the system becomes prone to contamination and incompatible with standard laboratory equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the microtiter plate into multiple independent flow paths, with each row containing multiple wells that can be individually connected to simulate different organ systems. This segmentation allows parallel testing of multiple organ combinations while maintaining compatibility with standard 96-well plate formats and reducing cross-contamination between experiments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a lid assembly with integrated flow distribution manifolds that act as an intermediary between the pump system and the wells. This intermediary component distributes media uniformly across multiple wells while maintaining a closed system that prevents contamination and interfaces with standard laboratory equipment
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional microtiter plates with single cell/tissue type per well are used, then the simplicity and compatibility with standard equipment is maintained, but the ability to evaluate multi-organ effects is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The microtiter plate is designed with universal flow distribution channels that can accommodate multiple cell types and organ models within the same plate format. The standardized well connections allow the same physical platform to simulate various organ systems (liver, kidney, heart, lung) by simply changing the cell cultures used in different wells, maintaining compatibility with existing equipment while enabling multi-organ evaluation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from vertical flow (single well) to lateral flow across multiple adjacent wells within the same plate. This dimensional change allows media to flow horizontally through connected wells, enabling the simulation of blood flow pathways between different organs while maintaining the compact 96-well format and compatibility with standard incubators and readers
3Speed
If pumps are used to drive tissue culture media flow, then unilateral flow and blood flow simulation are achieved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow distribution lid assembly incorporates passive flow distribution features that utilize the pump's output pressure to automatically distribute media to multiple wells without requiring additional active components in each well. The gravity-assisted lateral flow channels enable media to move between wells using pressure gradients alone, eliminating the need for multiple individual pumps or complex active flow control systems
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
Enables efficient assessment of drug efficacy and toxicant effects across multiple organ types while maintaining compatibility with standard laboratory analysis, simulating in vivo conditions and improving throughput.
Implementation Method 1
a pump fluidly coupled to the inlet for pumping tissue culture media across a plurality of wells
Data Source
AI summary
A microtiter plate for flow of fluid across a plurality of wells is provided, including a base; a plurality of wells disposed on the base in a plurality of rows, wherein each well is fluidly coupled to each adjacent well within a row of wells; an inlet fluidly coupled to a first well in a row of wells; and an outlet fluidly coupled to a last well in a row of wells; wherein the microtiter plate is configured such that fluid injected through the inlet flows from the first well to the last well and is ejected through the outlet. Systems it microtiter plates and a pump and/or exhaust tube are also provided.