Multi-chamber fluidic platform for versatile cell culture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cell culture devices cannot simultaneously accommodate multiple cell/tissue types in a format-agnostic manner with controlled fluid flow between chambers, within the dimensions of a standard microplate, compatible with common laboratory hardware.
Innovation Solution
The development of tissue culture systems with multiple fluidically-coupled chamber volumes, incorporating pumps and microfluidic channels to regulate media flow between chambers, allowing for the culture of multiple related cell/tissue types within standard microplate dimensions, and enabling integration with existing laboratory instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cell/tissue types are cultured simultaneously in separate chambers, then the ability to study in-vivo-like interactions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple independent chambers (first chamber, second chamber, third chamber) that can be separately configured for different cell or tissue types. Each chamber has its own culture media volume and can be independently sealed, allowing simultaneous cultivation of multiple biological samples with different requirements while maintaining individual control over each chamber's environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses a universal sealing mechanism (seal member) that can seal multiple chamber types (first, second, and third chambers) with different configurations. The seal member is designed to work with various chamber geometries and port arrangements, providing a multi-functional sealing solution that accommodates diverse cell culture formats within a single device platform.
2Reliability
If fluid flow is controlled between chambers using pumps and channels, then the ability to regulate media flow and prevent cell movement is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A seal member acts as an intermediary component that selectively connects chambers through defined pathways. The seal member contains sealed ports and internal channels that mediate fluid flow between chambers, allowing controlled media exchange while preventing direct cell migration. This intermediary structure provides reliable flow control without requiring complex external pumping systems for each chamber connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The function of controlling media flow and preventing cell movement is extracted from the chamber walls themselves and implemented through dedicated seal members with integrated flow control features. The seal members contain embedded channels and filters that perform the flow regulation function separately from the chamber structures, simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining reliable control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device is designed within standard microplate dimensions, then compatibility with common laboratory hardware is improved, but the volume available for each chamber is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes the vertical dimension (height) of the microplate format to accommodate multiple chambers. By stacking chambers vertically and using the Z-axis space efficiently, the design fits within standard microplate footprint dimensions while providing sufficient volume in each chamber. The seal member and channel architecture are arranged to optimize vertical space utilization, allowing multiple culture compartments without exceeding standard plate outer dimensions.
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
These systems facilitate dynamic and in-vivo-like culture conditions by enabling fluidic communication between multiple tissue constructs, mimicking in vivo interactions, and are compatible with standard laboratory automation, allowing for the simultaneous culture and analysis of multiple cell populations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pump enclosed within the enclosed volume, wherein the at least one pump facilitates the flow of media between the plurality of chambers and regulates a directionality of the flow of media between the plurality of chambers
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of channels enclosed within the enclosed volume and connecting the plurality of chambers to allow flow of media therebetween
Implementation Method 3
each of the culture chambers comprises an inlet port and an outlet port each configured to allow the flow of media between the culture chambers while preventing movement of the cells between the culture chambers
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are systems comprising multiple fluidically-coupled chamber volumes. In particular, provided herein are cell culture systems that incorporate fluid flow between multiple cell culture volumes, and method of use thereof for the culture of multiple related cell/tissue types.