A Miniaturized, Self-contained, Portable Cell Culture System for Storing and Growing Cells
1. Portable;2. Small size;3. Cost-effective;4. Easy to manufacture;5. Adapted from existing methods;6. Reduction of energy costs; and,7. Minimal handling required.
The invention may comprise the cell storage unit of biological sensors involving live cells for detection of toxic and non-toxic chemical and biological agents (e.g., cytosensors) in the following context: 1. Bioterrorism; Quality monitoring control of ecosystems (water, air, soil);Cytotoxicity assays including drug testing in the pharmaceutical industry;Forensic studies; and,Epidemic outbreak due to deadly viruses. 2. The invention may further be used in transferring cells for clinical cellular transplantation: Transfer of effector immune cells in adoptive immunization (e.g. lymphocytes);Transplantation of purified cells (e.g., purified pancreatic B-cells in Type I diabetes) to replace disease associated loss of function;Transplantation of human stem cells; and, 3. High-throughput cellular screening.
Researchers at UCLA have identified a novel and unrealized feature in the conventional cell culture system whereby such feature may be exploited to adapt simple existing technologies to form a portable apparatus for storing and growing cells. The present invention is a completely self-contained cell culture system wherein a cell culture may be viably stored frozen for extended periods, then incubated and grown when required, utilizing only constituents within the self-contained system. The apparatus may be adapted for culturing of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and can be made in different sizes. A palm-size prototype has thus far been generated.
Patent Number: US7691626B2
Application Number: US2003579952A
Inventor: McCabe, Edward R. B. | Bhardwaj, Urvashi | Rangwala, Zakir | Zhang, Yao Hua
Priority Date: 21 Nov 2003
Priority Number: US7691626B2
Application Date: 22 May 2006
Publication Date: 6 Apr 2010
IPC Current: A01N000100 | A01N000102 | C12M000100 | C12M000300
US Class: 4353071 | 0620033 | 062062 | 062064 | 062371 | 4350011 | 4350012 | 4350013 | 435260 | 4353051 | 4353052 | 435373
Assignee Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
Title: Self-contained cell culture apparatus and method of use
Usefulness: Self-contained cell culture apparatus and method of use
Summary: (I) is useful for growing cells which involves reviving cells for culturing in the presence of a cryoprotectant in (I), where the cells are diluted in a growth medium, such that cell viability is maintained. The cryoprotectant is DMSO present in an amount of less than 2 % by volume based on total volume of cells and media. (I) is useful for transporting cells (e.g. islet cells) from a distribution site to a site, where a transplant takes place, which involves transporting (I) at a temperature suitable for maintaining cell viability to a site, and reviving the cells in the vessel, at a transplant site. The temperature suitable for maintaining cell viability is chosen from minus 80 °C, minus 20 °C and 4 °C (claimed). (I) is useful in therapeutic applications.
Novelty: Kit useful for growing cells, consists of culture vessel, cells and cryoprotectant disposed in cell reservoir, liquid cell culture media and gas disposed in gas reservoir
Biomedical
DNA/Gene Engineering
7691626
State Of Development The researchers have generated a prototype of the invention and have demonstrated that cells from a particular cell line remained viable and functional after being frozen in the apparatus for more than a year. The Researchers will continue work to: 1. Improve the apparatus and the conditions within the cell culture system to prolong the time, which these cells may be frozen; 2. Demonstrate that other cell lines have similar viability durations; and, 3. Explore additional applications for the invention. Background In vitro cell culture systems have provided researchers the appropriate tool for effectively studying cell growth and differentiation, understanding cellular response to specific environmental stimuli, and last but not least, elucidating the function of heterologous biological molecules produced from expression systems. All in vitro cell culture systems require a culture media formulated to the nutritional and metabolic requirements of the particular cell type to be cultured. However, the complexity of these systems varies depending on the model organism being cultured (bacteria, plants, yeast, and animal). Unlike bacteria and yeast, animal cell cultures require sophisticated auxiliary technologies (e.g., controlled air and pressure flow system, specialized facilities and equipment) and careful handling by trained personnel. These complex requirements post a limitation to transferring cells to and from remote field locations for investigation. Furthermore, this limitation is a technical hurdle in the development of technologies involving use of live cells (e.g., cytosensors). Tech ID/UC Case 20308/2003-346-0 Related Cases 2003-346-0
USA
