Stem Cell Related Patent Number US6197575

Vascularized perfused microtissue/micro-organ arrays

Griffith, Linda G.; Cambridge, MA, USA
Tannenbaum, Steven; Framingham, MA, USA
Powers, Mark J.; Cambridge, MA, USA
Domansky, Karel; Cambridge, MA, USA
Thompson, Charles D.; Cambridge, MA, USA

Described herein is a novel apparatus comprised of microtissue/micro-organ arrays, methods and uses thereof. The invention relates to a system comprised of a micromatrix and perfusion assembly suitable for the seeding and attachment of cells within the matrix and for morphogenesis of seeded cells into complex, hierarchical tissue or organ structures. Further disclosed are properties of the matrix including channels or vessels through which the culture medium, oxygen, or other nutrient or body fluids may be perfused while controlling gradients of nutrients and exogenous metabolites throughout the perfusion path independently of the perfusion rate. Also provided is a sensor for detecting changes in either cells within the matrix or in materials exposed to the cells. Methods of constructing the micromatrices are disclosed, as are methods of seeding with a mixture of cells including endothelial cells in order to form blood vessels along the channels, and at least one type of parenchymal cell such as hepatocytes or pancreatic cells. Multiple embodiments of the invention are provided, as are multiple applications which include the use of such an apparatus in assaying compounds for their effects on cells and the effects of cells on the compounds.

Application Number: US1999000272227

Date Filed: 03/18/99

Dated Published: 03/06/01

Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA