US 6,982,171 B2
Cell motility and chemotaxis test device and methods of using same
Enoch Kim, Boston, Mass. (US); Gregory Kirk, Winchester, Mass. (US); Matthew Brown, Brighton, Mass. (US); and Emanuele Ostuni, Watertown, Mass. (US)
Assigned to Surface Logix, Inc., Brighton, Mass. (US)
Filed on Mar. 12, 2003, as Appl. No. 10/385,657.
Application 10/385657 is a continuation in part of application No. 10/097351, filed on Mar. 15, 2002.
Application 10/097351 is a continuation in part of application No. 10/097329, filed on Mar. 15, 2002.
Application 10/097329 is a continuation in part of application No. 10/097322, filed on Mar. 15, 2002, granted, now 6,811,968.
Application 10/097322 is a continuation in part of application No. 10/097306, filed on Mar. 15, 2002.
Application 10/097306 is a continuation in part of application No. 10/097304, filed on Mar. 15, 2002, granted, now 6,818,403.
Application 10/097304 is a continuation in part of application No. 10/097302, filed on Mar. 15, 2002.
Claims priority of provisional application 60/374783, filed on Apr. 24, 2002.
Claims priority of provisional application 60/383354, filed on Mar. 12, 2002.
Prior Publication US 2004/0002131 A1, Jan. 01, 2004
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. C12N 5/08 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 435—366 18 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of monitoring chemotaxis or chemoinvasion comprising: providing a device for monitoring chemotaxis having:
a support member;
a top member mounted to the support member having an upper surface and a lower surface, such that there is substantially fluid-tight conformal contact between the entire lower surface of the top member with the support member, wherein the support member and the top member are configured such that they together define a discrete assay chamber including:
a first well region including at least one first well, the at least one first well being configured to receive monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1) therein;
a second well region including at least one second well horizontally offset with respect to the first well region in a test orientation of the device, the at least one second well being configured to receive a first sample comprising human monocytoid (THP-1) cells therein; and
a channel region including at least one channel connecting the first well region and the second well region;
placing the MCP-1 in the at least one first well;
forming a MCP-1 concentration gradient along a longitudinal axis of the chamber;
placing a first sample comprising THP-1 cells in the at least one second well; and monitoring chemotaxis of the THP-1 cells.