EP0324153A2
Expired / Lapsed
EP
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Electrofusion cell and method of making the same
Assignee: EIDP Inc
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Filing: 1988-12-23
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2008-12-23
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus and method of use is provided for the fusion of differing cell types into hybrid cells through the use of electrofusion. The apparatus consists of thin-film electrodes (12) etched onto an optically clear lower plate (10), a channel defined at its boundaries by a photopolymer material laminated between the lower plate (10) and an upper optically clear top plate (24) providing closure of the channel as well as entry for the cells through the use of integral Luer ports (26). The apparatus may be produced, with minor adjustment, by using phototools.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard Terry Root
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 23:14
CPC Classifications
C; C12; C12M; C12M35/00; C12M35/02; C12N; C12N13/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
90 words
An apparatus for fusing cells comprising: a laminate formed by a first planar member, a grid of opposed interdigitated electrodes coated on the first member, a second planar member, a photopolymer, that is resistant to water, having a high dielectric, sandwiched between the first and second members, the photopolymer and members defining a cavity encompassing at least a portion of the opposed electrodes, means for applying electrical signals to the electrodes, and means in the second member defining a pair of ports for admitting liquids and cells to the chamber.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
90 words
An apparatus for fusing cells comprising: a laminate formed by a first planar member, a grid of opposed interdigitated electrodes coated on the first member, a second planar member, a photopolymer, that is resistant to water, having a high dielectric, sandwiched between the first and second members, the photopolymer and members defining a cavity encompassing at least a portion of the opposed electrodes, means for applying electrical signals to the electrodes, and means in the second member defining a pair of ports for admitting liquids and cells to the chamber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the photopolymer is sheetlike, has low leachability to chemicals toxic to living cells, and has a thickness in range of about 0.01 to about 0.02 cm.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the photopolymer has a thickness of about 0.015 cm.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the photopolymer is comprised of two sheetlike layers, each defining the cavity.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the one layer adjacent the first member is developed.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the other layer adjacent the second member is undeveloped and secures the one layer and second member together.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the other layer adjacent the second member is developed.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the photopolymer is comprised of two sheetlike layers, each defining the cavity.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the one layer adjacent the first member is developed.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the other layer adjacent the second member is undeveloped and secures the one layer and second member together.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
10 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the electrodes are chromium.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the electrodes are a mixture of the oxides of indium and tin.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first member is glass.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the first member is glass.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second member is polycarbonate.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the first member is glass.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
240 words
A method of constructing an apparatus for fusing eucaryotic cells comprising: selecting a glass plate coated with an electrically conducting material not toxic to the cells, laminating the coating with a negative photopolymer, exposing the photopolymer with ultraviolet light through a phototool defining a a negative of the pattern of the desired electrode array, developing the photopolymer leaving the desired pattern on the material array covered with polymer, etching away the exposed conducting material, removing the remaining photopolymer, leaving a desired interdigitated electrode array, laminating the glass plate and electrode array with a negative photopolymer, masking a portion of the photopolymer in the region of the electrode array, exposing the photopolymer with a phototool, developing the photopolymer to define a cavity in the region of the electrode array, selecting a two surface polycarbonate sheet with protective plastic film on each surface, removing the plastic film from one surface and laminating it with second negative photopolymer, having a protective film on the exposed surface, removing a portion of the protective film from the exposed surface of the second photopolymer in an area corresponding to the area of the cavity, developing the second photopolymer to remove material from the exposed area, removing the remainder of the protective film from the second photopolymer, forming two holes in the polycarbonate to facilitate access to the chamber, and laminating the polycarbonate sheet and second photopolymer to the first photopolymer with the cavity areas in alignment.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
240 words
A method of constructing an apparatus for fusing eucaryotic cells comprising: selecting a glass plate coated with an electrically conducting material not toxic to the cells, laminating the coating with a negative photopolymer, exposing the photopolymer with ultraviolet light through a phototool defining a a negative of the pattern of the desired electrode array, developing the photopolymer leaving the desired pattern on the material array covered with polymer, etching away the exposed conducting material, removing the remaining photopolymer, leaving a desired interdigitated electrode array, laminating the glass plate and electrode array with a negative photopolymer, masking a portion of the photopolymer in the region of the electrode array, exposing the photopolymer with a phototool, developing the photopolymer to define a cavity in the region of the electrode array, selecting a two surface polycarbonate sheet with protective plastic film on each surface, removing the plastic film from one surface and laminating it with second negative photopolymer, having a protective film on the exposed surface, removing a portion of the protective film from the exposed surface of the second photopolymer in an area corresponding to the area of the cavity, developing the second photopolymer to remove material from the exposed area, removing the remainder of the protective film from the second photopolymer, forming two holes in the polycarbonate to facilitate access to the chamber, and laminating the polycarbonate sheet and second photopolymer to the first photopolymer with the cavity areas in alignment.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 17 which includes the step of masking the exposed surfaces of the second photopolymer regions of the cavity area, and exposing the exposed surface of the second photopolymer to ultraviolet radiation before development.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
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