Drug Screening Device

About

Overview It is widely recognised that there is an increasing need to develop strategies for the scale up of cell and tissue culture to meet predicted demands. In response, there is current interest in the use of automated cell and tissue culture systems, the success of which is critically dependent on monitoring and control strategies. The USWT, developed by CRANN researchers, meets demand for a cell culture system in which cells can be manipulated to aggregate whilst suspended in solution within the chamber. This allows in vitro drug analysis to be performed using physiologically authentic cellular matrices. The USWT technology has potential as a platform technology suitable for application to generic cell culture formats in a €500 million worldwide market. What Problem Does it Solve & Advantages Current technologies not suitable for a standardised, rapid and large-scale production of 3D aggregates in a format needed for high-throughput assays. CRANN technology can: • Deliver up to 1152 3D cell aggregates in just 60 minutes, thus minimising long cell cultures times • All processes take place in-situ, thus minimising unnecessary handling of aggregates • Requires no additional consumables, hence providing a cost effective solution • Is non-cell type specific, any cell type can be employed Possible Applications The USWT is very easy to use and has the potential of becoming a standard tool for life-science companies. Applications for this technology can be found in: • Drug discovery and drug toxicology •Cancer research •Tissue engineering •Stem cell research Technology and Patent Status The ultrasound trap has three essential features: a transducer in a housing of radial symmetry, an aqueous phase and a reflector that provides optical access from above. The suitability of the ultrasound standing waves for cell aggregation is outlined below: I. Cells in a USWT are levitated in suspension, free of substratum interactions which are known to affect cell properties and gene expression. II. Mechanically robust and manipulable cell aggregates are formed within 5 minutes in the trap. III. The trap offers the possibilities to investigate interactions between different cell types (heterotypic cell aggregates). IV. A patent has been filed on this technology. (TCD Ref: S2010/0526) concerning ‘Tumour cell-induced platelet aggregation (TCIPA) using USWT’. The Opportunity The global market for 3D cell culture products in 2010 is estimated at around $30 million, highlighting the increasing need to develop strategies for efficient and high-throughput 3D cell culture to meet the growing demand of various Bio-research areas. This technology is currently in prototype development and we believe that the USWT is suitable for a high value add drug screening spinout company. Please contact us if you are interested in forming or becoming part of a team to develop and commercialise this exciting, high growth potential technology.