Download High Throughput Drug Screening Device using Ultrasonic Energy

High Throughput Drug Screening Device
using Ultrasonic Energy
Novel Ultrasound Standing Wave Trap (USWT) technology allows rapid,
reliable and reproducible generation of uniformly shaped and sized 3D
aggregates that retain cell-specific properties- this enables more accurate
results from drug screening of 3D cultures.
Basic overview
Possible Applications
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 is very easy to use and has the potential of
becoming a standard tool for life-science companies.
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.
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’.
Top image: Schematic representation of USWT (front and back); the trap
can be placed on a microscopic stage for continuous monitoring.
Bottom image: Schmatic of cell aggregation in a single half-wavelength
USWT. All cells aggregate at the nodal plane.
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
Researchers:
Contact:
Micrograph of the Filamentous (F)-actin cytoskeleton of a prostate
cancer cell aggregate that has been formed in the 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.
Dr. Despina Bazou
Brendan Ring, Commercialisation Manager, CRANN Institute
[email protected]
http://www.crann.tcd.ie/index/AvailableTechnologies