Device and Method for Measuring Cell Properties

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a device and method for measuring the properties of cells or vesicles using a specialized chamber divided by a hydrophobic partition with a horizontal opening that is sealed by a lipid bilayer. Cells or vesicles are brought into contact with this bilayer, enabling both electrical (electrophysiological) and optical analysis of their membranes. The system is designed to be easily automated and miniaturized, allowing for high-throughput screening of cell properties, which is valuable for pharmaceutical and biomedical research.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• High-throughput screening of drug interactions with cell membranes in pharmaceutical research.
• Simultaneous electrical and optical analysis of cells, organelles, vesicles, or synthetic liposomes for research into membrane proteins.
• Automated electrophysiological measurements for testing ion channel activity or transport properties in various cell types.
• Optical/electrical characterization of artificial vesicles (liposomes, proteoliposomes) for use in synthetic biology and biotechnology.
• Quality control and basic research in cell physiology, toxicology, or membrane biophysics.
• Screening new compounds for effects on cell membrane transporters or receptors in the early stages of drug development.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables simultaneous electrical and optical measurements, improving data richness and efficiency.
• The solution is well suited for automation and parallelization, making large-scale, high-throughput experiments possible.
• Does not require complex positioning or sealing steps, unlike traditional patch clamp methods, reducing operator error and variability.
• Device components can be manufactured cost-effectively (e.g., with polymers) and in standard formats (e.g., microtitration plates), promoting scalability and disposable use.
• Stable sealing resistance is achieved spontaneously, ensuring reliable and reproducible measurements.
• Design supports both electrical and optical access, permitting comprehensive analysis of cell or membrane properties in real time.
• Reduces costs and complexity compared to prior art, enhancing feasibility for routine and commercial applications.

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a measuring device for measuring at least one property of cells or vesicles, characterized in that is divided into two chambers by a hydrophobic partition having a horizontal opening, these chambers containing electrolyte solution and said opening being closed by a lipid double layer. The invention is characterized in that at least one cell or vesicle contacts the lipid double layer. The invention also relates to methods involving the use of the measuring device and to arrays, measuring chambers and microtitration plates all suited therefor.