Invention Summary:
In a native tissue inside an animal, different types of cells co-exist and communicate with one another through the surrounding microenvironment using chemical and mechanical signaling. The lack of technology to recreate such a microenvironment in in vitro models results in either under or over prediction of results using conventional two-dimensional (2D) in vitro cell culture systems.
Researchers at Rutgers have developed a simple device for 3D co-culture. Unlike conventional tissue culture inserts for co-culturing cell types in two or three separate compartments, this device enables co-culturing of cells in multiple layers. The unique design allows easy assembly and handling. Spacing between layers can be customized.
Market Applications:
- Co-culturing of cells in multiple layers
- Co-culturing system for drug discovering/testing
- Research tool for studying cell-cell communication
- Tissue engineering
Advantages:
- Easy assembly and handling
- Flexibility of stacking multiple layers
- Adjustable spacing between individual layers
Intellectual Property & Development Status:
Patent pending. Available for licensing and/or research collaboration.
