Hemoshear, LLC

Brett R Blackman

Brian R Wamhoff

Michael B Simmers

Ryan E Feaver

Ajit Dash

Robert Alan Figler

Daniel G Gioeli

Brian R Warnhoff

Robert A Figler

The present invention generally relates to in vitro methods for mimicking in vivo pathological or physiologic conditions. The methods comprise applying shear forces to a cell type or cell type plated on a surface within a cell culture container. Methods for testing drugs or compounds in such systems are also described.

In vitro model for pathological or physiologic conditions

Methods for mimicking a tumor microenvironment in vitro are provided. The methods comprise indirectly applying a shear stress upon at least one tumor cell type plated on a surface within a cell culture container. Methods for mimicking tumor metastasis and methods for testing drugs or compounds in such systems are also provided.

In vitro model for a tumor microenvironment

Methods and devices for applying hemodynamic patterns to human/animal cells in culture are described. Hemodynamic flow patterns are measured directly from the human circulation and translated to a motor that controls the rotation of a cone. The cone is submerged in fluid (i.e., cell culture media) and brought into close proximity to the cells. Rotation of the cone creates time-varying shear stresses. This model closely mimics the physiological hemodynamic forces imparted on endothelial cells in vivo. A TRANSWELL coculture dish (i.e., a coculture dish comprising an artificial porous membrane) may be incorporated, permitting two, three, or more different cell types to be physically separated within the culture dish environment. In-flow and out-flow tubing may be used to supply media, drugs, etc. separately and independently to both the inner and outer chambers. The physical separation of the cell types permits each cell type to be separately isolated for analysis.

Use of an in vitro hemodynamic endothelial/smooth muscle cell co-culture model to identify new therapeutic targets for vascular disease

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Charlottesville, VA, United States of America

Brett R Blackman