Cellply S.r.l.

Mindseeds Laboratories S.r.l.

Massimo Bocchi

Roberto Guerrieri

Laura Rocchi

Nicola Pecorari

Andrea Faenza

Dario Biscarini

A method for analysis of biological samples, implemented in a reversed open microwell system which includes an array of open microwells, a microchannel, an input port for reagents and/or biological samples and an output port. The ports are in microfluidic communication with the microchannel. The microchannel has a cross-section area of micrometric dimensions and provides fluid to the microwells. The microwell system is inserted in an automated management system that includes: an incubator at controlled temperature, humidity and CO2, fluid dispensing system, phase-contrast and fluorescence image acquisition. A kit introduces fluids in a microfluidic device that includes a tip. A microfluidic device and system include a microchannel and an input region having a vertical channel. The tip and the vertical channel are dimensioned to produce an interference coupling. A discharge region includes: a discharge container connected with the microfluidic device through a discharge channel and an output port.

Screening kit and method

Methods and systems for rapid and efficient screening of monoclonal antibodies and antibody-secreting cells, and particularly of single antibody-secreting cells, for both primary and functional characteristics, and particularly cell to cell interactions, in a microfluidic system, in particular an inverted open microwell system, where the particle(s) is not bound to a substrate.

Rapid screening of monoclonal antibodies

Methods are provided for the large-scale high-content analysis of biological samples. In some embodiments, the methods are implemented in a reversed open microwell system that includes an array of open microwells, at least one microchannel, at least one input port and at least one output port. In certain embodiments, the reversed open microwell system can be inserted in an automated management system which includes an incubator at controlled temperature, humidity and CO2 levels, a fluid dispensing system, and is capable of phase-contrast and fluorescence image acquisition. Also provided are kits for introducing fluids into a microfluidic device, and systems for discharging one or more fluids in a microfluidic device.

An inverted microwell provides rapid and efficient microanalysis system and method for screening of biological particles, particularly functional analysis of cells on a single cell basis. The use of an inverted open microwell system permits identification of particles, cells, and biomolecules that may be combined to produce a desired functional effect also functional screening of secreted antibody therapeutic activity as well as the potential to recover cells and fluid, and optionally expand cells, such as antibody secreting cells, within the same microwell.

Microanalysis of cellular function

An inverted microwell () provides rapid and efficient microanalysis system () and method for screening of biological particles (), particularly functional analysis of cells on a single cell basis. The use of an inverted open microwell system () permits identification of particles, cells, and biomolecules that may be combined to produce a desired functional effect also functional screening of secreted antibody therapeutic activity as well as the potential to recover cells and fluid, and optionally expand cells, such as antibody secreting cells, within the same microwell.

A well, in particular an open well () with an upper end having a vertical axis (), for containing a liquid and particles contained within said liquid, characterized by comprising at least two manipulation electrodes () able to be powered by electrical voltages, in particular alternating electrical voltages, so as to manoeuvre particles within the well by means of the dielectrophoretic effect. A platform comprising a plurality of wells as described above and a method for using said well.

Growing community of inventors

Sasso Marconi, Italy

Massimo Bocchi