Apparatuses for and methods of processing cells and related structures

Abstract

Apparatus for processing life-based organic particles, including particles selected from the list comprising cells, cellular spheroids, tissues, eukaryotes, micro-organisms, organs or embryos, comprises a hollow volume () that (a) is internally divided into at least first (), second () and third () sub-volumes by at least two phaseguides () formed inside the volume and (b) includes parts that are relatively upstream and relatively downstream when judged with reference to the movement of a meniscus or a bulk liquid in the volume (). The apparatus includes at least first, second and third fluid conduits () connected to permit fluid communication between the upstream exterior of the volume () and a respective said sub-volume (); and at least one further conduit () connected to permit fluid communication between the downstream exterior of the volume () and a said sub-volume. The first sub-volume () contains one or more life-based particles supported in or by a gel or gel-like substance; and the second sub-volume () communicates with the first sub-volume so as to permit transport of substances between the first and second sub-volumes () and contains at least one gel or gel-like substance.