Device for cell co-culture and method for its use in culturing cells

Abstract

A two piece co-culture device having receptacles for containing fluid on two sides of a porous membrane includes an insert with a passageway therethrough with a longitudinal axis. The insert has a first end, a second end and a sidewall, the second end has an outside diameter and a porous membrane with a first side and a second side bonded thereover substantially perpendicular to the axis. The membrane closes the second end of the insert forming a a first receptacle for containing fluid on the first side of the porous membrane within the insert that is open to the first end. The first end has a flange extending outwardly from at least a portion of the sidewall substantially perpendicular to the axis for suspending the insert in a well. The device also includes an adapter for forming a second receptacle for containing fluid on the second side of the porous membrane. The adapter has an open end, an insert end and a passage with a longitudinal axis extending therethrough. The passage through the adapter has an inside diameter at the insert end sized to accept the outside diameter of the second end of the insert when the insert end of the adapter is coaxially releasably mounted on the second end of said insert. The second end of the insert is fit within the adapter to close the passage and form the second receptacle on the second side of the porous membrane that is open toward the open end of the adapter.