THREE-DIMENSIONAL CULTURE DEVICE AND METHODS FOR DYNAMIC CULTURE OF CELL AGGREGATES

摘要

The subject invention concerns materials and methods for culture of cell aggregates. The subject invention utilizes three-dimensional (3-D) inserts comprising micro-channels having selected dimensions. The inserts are provided in or on tissue culture plates that can be supported on a programmable rocking platform/station, thereby providing for a hydrodynamic environment that promotes 3-D aggregation of cells cultured on the plates. In one embodiment, one or more micro-channels are provided in a 3-D insert that can be provided in or placed within the tissue culture plate. Cells are placed in the micro-channels of the inserts in the tissue culture plates that comprise a suitable cell growth medium for the particular type of cell. The supporting rocker is programmed to provide motion that generates hydrodynamic conditions that support 3-D cell aggregation and long-term culture. Aggregated cells can be harvested and isolated from the micro-channels of the 3-D inserts in the tissue culture plate at suitable times. The subject invention also concerns an apparatus comprising a tissue culture vessel that comprises a 3-D insert of the present invention, and a programmable rocking platform/station that can provide motion to the vessel provided thereon, thereby generating hydrodynamic conditions and wave motion that support 3-D cell aggregation and cell culture. The subject invention also concerns methods for growing 3-D aggregates of cells. Methods of the invention comprise culturing cells in a micro-channel of a 3-D insert of the invention provided in or as part of a tissue culture vessel or the well of a tissue culture vessel.