Antimony L Gerhardt

US Patent:

20060128006, Jun 15, 2006

Filed:

Jun 7, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/146581

Inventors:

Antimony Gerhardt - Springfield LA, US
Gwendolyn Gerhardt - Springfield LA, US
Rebecca Maxwell - Newton NJ, US
Joel Voldman - Somerville MA, US
Martha Gray - Arlington MA, US
Martin Schmidt - Reading MA, US
Mehmet Toner - Wellesley MA, US

International Classification:

H01L 21/00
C12M 1/34

US Classification:

435287100, 438001000

Abstract:

A cell analysis and sorting apparatus is capable of monitoring over time the behavior of each cell in a large population of cells. The cell analysis and sorting apparatus contains individually addressable cell locations. Each location is capable of capturing and holding a specified number of cells, and selectively releasing that specified number of cells from that particular location. In one aspect of the invention, the cells are captured and held in wells, and released using vapor bubbles as a means of cell actuation. Disclosed are: a cell manipulation apparatus design; various resistive heater configurations for nucleating microbubbles; various well designs, each in communication with a nucleation chamber or channel, for capturing a specified number of cells; and methods of fabrication and cell population manipulation.