Multilayer Stackable Tissue Culture Platform for 3D Co-Culture

Invention Summary:

In a native tissue inside an animal, different types of cells co-exist and communicate with one another through the surrounding microenvironment using chemical and mechanical signaling. The lack of technology to recreate such a microenvironment in in vitro models results in either under or over prediction of results using conventional two-dimensional (2D) in vitro cell culture systems.

Researchers at Rutgers have developed a simple device for 3D co-culture. Unlike conventional tissue culture inserts for co-culturing cell types in two or three separate compartments, this device enables co-culturing of cells in multiple layers. The unique design allows easy assembly and handling. Spacing between layers can be customized.

Market Applications:

• Co-culturing of cells in multiple layers
• Co-culturing system for drug discovering/testing
• Research tool for studying cell-cell communication
• Tissue engineering

Advantages:

• Easy assembly and handling
• Flexibility of stacking multiple layers
• Adjustable spacing between individual layers

Intellectual Property & Development Status:

Patent pending. Available for licensing and/or research collaboration.