Patent ID: 7482152
Filing Date: 2009-01-27
Classification: C12N

Abstract:
1. A device for the microencapsulation of cells, the device comprising: a first chamber for containing a cell-solution suspension; a plate covering one end of the first chamber, the plate having a plurality of apertures; a second chamber for receiving encapsulated cells, the second chamber being separated from the first chamber by the plate; wherein the plurality of apertures in the plate are sized and configured to encapsulate cells from the first chamber when the cells pass from the first chamber through the plurality of apertures and into the second chamber when pressure is applied to the cell-solution suspension wherein the plurality of apertures comprises between about 3000 to about 5000 apertures. each aperture comprising a tapered inlet, the inlet having a cross-sectional diameter of about 0.5 mm at an end adjacent the first chamber; and outlet having a cross-sectional diameter of about 0.5 mm at an end adjacent the second chamber, and the inlet and outlet being connected by a channel portion having a cross-sectional diameter of between about 50 μm and about 500 μm; wherein and the plate and the plurality of apertures are formed as a single unitary member.