Patent ID: 7435578

Claim:
A device for monitoring status of at least one cell, wherein the cell has a membrane forming a substantially enclosed structure and defining an intracellular space therein, comprising: a. a first substrate having a first surface and an opposite second surface; b. a second substrate supported by the first substrate, the second substrate having a first surface, an opposite second surface, a body portion between the first surface and the second surface, a first side surface and an opposite second side surface, wherein the body portion defines a first passage therein between the first side surface and the second side surface, and a first opening on the first surface of the second substrate that is in fluid communication with the first passage; c. sidewalls positioned above the first surface of the second substrate; d. a third substrate positioned over the sidewalls and the second substrate and having a first surface and an opposite second surface, wherein the third substrate, the sidewalls and the second substrate define a chamber, and wherein the chamber is in fluid communication with a second passage defined by portions of the sidewalls and the third substrate; e. at least one sensor positioned in the first passage proximate to the first opening, wherein the cell is positioned in the chamber and the intracellular space of the cell is in fluid communication with the first passage through the first opening of the second substrate; f. at least one seal element positioned on the second substrate and proximate to the first opening, for sealing the cell to the second substrate in operation; g. a pair of first controls positioned inside the first passage for controlling the flow of a medium through the first passage; and h. a second control positioned inside the second passage for controlling the flow of a medium through the second passage.