Patent ID: 7635575

Claim:
A method for cultivating human or animal cells, one culture each of cells of at least one specific type being established in a defined environment and the cell cultures being supplied with assigned, liquid nutrient media, growth factors, and gases, the method comprising: establishing at least two different types of cell cultures inside at least one cell culture chamber of a cell culture system, wherein two of the cell cultures, each of a different type, are established on a single gas-permeable membrane within the at least one cell culture chamber for a direct co-cultivation of both cell cultures, wherein one of the two of the cell cultures is established on a first side of the gas-permeable membrane, and the other of the two of the cell cultures is established on a second side of the gas-permeable membrane; starting a flow of freely selectable, defined, liquid media in the at least one cell culture chamber in order to ensure a continuous supply for the at least two cell cultures; starting a flow of different gases with freely selectable concentrations into the at least one cell culture chamber in order to ensure a constant, continuous gassing of the at least two cell cultures; heating the at least one cell culture chamber in a regulated or controlled manner so as to ensure a constant temperature there over the duration of an experiment; continuously microscopically observing at least one of the cell cultures inside the at least one cell culture chamber, without samples of the cell culture being taken over the duration of an experiment, wherein continuous microscopic observation is performed using a camera including a microscope attachment, the camera being disposed on a displaceable table for movement of the camera with respect to the cell culture chamber; moving the camera with respect to the cell culture chamber while programming movement positions of the camera; and continuously measuring cell culture parameters selected from the group consisting of pH values, lactate values and electric potential relevant to treating inflammation, cancer, cardiovascular disease, AIDS, relevant to programmed cell death, or relevant to blood coagulation, using sensors integrated in the at least one cell culture chamber.