SAMPLE PLATFORM AND METHODS OF USE
Disclosed herein is a platform for holding a biological sample with a movable radiation source that can be used to expose the sample to controlled dosages of radiation in a targeted manner. In some embodiments, the platform includes a support structure and a cartridge for holding a sample. In some embodiments, the support structure includes a support for holding the sample, which may be in a well in the support structure. A radiation source can be adjusted relative to the sample (for example, the distance between the sample and the radiation source is controlled) in order to administer a particular dose of radiation to the sample.
1 . A sample platform comprising:
a support structure comprising a plurality of stacked substrates forming at least one well and comprising one or more fluid inlets and/or outlets fluidly connected to the at least one well; and
a removable sample cartridge comprising a sample support, wherein the sample cartridge can be inserted in or removed from the well of the support structure.
2 . The platform of claim 1 , wherein the sample support comprises a membrane.
3 . The platform of claim 2 , wherein the membrane comprises polyester, polycarbonate, or polytetrafluoroethylene.
4 . The platform of claim 1 , wherein the support structure further comprises one or more slots for insertably receiving the sample cartridge.
5 . The platform of claim 1 , wherein the support structure and/or the sample cartridge is polycarbonate, acrylate, polyethylene terephtahalate glycol, or polydimethylsiloxane.
6 . The platform of claim 1 , wherein the sample cartridge further comprises one or more extensions, wherein the one or more extensions are insertable in the one or more slots on the support structure.
7 . A sample platform assembly comprising:
a support structure comprising plurality of stacked substrates forming at least one well and one or more fluid inlets and/or outlets fluidly connected to the at least one well; and
a removable sample cartridge comprising a sample support and a sample on the sample support, wherein the sample cartridge is inserted in the well of the support structure.
8 . The assembly of claim 7 , wherein the sample support comprises a membrane.
9 . The assembly of claim 8 , wherein the membrane comprises polyester, polycarbonate, or polytetrafluoroethylene.
10 . The assembly of claim 7 , wherein the support structure and/or the sample cartridge is polycarbonate, acrylate, polyethylene terephtahalate glycol, or polydimethylsiloxane.
11 . The assembly of claim 7 , wherein the support structure further comprises one or more slots for insertably receiving the sample cartridge.
12 . The assembly of claim 7 , further comprising a radiation source placed on or near the support structure.
13 . The assembly of claim 12 , wherein the radiation source is a sheet, disk, or wire comprising radioactive material.
14 . The assembly of claim 7 , wherein the sample cartridge further comprises one or more extensions, wherein the one or more extensions are insertable in the one or more slots on the support structure.
15 . A method, comprising:
placing a sample on the sample support in the sample cartridge of the sample platform of claim 1 ;
inserting the sample cartridge in the well of the support structure;
incubating the sample for a selected period of time;
removing the sample cartridge; and
evaluating one or more characteristics of the sample.
16 . The method of claim 15 , wherein the sample is a biological sample.
17 . The method of claim 16 , wherein the sample comprises one or more cells or one or more cell types.
18 . The method of claim 15 , wherein the sample support comprises a membrane having two sides.
19 . The method of claim 18 , wherein cells are cultured on one or both sides of the membrane.
20 . The method of claim 19 , wherein evaluating one or more characteristics of the sample comprises measuring one or more of cell proliferation, cell death, gene expression, cell signaling, and cell contact.
21 . The method of claim 15 , further comprising irradiating the sample prior to removing the sample cartridge.