DEVICE FOR MANIPULATING SAMPLES
This disclosure is directed to a device for manipulating a sample, such as a biological sample. A device of this disclosure includes mat having a top planar surface spaced apart from a bottom planar surface and a recess formedap in the top planar surface extending toward the bottom planar surface, the recess having an opening at the top planar surface and bounded by a non-planar bottom wall. By way of example, a device of this disclosure may be used to embed an aggregate of cells, such as an embryoid body or a neuralized embryoid body, within extracellular matrix.
1 . A device for manipulating a sample, comprising:
a mat having a top planar surface spaced apart from a bottom planar surface; and
a recess formed in the top planar surface extending toward the bottom planar surface, the recess having an opening at the top planar surface and bounded by a non-planar bottom wall.
2 . The device according to claim 1 , wherein a depth of the recess measured vertically from the center of the opening to the bottom wall is less than a width of the opening.
3 . The device according to claim 1 , wherein the mat is resilient.
4 . The device according to claim 1 , wherein the bottom wall is substantially smooth.
5 . The device according to claim 4 , wherein the bottom wall is arcuate.
6 . The device according to claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of recesses.
7 . The device according to claim 1 , further comprising a second recess formed in the bottom planar surface extending toward the top planar surface, the second recess having a second opening at the bottom planar surface and bounded by a second non-planar bottom wall.
8 . The device according to claim 7 , further comprising a plurality of second recesses.
9 . The device according to claim 1 , wherein the mat is homogeneous.
10 . The device according to claim 1 , wherein the mat is silicone-based.
11 . The device according to claim 1 , further comprising an anti-static additive.
12 . The device according to claim 1 , wherein the mat is sterilizable.
13 . The device according to claim 12 , wherein the mat is autoclavable.
14 . The device according to claim 1 , wherein the mat is dimensioned to fit within a well of a culture vessel.
15 . The device according to claim 14 , wherein more than one mat fits within the well of the culture vessel.
16 . The device according to claim 1 , further comprising an orientation marker.
17 . The device according to claim 1 , wherein the sample is biological.
18 . The device according to claim 17 , wherein the sample is an aggregate of cells.
19 . The device according to claim 18 , wherein the aggregate of cells is an embryoid body or an organoid.
20 . The device according to claim 17 , wherein the sample is embedded into an extracellular matrix in the recess.