Method and device for measuring multiple physiological properties of cells

Abstract

A method of analyzing cells disposed in media within a vessel includes the steps of providing a vessel having an original volume of media about the cells, reducing the original volume of media about at least a portion of the cells to define a reduced volume of media, and analyzing a constituent related to the cells within the reduced volume of media. An apparatus for analyzing cells includes a stage adapted to receive a vessel holding cells and a volume of media, a plunger adapted to receive a barrier to create a reduced volume of media within the vessel including at least a portion of the cells, the barrier adapted for insertion into the vessel by relative movement of the stage and the plunger, and a sensor in sensing communication with the reduced volume of media, wherein the sensor is configured to analyze a constituent disposed within the reduced volume.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 .- 54 . (canceled) 
     
     
         55 . A plate comprising multiple wells adapted for holding media and cells, each of at least a portion of the wells comprising a seating surface adapted for receiving a barrier configured to define a reduced volume. 
     
     
         56 . The plate of  claim 55  wherein a shape of the seating surface is selected from the group consisting of generally planar, arcuate, contoured, tapered, conical, stepped, and interlocking. 
     
     
         57 . The plate of  claim 55  wherein the reduced volume within each of the wells varies by less than about 10% of a mean volume of the wells. 
     
     
         58 . The plate of  claim 57  wherein the reduced volume within each of the wells varies by less than about 5% of the mean volume of the wells. 
     
     
         59 . The plate of  claim 58  wherein the reduced volume within each of the wells varies by less than about 1% of the mean volume of the wells. 
     
     
         60 . The plate of  claim 55  wherein the seating surfaces of the wells each comprise a step disposed about an inner periphery of a respective well. 
     
     
         61 . The plate of  claim 60  wherein the steps lie in a step plane disposed above a bottom plane defined by bottoms of respective wells. 
     
     
         62 . The plate of  claim 60  wherein the step plane and the bottom plane are parallel planes. 
     
     
         63 . The plate of  claim 62  wherein a height of the step plane is less than about 1 mm above the bottom plane. 
     
     
         64 . The plate of  claim 63  wherein the height of the step plane is less than about 200 μm above the bottom plane. 
     
     
         65 . The plate of  claim 64  wherein the height of the step plane is less than about 50 μm above the bottom plane. 
     
     
         66 . The plate of  claim 55 , further comprising a fluorescent sensor disposed within at least one of the wells. 
     
     
         67 . The plate of  claim 55  wherein at least one of the wells comprises a transparent bottom. 
     
     
         68 . The plate of  claim 55  wherein at least one of the wells comprises an opaque wall. 
     
     
         69 .- 80 . (canceled)