Device for manipulating samples

Abstract

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.