Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus for growing tissue cultures in vitro in which the process of growth occurring in nature is more nearly simulated. The apparatus permits a concentration gradient of nutrients to develop through a permeable membrane to which a sample of tissue is attached. The apparatus is such that the growing culture receives substantially all its nutrients and oxygen necessary for growth through the membrane. The permeable membrane is attached to one side of a support and covers one end of a well in the support. A tissue sample is placed within the well and attached to the inside surface of the permeable membrane. A specially designed closed container filled with solution encases the membrane, support, and tissue sample. The container and contents are submerged in a nutrient bath. A concentration gradient develops in the tissue culture as nutrients and oxygen permeate through the membrane to the tissue sample. At least one culture container, and preferably two culture containers, are integral with a plastic plate which has dimensions comparable to a standard microscope slide. The state of growth occurring within the culture containers may be viewed periodically with an inverted microscope without opening the container. The invention has particular application in the field of cancer research in the study of the development of cancerous tissue and has potential for pathological diagnosis of the malignant character of tissue cells.

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First Claim