Method for manufacture of macrobeads

摘要

The invention relates to an improved method for making agarose coated, agarose beads which contain cells. The method which is preferably automated, involves placing manufactured beads in a sample of mineral oil at a temperature gradient, such that the temperature drops as the bead moves through the oil. Preferably, a “trumpet tool” and a “straw tool” are employed in the method.

主权项

1. A method for producing a composition of matter comprising a sample of live cells in an agarose containing bead, wherein said bead is coated with agarose, comprising:
(a) mixing a first sample of agarose with said sample of live cells to form a suspension; (b) moving said suspension to a first sample of mineral oil, to form a bead from said suspension; (c) removing said bead from said first sample of mineral oil; (d) rinsing mineral oil from said bead; (e) moving said bead with a trumpet tool to a second solution of agarose; (f) coating said bead with said second solution of agarose, (g) removing said bead from said second solution of agarose with a straw tool, and (h) dispensing said coated bead into a second sample of mineral oil, wherein said sample of mineral oil is kept at a temperature gradient so that said bead moves along a path from a location in the mineral oil that is at a higher temperature of about 20° C. to about 30° C. to a location in the mineral oil at a lower temperature of about 0° C. to about −8° C.