Abstract: Apparatus for growing cells or tissue in vitro, which permits a concentration gradient of nutrients to develop through a permeable membrane to which a sample of tissue is attached. The permeable membrane is attached to the bottom end of a cell culture insert that in turn is supported by a flange connected to its upper end on the top of a well containing the nutrients. Restricted movement of the cell culture insert in the well may be facilitated by projections extending off the outer wall surface of the insert so as to avoid capillary action in the space between the well and the insert.

Abstract: A holder useful for supporting a coverslip above the bottom surface of a vessel includes a lower portion with a surface for supporting a coverslip and an upper portion with at least one protuberance. The holder has an opening intermediate the lower portion and the protuberance for receiving the coverslip.

Abstract: A cell-supporting membrane separation device is provided in a cell culture insert to ease the use of conventional instrumentation for subsequent examination. The cell culture insert is provided with a microporous membrane forming the bottom wall as the cell culturing surface of the insert. The insert includes a support mechanism for holding the insert suspended in a selected position in a multi-well plate for culturing, and a break-away mechanism to separate the support mechanism from the membrane supporting portion of the insert, once the degree of cell culture activity has taken place. The break-away concept of the invention accommodates several different embodiments of insert with an appropriate break-away pattern.

Abstract: Apparatus for growing tissue cultures in vitro, which permits a concentration gradient of nutrients to develop through a permeable membrane to which a sample of tissue is attached. The permeable membrane is attached to the bottom end of a cell culture insert that in turn is supported by a flange connected to its upper end on the top of a well containing the nutrients and is self centered in the well by the arrangement of the sidewalls of the cell culture insert. The self centering feature of the insert minimizes capillary action.