Abstract: Disclosed are fluidics devices and assemblies allowing for fluid flow between a plurality of wells. The fluidics devices and assemblies that are provided mimic in vivo tissue environments by allowing for initially segregated tissue cultures that can then be linked through fluid flow to measure integrated tissue response. The fluidics devices and assemblies provide a pumpless system using surface tension, gravity, and channel geometries. By linking human tissue functional systems to better simulate in vivo feedback and response signals between the tissues, the need for testing in animals can be minimized. Further, piston assemblies and related systems are provided for nesting engagement on top of the fluidics device in order to provide a dosing fluid thereto.

Abstract: Disclosed are fluidics devices and assemblies allowing for fluid flow between a plurality of wells. The fluidics devices and assemblies that are provided mimic in vivo tissue environments by allowing for initially segregated tissue cultures that can then be linked through fluid flow to measure integrated tissue response. The fluidics devices and assemblies provide a pumpless system using surface tension, gravity, and channel geometries. By linking human tissue functional systems to better simulate in vivo feedback and response signals between the tissues, the need for testing in animals can be minimized.

Abstract: Disclosed are fluidics devices and assemblies allowing for fluid flow between a plurality of wells. The fluidics devices and assemblies that are provided mimic in vivo tissue environments by allowing for initially segregated tissue cultures that can then be linked through fluid flow to measure integrated tissue response. The fluidics devices and assemblies provide a pumpless system using surface tension, gravity, and channel geometries. By linking human tissue functional systems to better simulate in vivo feedback and response signals between the tissues, the need for testing in animals can be minimized.

Abstract: Disclosed are fluidics devices and assemblies allowing for fluid flow between a plurality of wells. The fluidics devices and assemblies that are provided mimic in vivo tissue environments by allowing for initially segregated tissue cultures that can then be linked through fluid flow to measure integrated tissue response. The fluidics devices and assemblies provide a pumpless system using surface tension, gravity, and channel geometries. By linking human tissue functional systems to better simulate in vivo feedback and response signals between the tissues, the need for testing in animals can be minimized.

Abstract: A basket for use with a fluidics device for simulating in vivo membrane permeation and response is provided. The basket includes an impermeable surface defining a bottom aperture for positioning within the host fluid of the dosing well of the fluidics device. Further, the basket further includes a permeable membrane positioned within the basket and covering the bottom aperture. Additionally, the basket includes a layer covering at least a portion of the membrane covering the bottom aperture for exposing a bottom side of the layer to the host fluid and for preventing an opposing top side of the layer from being exposed to the host fluid. A dose may be placed in contact with the layer for analyzing downstream permeations and responses.

Abstract: Disclosed are fluidics devices and assemblies allowing for fluid flow between a plurality of wells. The fluidics devices and assemblies that are provided mimic in vivo tissue environments by allowing for initially segregated tissue cultures that can then be linked through fluid flow to measure integrated tissue response. The fluidics devices and assemblies provide a pumpless system using surface tension, gravity, and channel geometries. By linking human tissue functional systems to better simulate in vivo feedback and response signals between the tissues, the need for testing in animals can be minimized. Further, piston assemblies and related systems are provided for nesting engagement on top of the fluidics device in order to provide a dosing fluid thereto.

Abstract: The isolation and proliferation of stem cells, particularly, hepatic stem cells continues to face technical hurdles. For example, colonies of stem cells, once isolated, tend to stop, or at least substantially slow, proliferating. The present invention provides a method to overcome this limitation, in part. The present invention also provides a method of providing and isolating a novel hepatic progenitor cell.