Miniature cell

HTS screening is often based on miniaturized cell assays that enable chemical libraries to be screened for molecules that present different biological activities and sometimes-different biological targets using fluorescence, scintillation proximity assays (SPA) and luminescence as detection techniques. 

Extensive review literature exists in the area of biological fuel cells. Notably, Palmore and Whitesides summarized biological fuel cell concepts and performance up to 1992." More recently, Katz and Willner discussed recent progress in novel electrode chemistries for both microbial and enzymatic fuel cells,and Heller reviewed advances in miniature cells.This article does not duplicate these valuable contributions. Instead, we focus on the strengths and weak-... 

The final example described in this chapter is that done by Schriebej and co-workers. They used a scaffold with multivariant sites derived from shikimic acid. However, the end products of their synthesis were compact, highly functionalized structures reminiscent of alkaloids.34 An objective of this study was to produce a very large number of compounds for miniaturized cell-based assays. In fact, about 2 million compounds were made. 

Tan, D. S. Foley, M. A. Shair, M. D. Schreiber, S. L. Stereoselective Synthesis of Over two Million Compounds Having Structural Features Both Reminiscent of Natural Products and Compatible with Miniaturized Cell-Based Assays, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1998, 120, 8565. 

These are thermistors instead of filaments, miniaturized cell geometries, and other carrier gases besides helium. 

Zinc-Manganese Dioxide Batteries. The combination of a zinc anode and manganese dioxide cathode, which is the dominant chemistry in large cylindrical alkaline cells, is used in some miniature alkaline cells as well. Overall, this type of cell does not account for a huge share of the miniature cell market. It is used in cases where an economical power source is wanted and where the devices can tolerate the sloping discharge curve shown in Figure 2. 

Various types of DACs have been developed within the past decades. An overview of different cells is given for example by Jayaraman (1983). As an example to demonstrate the capabilities of DACs, fig. 2 presents an cutaway view of a miniature cell used at the University of Paderborn. The cell was designed for magnetic resonance studies with maximum pressures of up to 35 GPa. To use it within magnetic fields, it is completely made of a non-magnetic Be-Co... 

The electrode capacities are adjusted so that the CFx cathode has about 10% less capacity than the SVO. During an operation of the defibrillator, the SVO supplies the pulse requirement and the CFx recharges the SVO during low demand periods. As a result, a drop in cell voltage indicates an end to the life of the battery. Physicians can use the change in cell voltage to determine when to replace the device. The principal use of Li-CFx is in miniature cells for use in memory protection, watches and cameras. 

Tan DS, Foley MA, Shair MD, Schreiber SL, Stereoselective synthesis of over two million compounds having structural features both reminiscent of natural products and compatible with miniaturized cell-based assays, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 120 8565-8566, 1998. 

In this chapter we introduce various techniques for fabricating miniature cell culture devices and cell-based biosensors, provide examples of human and animal cells immobilized on the chip devices, and explain different approaches to pattern multiple types of cells on one device. The application of nano and micro techniques in precise control over the cellular microenvironment is discussed. Selective cell-based biosensors are described later in the chapter. Finally, we conclude that these novel cell culture systems, coupled with predictions from in silico mathematical modeling, can potentially improve predictions of human clinical responses and enable better understanding of toxicological mechanisms. 

M Stevens, DB Roark. Liquid handler facilitates miniaturizing cell-based assays. Drug Discov Dev Jun/Jul 79-80. 2000. 

Scientists have devised molecules smart enough to self-assemble into miniature cells or cell parts—such as the plasma membrane. 

A miniaturized cell was constructed which exhibited a power output of 0.137 mW cm-2. After 72 h of operation, 75% of the initial power output was still present. 

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