Hardware for magnetic 3d culture

Abstract

Devices for magnetic 3d culture are described including magnetic lids/bases for single Petri plates, adjustable height cap for same, as well similar devices for multi-magnet culture plates. A pen-like device for sterilely lifting and moving cells is also described, and this magnetic pipettor can also exist in multi-well magnetic pipettor formats.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A magnetic pipettor for moving cells, comprising a magnet in a housing having a first end, and an overcap for fitting over said first end and protruding therefrom, and adjusting means for reversably lowering said magnet into said overcap. 
     
     
         2 . The magnetic pipettor of  claim 1 , wherein said overcap is made of a non-adherent material and is sterilizable. 
     
     
         3 . The magnetic pipettor of  claim 1 , wherein said adjusting means comprises detents and a spring over a rod coupled to said magnet to alternatively hold said magnet in an upper position inside said housing or a lower position inside said overcap. 
     
     
         4 . The magnetic pipettor of  claim 1 , which comprises a single magnet, single housing and single overcap. 
     
     
         5 . The magnetic pipettor of  claim 1 , which comprises a plurality of magnets and a plurality of overcaps, wherein adjusting means raises and lowers all of said plurality of magnets at the same time. 
     
     
         6 . The magnetic pipettor of  claim 1 , further comprising a fiber optic cable for shining light through said overcap and wherein said overcap is optically transparent. 
     
     
         7 . The magnetic pipettor of  claim 1 , wherein said overcap is cylindrically shaped with one closed end and one open end, and wherein said open end fits over said first end of said housing. 
     
     
         8 . The magnetic pipettor of  claim 7 , wherein said closed end has a concave depression therein. 
     
     
         9 . The magnetic pipettor of  claim 8 , wherein said closed end is flared. 
     
     
         10 . The magnetic pipettor of  claim 1 , wherein said overcap has a bend therein such a distal portion of said overcap is angled at least 30 degrees from said housing, and said distal portion is flattened and has a concave depression on an upper surface of said distal portion. 
     
     
         11 . A magnetic pipettor for moving cells, comprising a housing having a first end and a power source inside said housing, a removable overcap for fitting over said first end and protruding therefrom, an electromagnet inside said overcap, and circuitry operably coupled to said power source and said electromagnet to reversibly activate said electromagnet.