Cell Culture Carrier

Abstract

The invention relates to a cell culture carrier comprising a first channel and a reservoir, where the first channel and the reservoir are formed in the interior of the cell culture carrier, where the first channel has an inlet opening in an outer side of the cell culture carrier and an outlet opening in the outer side of the cell culture carrier, where the reservoir has at least two openings arranged next to one another, where the first channel is connected to the reservoir by the at least two openings, and where the reservoir is connected to the outer side of the cell culture carrier by no other channel.

Claims

1. A cell culture carrier (10) comprising: a first channel (22); and a reservoir (21), wherein said first channel (22) and said reservoir (21) are formed in the interior of said cell culture carrier (10), wherein said first channel (22) has an inlet opening (27) in an outer side of said cell culture carrier (10) and an outlet opening (27) in said outer side of said cell culture carrier (10); wherein said reservoir (21) has at least two openings (24) arranged next to one another; wherein said first channel (22) is connected to said reservoir (21) by said at least two openings (24); and wherein said reservoir (21) is connected to the outer side of said cell culture carrier (10) by no other channel.

2. The cell culture carrier (10) according to claim 1, wherein said reservoir (21) has a circular, elliptical, or rectangular cross-sectional area, and/or wherein a ratio of two main extensions of the cross section of said reservoir (21) is in the range between 0.5 and 2, and wherein the cross-sectional area is disposed parallel to a base area of said cell culture carrier (10).

3. The cell culture carrier (10) according to claim 1, comprising a second channel (22), wherein said second channel (22) is connected to said reservoir (21) by at least two further openings (24).

4. The cell culture carrier (10) according to claim 3, wherein said openings (24) between said reservoir (21) and said first channel (22) and said openings between said reservoir (21) and said second channel (22) are arranged at oppositely disposed points in said reservoir (21).

5. The cell culture carrier (10) according to claim 1, wherein a distance between two of said at least two adjacent openings (24) is greater than half the value of a width of one of said openings (24) and/or smaller than five times the value of the width of one of said openings (24).

6. The cell culture carrier (10) according to claim 1, wherein said reservoir (21) is coated in part or entirely with a cell-repellent layer.

7. The cell culture carrier (10) according to claim 1, comprising a cover element (20), and a base element (30), wherein a trench and a depression (25) are formed on the side of said cover element (20) facing said base element (30), wherein said cover element (20) and said base element (30) are connected to one another in a planar manner such that said trench and said depression (25) are covered with said base element (30), and wherein said channel (22) is formed by covering said trench, and said reservoir (21) is formed by covering said depression (25).

8. The cell culture carrier (10) according to claim 7 further comprising an adhesive film (40) which is arranged between said cover element (20) and said base element (30) so that said cover element (20) and said base element (30) are connected and adhesively bonded to one another in a planar manner.

9. The cell culture carrier (10) according to claim 7, wherein two of said at least two openings (24) arranged next to one another of said first channel (22) are separated by a column (23), wherein said column (23) is formed in said cover element (20) and touches said base element (30), and wherein the side of said base element (30) facing said cover element (20) is formed to be planar.

10. The cell culture carrier (10) according to claim 1, wherein said reservoir (21) is filled with a gel (G) containing cells or cell aggregates.

11. A cell culture carrier kit comprising: a cover element (20) comprising: a trench; and a depression (25), wherein said depression (25) has at least two openings (24) arranged next to one another; and wherein said trench is connected to said depression (25) by said at least two openings (24); an adhesive film (40); and a base element (30); wherein said base element (30) can be attached to said cover element (20) by way of said adhesive film (40) such that said depression (25) and said trench are covered with said base element (30), and wherein the assembly of said cell culture carrier kit results in a cell culture carrier (10) according to claim 1.

12. The cell culture carrier kit according to claim 11, wherein said adhesive film (40) is applied to said cover element (20) so that said depression (25) and said trench are not covered with said adhesive film (40), and wherein the side of said adhesive film (40) facing away from said cover element (20) is covered with a protective film (41).

13. A method for introducing cells or cell aggregates into a cell culture carrier (10) comprising: providing a cell culture carrier kit according to claim 11; filling said depression (25) in said cover element (20) with a gel (G) containing cells or cell aggregates; and covering said depression (25) and said trench with said base element (30), wherein said cover element (20) and said base element (30) are connected to one another in a planar manner, wherein said base element (30) can be attached to said cover element (20) by way of said adhesive film (40) such that said depression (25) and said trench are closed with said base element (30), and wherein covering said depression (25) is performed after said depression (25) has been filled.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein said gel (G) is filled into said depression (25) by way of 3D printing.

15. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: connecting said inlet opening (27) and said outlet opening (27) of said channel (22) to a perfusion so that a cell medium flows through said channel (22).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0103] Further features and advantages shall be explained below using the exemplary figures, where

[0104] FIG. 1 shows a schematic oblique view of a cell culture carrier according to a first embodiment;

[0105] FIG. 2A-FIG. 2D show different embodiments of channels formed in the cell culture carrier and the reservoir as a top view;

[0106] FIG. 3 shows a schematic oblique view of a cell culture carrier according to a second embodiment;

[0107] FIG. 4A shows a schematic oblique view of a cell culture carrier according to a third embodiment;

[0108] FIG. 4B and FIG. 4C show a cross section of the cell culture carrier in FIG. 4A along two different sectional axes;

[0109] FIG. 5 shows a cell culture carrier kit; and

[0110] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C show a method for introducing cells or cell aggregates into a cell culture carrier.

[0111] Hereinafter and in the figures, the same reference characters shall be used for the same or corresponding elements in the various embodiments, unless otherwise specified.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0112] FIG. 1 illustrates the various elements of a cell culture carrier 10 according to the present invention. Cell culture carrier 10 is illustrated in an oblique view. In this case, cell culture carrier 10 has the shape of a cuboid with an underside formed to be planar and comprises or consists of a transparent material, in particular one of the plastic materials COC, COP, PC, PS, PE, PMMA mentioned in this specification or a transparent thermoplastic material or an elastomer. Cell culture carrier 10 shown has a rectangular base area which corresponds to its underside. In principle, the base area of cell culture carrier 10 can also have other shapes, for example, polygonal in some other way or with rounded corners and/or edges. Disposed opposite the underside is the upper side of cell culture carrier 10.

[0113] A planar side is particularly advantageous for optical examination. For example, a planar underside is required in microscopy to reduce or prevent optical imaging errors such as astigmatism or spherical aberrations.

[0114] In the interior of cell culture carrier 10, reservoir 21 is configured in the form of a cylindrical cavity, i.e. one that is circular in cross section, and has a bottom and a top. As described hereafter, the shape of the cavity is not restricted to a cylindrical geometry. Cylindrical reservoir 21 has a jacket surface which is referred to hereafter as the side wall. Disposed in this side wall are two adjacent openings 24 separated by a barrier or column 23 arranged therebetween. In the present example, this column 23 has a round cross section, but other cross-sectional shapes are also conceivable, for example, elliptical, rectangular or otherwise polygonal.

[0115] Cell culture carrier 10 furthermore comprises a channel 22 which is formed in the interior of cell culture carrier 10 as a tube. Formed in the upper side of cell culture carrier 10 are an inlet opening 27 and an outlet opening 27, each in the shape of a hole. Since inlet opening 27 and outlet opening 27 in principle can be used both as an inlet and as an outlet, both are provided with the same reference character. In addition, the two holes are provided with a port 28. Channel 22 therefore runs within cell culture carrier 10 between inlet opening 27 and outlet opening 27. Starting from inlet opening 27 and outlet opening 27, the channel initially runs perpendicularly to the upper side through cell culture carrier 10. In a plane parallel to the base area in which also reservoir 21 is arranged, channel 22 runs horizontally through cell culture carrier 10.

[0116] More precisely, the diameter of channel 22 in this example corresponds to the height of reservoir 21. The height of reservoir 21 is the distance between the bottom and the top, and channel 22 and reservoir 21 are disposed in the same plane within cell culture carrier 10. However, the diameter of channel 22 and the height of reservoir 21 need not be identical. The height of reservoir 21 can be greater than the diameter of channel 22 or vice versa.

[0117] Channel 22 is connected to reservoir 21 by the two adjacent openings 24. A liquid flowing through channel 22 can therefore enter through openings 24 into reservoir 21. Openings 24 are arranged such that they are aligned to be perpendicular to the direction of flow of a liquid flowing in channel 22. In this way it can be achieved that no direct flow is directed from channel 22 into reservoir 21, but that an exchange between reservoir 21 and channel 22 only takes place by way of diffusion. The width of openings 24 being able to typically be smaller than the diameter of channel 22 can also contribute to this effect. In general, openings 24 are arranged laterally in channel 22 so that they are not disposed in the direction of flow. An alignment perpendicular to the direction of flow represents a special case.

[0118] Ports 28 shown in the figure are conical and correspond in particular to the Luer standard. Both of the ports 28 are female Luer ports. When connecting an appropriate device (not shown) to flush channel 22 with a medium, this facilitates a liquid-tight and efficient connection between ports 28 and the device. Accordingly, the device can be fitted with a male Luer adapter or Luer lock adapter.

[0119] The specific selection of the height, length, and width of cell culture carrier 10, as well as the shape, volume and specific embodiment of reservoir 21 and channel 22 can be determined according to the respective use of cell culture carrier 10. For example, a rectangular shape, which is based on a typical slide used in microscopy, can be advantageous when examining cell culture carrier 10 under a microscope. The shape and the volume of reservoir 21 and the number, width, and spacing of openings 24 can be optimized, for example, for the cells or cell aggregates to be introduced therein. Likewise, cell culture carrier 10 is not restricted to one channel 22 shown. A second channel or more than two channels can also be present, as can be seen in the embodiments described hereafter.

[0120] FIG. 2A-FIG. 2D show different embodiments of channels 22 formed in cell culture carrier 10 and a reservoir 21 as a top view. In this case, cell culture carrier 10 itself has a rectangular base area, but this is not to be understood to be restrictive. The embodiments shown for reservoir 21 and channels 22 can be combined with other shapes of cell culture carrier 10. These embodiments can be combined in particular with the embodiments of a cell culture carrier 10 shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4A.

[0121] According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A cell culture carrier 10 comprises a reservoir 21 with a circular cross section as well as a channel 22. This channel 22 is connected to reservoir 21 by two adjacent openings 24. Two openings 24 are separated by a single column 23. In the example shown, channel 22 has a U-shape, in which the inlet opening and the outlet opening of channel 22 are arranged on the same side of reservoir 21. Other arrangements of channel 22 with respect to reservoir 21 are also possible. For example, a channel 22 can run in a straight line and be connected to reservoir 21, where the inlet opening and the outlet opening of channel 22 are arranged on different sides of reservoir 21.

[0122] Reservoir 21 has a circular cross section in FIG. 2B. A channel 22 is formed in cell culture carrier 10 and contacts reservoir 21 at two oppositely disposed points, the so-called points of contact. Channel 22 is connected to reservoir 21 by openings 24 at these points of contact. Such designation can also be applied to the other embodiments. However, it is also possible that the points of contact between channel 22 and reservoir 21 are disposed at points other than those shown. The points of contact in a different configuration can be arranged on reservoir 21, as long as they respect the definition of oppositely disposed points mentioned in this specification. Disposed at said points of contact in the side wall of reservoir 21 are two adjacent openings 24 separated by a column 23. This example shows a single column 23, but a plurality of columns 23 and a plurality of openings 24 can also be present.

[0123] FIG. 2C shows a further embodiment of said sample carrier 10 comprising a reservoir 21 with a circular cross section and two channels 22. Each of two channels 22 is connected to reservoir 21 by three adjacent openings 24. These three openings 24 are separated from one another by two columns 23. Openings 24 in the side wall of reservoir 21 are formed at oppositely disposed points. Furthermore, each of two channels 22 has a U-shape.

[0124] Instead of a circular cross section, reservoir 21 in the embodiments shown can have, for example, an elliptical or rectangular cross section. In particular, the combination of two channels 22 is also not restricted to the arrangement of reservoir 21 and channels 22 shown. For example, the openings need not be formed at oppositely disposed points in the side wall of reservoir 21. Likewise, channels 22 can also be formed to have differing shapes, for example, first channel 22 can extend to be U-shaped, whereas second channel 22 is formed as a straight line.

[0125] An advantage of this embodiment with two channels is an exchange of a medium or a liquid between channels 22 and reservoir 21 that is accelerated, in particular compared to an embodiment with one channel 22. In addition, the possibility of the development of dead zones, in which exchange does not take place or only on long time scales, is further reduced compared to other regions of reservoir 21.

[0126] Reservoir 21 in FIG. 2D has a rectangular cross section and a total of four adjacent openings 24 in its side wall. These four openings 24 are separated from one another by three columns 23. A single channel 22 having a U-shape contacts reservoir 21 at the total of four adjacent openings 24.

[0127] It is possible for channel 22 to run parallel to reservoir 21 over a relatively long section, in particular in the case of a rectangular reservoir 21. Accordingly, a larger number of openings 24 can be realized in the side wall of reservoir 21. As described, this contributes to a faster and improved exchange of a medium between channel 22 and reservoir 21.

[0128] The examples shown in FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D are not restricted to these specific combinations. The shape of the cross section of reservoir 21 can be freely combined with the number and arrangement of one or more channels 22 as well as the number of openings 24. For example, a rectangular reservoir 21 can be formed in cell culture carrier 10 together with two channels 22. The number of openings is also not tied to the number of channels 22 or the cross-sectional shape of reservoir 21.

[0129] FIG. 3 illustrates the oblique view of a cell culture carrier 10. Cell culture carrier 10 there comprises a cover element 20 and a base element 30. The other elements of cell culture carrier 10 shown correspond to those from the embodiment according to FIG. 1.

[0130] The formation of channel 22 and reservoir 21 in cell culture carrier 10 in this embodiment differs from the embodiment according to FIG. 1 in that a trench or a groove-like depression is formed on a surface of cover element 20 that faces the base element. Base element 30 covers the trench and forms a complete channel 22 that runs inside cell culture carrier 10. As shown in the example, channel 22 runs respectively vertically through cell culture carrier 10 at the end of the trench, so that inlet opening 27 and outlet opening 27 are formed on a side of cover element 20 which is disposed opposite to the side in which the trench is formed. In other words, inlet opening 27 and outlet opening 27 are disposed on the side of cover element 20 facing away from base element 30.

[0131] Furthermore, cover element 20 comprises a depression formed in the same side of the surface as the trench. The depression is therefore formed in the side of cover element 20 facing base element 30. Like reservoir 21 in the previous embodiment, the depression here has two adjacent openings 24 separated by a column 23 therebetween. The trench is connected to the depression by two openings 24. The depression and the trench can have the same depth in cover element 20, but the trench can also have a greater depth than the depression or vice versa.

[0132] The trench is covered with base element 30. In particular, base element 30 can be a transparent film, in particular made of the materials COC, COP, PC, PS, PE, PMMA or other transparent plastic material or a thermoplastic material. In particular, this film can have the autofluorescence and birefringence of a Schott cover glass. The trench is covered such that a liquid flowing through channel 22 cannot escape at the trenches. The covering with base element 30 is therefore liquid-tight.

[0133] In addition, the depression is also simultaneously covered with base element 30 so that the former is also closed in a liquid-tight manner. Reservoir 21 is formed within cell culture carrier 10 by covering the depression with the base element.

[0134] In addition, the complete cell culture carrier 10 is formed by covering with base element 30, i.e. by connecting cover element 20 and base element 30.

[0135] FIG. 4A shows an oblique view of a cell culture carrier 10 according to a further embodiment.

[0136] Cell culture carrier 10 shown comprises three elements, a cover element 20, a base element 30, and an adhesive film 40 arranged between cover element 20 and base element 30. Cover element 20 comprises one depression and two trenches. Both trenches are connected to the depression by two adjacent openings 24. The two pairs of adjacent openings 24 are arranged at oppositely disposed points in the depression. Starting out from the trenches, channels 22 continue to run perpendicular to the surface and through cover element 20 in the shape of a tube. On the side of cover element 20 facing away from the depression, an inlet opening 27 and an outlet opening 27 in the shape of a hole in the surface of cell culture carrier 10 are respectively formed for each channel 22.

[0137] The two pairs of openings 24 are each separated by a cylindrical column 23 arranged therebetween. Column 23 has a column height, where the column height defines the length of the cylinder. The depression as well likewise has a height defined as the vertical distance between the base of the depression and the surface of cover element 20. In the example shown, the column height of both columns 23 is greater than the height of the depression so that columns 23 project beyond the surface of cover element 20.

[0138] As described, an adhesive film 40 is arranged between base element 30 and cover element 20, and connects and adhesively bonds cover element 20 to base element 30 in a planar manner. Where adhesive film 40 is formed such that it covers a side of the surface of cover element 20 but does not cover the trenches, the depression, openings 24, and columns 23. Adhesive film 40 can cover the entire region described, but it is also conceivable for adhesive film 40 to cover only parts of this area. The decisive factor there is that cover element 20 and base element 30 are adhesively bonded firmly to one another by adhesive film 40. Cover element 30 in this example shown is furthermore also configured to cover the trenches and the depression and to close them in a liquid-tight manner.

[0139] The difference between the height of the column and the height of the depression can correspond in particular to the thickness of adhesive film 40. The thickness of adhesive film 40 is its vertical extension perpendicular to the surface of cover element 20. This has the advantage that a tight connection can be established between cover element 20 and base element 30 because columns 23 come to touch base element 30 and create a tight connection. If the column height were less than the sum of the height of the depression and the thickness of adhesive film 40, then the thickness of adhesive film 40 could cause gaps or other distances between cover element 20 and base element 30 through which cells or cell aggregates in reservoir 21 can escape and/or through which the cell medium that can flow through channels 22 can exit. It is also possible for the column height to be greater than the sum of the height of the depression and the thickness of adhesive film 40. In this case, closure the trenches and the depression by base element 30 can be obtained in a liquid-tight manner by way of increased contact pressure. However, this is also no longer possible if columns 23 protrude too far beyond the surface of cover element 20.

[0140] As in the previous embodiment, the trenches and the depression are covered with base element 30. As a result, complete channels 22 and reservoir 21 are formed in the interior of cell culture carrier 10.

[0141] The figure finally shows two axes A-A′ and B-B′ which are made reference to in the following FIG. 4B and FIG. 4C.

[0142] FIG. 4B shows a cross section of cell culture carrier 10 from FIG. 4A, where the cut is made along the axis AA′ shown in FIG. 4A. Cover element 20 there is illustrated above base element 30, and adhesive film 40 is arranged between cover element 20 and base element 30. Consequently, the trenches and the depression are disposed on the lower side of cover element 20. Inlet opening 27 or outlet opening 27 of first channel 22 as well as inlet opening 27 or outlet opening 27 of second channel 22 are arranged on the upper side. Furthermore, inlet openings 27 or outlet openings 27 illustrated each have a conical port 28 which can correspond in particular to the Luer standard.

[0143] Depending on the embodiment of the depression, this does not necessarily have to occur in the cross section shown. For example, the diameter of the circular cross section of the depression can be formed to be so small that no segment of the depression is comprised any longer in the cross section along axis A-A′.

[0144] As illustrated, adhesive film 40 covers the lower surface of cover element 20, where the trenches and the depression are not covered with adhesive film 40. The trenches and the depression are covered with base element 30. Base element 30 there forms the lower termination of cell culture carrier 10. Reservoir 21 is formed in cell culture carrier 10 by covering the depression with base element 30.

[0145] The fact that base element 30 forms the lower termination of cell culture carrier 10 represents its intended use. For example, inverse microscopy can be carried out on cell culture carrier 10, where an objective is directed from below through base element 30 onto reservoir 21 in cell culture carrier 10.

[0146] FIG. 4C likewise shows a cross section of cell culture carrier 10 from FIG. 4A, where the cut is made along axis B-B′ shown in FIG. 4A. Unlike in FIG. 4B, columns 23 can be seen in this case. As illustrated, columns 23 are formed in cover element 20 and project beyond the surface of cover element 20. Columns 23 are therefore greater in height than the reservoir and the trenches. In addition, columns 23 touch base element 30, accordingly no adhesive film 40 can be arranged on columns 23. Reservoir 21 and channels 22 in cell culture carrier 10 are formed by covering the depression and the trenches with base element 30.

[0147] A cell culture carrier kit according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 5. It first comprises a cover element 20 having formed therein a depression 25 of circular cross section, two adjacent openings 24 in one side wall of depression 25, where openings 24 are separated by a cylindrical column 23, as well as a trench. Depression 25 and the trench are formed in the same side of the surface of cover element 20. A channel 22 adjoins each of the two ends of the trench and is formed as a tube in cover element 20 and runs perpendicular through cover element 20 as a passage opening. In addition, an inlet opening 27 and an outlet opening 27 of channel 22 are arranged in the side of the cover element 20 facing away from depression 25. Like in the embodiment according to FIG. 4A, column 23 projects beyond the surface of base element 20.

[0148] Separately from cover element 20, the kit furthermore comprises an adhesive film 40 which can be attached to the surface of cover element 20 on which depression 25 and the trench are also formed. Adhesive film 40 comprises a recess whose shape corresponds to the outline of depression 25 and of the trench in the surface of cover element 20. Furthermore, adhesive film 40 can be covered with a protective film 41 on at least one side, in particular on both sides. The purpose of this protective film 41 is that adhesive film 40 can be stored separately and does not adhere to any other object. Before adhesive film 40 is attached to cover element 20, protective film 41 would have to be removed.

[0149] Finally, the kit also comprises a base element 30 that can be applied to cover element 20 and to adhesive film 40. In particular, base element 30 can be a film. Together, the parts described result in a complete cell culture carrier 10 as described which is intended for the use described in this specification and has the properties mentioned.

[0150] The considerations presented in this specification with regard to the specific shape and selection of materials apply in particular for the specific properties of cover element 20 and base element 30. Furthermore, the combinations options mentioned in this specification apply in particular to base element 20, for example, with regard to the number and the arrangement of channels 22 and the shape of depression 25. In this case, the shape of adhesive film 40 must be adapted accordingly so that, when the kit is assembled, the trenches, depression 25, openings 24, and columns 23 are not covered with adhesive film 40 also in other embodiments of cover element 20. The specific configuration of the cell culture carrier kit is therefore not restricted to a combination of cover element 20 shown with a corresponding adhesive film 40 and a cover element 30.

[0151] For the assembly of the kit, adhesive film 40 is first applied to cover element 20, specifically to the side in which depression 25 and the trench are formed. If the adhesive film is covered on both sides with a protective film 41, then protective film 41 must first be removed on one side. Once adhesive film 40 has been applied, adhesive film 40 covers neither depression 25, nor openings 24, nor columns 23, nor the trench. Finally, base element 30 is applied to cover element 20 and to adhesive film 40 so that cover element 20 and base element 30 are connected and adhesively bonded to one another in a planar manner, and the trench and depression 25 are covered with base element 30. Channel 22 and reservoir 21 are formed in this way. After assembly of the kit, a complete cell culture carrier 10 according to the present invention is obtained.

[0152] A method for introducing cells or cell aggregates into a cell culture carrier 10 is shown in FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C. The individual figures show a cross section of the cell culture carrier kit shown in FIG. after various steps of the method. The cut was carried out analogously to axis B-B′ in FIG. 4A. Accordingly, the cell culture carrier kit initially comprises a cover element 20 with a depression 25 and at least one trench in the surface of cover element 20. Furthermore, depression 25 comprises at least two pairs of two openings each in its side wall which are arranged at oppositely disposed points in the side wall and are separated by a column 23. Correspondingly, cover element 20 comprises two columns 23 which can be seen in the cross section shown. Columns 23 therefore project beyond the surface of cover element 20. An adhesive film 40 is applied to cover element 20, where adhesive film 40 does not cover depression 25, the trenches, and columns 23.

[0153] In the first step of the method, as shown in FIG. 6A, a cover element 20 of a cell culture carrier kit is first provided, where adhesive film 40 is already attached onto cover element 20.

[0154] According to FIG. 6B, depression 25 is then filled with a gel G containing cells or cell aggregates. Gel G can be filled in until depression 25 is completely filled. This corresponds to a maximum filling level. However, this is not necessarily the case. It is also possible for depression 25 to be filled to any level below the maximum filling level, as shown in FIG. 6B. In addition, it is not absolutely necessary for the entire cross-sectional area of depression 25 to be used for filling with gel G. For example, a small amount of gel G can be introduced into the center of depression 25, where a diameter of the gel structure introduced in this manner is smaller than the diameter of depression 25 and/or the height of depression 25. Filling depression 25 with gel G can be carried out in particular by way of 3D printing or using a 3D printer, respectively. For this purpose, a needle of the 3D printer is inserted into depression 25 from above and gel G is printed accordingly into depression 25. An advantage of using a 3D printer is the precise or detailed and reproducible formation of a gel structure in depression 25.

[0155] In a next step, depression 25 is covered with base element 30 so that reservoir 21 is formed. The trenches are also covered at the same time so that channels 22 are formed and now run completely within cell culture carrier 10. This step is illustrated in FIG. 6C.

[0156] It is to be noted that adhesive film 40 does not have to be applied to cover element 20 at the beginning of the method. Instead, adhesive film 40 can also be attached onto cover element 20 in a dedicated method step. This method step must be carried out before cell culture carrier 10 is finally closed.

[0157] The method described can be carried out together with the cell culture carrier kit mentioned in this specification. There are no restrictions regarding the specific configuration of reservoir 21 and of the trench or of the trenches, respectively. Furthermore, there are no restrictions regarding the number of trenches and/or openings 24 in reservoir 21 or of depression 25, respectively. If applicable, all the embodiments described for the depression and the trench, or for reservoir 21 and channel 22, respectively, can be used in connection with the cell culture carrier kit and the method.