PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To automatically produce a three-dimensional structure by a cell clump in order to move a suction nozzle by a moving means, to suck and retain the cell clump of a storage plate and to stick the cell clump into needle-shaped bodies of a support.SOLUTION: The apparatus 2 for producing a three-dimensional structure includes a storage plate 3 forming a storage recess 3a for storing the cell clump 1, a support 4 provided with a plurality of the needle-shaped bodies 6 penetrating the cell clumps, a suction nozzle 19 for sucking and retaining the cell clump, and a moving means 20 for moving the suction nozzle. The suction nozzle is equipped with a tubular suction part 19a for sucking and retaining one cell clump and the diameter of the suction part is smaller than the outer diameter of the cell clump and larger than the diameter of the outer circumference of the needle-shaped body 6 of the support 4. When the cell clumps are sucked and retained on the suction part of the suction nozzle, the moving means moves the suction nozzle to the upper side of the needle-shaped bodies, moves the suction nozzle in the directions of the axes of the needle-shaped bodies, sticks the needle-shaped bodies into the cell clumps and inserts the needle-shaped bodies penetrating the cell clumps into the inside of the suction part.COPYRIGHT: (C)2013,JPO&INPIT【解決手段】 立体構造体製造装置2は、細胞塊1を収容する収容凹部3aが形成された収容プレート3と、上記細胞塊を貫通する針状体6を複数備えた支持体4と、上記細胞塊を吸着保持する吸引ノズル19と、該吸引ノズルを移動させる移動手段20とを備えている。上記吸引ノズルは、1つの細胞塊を吸着保持する管状の吸着部19aを備え、該吸着部の径は上記細胞塊の外径より小径かつ上記支持体4の針状体6aの外周径よりも大径となっている。上記吸引ノズルの吸着部に上記細胞塊が吸着保持されると、上記移動手段は該吸引ノズルを針状体の上方に移動させ、さらに吸引ノズルを針状体の軸方向に移動させて上記細胞塊に針状体を突き刺し、上記細胞塊を貫通した針状体が上記吸着部の内部に挿入される。【効果】 自動的に細胞の立体構造体を製造することができる。【選択図】 図5
