Inserts for the wells of tissue culture plates are provided. When placed in a tissue culture well, a bottom surface of a shaft portion of an insert contacts a bottom surface of the well and blocks the growth of cells in that area. The blocked area mimics a “wound” in the layer of cells that grows around it. A cover portion of the insert comprises open channels through which cells, media, etc. can be delivered and gases exchanged while the insert is in place. Once the insert is removed, cell culture with the artificial “wound” is used to test the efficacy of agents with respect to their ability to facilitate cell growth into and closure of the “wound”.