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A rapid and high-throughput microfluidic stem cell analyzer

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Defense Health Agency
Contract: W81XWH-12-C-0069
Agency Tracking Number: O112-H14-3011
Amount: $149,969.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: OSD11-H14
Solicitation Number: 2011.2
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2011
Award Year: 2012
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2012-01-23
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
215 Wynn Dr., 5th Floor
Huntsville, AL -
United States
DUNS: 185169620
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: Yes
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Yi Wang
 Group Leader
 (256) 327-0678
 proposals-contracts@cfdrc.com
Business Contact
 Deborah Phipps
Title: Contracts Manager
Phone: (256) 726-4884
Email: dap@cfdrc.com
Research Institution
 Stub
Abstract

Rapid and accurate characterization and/or identification of the differentiation state of the stem cells is critical to the development of regenerative medicine technologies as well as tissue engineering solutions. Current methods and devices are time-consuming, labor-intensive, costly, invasive, and consequently, ill-suited for deployment in military and other limited resource settings. To overcome these limitations, we propose to develop and demonstrate a microfluidic impedance spectroscopic analyzer for rapid, accurate, non-invasive characterization and identification of the cell differentiation state at high throughput. Our technology enables significant improvements in analysis speed, cell integrity, and device automation, as well as marked reduction in logistical burden and operating cost. In Phase I, we will design, fabricate, characterize and demonstrate a microfluidic cartridge prototype to establish proof-of-principle of the proposed technology. The analyzer designs will be optimized using high-fidelity simulation tools, and the microfabricated device will be tested in our well-equipped Bioengineering laboratories. In Phase II, an optimized system with design refinements will be developed for enhanced performance (in particular, sensitivity and throughput), integrability and manufacturability. The analyzer will be integrated with COTS technologies for automated operation. The Phase II prototype will be demonstrated for rapid, accurate identification of cell progression and differentiation using a variety of cell types and conditions. The performance of the Phase II device will be determined by comparing against standard assays/methods. The final product will be fully automated, high throughput, non-invasive with ready deployability in both well-equipped core labs as well as resource-limited environments.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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