You are here

Miniature Flow Cytometer and Cell Sorter for Use in Low Gravity

Award Information
Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Branch: N/A
Contract: NAS2-02045
Agency Tracking Number: 001070
Amount: $600,000.00
Phase: Phase II
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 2002
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
PO Box 80010
Austin, TX 78708
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Greg Baxter
 Principal Scientist
 (512) 671-1369
 gtb4@cornell.edu
Business Contact
 Noe Salazar
Title: President
Phone: (512) 671-1369
Email: nsalazar@agavebio.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Conventional fluorescence-activated cell sorters (FACSs) are widely used to study eukaryotic cell populations. Although they provide impressively efficient sorting, they are costly, mechanically complex, and require large sample volumes and trained personnel for operation and maintenance. In addition, the footprint per unit separation is considerable and they typically require large input populations. Inexpensive devices that rapidly sort live cell, particles and even single molecules would greatly facilitate screening of combinatorial chemical, biochemical or biological libraries taking advantage of the enormous power of in vitro evolution. Moreover, such devices would have wide applications in clinical medicine and basic research. Current systems are also not well suited for use in low gravity environments or impose a significant cost in payload size and weight. Agave BioSystems proposes to develop a miniature flow cytometer/ fluorescent cell sorter (nanoSort) based on a novel micropumping system with an integrated optical waveguide that will eliminate these shortcomings. The microfabricated system will be ideal for use in low gravity environments as well as typical laboratory settings and will be both compact and lightweight.

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

US Flag An Official Website of the United States Government