SBIR-STTR Award

In order to study cellular physiology and biochemistry of biological and physiological cells, it is important that the cells of interest be separated effectively from heterogeneous mixtures. Presently available separation techniques do not usually discriminate cells according to their physiological states or intracellular constituents. This proposal seeks to develop a novel separation technique (to separate cells on the basis of their physiological characteristics) based on the ability of the cells to react to applied electromagnetic fields. It is expected that the proposed technique will be fast and will exert little stress on the cells (in contrast to some of the pr3esently available techniques). The proposed technique would have a significant impact in the areas of genetic engineering and immunology. The principal investigator and his company (Biotechnologies and Experimental Research, Inc.) have very good expertise in the area of the proposed work and qualify for support under the Small Business Innovation Research Program. Support for Phase I (proof-of-concept) research, in the amount of $40,000 for six months for FY87 funds is recommended.

The separation of cells is accomplished by subjecting the aqueous suspension containing cells to cross electric and magnetic fields. These fields cause the cells to drift and the drift velocity is a complex function of cell structure, cell size and the operating conditions such as the strengths of and the phase shift between the two fields. The feasibility of the technique has been successfully demonstrated in Phase I experiments, in which a latex and three mammalian cells were separated. In this Phase-II project, flow systems will be constructed and tested, better resolutions for cell sorting will be obtained, and a theory will be established for predicting dependence of the cell drift velocity on the operating conditions as well as the structure and size of the cell. Successful results from the project would lead to a new technique for cell sorting which is needed in medicine, biochemical and biomedical engineering operations. This technique would be superior than electrophoresis in that it requires much lower electric fields.