SBIR Phase II: Development of a Microfluidic Device for Rapid Analysis, Sorting, and Collection of Biological Particles Using Photonic Forces

Celula, Inc., San Diego CA

Investigators

Abstract

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS) that uses optical forces to move cells and to sort cell sub-populations. The specific Phase II objectives are : (1) to build an integrated prototype cell sorter with flexibility to configure multiple lasers and detectors, (2) to develop a self contained microfluidic cartridge that can handle 1,000-100,000 cells/sample and sort with purities greater than 95% and total recovery rates greater than 80%, (3) to develop microfluidic flow assays, and (4) to validate that the mechanical and optical stresses do not adversely affect cells. The proposed work will result in a prototype cell sorter, self-contained microfluidic cartridges, and a panel of assays that demonstrate the broad utility of the instrument. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of cell-based assays for use in biological and biomedical research.