This is a revised SBIR Phase II application. The proposal seeks to develop an automated cell culture and analysis system for single cells and apply this system to study of the growth of human hematopoietic stem cells. The approach is based on the hypothesis that an automated single cell bioreactor can be designed and constructed and that this system will provide a tool to advance the basic scientists' ability to dissect the basic biology of cell division and differentiation and to discover how to expand human hematopoietic stem cells in vitro. The system to be developed is a robotic system that intends to automate the processes of: 1) of cell culture and provide information at the level of individual cells; 2) screening of the effects of biological or chemical moieties on tissue-specific cells; and 3) manipulating the fluid microenvironment of cells based upon real-time identification of changes in cell state (e.g., cell division, cell phenotype, apoptosis, etc.). In this Phase II project, the performance and image processing capability of the existing system will be improved and validated; once these tasks are completed, the system's capabilities will be expanded in terms of throughput and the quality and quantity of information obtained. Applications and testing protocols developed in the Phase II program will be directed at the system's use to understand the cell biology of hematopoietic stem cells although the system ultimately would have a number of biological and drug discovery applications.

Proposed Commercial Applications

NOT AVAILABLE

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase II (R44)
Project #
2R44DK052257-02A1
Application #
6015253
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-SSS-I (02))
Program Officer
Mufson, R Allan
Project Start
1997-02-21
Project End
2001-08-31
Budget Start
1999-09-15
Budget End
2000-08-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1999
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Automated Cell, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
159699008
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
15238