| WARF: P07091US |  |
| Simple and Inexpensive Device for Counting Cells |
| INVENTORS | • | David Beebe, Nisha Badders, Hongmei Yu |
The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is seeking commercial partners interested in developing a microchannel cell counter.
OVERVIEW
Determining the concentration of cells in a sample is a critical part of many biology experiments. Although the cell counting devices currently in use, such as the hemacytometer, are accurate and reliable, they require a high concentration of cells in each sample. Little of the original sample is left after measurement for experimental procedures.
THE INVENTION
UW-Madison researchers have developed a microchannel cell counter that requires fewer cells and smaller sampling volumes than a hemacytometer. The microchannel inherently pulls the sample into the channel due to capillary action, so, unlike a hemacytometer, it does not require extra sample volume for loading. The channel has a predetermined volume, and may include a grid or other indicia to simplify the counting procedure. To determine the concentration of cells, the channel is filled with the sample and the cells are counted.
APPLICATIONS
- Counting cells in a sample
- Measuring samples with low total cell counts, such as populations of stem cells
KEY BENEFITS
- Allows cells in a sample of fluid to be accurately and reliably counted
- Requires 1-2 microliters, rather than 10 microliters, of the sample for measurement
- Easy to use
- Inexpensive and disposable, unlike costly hemacytometers that require complicated cleaning procedures
- Provides a direct replacement for existing hemacytometers
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For More Information About the Inventors
Publications
Badders N.M., Yu H., Alexander C.M. and Beebe D.J. 2008. Quantification of Small Cell Numbers with a Microchannel Device. BioTechniques 45, 321-325.
Intellectual Property Status
Tech Fields
Micro & Nanotech - Microfluidics
Analytical Instrumentation - Microfluidics
CONTACT INFORMATION
For current licensing status, please contact our team at
licensing@warf.org
or phone 608.262.4924. (Clicking this link will open a contact form in a popup window. If you have problems viewing the form, try disabling your popup blocker software.)
Since its founding in 1925 as the patenting and licensing organization for the University of Wisconsin-Madison, WARF has been working with business and industry to transform university research into products that benefit society. WARF intellectual property managers and licensing staff members are leaders in the field of university-based technology transfer. They are familiar with the intricacies of patenting, have worked with researchers in relevant disciplines, understand industries and markets, and have negotiated innovative licensing strategies to meet the individual needs of business clients.
