Contactless dielectrophoresis cartridge for label-free cell
This technology is a microfluidic chip that uses electric fields to sort and separate cells or particles in a liquid sample without letting the electrodes ever touch the sample itself. Instead, the electrodes sit in separate fluid-filled channels on either side of the sample channel, with thin insulating barriers in between. The electric field passes through the barriers and into the sample, pushing different cell types to different positions based on their electrical properties. Because the electrodes never contact the sample, they don't get fouled or contaminated, and the sample stays clean — a persistent problem with conventional dielectrophoresis devices.
What you could build
A disposable or reusable microfluidic cartridge for label-free cell separation and isolation, sold to biopharma researchers, clinical diagnostics labs, and cell therapy manufacturers who need to isolate specific cell populations without chemical labels or electrode degradation.
Who in Virginia should care
Cell therapy and biopharma companies in the Northern Virginia/DC corridor, as well as university medical research centers like UVA or VCU, would be plausible licensees or development partners.
Readiness: Prototype likely
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Rafael V. Davalos, Hadi Shafiee, Michael Benjamin Sano, John L. Caldwell
- Granted
- December 6, 2022
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 11519877
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.