Contactless dielectrophoresis cartridge for label-free cell
This technology is a microfluidic device that sorts cells or particles from a liquid sample using electrical forces—without the electrodes ever touching the sample itself. A physical barrier separates the electrodes from the sample channel, so the electric field passes through the barrier capacitively rather than by direct contact. This prevents the electrodes from getting coated or corroded by the sample (a common failure mode called fouling), and it prevents the electrical current from damaging or contaminating delicate biological cells. The result is a cleaner, more reliable way to isolate specific cell types—such as cancer cells or stem cells—from a mixed sample.
What you could build
A disposable or reusable microfluidic cartridge for label-free cell separation, sold to clinical labs, cell therapy manufacturers, and biotech researchers who need to isolate specific cell populations without chemical tags or membrane damage.
Who in Virginia should care
Cell therapy and bioprocessing companies in the Northern Virginia/DC biotech corridor, or defense biodefense contractors needing rapid biological agent detection and separation.
Readiness: Lab validated
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
- March 3, 2015
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 8968542
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.