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Miniature, Modular, Multi-Parameter Flow Cytometer Facilitate Drug--Advanced Cytometry Instrumentation Systems, Baird Research Park, 1576 Sweet Home Road, Amherst, NY  14228-2710; 716-689-9797

Mr. Martin Casstevens, Principal Investigator, casstevens@lptinc.com 

Dr. Carleton Stewart, Business Official, stewarts@rpciflowcytometry.com 

DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-01ER83134 

Amount:  $749,837

Flow cytometers are established clinical and research tools with application to proteomics, drug discovery, and the fight against bioterrorism.  This project will develop several flow cytometer innovations to improve overall efficiency; reduce size, resource requirements, and cost; and, most importantly, permit greater amounts of information to be extracted from each cellular interrogation.  Phase I demonstrated the use of modified laser beams to extract complex and previously unattainable spectral information from flow cytometers.  A novel collection/detection system was demonstrated that is more efficient, has less components, and is easier to align.  In Phase II, the Phase I innovations will be further optimized, tested, and combined into a single advanced prototype.  This prototype will be demonstrated with several relevant biochemical models and critically evaluated.  A data acquisition system will be designed and built to optimally process the acquired data.

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee:  The improved flow cytometers would be used to extract greater amounts of information from complex systems at a reduced cost.  Applications are expected in proteomics, drug discovery, clinical research, and biomonitoring, etc.