Microfluidic Cytometer for Complete Blood Count Analysis, Phase II

We will fabricate and test microfluidic designs for a micro-electromechanical system based complete blood count (CBC) analysis in separate modules and integrate them into a working prototype. A first module constitutes a hydrodynamic focusing injector and cell impedance meter. A second module takes hydrodynamically focused cells and measures light scatter in the forward and orthogonal directions, as well as of fluorescence emission intensities from specific cell types using novel signal collection designs and micrometer scale, and Geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes that produce time-correlated photocount statistics from multiple optical sources. The third module will serve for blood sample dilution, routing, automated lysing and removal of human erythrocytes. This unit will also incorporate a sensor for measuring hemoglobin (Hgb) concentration. The proposed blood analyzer will utilize innovative optical and fluidic designs on a modular platform that enable compactness, high sensitivity, and robust service, while requiring no operator intervention.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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