2007 R&D 100 Winner
Flow cytometers are used throughout biomedical science to measure the physical and biochemical characteristics of cells. Their most common clinical use is in producing complete blood cell counts, leukocyte sub-population counts, and monitoring levels of specific lymphocytes as part of patients’ HIV/AIDS treatment plans. These instruments are traditionally bulky, heavy, and expensive due to the light sources used, the complexity of the fluidics system, and the need for high quality lasers and detectors.
A research team at Los Alamos National Laboratory, N.M., and Acoustic Cytometry Systems, Santa Fe, N.M., has created a system that circumvents these instrument limitations. Their Portable Acoustic Cytometer (PAC) is a fully capable miniature flow cytometer that uses a piezoceramic acoustic
source to reduce the size, complexity, and cost of the device. The PAC replaces the traditional hydrodynamic flow cytometer focusing with acoustic focusing. This reduces the overall size of the instrument, its complexity, operating costs, use of consumables, and waste. The acoustic system also makes the instrument usable in less-developed areas of the world, where traditional instruments found difficulty in operating due to their need for clean water as an operating medium.
The PAC also has a larger capillary system than traditional hydrodynamic systems, thereby accommodating a wider range of cell sizes and reducing the possibility of clogging. All systems were designed to provide increased sensitivity, greater throughput, and lower costs.
Technology
Miniature flow cytometer
Developers
Los Alamos National Laboratory
Acoustic Cytometry Systems
Originally published in R&D Magazine, September, 2007
