SBIR 95-1 SOLICITATION

PROJECT SUMMARY

Proposal Number:

15.03-9591

Project Title:

MULTISTAGE ELECTROMAGNETIC SEPARATOR FOR PURIFYING CELLS AND PROTEINS

Technical Abstract:

Improved techniques for separating cells and proteins are increasingly important to biotechnology because separation is frequently the limiting factor for many biological processes. In response to that need, SHOT has devised an innovative method for quantitatively separating cells, proteins, or other particles by using an electromagnetically-assisted separation process. Our multistage electromagnetic separator is a counter-current device in which cells labelled with decreasing numbers of paramagnetic beads are separated quantitatively on the basis of the extent of labelling by using magnetic fields of increasing strength. Our separator enhances product recovery by collecting fractions automatically and provides differential separation where only binary separations were previously possible. It will work with any aqueous suspension and has the flexibility to operate efficiently in both space-based and ground-based applications. The separator takes advantage of SHOT's pioneering multistage separation and electromagnetic stirring technology that has already proved itself to be flight-ready and is making its way to commercial markets. Our separator will make it possible, for the first time, to separate large quantities of immunological, hematological, and other differentiating cell types in direct proportion to their surface antigen content. The separator has the potential to revolutionize separation technology in medicine, chemistry, cellular biology, and biotechnology.

Potential Commercial Applications:

Commercial uses of the multistage electromagnetic separator include both space and ground-based applications. For space station, perhaps even on the biotechnology research facility, applications include separation of proteins for crystal growth processes. Medical applications include analyzing animal and crew member blood samples for cell types while samples are fresh. Other potential areas include the health industry, medical research, chemistry, biotechnology - any pursuit which employs separation of cells, proteins, or particles. Furthermore, technologies that can compete in terms of precision, cost 20 times as much as this innovation. In short, this technology makes precision separation affordable in the United States and around the world.

Name and Address of Offeror:

SHOT, Inc.
5605 Featherengill Road
Floyd Knobs, IN 47119