In Vivo Stem Cell Extraction Device

The need for controlled medical tissue regeneration in trauma or disease therapies has long existed. Only recently, however, has sufficient technology been developed to even begin exploring human applications. A key breakthrough was the discovery of the stem cell as a significant element for regeneration. Previous work has suggested that stem cells can be targeted and captured in a synthetic microfluidic system that mimics the molecular cell-adhesion mechanisms used by the body for physiological trafficking in the microcirculation. The scope of this project is to initiate a plan to translate this discovery towards the development of a microfluidic cell capture device (the CellSelect System) that is capable of capturing sufficient numbers of stem cells for practical regenerative biomedical applications. The objectives of this project are to further advance the optimization efforts that were initiated during Phase I of the research product as well as complete the design, development and pre-clinical testing of the initial prototypes that will be introduced to the market during Phase III. Additionally, during the course of the Phase II research, we will demonstrate that the stem cells captured using this technology possess superior engrafting capabilities, thus making them ideal candidates for use in regenerative medicine.