Method for High-Throughput Microdissection and Analysis of Biological Samples
Background:
The National Cancer Institute's Laboratory of Pathology is seeking
statements of capability or interest from parties interested in
collaborative research to further develop, evaluate, or
commercialize a method for target-activated microdissection.
Technology:
A variety of techniques have been used to micro-dissect specific
cells or cell populations from a histological sample under direct
microscopic visualization. Traditional microdissection
techniques involve painstaking manual dissection using needles or
other micro-manipulation devices to isolate individual cells based
on histologies.
This analysis tool performs specific target-activated transfer from
a biological sample (i.e., tissue) that can be automated for
high-throughput analysis. The method employs a localized
reagent, such as an absorbative stain, that allows micro-adhesion
of desired cellular material in a tissue sample to a transfer
surface such as a thermoplastic polymer film. The energy from
a light or heat source causes the adhesion of the target cells to
the thermoplastic transfer surface. The transfer surface is
activated from within the target, for example, by heat. Subsequent
separation of the film from the tissue section selectively removes
the adhered target. This in situ activation can be achieved
by exposing the biological sample to an immunologic reagent that
specifically binds to the target.
Further R&D Needed:
- Optimization of an instrument for target-activated
microdissection.
- Evaluation of cellular targeting methodologies.
R&D Status: Discovery
IP Status:
- International Patent Application No. PCT/US03/23317 filed 23
July 2003, which published as WO 2004/068104 on 12 Aug 2004
- U.S. Patent Application No. 10/543,218 filed 22 Jul 2005
- Canadian Patent Application No. 2513646 filed 23 Jul 2003
- Australian Patent Application No. 2003256803 filed 23 Jul
2003
- U.S. Patent Application No. 11/202,848 filed 12 Aug 2005
Main Advantages of
Technology/Invention
- Automated system for high throughput microdissection and
analysis of biological samples
- Does not require visual detection or manual dissection
Contact Information:
John D. Hewes, Ph.D.
NCI Technology Transfer Center
Tel: 301-435-3121
Email: hewesj@mail.nih.gov
Please reference advertisement #837
Revised 4/31/2009