PFI:AIR - TT: Robust High Porosity Filter for Circulating Tumor Cell Enrichment

该PFI：AIR技术翻译项目的重点是翻译强大的，高开放面积的微过滤器，以满足各种研究和诊断环境中稀有细胞分离的需求。微过滤器很重要，因为它可以快速，高纯度地从复杂的混合物中分离稀有细胞，例如血液中循环的癌细胞。 这种高纯度的分离可以使癌症和其他疾病的早期检测成为可能。 该项目将产生一个原型和可扩展的过程，用于制造开放面积大于40%的微过滤器。由此产生的微过滤器将是独一无二的，因为它结合了高开放面积，同时保持了与标准医疗设备集成所需的机械坚固性。 这些特性使其能够实现更高的分离纯度和更高的容量，与该市场领域的领先过滤材料--径迹蚀刻过滤器相比。 该项目解决了以下技术差距，因为它从研究发现转化为商业应用。首先，将确定制造方法，以便可以制造具有大于40%开口面积的原型。这将通过应用已知的三维微制造技术的变化来开发。其次，通过测试和迭代，将确定设计参数以实现足够的爆破强度。第三，将对临床样本进行测试，以确定过滤能力和纯度是否满足作为癌症诊断的初始应用的最低要求。此外，参与该项目的本科生和博士后研究员将通过参与客户开发过程获得技术翻译经验。该项目涉及两个合作伙伴，以实现临床测试和其他业务活动的继续。Precision Membranes LLC是一家由参与人员共同创立的初创公司，旨在领导客户开发和商业模式生成活动。Astrimmune LTD将把原型过滤器纳入临床试验，并提供有关各种设计性能参数的反馈。

This PFI: AIR Technology Translation project focuses on translating robust, high open area microfilters to fill the need for rare cell separation in various research and diagnostic contexts. The microfilter is important because it makes possible rapid, high purity separation of rare cells from complex mixtures, such as cancer cells circulating in blood. This high purity separation could enable the early detection of cancers and other diseases. The project will result in a prototype and scalable process for the manufacture of microfilters with greater than 40% open area. The resulting microfilter will be unique due to the combination of a high open area while maintaining mechanical robustness required for integration with standard medical equipment. These features enable both a higher purity separation and a higher volume capacity when compared to track-etched filters, the leading filter material in this market space. This project addresses the following technology gap(s) as it translates from research discovery toward commercial application. First, the method of manufacture will be determined so that a prototype can be made with greater than 40% open area. This will be developed by applying variations of known three-dimensional microfabrication techniques. Second, through testing and iteration, design parameters will be determined to achieve sufficient burst strength. Third, tests will be performed with clinical samples to determine if the filtration capacity and purity meet minimum requirements for an initial application as a cancer diagnostic. In addition, personnel involved in this project, undergraduates and a postdoctoral researcher, will receive technology translation experience through participating in the customer development process as interviews are conducted. This project engages two partners to enable clinical testing and continuation of other business activities. Precision Membranes LLC is a startup co-founded by participating personnel to lead customer development and business model generation activities. Astrimmune LTD will incorporate prototype filters into a clinical trial and provide feedback about performance parameters of various designs.