Research & Development
Biotechnology Projects

Dielectrophoretic Determination of Erythrocyte Aging Properties

This research project utilizes dielectrophoretic characterization to evaluate the aging properties of erythrocytes (red blood cells). Dielectrophoresis is the manipulation of particles in nonuniform alternating current fields. The entire process is carried out in a specially designed microdevice with 1 - 2 µL of whole blood. Donor blood samples are analyzed to ascertain dielectric aging differences as a function of blood type, donor health, age, sex, and race. This technology will one day allow blood banks to continuously monitor the viability of donor blood during storage. Preservatives can be added in response to aging characteristics. Such adaptable storage management may allow some samples of blood to be kept longer than 90 days, which would be beneficial in times of limited blood supply.