Figure 1: Scanning electron micrographs of CNPs.

Fayetteville, Arkansas — In a collaborative effort between Vegrandis LLC, the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University, the feasibility for commercial production of cell electrophysiology carbon nanopipettes (CNPs) will be established. The CNPs shown in the figure have been demonstrated to be useful for penetration of the membrane of a cell with minimal damage to the cell. The device can also measure changes in electrical signals generated by the cell. Because the CNPs can do all this without significantly changing the cell, they may have great value both in advancing new cellular studies and in improving existing cell manipulations (such as in vitro fertilization and stem cell research). However, the path from promising initial results to marketable product is long and difficult. Funding this path is one goal of the SBIR/STTR grant mechanism.

The research team has outlined the next steps for successful development of the product. They will modify the existing CNPs to make them more amendable to cell electrophysiology studies by providing two electrodes that, once placed through the cell wall, will measure changes in electric potential. Production of these cell electrophysiology CNPs (CE-CNPs) will then be optimized with an eye toward future commercial-scale production. The year-long project will conclude with electrochemical characterization and basic cell electrophysiology tests. At the end of Phase I, Vegrandis will also lead the submission of a Phase II grant to further the development of the CE-CNPs with a focus on automation of cell injection and measurement of changes in electric potential.

For more information on Vegrandis, LLC, check the website at www.vegrandis.com.
Contact: Ron Goforth
Phone: (479) 527-6591