Apparatus and Method for Isolating Cells from Organs
Ramon E. Poo and Camillo Ricordi
Problem
Cells isolated from parent organs can be very important and useful for transplantation, tissue engineering, therapeutic interventions, etc. However, methods currently in use for isolation of cells have resulted in cells that undergo damage due to the relatively severe mechanical stimulation that is used to isolate cells from an organ.
Solution
This invention describes an apparatus and method which overcomes the loss of damaged cells due to relatively severe mechanical stress necessary to isolate the individual cells.
Competitive Advantage
There is no other apparatus described that has the capacity to protect isolated cells as is described in this patent.
(1) Less severe mechanical stimulation;
(2) Less stressful sterilization procedures;
(3) Can produce isolated cells in relatively high concentration;
(4) Improved reproducibility.
Applications
All cell isolation procedures particularly when the protection of the cells is important
Patent Status
United States Patent No.
US6833270 ,
entitled "Apparatus and method for isolating cells from organs" was granted on December 21, 2004.
Licensing Opportunity
The University of Miami is seeking collaborative research and licensing options.
About the Inventors
Dr. Camillo Ricordi has been at the University of Miami since 1993, where he holds the Stacy Joy Goodman Chair. He serves as Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Professor of Surgery, Biomedical Engineering, Microbiology and Immunology. Dr. Ricordi is also Chief of the Division of Cellular Transplantation, Department of Surgery and the Scientific Director and Chief Academic Officer of the Diabetes Research Institute at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Acknowledged by his peers as one of the world's leading scientists in cell transplantation, Dr. Ricordi is well-known for developing the Automated Method for Islet Isolation. The procedure made it possible to isolate large numbers of pancreatic islets and is now used by laboratories performing clinical islet transplants worldwide. His research objective is to develop a cure for Type 1 Diabetes.
Mr. Ramon Poo is president of Miami-based Altira, Inc., a plastic container manufacturer. He earned a degree in engineering from the University of Miami in 1967. . Working with the DRIs Scientific Director, Dr. Camillo Ricordi, he has designed and built a device used in islet cell transplantation. Known as the Ricordi Chamber, this vital piece of equipment makes islet transplantation possible and is being used by researchers worldwide. Poo's company produces this life-saving instrument and distributes it at no charge. He continues to work closely with the scientists at the DRI to design and manufacture other pieces of equipment that will help to improve the processes needed to further diabetes research.
