Reference #: 1723
The University of South Carolina is offering licensing opportunities for An Optical Method for Measuring Intracellular Flow.
Background:
Intracellular flow is caused by fluid transport through (but not limited to) cell membrane proteins, including aquaporin channels, ion channels, stimulation, and cytoplasm streaming. Aquaporins are membrane proteins, e.g. ion channels, that allow the penetration of water across cell-membranes and play a pivotal role in the homeostasis of water in various tissues and organs. Aquaporins are expressed in numerous endothelia, epithelia, and other types of cells. Recent research has demonstrated that aquaporins are generally expressed in various tumors, such as lung, colorectal, liver, brain, breast tumors, etc. Thus, understanding the relationship between functions of Aquaporins and tumors may provide innovative approaches to treat and prevent diseases and tumor development.
Invention Description:
This invention represents a novel optical method for measuring intracellular flow including flow velocity and permeability. A labelled cell contains intracellular dyes distributed in cytoplasm. When excited by a light source, these intracellular dyes emits fluorescence or photoluminescence. This signal is relevant to the intracellular fluid flow and is detected by an optical detector. The resulting data can be used to show dysregulation with the intracellular flow.
Potential Applications:
Physiology and medicine, especially for drug development and diagnostic measures
Advantages and Benefits:
The method and apparatus with this invention is much faster, easier and more accurate than the current available method for permeability measurement with volume change.