Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: To address the U.S. Army need for new methods and/or materials to allow long-term storage

Description

To address the U.S. Army need for new methods and/or materials to allow long-term storage of vertebrate cells under ambient conditions for use in portable cell-based toxicity sensors, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a Vertebrate Cell Storage (VerCeS) technology based on a novel formulation for vertebrate cell lyophilization. The key component of the VerCeS modality is a novel formulation and freeze-drying process to preserve the structure and functionality of the lyophilized cells. The innovations in the VerCeS method will sustain cells for a minimum of 3 months under ambient conditions with storage temperatures up to 40 deg C. Also, VerCeS will provide a high level of readiness, which will be achieved by rapid rehydration/reconstitution of the freeze-dried cells. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of the VerCeS concept by developing a prototype that will meet the Army"s performance metrics. In Phase II, POC plans to expand on the Phase I proof of concept work to demonstrate extended cell viability and functioning for six months with greater than 90% viability and cells ready to use in 60 min or less with minimal operational steps under the performance parameters described in Phase I.