Ultrasonic Method for Testing Anti Sickling Agents

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The results of the Phase I effort, during
the course of which the blood samples of 7 HbSS patients were examined,
established the feasibility of using phase-sensitive acoustic detection
techniques to quantitatively monitor the polymerization of HbSS. The effects of
introducing anti-sickling agents were also clearly resolved in the results. In
addition, the acoustic measurements performed on 5 normal blood samples
revealed the techniques sensitivity by demonstrating the reproducible
resolution of the minute acoustic response to de-oxygenation of normal blood.

With the basic response question settled, the primary aim of the Phase II
effort will be to develop a laboratory prototype that can be used by a third
party to support anti-sickling drug research efforts, general sickle cell
research, as well as be potentially used as a potential diagnostic tool in
clinical settings. In order to accomplish this goal, the following specific
aims will be pursued under Phase II: 1. An improved experimental prototype will
be designed. 2. A stable and repeatable test substrate (cell suspension) will
be developed. 3. The device will be characterized extensively with regard to
calibration, sensitivity, and sample variability. 4. The effects of an
extensive number of anti-sickling agents will be measured.

PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION:
Not Available