Automated Cell, Inc.

University of Pittsburgh

Kairos Instruments, LLC

Alfred Blalock Bahnson

Douglas J Koebler

Raymond K Houck

Paul David Robbins

Charalambos N Arthanassiou

Kris Sachsenmeier

Lei Qian

John A Barranger

An optical microscope is provided with an adjustable optical phase ring. The adjustable ring provides a way to compensate for distortion in the visible phase ring before the light reaches the sample. In an inverted microscope, when observing transparent cells under a liquid, the visible light phase ring is distorted. By the use of a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) in place of a fixed ring, the projected ring is adjusted to realign the light and produce phase. In a typical micro plate, the meniscus formed produces a lens effect that is realigned by providing changes in the position and pattern, to allow phase imaging over a wider portion of the well. The realignment of the ring can be manual or automated and can be dynamically adjusted based upon an observed image of the sample.

Adaptive phase contrast microscope

An apparatus for monitoring proteins and cells. The apparatus includes a plate having wells in which cells are disposed. The apparatus includes means for analyzing the effect or proteins and other biological and chemical moieties on the cells. A method for monitoring of proteins and cells. A method for analyzing a cells. An apparatus for aligning light in a well of a plate for holding cells. A method for lighting a well. A method for determining a condition of a cell. An apparatus for indicating a condition of a cell. A method for establishing a focus profile of a plate having wells for holding cells. A method for manipulating cells. An apparatus for manipulating cells.

Method and apparatus for monitoring of proteins and cells

A method for analyzing a cell or cells by suppressing non-biological movement. The method includes the steps of placing the cell or cells in a solution having a viscosity enhancement medium. There can be the step of measuring the motility of the cell, or other desired attributes of the cell or cells.

Suppression of non-biological motion

The present invention relates to gene therapy for Gaucher disease using retroviral vectors which express the glucocerebrosidase gene. Methods are provided for transduction of autologous hematopoietic stem cells (e.g., human CD34+ cells) with these vectors and for transplantation of the transduced cells into a Gaucher disease patient to provide therapeutically effective levels of glucocerebrosidase activity. The invention also provides for retroviral vectors that express the glucocerebrosidase gene, and for human hematopoietic cells that contain the retroviral vector.

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Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America

Alfred Blalock Bahnson