University of Washington

Matchstick Technologies, Inc.

Thomas J Matula

Brian E MacConaghy

Jarred Egan Swalwell

Adam D Maxwell

Oleg A Sapozhnikov

Karol Bomsztyk

Michael R Bailey

Greg P Darlington

Andrew A Brayman

Paul Hilmo

Camilo Perez

Wei Ey Li

Vipin Kumar

Tatiana Khokhlova

Justin Reed

Hai Wang

Yak-Nam Wang

Jingfeng Guan

Masaoki Kawasumi

Wayne L Monsky

Brian E Macconaghy

Brian Macconaghy

A system for processing biological or other samples includes an array of transducer elements that are positioned to align with sample wells in a microplate. Each transducer element produces ultrasound energy that is focused towards a well of the microplate with sufficient acoustic pressure to cause inertial cavitation. In one embodiment, the transducers are configured to direct ultrasound energy into cylindrical wells. In other embodiments, the transducer elements are configured to direct ultrasound energy into non-cylindrical wells of a microplate.

Ultrasound system for shearing cellular material

Cell-separation systems and methods utilizing cell-specific microbubble tags and ultrasound-based separation are described. The methods are useful for simplification of time-consuming and costly cell purification procedures and real time apoptosis detection.

Real-time cell-surface marker detection

Disclosed embodiments include illustrative piezoelectric element array assemblies, methods of fabricating a piezoelectric element array assembly, and systems and methods for shearing cellular material. Given by way of non-limiting example, an illustrative piezoelectric element array assembly includes at least one piezoelectric element configured to produce ultrasound energy responsive to amplified driving pulses. A lens layer is bonded to the at least one piezoelectric element. The lens layer has a plurality of lenses formed therein that are configured to focus ultrasound energy created by single ones of the at least one piezoelectric element into a plurality of wells of a microplate disposable in ultrasonic communication with the lens layer, wherein more than one of the plurality of lenses overlie single ones of the at least one piezoelectric element.

Ultrasound system for shearing cellular material in a microplate

Embodiments are generally related to differentiating and/or separating portions of a sample that are of interest from the remainder of the sample. Embodiments may be directed towards separating cells of interest from a cell sample. In some embodiments, acoustic impedances of the cells of interest may be modified. For example, the acoustic properties of the cells of interest may be modified by attaching bubbles to the cells of interest. The cell sample may then be subjected to an acoustic wave. The cells of interest may be differentiated and/or separated from the remainder of the sample based on relative displacements and/or volumetric changes experienced by the cells of interest in response thereto. The cells of interest may be separated using a standing wave and sorted into separate channels of a flow cell. Optionally, the cells may be interrogated by a light source and differentiated by signals generated in response thereto.

Methods for separating, concentrating, and/or differentiating between cells from a cell sample

Methods for treating an extravascular hematoma in a patient can include liquefying a first portion of the extravascular hematoma by applying a first series of focused acoustic pulses to the extravascular hematoma at a first frequency; and liquefying a second portion of the extravascular hematoma by applying a second series of focused acoustic pulses to the extravascular hematoma at a second frequency. Liquefied remains of the extravascular hematoma can be aspirated from the patient following liquefaction and disruption.

Histotripsy treatment of hematoma

Systems, devices, and methods for separating, concentrating, and/or differentiating between cells from a cell sample

Flow cytometry concepts are modified to enable dynamic characterizations of particles to be obtained using optical scattering data. Particles in flow will be introduced into a sample volume. Light scattered by a particle in the sample volume is collected and analyzed. What differentiates the concepts disclosed herein from conventional flow cytometry is the use of an acoustic source that is disposed to direct acoustic energy into the sample volume. As the particle passes through the sample volume, it responds to the acoustic energy, causing changes in the light scattered by the particle. Those changes, which are not measured during conventional flow cytometry, can be analyzed to determine additional physical properties of the particle.

Dynamic characterization of particles with flow cytometry

A selective high intensity ultrasonic foaming technique is described to fabricate porous polymers for biomedical applications. Process variables, including ultrasound power, scanning speed, and gas concentration have an affect on pore size. Pore size can be controlled with the scanning speed of the ultrasound insonation and interconnected porous structures could be obtained using a partially saturated polymers. A gas concentration range of 3-5% by weight creates interconnected open-celled porous structures. The selective high intensity ultrasonic foaming method can be used on biocompatible polymers so as not to introduce any organic solvents. The method has use in cell related biomedical applications such as studying cell growth behaviors by providing a porous environment with varying topological features.

Method of selective foaming for porous polymeric material

A system and method for determining bubble shell properties using optical scattering. One or more ultrasound contrast agent (UCA) bubbles is placed in an imaging volume and illuminated with a laser. The UCA is exposed to pressure variations (e.g., using pulses of imaging or therapeutic ultrasound), while optical scattering data are collected and processed. The scattering intensity is related to the radius of the UCA. Thus, changes in the radius due to varying pressure conditions results in variations in the scattering intensity. The collected data are processed to provide a radius versus time (RT) relationship. The RT relationship is fit to one or more conventional dynamic models. The fitted empirical data can be used to determine one or more UCA parameters, such as shear modulus and shell viscosity.

Using optical scattering to measure properties of ultrasound contrast agent shells

A reflector () reflects energy emitting from an energy source () and focuses and directs it to a target. An aperture stop or suppressor disk () is positioned between the energy source () and target. The outer periphery of the aperture stop or suppressor disk () is an irregular curve (FIGS.and). This shape of the periphery prevents diffraction enhancement to the direct wave. In another emobidment, the suppressor disk () is replaced by a suppressor member () that is directly mounted on a frame portion of the energy source (). This energy source () includes a spark-gap, or the like, and an open frame () that surrounds the spark-gap () or the like. This frame () includes a pair of laterally spaced apart frame members () on the side of the frame () that faces the target (F). The suppressor member () is connected to these frame members (). It may have longitudinal grooves () in its side edges into which the frame members () snap-fit.

Focused shock-wave devices with direct wave cavitation suppressor

A reflector () reflects energy emitting from an energy source () and focuses and directs it to a target. An aperture stop or suppressor disk () is positioned between the energy source () and target. The outer periphery of the aperture stop or suppressor disk () is an irregular curve (FIGS.and). This shape of the periphery prevents diffraction enhancement to the direct wave.

Growing community of inventors

Kirkland, WA, United States of America

Thomas J Matula