Ultrahigh Density Tissue Microarrays

Reference #: 2003-042

OTC Contact: Sharon E. Pula, M.S., J.D., Associate Director (Directory Information | Send a Message)

Description

Georgetown University is seeking a partner interested in the development and commercialization of novel sectioning and bonding technology to make ultrahigh density tissue microarrays of solid tissue samples. Currently, tissue sample microarrays are constructed using a core-based sampling method. Unfortunately, since each tissue core can be of variable depth and quality, the core-based method rarely results in microarrays with greater than 150 good quality samples. Further, the variable depth of the core samples can lead to considerable loss of sample representation. Investigators working at Georgetown University have developed a new method that utilizes cutting edge matrix assembly (CEMA) to produce arrays of samples with precisely defined dimensions. As a result, tissue microarrays containing over 10,000 samples with equal representation can be constructed. This invention facilitates parallel analyses of large numbers of tissue samples, which is important for high throughput screening of potential drug targets, for example.

Applications

This technology encompasses new method for construction of ultrahigh density microarrays of thousands of solid or solidified samples. CEMA allows for improved quality control of tumor tissue arrays and may be particularly useful for large-scale tissue toxicity profiling of multiple drugs and their interactions.

Advantages

The method can create tissue microarrays with a large number of equally represented tissue samples as opposed to core-based methods.
The method allows for the option to embed sample identifiers that will simplify tracking and automated image analyses.
Tissue microarrays can be constructed using 100 micron thick sections so that patient blocks do not need to be cored.
The broad usefulness of CEMA also extends to arrays of macromolecules, particles, microbes and cells which can be immobilized by embedding in polymers or hydrogels.

Relevant Publications

“Ultrahigh density microarrays of solid samples.” Nature Methods. 2005, 2, 511-513.

Patent Status

Patents are currently pending in the US, Canada, Europe, and Australia