# Microfluidic Technology for Concurrent Assessment of Red Blood Cell Adhesion and Deformability (Administrative Supplement)

> **NIH NIH R42** · BIOCHIP LABS, INC. · 2024 · $70,840

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Deformability and non-adherence are the most intrinsic biorheological properties of red blood cells (RBCs), as
they play a critical role in modulating RBC perfusion through the microvasculature. In acquired or inherited
blood disorders, such as sickle cell disease (SCD), these two interrelated properties are pathologically altered.
SCD is an autosomal recessive disorder associated with considerable morbidity and mortality in its afflicted
populations. In SCD, RBCs undergo radical morphological and structural transformations leading to decreased
deformability and increased adhesiveness, which further trigger vascular complications and a number of
comorbidities including painful crises, stroke, acute chest syndrome, and organ failure. OcclusionChip is a
novel standardized in vitro microfluidic assay to measure microvascular occlusion mediated by RBCs in a wide
range of clinical conditions. The unique design embodies the two key features of the capillary bed: a gradient
of microcapillary networks and side passageways mimicking the arteriovenous anastomoses. Occlusion Index,
measured by the OcclusionChip assay, may serve as a new standard parameter to evaluate the clinical
efficacy of treatments improving red blood cell adhesion and deformability, such as hemoglobin modifying
drugs, anti-sickling agents, and emerging genetic therapies. The objective of this STTR Phase I/II Fast-Track
project is to translate and commercialize novel OcclusionChip microfluidic technology as a standardized and
validated companion diagnostic assay for SCD. In Phase I, we propose to streamline the manufacturing
process with a third-party manufacturer and establish a quality control strategy. In Phase II, we propose to
contract manufacture a large number of devices (1000), establish analytical validation and clinical validation
relative to conventional, targeted, or curative therapies in SCD. Our goal is to establish the manufacturability,
analytical validation, and clinical utility of the OcclusionChip in providing comprehensive functional
characterization of red cell biorheological properties and assessment of patient-specific response to emerging
targeted and curative therapies in SCD.
With this Administrative Supplements to Promote Diversity in Research and Development Small
Businesses-SBIR/STTR, PA-21-345, our goal is to provide a unique research experience to Ms. Madeleine
Tincher. This supplement will help her prepare her for a future career as a scientist, engineer, and entrepreneur
focused on developing medical technologies that address healthcare problems faced by underserved
communities.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10851651
- **Project number:** 3R42HL162214-03S1
- **Recipient organization:** BIOCHIP LABS, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Chiara Federici
- **Activity code:** R42 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $70,840
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2023-04-15 → 2026-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10851651

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10851651, Microfluidic Technology for Concurrent Assessment of Red Blood Cell Adhesion and Deformability (Administrative Supplement) (3R42HL162214-03S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10851651. Licensed CC0.

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