Development of a device for somatic cells measurement

Project aim: Development of a new device for measuring the number of somatic cells that will be robust, designed to be operated by untrained personnel, and very easy to use.

 

About the project: As there is no device on the market intended for counting somatic cells with similar characteristics, scientific research has been started at the University of Novi Sad to develop such a device through the cooperation of two groups: BioSens Institute – Micro and Nano Electronics Group (IB) and Faculty of Agriculture (PF). This project aims to co-finance this ongoing scientific research and further develop the device using two modern methods in the field of microfluidics and microelectronics: cell counting in the so-called. The phenomenon of change in electrical conductivity of the milk due to the increase in somatic cell concertation will be examined as well. Taylor’s cone and cell counts in a thin continuous film. The Taylor cone method involves the formation of a thin jet of the liquid test (diameter 10 – 100 µm) which is formed inside the device using a strong electrostatic field. Individual cells are then detected and counted using a laser beam. Another proposed method whose possibility will be explored in this project is the formation of a thin continuous film and the counting of somatic cells in a quasi-planar field using a scanning laser beam. The third method considered within the project is the measurement of somatic cells based on the electrical conductivity of milk. Our initial research showed all three methods that have potential answers to the demands placed on the new somatic cell counting measuring device. The result of this project is a prototype device for somatic cells only and early detection of mastitis in cows, which is based on measuring the electrical conductivity of milk.