A Company jointly-founded by a pioneering York scientist has landed £1 million worth of financial backing.

Bill Anthony, left, 3i investment executive, with Dr Bernard Betts, of the University of York, who helped to set up Cell Analysis Ltd

Cell Analysis Ltd was set up to develop and market bio-technology developed by Dr Bernard Betts, an academic at the University of York.

The techniques patented by Cell Analysis, who are jointly based in York and Buckinghamshire, involve using electric fields to separate out different types of cells in the blood - a process called dielectrophosphorosis (DEP).

One application is using DEP to separate out stem cells - part of the body's defence system - from healthy blood, which can then be returned to the blood of patients with blood diseases or a weakened immune system - such as those who have undergone transplant surgery or chemotherapy.

The technique can also be used to help diagnosis of food poisoning, by speeding up the time it takes to grow a culture of suspect bacteria for analysis.

Cell Analysis has carried out research into DEP and its applications in conjunction with Leeds General Infirmary and Yorkshire Water, though its technology is not being used commercially yet.

The business, which was set up by Dr Betts and chairman Peter Salmon, has now landed a £1 million investment from 3i, Europe's leading venture capital company.

Mr Salmon said that though research into DEP had been going on for around 40 years, it was the first company to develop it commercially.

Bill Anthony, 3i's investment executive said: "Market potential for Cell Analysis' patents is vast. Their products will be particularly useful for hospitals, water companies and laboratories."

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