Melbourne company bluechiip has invented tracking chips that survive cryogenic temperatures, high temperature sterilisation and irradiation.

Now they’re planning to use the chips to track submissions to cord blood and stem cell banks.

Cord blood is a rich source of blood stem cells that could be used in the future for tackling diseases such as bone marrow, leukaemia and sickle cell anaemia.

In order for cord blood and stem cells to be available for use whenever they are needed, they have to be banked, processed, frozen and stored correctly.

The electronic memory chips will be able to passively track and monitor the temperature and condition of cord blood throughout the banking process.

The chips offer a competitive alternative to traditional barcode and RFID tracking technologies for storing and tracking valuable biological materials.

bluechiip is collaborating with Australian Stem Cell Healthcare Pty Ltd and Unique Micro Design Pty Ltd.

The partners in collaboration will work on ways to advance the technology’s passive memory and temperature sensing capabilities to ensure safe and reliable storage for cord blood and stem cells.

This project is part of the Victorian Government’s $41 million Victoria’s Science Agenda Investment Fund announced in November 2009.

For more information: Victorian Department of Innovation, Industry & Regional Development, Vivien Ellard, Tel: +61 (3) 9651 9259, vivien.ellard@diird.vic.gov.au