Summary
UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a novel method for performing quantitative and dynamic single-cell biomarker measurements at a single fluorescent wavelength by utilizing parallel hydrodynamic cell trapping arrays.
Background
A personalized approach to medical diagnostics and treatment is required due to heterogeneity within the human population and within diseased tissues. To that end, functional assays at the single-cell level can contribute to uncovering heterogeneity and ultimately assist in improved treatment decisions based on the presence of outlier cells. Single-cell fluorescent microscopy provides a high level of intracellular resolution and dynamics of molecular events. However, the process is slow and manual. Flow cytometry on the other hand, has a high throughput but provides no intracellular resolution or dynamics of molecular events. An automated fluorescent microscopy using a scanning microscope provides a higher throughput and intracellular resolution but there are increased costs and complexity due to the optical requirements.
Innovation
Researchers at UCLA have developed a novel sequential array cytometry method that utilizes hydrodynamic cell trapping arrays to simplify optical requirements associated with high throughput cell analysis. The device provides for cellular imaging with high intracellular resolution and high content screening while utilizing an extremely simplified optical setup. The limit on the number of independent parameters that can be measured is no longer dependent on the complexity of the optics as all stains can be observed with a single light-source, filter set and camera.
Applications
Advantages
State Of Development
Researchers have demonstrated the technology's principle and have developed key aspects of a prototype.