There is an unmet need for cost-efficient technologies for high purity isolation of rare circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from blood. An ideal isolation technique should be able to meet the following criteria: (a) minimal processing time;(b) low final sample volume;(c) isolation from large blood volume;(d) low carryover of leukocytes and blood components;(e) high cell viability;(f) compatibility with downstream processes such as PCR or tissue culturing;(g) low cost and ease of operation by entry-level personnel. While there are numerous approaches for CTC isolation, none of them combines simplicity, low cost, efficiency and speed. Previously, we developed a novel process of buoyant microbubble-assisted isolation of rare tumor cells from blood and buffy coats. MBs efficiently (>80% recovery) and fast (less than 20 min) isolated rare tumor cells from 7 ml blood or 22 ml buffy coats. For Phase I, Diagnologix, LLC has partnered with the University of California San Diego in order to develop and test a prototype of an intuitive and user-friendly separation/harvesting device that in combination with MBs will be used for harvesting rare tumor cells from complex biological fluids (e.g., blood). The proposed setup will enable easy washing, immunostaining, genetic analysis or culturing of isolated CTCs. The most important competitive advantages of MB approach vs. magnetic beads would be high speed, sample purity, simplicity, flexibility, minimal final sample volume and low cost. The value proposition of the technology is in the qualitative and quantitative improvement in CTC isolation and analysis for biomedical and clinical research and potentially for clinical diagnostics.

Public Health Relevance

The proposal aims to develop a simple to operate and inexpensive device for isolation of rare cell types from blood and other biological fluids. This technology has the potential to improve cancer diagnostics in general population.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase I (R43)
Project #
1R43CA176892-01A1
Application #
8646068
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-OTC-H (13))
Program Officer
Rahbar, Amir M
Project Start
2013-09-30
Project End
2014-06-30
Budget Start
2013-09-30
Budget End
2014-06-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2013
Total Cost
$143,649
Indirect Cost
Name
Diagnologix, LLC
Department
Type
DUNS #
078518178
City
San Diego
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
92127
Wang, Guankui; Benasutti, Halli; Jones, Jessica F et al. (2018) Isolation of Breast cancer CTCs with multitargeted buoyant immunomicrobubbles. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 161:200-209