Advances in reagents and analytical tools have improved characterization of cellular phenotypes. However, most studies are still performed on cell populations that are morphologically and genetically homogeneous, yet have important biological heterogeneity; with individual cells having unique phenotypic or `omic profiles. This leads to an average measurement of individual cells, none of which may actually be average. Single-cell analysis can define the scope of cell-to-cell variations within a population and provid in-depth analysis of single, exceptional cells in contexts such as stem cell differentiation or cancer, where these cells can give rise to clonal populations that drive the biology. While novel tools such as multiparameter flow cytometry, mass cytometry, and image-based cytometry provide in-depth analysis of individual cells, these technologies only provide a single time point snapshot and lack downstream molecular analysis. This project will develop a integrated cell-sorting and single-cell positioning device to allow single cells to be tracked and measured over time. This system will use a conventional multi-well plate format allowing the use of existing microscopy and analysis platforms.

Public Health Relevance

The advances proposed here will allow NanoCellect to achieve its mission: to advance single-cell technology that conforms to standard multiwell plate platforms. This will be achieved by integrating a microfluidic cell sorter and silicon-based plate-well insert that can arrange thousands of cells into hydrophilic zones, each containing a single cell.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase I (R43)
Project #
1R43EB021129-01
Application #
8980757
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-IMST-J (15))
Program Officer
Lash, Tiffani Bailey
Project Start
2015-09-01
Project End
2016-08-31
Budget Start
2015-09-01
Budget End
2016-08-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2015
Total Cost
$224,599
Indirect Cost
Name
Nanocellect Biomedical, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
832751098
City
San Diego
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
92122
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Chiu, Yu-Jui; Cai, Wei; Lee, Tiffany et al. (2017) Quantitative Analysis of Exosome Secretion Rates of Single Cells. Bio Protoc 7:
Han, Yuanyuan; Gu, Yi; Zhang, Alex Ce et al. (2016) Review: imaging technologies for flow cytometry. Lab Chip 16:4639-4647
Chiu, Yu-Jui; Cai, Wei; Shih, Yu-Ru V et al. (2016) A Single-Cell Assay for Time Lapse Studies of Exosome Secretion and Cell Behaviors. Small 12:3658-66