Automated lightless cytometry on a microchip with adaptive immunomagnetic manipulation

Surface expression of cell populations are often sought as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in hematology-oncology and infectious diseases, making flow cytometry an invaluable technique for both clinical and basic research applications. On the other hand, the reliance of flow cytometry on manual input parameters and user protocols for operation introduces variation between analyses while potentially leading to errors in measurements. In this work, we introduce an integrated flow cytometry microchip that automatically adapts to the sample it interrogates. Our device measures the antigen expression in a sample by automatically analyzing the response of immunomagnetically labeled cells to an external magnetic field through integrated electrical sensors and by continuously modulating the time the cells are subjected to the field for optimal sensitivity and dynamic range. Furthermore, the lack of optical illumination and fluorescence detectors enables automated analysis to be carried on a fully integrated platform that is particularly well suited for translation into point-of-care testing and mobile screening. We applied our automated cytometry chip on both pure and mixed cell populations and validated its operation by benchmarking against a conventional flow cytometer. By transforming the utility-proven flow cytometry, a technique that has long been dependent on an operator in centralized laboratories, into a standardized disposable test for bedside or home testing, the automated flow cytometry microchip introduced here has the potential to enable self-screening for telemedicine and wellness.

Automated summary

This article introduces an integrated flow cytometry microchip that automatically adapts to the sample it interrogates, enabling automated analysis with fast and accurate results. It has potential applications in both clinical and basic research.