Magnetic Cell Sorting With Hall Sensors for Rare Cell Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting and isolating circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and antigen-specific B cells are hampered by low sensitivity, high instrument cost, and the requirement for extensive sample processing, which often leads to cell loss and degradation, making them unsuitable for downstream molecular analysis.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic cell sorting platform using a semiconductor chip with Hall effect sensors and magnetic manipulation to detect and sort bead-labeled target cells, enabling rapid, automated, and high-throughput isolation and identification of rare cells without the need for fluorescent labeling, thereby maintaining cell viability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional detection methods are used for circulating tumor cells, then detection capability is achieved, but sensitivity is low and instrument cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical detection systems with a magnetic detection system using Hall effect sensors. Magnetic beads conjugated to antibodies bind to CTCs, and the magnetic position of these bead-cell conjugates is detected by Hall sensors, eliminating the need for expensive fluorescent labeling and optical microscopy equipment while improving detection sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from optical fluorescence to magnetic field detection. By using magnetic beads with known magnetic properties and detecting their position through magnetic field interactions with Hall sensors, the system achieves higher sensitivity at lower cost compared to conventional optical methods.
2Productivity
If extensive sample processing is performed for cell isolation, then cell separation is achieved, but cell loss and degradation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential function of cell separation by using magnetic beads conjugated to specific antibodies that bind to CTCs. The magnetic beads allow direct magnetic manipulation and isolation of target cells without requiring multiple processing steps, thereby maintaining cell viability while achieving efficient separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic beads as an intermediary between the detection system and the cells. These beads conjugated to antibodies serve as mediators that bind to CTCs and enable magnetic manipulation, allowing cell isolation and positioning without direct mechanical handling that could cause cell damage or degradation.
3Productivity
If rapid sample processing is implemented for high throughput, then processing speed is improved, but detection precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous magnetic manipulation and detection of bead-labeled cells through the microfluidic channel. The Hall sensors continuously track the magnetic position of cells as they flow through the detection zone, enabling high-throughput processing without sacrificing detection accuracy since measurement occurs continuously rather than at discrete intervals.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The platform achieves rapid sample processing, high throughput, and cost-effectiveness, allowing for the efficient isolation and sorting of single intact cells in minutes, with yields above 80% purity and viability, suitable for downstream molecular analysis.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic cell sorting platform using a semiconductor chip with Hall effect sensors and magnetic manipulation to detect and sort bead-labeled target cells
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for detection of cells and sorting of cells are disclosed. Target cells, such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs) or antigen-specific antibody producing circulating memory B cells from COVID-19 patients, may be of interest. Magnetic beads may be bound to the target cells. After which, the bead-bound target cells may be identified using an applied magnetic field. In one example, magnetic sensors may be used to detect movement of the bead-bound target cells responsive to an applied magnetic field. In another example, an optical sensor may be used to detect movement of the bead-bound target cells responsive to an applied magnetic field. Further, separate from identification of the target cells, the bead-bound target cells may be sorted using an applied magnetic field. In this way, a magnetic field may be used for target cell identification and target cell sorting in order to detect and collect target cells of interest at the single-cell resolution.