Abstract

Sorting of Single Cells Based on Secreted Products Using Lab on a Particle Technology

Dino Di Carlo, Armond and Elena Hairapetian Chair in Engineering and Medicine, Professor and Vice Chair of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles

Sorting cells based on secreted products enables the discovery of antibodies, the development of cell lines producing recombinant products, and the selection of functional cells for cell therapies. However, approaches to rapidly analyze and sort viable cells based on secretions are not easily accessible. I will discuss nanovial technology that enables the isolation of individual cells in cavities of 3D-shaped hydrogel particles massively in parallel. These hydrogel particles, or nanovials, act as small wells to bind and accumulate secreted products at high concentrations, and enable washing and labeling steps. The nanovials and attached cells can then be sorted based on their secretions and their functions using standard FACS systems. This approach promises to democratize the ability to discover and manufacture drugs and cell therapies.