A rapid and high-throughput microfluidic stem cell analyzer

Rapid and accurate characterization and/or identification of the differentiation state of the stem cells is critical to the development of regenerative medicine technologies as well as tissue engineering solutions. Current methods and devices are time-consuming, labor-intensive, costly, invasive, and consequently, ill-suited for deployment in military and other limited resource settings. To overcome these limitations, we propose to develop and demonstrate a microfluidic impedance spectroscopic analyzer for rapid, accurate, non-invasive characterization and identification of the cell differentiation state at high throughput. Our technology enables significant improvements in analysis speed, cell integrity, and device automation, as well as marked reduction in logistical burden and operating cost. In Phase I, we will design, fabricate, characterize and demonstrate a microfluidic cartridge prototype to establish proof-of-principle of the proposed technology. The analyzer designs will be optimized using high-fidelity simulation tools, and the microfabricated device will be tested in our well-equipped Bioengineering laboratories. In Phase II, an optimized system with design refinements will be developed for enhanced performance (in particular, sensitivity and throughput), integrability and manufacturability. The analyzer will be integrated with COTS technologies for automated operation. The Phase II prototype will be demonstrated for rapid, accurate identification of cell progression and differentiation using a variety of cell types and conditions. The performance of the Phase II device will be determined by comparing against standard assays/methods. The final product will be fully automated, high throughput, non-invasive with ready deployability in both well-equipped core labs as well as resource-limited environments.