Scientists Discover Revolutionary Method for Cell Sorting Using Light
Introduction:
Researchers have developed a new method for high-throughput single-cell sorting using stimulated Raman spectroscopy instead of fluorescence-activated cell sorting. This label-free and non-destructive approach could revolutionize microbiology, cancer detection, and cell therapy. The researchers successfully demonstrated the method using polymer beads and live yeast cells, achieving high purity and throughput.
Full Article: Scientists Discover Revolutionary Method for Cell Sorting Using Light
Novel Method for High-Throughput Single-Cell Sorting Using Stimulated Raman Spectroscopy
Researchers have made a breakthrough in high-throughput single-cell sorting by developing a new method that utilizes stimulated Raman spectroscopy instead of the traditional fluorescence-activated cell sorting. This innovative approach presents a label-free and nondestructive way to sort cells for various applications, including microbiology, cancer detection, and cell therapy.
Introducing Stimulated Raman-Activated Cell Ejection (S-RACE)
Jing Zhang from Boston University will be presenting this cutting-edge research at the upcoming Frontiers in Optics + Laser Science (FiO LS) event, scheduled to take place from October 9th to 12th, 2023, at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center in Tacoma, Washington.
Zhang explains, “Our approach, known as stimulated Raman-activated cell ejection (S-RACE), offers an innovative way to sort cells based on their intracellular chemical composition in a high-throughput manner. This allows for various downstream phenotypic and/or genomic analyses to be performed on the separated cell populations. Additionally, its compatibility with small cells is advantageous for sorting bacteria and other microorganisms. By employing S-RACE, we can directly capture pathogens or cells with specific metabolic profiles from their natural habitats, such as water bodies, soil, or the gastrointestinal tract. Subsequent sequencing opens up possibilities like cell taxonomy identification and ecological function assessment.”
A New Frontier in Cell Sorting
Flow cytometry plays a vital role in rapidly counting and characterizing different cell types in various biomedical fields, including blood cells, stem cells, cancer cells, and microorganisms. Sorting cells based on size, granularity, or the expression of cell surface and intracellular molecules allows researchers to gain insights into biological processes or isolate cells with specific characteristics for further analysis.
While most current high-throughput cell sorting methods rely on fluorescence signals, these fluorescence labels can disrupt cell function and cannot be used with small molecules. Raman spectroscopy emerges as a promising alternative as it provides label-free and non-destructive single-cell measurement by obtaining a chemical fingerprint of the cell. However, achieving a strong Raman signal and a practical microfluidic setup for imaging cells has been a challenge.
Overcoming the Challenge with Stimulated Raman Spectroscopy
In this recent breakthrough, the researchers tackled this challenge by leveraging stimulated Raman spectroscopy, which produces a signal several orders of magnitude higher than the more commonly used spontaneous Raman scattering. The sorting process involves acquiring stimulated Raman images to identify objects or cells of interest. Subsequently, 2D galvo mirrors precisely direct a 532-nm pulsed laser towards the selected cell. Finally, an acousto-optic modulator acts as a fast pulse picker, allowing single laser pulses to propel the chosen cell into the collector. Each ejection takes a mere 8 milliseconds.
The researchers initially demonstrated the efficacy of the stimulated Raman-activated cell ejection method using a mixture of 1-micron polymer beads, achieving an impressive 95% purity and 98% throughput with approximately 14 ejections performed every second. They further demonstrated the method’s applicability to fixed bacteria.
For live yeast cells, the researchers introduced a thin layer of agar to the ejection module to protect the cells from heat and drying. They used an agar dish as a collector to provide cushioning and moisture during cell landing. The team successfully ejected around 340 yeast cells using the system and observed their successful growth in the receiving dish after approximately 40 hours. The researchers also demonstrated the compatibility of the sorting method with other genomic analysis techniques, such as quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Summary: Scientists Discover Revolutionary Method for Cell Sorting Using Light
Researchers have developed a new method for high-throughput single-cell sorting using stimulated Raman spectroscopy instead of fluorescence-activated cell sorting. This label-free and non-destructive approach could be used for various applications, including microbiology, cancer detection, and cell therapy. The method has been demonstrated to achieve high purity and throughput with fast ejections.
Scientists Invent New Way to Sort Cells by Type Using Light
Scientists have recently made a groundbreaking discovery by inventing a new technique to sort cells based on their type using light. This innovative method provides an efficient and precise way to categorize different types of cells, marking a significant breakthrough in cell sorting technology.
What is cell sorting and why is it important?
Cell sorting is the process of separating cells based on specific characteristics or properties. It plays a crucial role in various scientific and medical applications, such as cancer research, drug development, and immunology. Accurate and reliable cell sorting enables researchers to study specific cell populations, unravel disease mechanisms, and develop targeted therapies.
How does the new technique work?
The newly invented method utilizes light-based technology, specifically laser beams, to differentiate and sort cells based on their unique optical properties. By illuminating cells in a controlled environment, the light interacts with various components inside the cells, such as organelles or specific molecules, producing distinct patterns or signals. These signals are then detected by specialized equipment, allowing for rapid and accurate cell sorting.
What are the benefits of this new technique?
This cell sorting technique offers several advantages over traditional methods:
- Precision: The use of light-based technology enables precise recognition and sorting of specific cell types.
- Speed: The process is significantly faster compared to conventional techniques, increasing efficiency and saving valuable time in research experiments.
- Non-invasiveness: The cells are sorted based on their optical properties, eliminating the need for additional labeling or modification, which could potentially alter their natural behavior.
- Compatibility: The light-based technique can be seamlessly integrated into existing cell analysis systems, facilitating adoption by researchers in diverse fields.
What impact will this have on scientific and medical research?
This new sorting technique opens up exciting possibilities for advancing scientific and medical research in various ways:
- More accurate analysis: Researchers can now sort cell populations more precisely, leading to more reliable and relevant data.
- Identification of rare cell types: The enhanced sensitivity of the technique allows for the identification and study of rare cell populations that were previously challenging to isolate.
- Improved drug development: The ability to sort cells by type using light provides a valuable tool for drug discovery, enabling researchers to target specific cell types or assess the effectiveness of potential therapies more efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the new sorting technique differ from traditional methods?
A: Unlike traditional methods that rely on manual sorting, magnetic fields, or fluorescence labeling, the new technique utilizes light-based technology to sort cells based on their unique optical properties.
Q: Can this technique be applied to various types of cells?
A: Yes, this technique is versatile and can be applied to a wide range of cell types, including different human and animal cells.
Q: Is this sorting technique only beneficial for research purposes?
A: No, apart from advancing scientific research, this technique also holds potential applications in medical diagnostics, precision medicine, and cellular therapy development.
Q: Are there any limitations to this new method?
A: While the technique showcases remarkable advancements, there are still challenges to overcome, such as scalability for high-throughput sorting and optimizing the efficiency of the process.
