Raman-assisted cell sorting

Use case

An all-in-one solution to selectively divert cells based on their raman spectra

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Non-destructive and label-free sorting

Sort cells based on their biochemical properties simultaneously

Sorting of a large range of cell sizes

Sort mixture of cells without channels blockage

Long-term stable operation (>8 hours)

High throughput of cell sorting based on intrinsic resonance Raman signal

Highlights

Overview of Raman-Assisted Cell Sorting (RACS)

Raman-Assisted Cell Sorting (RACS) integrates Raman spectroscopy with microfluidics to achieve non-destructive, label-free sorting of cells based on their biochemical properties. Raman spectroscopy is a non-invasive technique that analyzes the vibrational frequencies of molecules, revealing detailed information about their chemical composition. This label-free method uniquely links the phenotypic functions of cells with their genotypic characteristics. One major challenge in cell sorting is the high-throughput isolation of viable cells from complex mixtures. Traditional methods often rely on “trap-and-release” techniques, which are limited by factors such as weak Raman signals, cell size, medium conductivity, refractive index, and flow rate. To address these limitations, we introduce a trapping-free RACS system that uses 3D hydrodynamic flow focusing. This system enables continuous and automated sorting of individual cells based on their Raman spectra. Our all-in-one setup is designed to precisely divert cells according to their biochemical signatures, offering a more efficient and effective solution for complex cell sorting tasks. Comparison to Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting (FACS)

Labeling: RACS is a label-free technique that sorts cells based on intrinsic biochemical properties, while FACS relies on external fluorescent labels or antibodies to differentiate cells.
Non-Destructive: RACS is non-destructive, maintaining cell viability by avoiding chemical or physical labeling, whereas FACS may affect cell integrity due to labeling processes.
Specificity: RACS provides high specificity by analyzing the unique Raman spectra of cells, capturing detailed molecular information. In contrast, FACS relies on the presence of specific markers, which may not always represent the complete biochemical profile.
Throughput: While FACS is renowned for its high throughput, RACS, particularly with 3D hydrodynamic flow focusing, offers significant improvements in sorting efficiency, although it may still lag behind FACS in terms of processing speed.
Applications: RACS is particularly advantageous in applications requiring detailed biochemical analysis and preservation of cell function, while FACS is more commonly used in scenarios where high-speed sorting and identification of surface markers are essential.

What is the difference Between FACS and RACS ?

FACS (Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting): uses fluorescent markers to label specific cell features.
RACS (Raman-Assisted Cell Sorting): uses Raman spectroscopy to analyze the molecular composition of cells without labels. That method is label-free, and sorts cells based on biochemical properties.

If you want more info about FACS applications go check this use case !

Setup

Raman-Assisted Cell Sorting: Use Case Setup

In this Raman-Assisted Cell Sorting (RACS) setup, three key components contribute to the sorting efficiency and the purity of the sorted sample:

Detection of target cells within the detection chamber.
Identification of targeted cells as they pass the optical sensor in the sorting channel network.
Switching of targeted cells into the collection channel via the pressure unit.

A typical setup includes:

OB1 pressure-driven flow controller (Elveflow)
Flow sensors: MFS (for water-based solutions with 5% accuracy) or BFS (calibration-free with 0.2% accuracy) (Elveflow)
A manifold
Reservoirs
All necessary accessories: connectors, tubing, filters, etc.
Elveflow Software and SDK
3D flow-focusing Raman-assisted cell sorting device

Type of Applications

Applications of Raman-Assisted Cell Sorting

Raman spectroscopy provides detailed information about the intrinsic biochemical profile of cells, which can be used to characterize their phenotype, metabolic activity, and function. Raman-Activated Cell Sorting (RACS) leverages this technology for various applications across biology, medicine, and biotechnology.

Key applications of RACS include:

Cell Sorting: RACS allows for the sorting of cells based on their chemical composition without requiring labels, making it particularly useful for sorting rare cells, such as circulating tumor cells, stem cells, and immune cells.
Disease Diagnosis: By analyzing the Raman spectra of cells or tissues, RACS can assist in diagnosing diseases. For example, it has been applied to detect cancer and other diseases by examining the Raman spectra of blood or tissue samples. It is also used for sorting cells based on their drug response.
- Immunophenotyping
- DNA Cell Cycle/Tumor Ploidy
- Gene Expression
- DNA Degradation
- Enzyme Activity
Drug Discovery: RACS can identify new drug targets and evaluate drug efficacy by analyzing the Raman spectra of cells treated with different compounds.
Cell Biology Research: RACS enables the study of cellular chemical composition and its changes in response to various stimuli, aiding in understanding cell signaling, metabolism, and other processes.
- Ion Flux
- Cell Viability
- Intracellular Protein Staining
- pH Changes
- Cell Tracking and Proliferation
- DNA Synthesis
- Chromatin Structure
- Total Protein
- Membrane Fusion/Run-Over
- Oxidative Metabolism
- Membrane Potential
- Sorting, Redox State
- Sulfhydryl Groups/Glutathione
Tissue Engineering: RACS can sort cells for use in tissue engineering, such as creating artificial organs or tissues.

Overall, RACS has the potential to revolutionize multiple fields by providing a label-free, non-invasive method for sorting and analyzing cells.

Raman-assisted cell sorting

Use case

An all-in-one solution to selectively divert cells based on their raman spectra

Talk to an expert

Non-destructive and label-free sorting

Sort cells based on their biochemical properties simultaneously

Sorting of a large range of cell sizes

Sort mixture of cells without channels blockage

Long-term stable operation (>8 hours)

High throughput of cell sorting based on intrinsic resonance Raman signal

Talk to an expert

Need help or technical information?

Talk to an expert

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