The science of it all
Our Technology
We have spent over a decade innovating tools that can consistently capture, image, and deliver living rare cells for downstream analysis. The best of microfluidic design, laser sorting, and fluorescence imaging technology is integrated into our system. What truly sets MiCareo apart is our combination of unique technologies to minimize sample preparation and preserve cell integrity in an automated instrument.
The MiSelect R System is able to process large samples rapidly and yet preserve cell integrity thanks to a technique we developed called ensemble-decision aliquot ranking (eDAR). Instead of treating the whole blood sample as equal, eDAR breaks it down into nanoliter aliquots; only those aliquots containing target cells receive closer investigation.
eDar in action
The process begins by labeling whole blood with a surface antibody, or a cocktail of multiple antibodies.
Fluorescently labeled blood enters through the inlet (1) and flows continuously through the laser light. When eDAR detects the presence of target cells (2), it triggers the sorting of the aliquot into a separate chamber for further purification and analysis (3). The rest of the sample flows into the waste chamber (4).
Cell image analysis
The high resolution images captured by the MiSelect R can be analyzed and reviewed using the bundled software. Cells can be grouped using quantitative measurements of their fluorescent biomarkers, as well as morphological features, such as nuclear size.
Analyzed cells can be used to generate reports on the different numbers and subtypes of cells in the sample.
Live cell retrieval
For those who need to take cell analysis even further we developed the SelectChip Retrieval cartridge. Using this cartridge, rare cells can be purified to even higher levels and output directly into a microcentrifuge tube for downstream analysis such as RNA transcription profiles, DNA mutations, and phenotypic studies.
Integrated reagent staining
As part of the MiSelect R System's automated process, isolated cells are incubated with preloaded antibodies directly in the chip and imaged at 7 different wavelengths. In order to accommodate a wider range of research needs, a second round of reagent staining and imaging allows for the analysis of up to 13 biomarkers on each cell.
On-Chip filtration
In the SelectChip Dual, as the aliquots containing the target cells are collected, on-chip filtration removes blood cells, especially RBCs, and the remaining cells are ready for staining and imaging.
If a non-imaging analysis method is preferred, such as sequencing, the cells can be collected in a microcentrifuge tube with high purity.
