iotaSciences single-cell picking platform validates automated microfluidic workflow for lipidomics
A novel microfluidic workflow for single-cell lipidomics using the isoPick Single-Cell Picking Platform has been validated through collaborative research between iotaSciences and the University of Surrey’s SEISMIC facility, as reported in Analytical Chemistry.
The methodology development addresses a crucial need in cellular biology research, particularly for investigating heterogeneity within cell populations through lipid profiling. This capability has significant implications for research into infectious diseases, allergic responses and oncology, where understanding cellular lipid metabolism at individual cell level is paramount.
The validation study, published with DOI: http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.4c03435, demonstrates the platform’s ability to facilitate automated and high-throughput single-cell handling, marking a significant advancement in accessibility for lipidomics research. This development is particularly relevant given the central role of lipids in cellular processes, including membrane structure maintenance, signal transduction, energy storage and metabolic functions.
Professor Melanie Bailey from the University of Surrey’s Chemistry Department noted: “We have been very pleased with the continued progress from our collaborative efforts with iotaSciences since we reported on first encouraging results related to the isoPick instrument over a year ago. We now have in hand an automated and easily accessible workflow for investigating cellular lipid metabolism at the single-cell level, thereby advancing our understanding of lipid-related diseases and facilitating the development of targeted therapeutic interventions.” The platform represents the first automated end-to-end cell isolation solution specifically designed for single-cell lipidomics, potentially accelerating research in this field. Dr Michael Lutz, CEO at iotaSciences, commented: “We are thrilled to have been able to contribute to this important methodology development publication in Analytical Chemistry. We are eagerly excited to further help the field of single-cell lipidomics to evolve by providing the first of its kind Single-Cell Picking Platform, allowing automation and high-throughput handling with an easy-to-use end-to-end cell isolation solution.”
The technology originates from the University of Oxford, where iotaSciences was established in 2016 as a spin-out from the Department of Engineering Science and the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology. The company focuses on developing user-friendly and reliable single-cell handling technologies for cell biology and gene therapy applications.
For more information, visit: www.iotasciences.com
Digital issue: Please click here for more information
