Grant: Idea to Innovation

The main objective of this study is to develop an automated cell analyzer that counts, sizes, and determines the morphology and internal structure of cells using sound waves. In this device, a laser and an ultrasound transducer are integrated into a microfluidic flow system where cells are streamed through the target area one by one. Each cell is irradiated by an ultrasound wave (which is reflected from the cell) and a laser pulse (which produces a photoacoustic wave from the cell). Each cell type has a unique acoustic signature, from which the size, morphology, and internal structure can be determined. These parameters can be extracted using signal processing methods, and then used to identify each cell type. High-frequency sound waves have distinct advantages over other methods used in particle analyzers as they are highly sensitive to the morphology and internal structure of cells, providing increased sensitivity and specificity for the identification of each cell type in a sample. Applications pursued using this technology include examination of blood samples for the identification of blood pathologies, and the detection of circulating tumor cells. Identification of circulating tumor cells in the blood can be used as an early warning system for cancer progression prior to the patient showing symptoms, ultimately improving patient treatment, and lowering mortality rates and healthcare costs.