.jpg)
Transforming Cancer Diagnostics with Microfluidic Liquid Biopsy Technology
Cellsway, a pioneering deep-tech spin-off, is transforming cancer diagnostics through its innovative liquid biopsy platform. Leveraging cutting-edge microfluidic technology, Cellsway’s system enables the enrichment and analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from blood samples, offering a non-invasive and repeatable alternative to traditional solid tissue biopsies. This collaborative project, supported by the Microfluidics Innovation Hub (MIH), aims to refine and scale this technology, making it more accessible and cost-effective for clinical use.
Understanding Cellsway's Mission
Cellsway is dedicated to addressing unmet needs in cancer diagnostics and personalized medicine. Their liquid biopsy platform, powered by patented microfluidic technology, enriches CTCs from blood in an epitope-independent manner with high recovery rates and throughput. This innovative approach preserves cell viability, allowing for detailed downstream analyses and aiding clinicians in therapy guidance and monitoring. Cellsway’s products are designed for use in clinical service laboratories and research settings, contributing to advancements in cancer and pharmaceutical research.
The Diagnostic Dilemma
Traditional cancer diagnostics rely heavily on invasive solid tissue biopsies, which are not only painful and risky but also limit the ability to perform frequent monitoring. Cellsway’s liquid biopsy platform offers a non-invasive solution, enabling continuous monitoring of CTCs and providing real-time insights into cancer progression and treatment efficacy. This technology facilitates personalized treatment plans, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.
Cellsway's Innovative Approach
Cellsway’s liquid biopsy system incorporates a patented microfluidic chip that efficiently separates CTCs from blood samples. The core of this technology is a spiral microfluidic channel with embedded hydrofoil structures. These features spatially distribute cells based on size and enhance separation resolution, ensuring high-efficiency isolation of CTCs while maintaining cell integrity.
Goal
Develop a polymer-based microfluidic chip for high-efficiency CTC separation.
Integrate surface functionalization to prevent biofouling and maintain cell viability.
Design a user-friendly chip mounting interface compatible with Cellsway’s instruments.
Ensure ISO 13485 compliant manufacturing for regulatory approvals and clinical use.
Solution
Project Management and Communication: MIH oversees project activities, ensuring efficient planning, monitoring, and support.
Injection Molding: TEM produces the microfluidic chip parts using high-precision injection molding techniques.
Post-Processing and Bonding: MIC handles the post-processing and bonding of injection-molded parts to the substrate lid.
Surface Modification: IBD applies biocompatible, anti-biofouling coatings to the microfluidic chips.
Chip Holder Design and Manufacturing: MIC designs and manufactures a chip holder for easy, reliable, and fast mounting of the chips.
Chip Packaging: IBD manages the sterile and cost-effective packaging of each individual chip.
Requirements
High separation efficiency for CTCs while maintaining cell viability.
Optically transparent channels to monitor for clogging and ensure smooth operation.
Biocompatible and hydrophilic surface coating to prevent biofouling and reduce channel resistance.
Robust chip design to withstand operational pressures and facilitate user-friendly handling.
The Role of the #MIHfamily
Microfluidics Innovation Hub (MIH): Providing project management and coordination support.
Micronit b.v. (MIC): Responsible for project management, design optimization, post-processing, and bonding of microfluidic components.
Temicon GmbH (TEM): Handling the injection molding of the microfluidic chip parts to ensure precision and scalability in production.
Ibidi GmbH (IBD): Applying anti-biofouling coatings to the microfluidic chips and managing cost-efficient, dust-free packaging of each chip.
Partners Involved
Services and Technologies
Cellsway’s partnership with MIH and its partners underscores the power of collaborative innovation in healthcare. Together, they are advancing a groundbreaking technology that promises to transform cancer diagnostics and improve patient outcomes.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON 2020 research & innovation programme under grant agreement no. 862092.
