Chip-based cell analysis by chip cytometry

Chip cytometry is based on the immobilization of cells on special object slides referred to as chips. On such chips, cells can be studied with respect to morphology, expression of surface markers, and intracellular function. Consecutive iterative staining processes allow a comprehensive immunological and functional characterization of cells. 

This method enables investigations at the single-cell level and, depending on the cell population, the chips can be stored for a longer period of time. Storage of sputum cell populations on these chips is possible for at least three months. Chip cytometry is thus superior to other methods of analysis such as flow cytometry, offering the possibility to combine direct optical analyses with repeated staining at the single-cell level, but in particular because the cell material of the sample can be preserved after the measurements.

• Iterative fluorescence staining: the very same sample can be repeatedly stained with sequential antibodies and measured at different time points
• Preservation of the cell material: sputum samples on chips can be stored for at least three months after measurement of the first biomarker of interest
• Storage of peripheral blood cell samples on chips for more than 24 months
• Sample storage on the chip allows measurement of additional endpoints even after study completion (iterative decision making)
• Exclusion of false-positive events by direct comparison of fluorescence and transmitted-light images
• Unlimited number of biomarkers can be analyzed in a single tissue or cell suspension sample
• Preparation and preservation of cells on chips and their storage at different test sites and subsequent centralized analysis without significant degradation of biomarkers allows multicenter use of this method
• In-depth analysis of single cells

Chip cytometry is based on the immobilization of cells on special object slides, referred to as chips. On these chips, cells can be analyzed with regard to morphology, expression of surface markers, and intracellular function.

Iterative staining protocols allow comprehensive immunological and functional characterization of cells.