Improvement of Cell Analysis and Cell Sorting

In the rapidly evolving field of cell analysis and cell sorting, ThinkCyte’s VisionSort™ platform stands out by integrating Ghost Cytometry® technology with artificial intelligence (AI). This innovative approach offers significant advantages over traditional flow cytometry methods. 

What is the VisionSort^TM and how does Ghost Cytometry^® work? 

Label-free, high-throughput cell characterization and isolation.

VisionSort™ is a cutting-edge cell sorting platform that combines conventional fluorescence-based cytometry with high-dimensional morphological profiling powered by AI.
At its core lies Ghost Cytometry®, a proprietary technology that enables label-free, high-throughput cell characterization and isolation based on detailed morphological features in cells. The VisionSort focuses not only on known and familiar cells, but also on sorting un-labelable cells (cells where no labels are available for). For example rare cells and fragile cells.  

How does VisionSort^TM work? 

The principle of the VisionSort^TM can be detailed in three steps: 

1. Profile Acquisition: As cells pass through a microfluidic channel, they are exposed to a structured illumination pattern. This interaction captures high-dimensional morphological profiles, which are recorded as temporal waveforms using a single-pixel detector. 
2. AI-Based Classification: The recorded waveforms are processed by a trained AI model that predicts the class of each cell based on its unique morphological signature. This approach allows for precise identification without the need for fluorescent labels. 
3. Sorting: Once classified, cells are gently sorted using microfluidic pressure, ensuring high viability and integrity for downstream applications. 

In comparison to conventional flow cytometry, the VisionSort offers several key advantages for your cell analysis and cell sorting:

• Label-Free Analysis: Unlike conventional methods that rely on fluorescent markers, VisionSort™ can analyze and sort cells based solely on their intrinsic morphological features. This reduces preparation time and avoids potential alterations caused by labeling. Which is especially beneficial for downstream use and for research where the native state of the cells are of importance.  
• High-Resolution Morphological Profiling: The system captures detailed ‘cellular fingerprints’ with submicron resolution, providing deeper insights into cell heterogeneity and function. Unlocking a new dimension of data, helping to gain new insights into differences within cell populations.  
• AI-Driven Classification: Incorporating supervised and unsupervised machine learning enables the identification of subtle phenotypic differences, facilitating the discovery of novel cell populations and biomarkers. 
• High Throughput: VisionSort™ can process and sort cells at a rate of up to 3,000 events per second, making it suitable for large-scale studies and applications requiring rapid analysis. All while ensuring a high cell viability. Due to the gentle microfluidic sorting mechanism.  

Examples of applications:

The VisionSort is versatile system which makes it applicable in various applications such as (but not limited to): 

• Cell Therapy Research and Development: Enables label-free sorting of immune cells and selection of therapeutically relevant cells, enhancing the development of cell-based therapies. 
• Drug Discovery: Offers a faster and more cost-effective alternative to plate-based phenotypic screening, allowing researchers to screen a broader range of phenotypes and accelerate the identification of potential drug candidates. 
• Disease Profiling: Facilitates novel biomarker discovery and disease characterization by uncovering unique cell populations and providing insights into disease mechanisms. 

Curious to learn more about this game changing technology? Here is an interesting on-demand webinar that delves deeper into the technology: https://thinkcyte.com/resource/webinar-visionsort-a-new-dimension-cell-analysis-sorting/