Title:  Magnetophoretic Flow Cytometry for Quantitative Analysis of Cell Surface Markers

Committee:

Dr. Fatih Sarioglu, ECE, Chair, Advisor

Dr. Bruno Frazier, ECE

Dr. Levent Degertekin, ECE

Dr. John McDonald, Bio Sciences

Dr. Kristen Williams, Emory

Abstract: Flow cytometry is a vital bioanalytical method for quantitative physical and/or biochemical characterization of single cells. However, current flow cytometers are bulky, expensive, and dependent on trained personnel. Despite their well-appreciated utility, only centralized laboratories have the resources to acquire and operate the instrument. Consequently, for small clinics, the access to the instrument relies on outsourcing, which introduces sample transportation, increased turnaround times, and limited emergency testing in situations where a bedside alternative could potentially be a lifesaver. A low-cost and portable alternative would greatly enhance the adoption of flow cytometry even in resource-scarce settings. Furthermore, such alternative would enable new point-of-care (POC) applications providing rapid triage and early diagnosis for only a fraction of the cost of the conventional technologies. In this thesis, we present a microflow cytometer in the form of an integrated and disposable microchip that offers results equivalent to conventional flow cytometers. To accomplish our goal, we utilize the physical manipulation capabilities of magnetic cell sorting and coupled it with an array of electrical sensors for simple read-out. We demonstrate the clinical utility of this technology by analyzing highly common leukocyte differentials, prognosing contemporary cell therapies, and evaluating the regenerative potential of individuals. Our device has the potential to make flow cytometry analysis as routine as blood glucose measurements and present new avenues in cell-based blood analysis, especially for point-of-care and emergency testing.