Abstract 2948: A multimodal, label-free tool for gentle and efficient cell separation

Abstract

Abstract LevitasBio has developed the LeviCell™ platform, a powerful new technology for cell separation and characterization that utilizes magnetic fields to levitate cells. Unlike other methods, cell separation via magnetic levitation does not require dyes, antibodies or specific markers, and the cells are not modified or perturbed in any fashion. However, magnetic levitation also does not preclude the use of these tools to further enhance separation of cells. In its simplest form, magnetic levitation requires only the addition of an inert paramagnetic compound to the media in which the cells are suspended. The cells are subsequently introduced into an externally applied magnetic field while contained within a single-use cartridge, which causes the cells to levitate in solution. The cells’ intrinsic properties, including density and magnetic susceptibility, determine the height to which the cells levitate. As different cell types often have different such properties, they may often levitate to different heights, facilitating their separation. Continuous imaging allows for complete sample analysis and characterization with the benefit of real-time control over the cell separation. The simplicity of magnetic levitation enables cells to be treated gently without use of high pressure or other perturbations that commonly lead to increased cellular stress responses, specific cell type activation, or even cell death. The direct and gentle flow path leads to high yields of live cells even with very low input cell numbers. This novel cell separation technology enables a variety of applications, including: the enrichment of viable cells from dead/dying cells and debris; separation of different cell types possessing distinct densities; and, in cases where the intrinsic density changes, the separation of differentiated from undifferentiated cells. Given that the levitation chamber is flanked by two magnets on the top and bottom, the levitation technology also inherently allows for the use of magnetic particles to deplete undesired cells within a cell population. Here we illustrate the performance of anti-CD45 antibody-conjugated magnetic particles for CD45+ cell depletion with the LeviCell system. CD45+ depletion rates of greater than 99% are readily obtained across a wide range of total CD45+ input cell numbers, from 105 to 107 total cells. Furthermore, CD45+ cell depletion is performed simultaneously with live cell enrichment, allowing for the collection of a high viability CD45- live cell population. Citation Format: Kevin Travers, Chris Stevens, Susana Jett, Suzanne Weaver, Teddy de Groot, Stefan Ha, Geoff Facer, Kathy Lazaruk. A multimodal, label-free tool for gentle and efficient cell separation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 2948.