Developing a device to sort rare cells quickly and accurately.
Official title: SBIR Fast Track: Development of a High-throughput Magnetic Cytometer for Single Cell Sorting
Funded at Microsensor Labs, LLC · NIH-10947076 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new device called MagiCyte™ that helps quickly and accurately sort out rare cells, like cancer cells and stem cells, which could lead to better treatments and tests for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Microsensor Labs, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | November 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $50,000 |
| NIH project number | 3R44GM145183-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10947076 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that involve rare cell populations, such as cancer patients or those requiring stem cell therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with common conditions that do not involve rare cell populations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project focuses on creating a high-throughput cell sorter called MagiCyte™ that can efficiently isolate and sort rare cells at the single-cell level. The technology aims to improve the collection of vital cells, such as circulating tumor cells and stem cells, which are crucial for advancements in precision medicine. Unlike traditional methods that can be slow and result in cell loss, this innovative approach promises to maintain cell viability and enhance downstream analyses. Patients may benefit from improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies as a result of this technology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments and diagnostics for conditions involving rare cells, such as cancer.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been advancements in cell sorting technologies, this approach is novel and aims to address specific limitations of existing methods.
Where this research is happening
-
Microsensor Labs, LLC
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Peng Paul — Microsensor Labs, LLC
- Study coordinator: Liu, Peng Paul
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Creating a new device to quickly sort rare blood cells one at a time
This study is working on a new device called MagiCyte™ that helps doctors quickly and accurately sort rare blood cells, which could lead to better treatments and tests for patients with conditions like cancer and those needing stem cell therapy.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.