Theory of Operation
The ApoStream® technology leverages differences in the dielectric properties (polarizability) of any cell to isolate target cells using a process called dielectrophoresis (DEP) field-flow assist. A target cell’s dielectric properties are dependent upon several biophysical characteristics, including:
- Cell diameter and volume
- Surface area of the cell membrane
- Cellular density
- Chromatin density / ratio of nuclear to cytoplasmic volume
- Proteins present within in the cell and cell membrane
- Conductivity
Other ApoStream Applications
The ApoStream® technology exploits dissimilarities of different target particles that arise from morphological and electrical properties to be separated in a microfluidic flow channel from any biofluid. Alternative ApoStream applications include isolating rare target particles from fluidic sources including infectious disease, bacterial, capsids, fetal cells, regenerative medicine and hematological cancers.
ApoStream® Key Benefits:
- Antibody-independent target cell capture
- Enriches target cells/particles present in low frequencies from biofluids
- Parameters to control high recovery and high purity
- Isolated cells are intact, viable, and can be cultured or used in animal models
- Small starting volume to continuous infusion
- No binding with target cells during processing
- Minimal cell loss during processing steps