Efficient detection of rare cells using CMOS-based low-cost quantum dot camera

With the recent advancement in semiconductor process technology, new opportunities towards low-cost cell and molecular imaging have emerged. One application involves the detection of cancer cells that are tagged with... [ view full abstract ]

With the recent advancement in semiconductor process technology, new opportunities towards low-cost cell and molecular imaging have emerged. One application involves the detection of cancer cells that are tagged with antibody-conjugated nano-particles in the blood sample[1][2][3]. In this project, we present a multi-fluorescence camera that is small and portable. When combined with a disposable microfluidic chip carrier, it can be used to image and search for rare cells in a blood sample at point-of-care settings. This would potentially allow cancer monitoring and detection in patients without having to undertake painful and expensive lab tests. The camera utilizes multiple ultra-low-light CMOS sensor chips and a low power LED to visualize and manipulate quantum-dot labeled nanoparticles of interest in the bloodstream. Since fluorescence emitting quantum-dot materials have distinct emission spectrum while sharing the same excitation wavelength, quantum-dot labeled nano-particles demonstrate excellent multiplexing capability and enables fast detection.  In our system, once the desired fluorescent nano-particle images are captured, they are sent to a companion Android app via Bluetooth connection for further analysis. This app can be installed on any Android phone or tablet and features a user friendly interface to display imagery as well as generate diagnostic findings and recommendations. In this work, we take advantage of existing technological innovations in the IT world to provide potentially affordable, portable instrument and more user-friendly interface for cancer detection and cancer patient care.

[1] Nagrath, S. (2007, December 20). Isolation of rare circulating tumour cells in cancer patients by microchip technology. Nature. 450(7173): 1235–1239

[2] Thorban, S., Roder, J. D., Nekarda, H., Funk, A., Siewert, J. R., & Pantel, K. (1996). Immunocytochemical Detection of Disseminated Tumor Cells in the Bone Marrow of Patients With Esophageal Carcinoma. JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute,88(17), 1222-1227. doi:10.1093/jnci/88.17.1222

[3] Wit, S. D., Dalum, G. V., Lenferink, A. T., Tibbe, A. G., Hiltermann, T. J., Groen, H. J., . . . Terstappen, L. W. (2015, July 17). The detection of EpCAM+ and EpCAM– circulating tumor cells. https://www.nature.com/articles/srep12270