Spectral Imaging Flow Cytometry

We developed the world's first spectral imaging flow cytometer capable of deeply profiling 5,000 cells per second, both in terms of molecular composition and morphology. This unparalleled technology generates label-free scattering images and 32/64-channel fluorescence images of each individual cell. To achieve this, we invented the linear-array-spot-excitation (LASE) imaging method using diffractive optics, and developed microfluidic chips for high-speed 3D hydrodynamic focusing and a MEMS sorter utilizing spark cavitation single bubbles.

Every three minutes, this technology can analyze 1 million cells, providing affluent molecular and morphological profiles. This high-quality but cost-effective data is expected to develop into a new type of cell omics, similar to genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. This data can be utilized for various applications, including cell atlas creation, drug discovery, blood analysis, synthetic biology, cell and gene therapy, liquid biopsy, molecular breeding, and marine biology, among other fields related to single-cell analysis.

Currently, we are applying spectral imaging flow cytometry to the early detection of malignant hematologic diseases, such as leukemia, by analyzing whole blood. The traditional blood smear, performed via manual microscopic examination, is inefficient, has low sensitivity, and is highly dependent on the expertise of specially trained professionals. Powered by AI, our technology will enhance the traditional complete blood count (CBC) test with the capability of ‘expert’s eyes’ to detect early abnormalities. This advancement is expected to benefit billions of people globally by enabling earlier and more accurate diagnosis of blood-related diseases.

Selected Publications

Han, Yong, Jingjing Zhao (co-first author & corresponding author), Zixi Chao, Kaitlyn Liang, Chi Zhang, Lingqi Jiang, Zeheng Jiao, Fang Bai, Attila Tárnok, and Zheng You. "Imaging flow cytometry using linear array spot excitation." Device 1, no. 6 (2023). [PDF]
Chao, Zixi, Yong Han, Zeheng Jiao, Zheng You, and Jingjing Zhao (corresponding author). "Prism Design for Spectral Flow Cytometry." Micromachines 14, no. 2 (2023): 315. [PDF]
Jiao, Zeheng, Yong Han, Jingjing Zhao (corresponding author), Zixi Chao, Attila Tárnok, and Zheng You. "Rapid switching and durable on-chip spark-cavitation-bubble cell sorter." Microsystems & Nanoengineering 8, no. 1 (2022): 52. [PDF]
Han, Yong, Zeheng Jiao, Jingjing Zhao (corresponding author), Zixi Chao, and Zheng You. "A simple approach to fabricate multi-layer glass microfluidic chips based on laser processing and thermocompression bonding." Microfluidics and Nanofluidics 25, no. 9 (2021): 77. [PDF]
Jiao, Zeheng, Jingjing Zhao (corresponding author), Yong Han, Zixi Chao, and Zheng You. "Dynamics of spark cavitation bubbles in a microchamber." Microfluidics and Nanofluidics 25 (2021): 1-8. [PDF]
Han, Yong, Jingjing Zhao (co-first author & corresponding author), Zeheng Jiao, Zixi Chao, Attila Tárnok, and Zheng You. "Diffractive beam shaper for multiwavelength lasers for flow cytometry." Cytometry Part A 99, no. 2 (2021): 194-204. [PDF]
Jiao, Zeheng, Jingjing Zhao, Zixi Chao, Zheng You, and Jiahao Zhao. "An air-chamber-based microfluidic stabilizer for attenuating syringe-pump-induced fluctuations." Microfluidics and Nanofluidics 23 (2019): 1-10. [PDF]
Zhao, Jingjing, and Zheng You. "Spark‐generated microbubble cell sorter for microfluidic flow cytometry." Cytometry Part A 93, no. 2 (2018): 222-231. [PDF]
Zhao, Jingjing, and Zheng You. "A microflow cytometer with a rectangular quasi-flat-top laser spot." Sensors 16, no. 9 (2016): 1474. [PDF ]
Zhao, Jingjing, and Zheng You. "Using binary optical elements (BOEs) to generate rectangular spots for illumination in micro flow cytometer." Biomicrofluidics 10, no. 5 (2016). [PDF]
Zhao, Jingjing, and Zheng You. "Microfluidic hydrodynamic focusing for high-throughput applications." Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering 25, no. 12 (2015): 125006. [PDF]