A Modular Microfluidic Breakthrough for Functional Screening of NK Cells
In their study, Florian Aubermann and colleagues present a modular droplet-based microfluidic platform that enables the detailed analysis and sorting of Natural Killer (NK) cells based on their functional phenotypes. The platform is particularly focused on identifying NK cells with serial killing ability – the remarkable capacity to eliminate multiple target cells in succession.
At the heart of this system is a negative pressure-based droplet generator, which encapsulates primary human NK cells together with multiple target cells in microdroplets. This setup allows for high-throughput observation of cell interactions in a controlled microenvironment. To analyze these interactions, the platform employs a convolutional neural network (CNN) that processes time-lapse images to detect and quantify cytotoxic events. This approach enables the identification of NK cells that demonstrate potent, repeated killing behavior.
A key component of the platform is the MultiCell-Sort module, which integrates real-time, image-based droplet sorting using Sensifics ODIN sensor. This technology allows researchers to physically isolate NK cells based on their observed functional behavior, rather than relying solely on static molecular markers such as protein expression.
The significance of this platform lies in its ability to perform precise, high-throughput functional screening of NK cells – something that traditional bulk assays struggle to achieve. Moreover, it opens new possibilities for personalized immunotherapy by enabling the selection and study of the most effective NK cells for therapeutic applications. Its modular design also supports integration with other analytical techniques, offering a versatile tool for exploring the complexity and regulation of NK cell functions.
Reference: F. Aubermann, S. Seneca, T. Hofman, I. Garcés-Lázaro, K. Ajmail, K. Daubner, A. Cerwenka, I. Platzman, J. P. Spatz, Modular Droplet-Based Microfluidic Platform for Functional Phenotypic Screening of Natural Killer Cells. Small Methods 2025, 2500236. https://doi.org/10.1002/smtd.202500236