C-CAMP Develops Single-Cell Study Platform in Bengaluru

Researchers at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) in Bengaluru have made a significant leap forward in single-cell analysis with the introduction of OptiDrop. This innovative platform offers a cost-effective and user-friendly solution for studying individual cells, propelling advancements in diagnostics, therapeutics, agriculture, and animal health.

The Bottlenecks of Traditional Single-Cell Analysis

Previously, studying single cells presented a significant challenge due to its complexity and high costs. Techniques like flow cytometry, reliant on bulky instruments and large sample volumes (often exceeding 100 microliters), restricted accessibility for many research institutions and clinical settings. Flow cytometers themselves can cost anywhere between ₹ 45 lakhs and ₹ 1 crore .

OptiDrop: Democratizing Single-Cell Research

OptiDrop leverages microfluidic technology, enabling researchers to analyze single cells encapsulated within droplets. This ingenious approach offers a multitude of benefits:

• Cost Efficiency: Compared to traditional methods, OptiDrop boasts a significantly lower price tag, costing around ₹ 10 lakh. Depending on application requirements, the cost can be further reduced by using lower-cost alternative components for light sources, detectors, and pumps [as reported by C-CAMP]. This makes single-cell analysis more attainable for a broader range of researchers. Labs with limited budgets can now explore the intricacies of individual cells, fostering new discoveries.
• Simplified Workflows: The platform’s compact design and intuitive interface streamline workflows for researchers. This user-friendly approach reduces setup times and complexities, allowing researchers to dedicate more time to crucial analysis and experimentation.
• Real-Time Insights: OptiDrop facilitates real-time data visualization, providing valuable insights into cellular behavior as it unfolds. Researchers can observe cellular responses and dynamics, leading to a deeper understanding of cellular function.
• Minimal Sample Requirements: The platform requires minimal sample volumes, typically in the range of picoliters (one picoliter is one trillionth of a liter). This is ideal for precious or limited samples. This is particularly advantageous in scenarios where obtaining large sample quantities might be challenging, such as in biopsies or analyzing rare cell populations.
• Reduced Contamination Risk: OptiDrop minimizes the risk of contamination by employing a closed system design. This safeguard ensures the integrity of experiments and the accuracy of results.

Broader Impact of OptiDrop

The development of OptiDrop holds immense potential across various fields. Here’s a glimpse into some of the exciting applications envisioned:

• Precision Diagnostics: By analyzing the intricacies of individual cells, OptiDrop can aid in the development of more accurate and personalized diagnostic tools for diseases like cancer. By identifying subtle variations at the cellular level, clinicians can potentially diagnose diseases earlier and recommend more targeted treatment plans.
• Drug Discovery Revolution: The platform can accelerate drug discovery by enabling researchers to study cellular responses to potential drug candidates at the single-cell level. This allows for a more nuanced understanding of how drugs interact with different cell types, leading to the development of more effective and safer therapies.
• Transforming Agriculture: OptiDrop can contribute to advancements in agriculture by facilitating the analysis of individual plant cells. By studying responses to environmental factors or potential stressors at the cellular level, researchers can develop crops with improved yields, disease resistance, and resilience to climate change.
• Unlocking Animal Health: Studying single cells in animals can provide valuable insights into disease development and treatment strategies. OptiDrop can empower researchers to understand how pathogens interact with host cells, leading to the development of more effective vaccines and treatments for various animal diseases.

C-CAMP: Fostering Innovation in Biosciences

C-CAMP’s development of OptiDrop underscores its unwavering commitment to fostering innovation in the biosciences sector. This novel platform has the potential to democratize single-cell analysis, breaking down cost and complexity barriers. OptiDrop paves the way for groundbreaking discoveries across a multitude of disciplines, ultimately leading to advancements in human health, agriculture, and animal well-being.

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