Label-Free and High-Throughput Removal of Residual Undifferentiated Cells From iPSC-Derived Spinal Cord Progenitor Cells

This study addresses the risk of tumor formation associated with transplanting spinal cord progenitor cells (SCPCs) derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The main issue is the presence of residual undifferentiated iPSCs, which can cause tumors after transplantation. To solve this, the researchers developed a microfluidic device that separates cells based on size, allowing for the removal of larger, undifferentiated iPSCs from the SCPC population. This method is label-free, meaning it doesn't require specific markers to identify the cells. The technology effectively reduces the number of undifferentiated cells without harming the viability and function of the SCPCs, making it a promising tool for improving the safety of cell-based therapies for spinal cord injury.

• 1
  Large-sized SCPCs after 10-day differentiation contain more cells expressing pluripotent markers, indicating residual undifferentiated iPSCs.
• 2
  The inertial microfluidic-based device effectively removes undifferentiated cells from an SCPC population with high throughput (>3 million cells/minute).
• 3
  The technology reduces the percentage of OCT4-positive cells, a primary marker for iPSCs, demonstrating its potential for downstream processing of cell manufacturing.