Case Study: Supporting new product launch for Cytiva

Single-cell genomics has become an essential part of the biologist’s toolkit when analysing changes in complex tissues. When preparing tissue samples for single-cell sequencing, it is critical for them to be processed - and single cells isolated - as quickly as possible. This ensures cell viability remains high and minimises cell stress.

Current sample disaggregation techniques often involve manual mechanical or enzymatic disruption, which can result in losses via cell rupture. Cell losses during sample processing limit the detection of rare cells and analysis of complete populations, which makes it essential to preserve cell content and return consistent and representative transcriptomic profiles relative to the original sample.

Cytiva, formerly GE Healthcare, have developed a new device for the disaggregation of human and animal solid tissue/tumours into viable single cells. Cytiva needed to generate data comparing the new device with other methods available on the market.

EI delivered a contract research project for Cytiva, performing single-cell transcriptomic analysis of mouse liver samples to compare the Cytiva device with another commercially available platform. EI’s single-cell scientists consulted on all aspects of experimental design and execution and delivered detailed feedback at each major and minor milestone within the project.

Samples were processed using EI’s 10X Genomics Chromium platform and sequencing was performed on the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 system. This was followed by detailed bioinformatic analysis and comprehensive data quality control, visualisation, and analysis.

This work was carried out between our single-cell, genomics pipelines and core bioinformatics teams. The Business Development and Impact team provided client interaction and project management.

Using the data generated by EI, Cytiva produced an application note for the launch of their new product. Data generated by EI enabled Cytiva to evidence that, compared with manual methods, their device generates single cell suspensions with more viable, and less stressed cells.

This product could be used in a range of applications in research and development including cancer biology, immunology, infectious disease & vaccine research, cellular & regenerative medicine, and inflammation & neurology.

This project was delivered ahead of time on a very tight schedule. This project benefited from the Earlham Institute’s cross-team collaborations, our expertise and infrastructure, and a customer-centred, science driven approach.