# Cyclic Flow Cytometry for Ultra-High Marker Single-Cell Analysis

> **NIH NIH R44** · LASE INNOVATION INC. · 2021 · $955,253

## Abstract

Abstract
Quantifying the presence, function, and fate of different immune cells is crucial in immunology
research and development of immunotherapies. Flow cytometry is a single-cell technique that is
widely used to measure different protein markers expressed by immune cells at high throughput.
However, spectral overlap between fluorophore labels makes measurement of more than 20
markers difficult, often requiring months of optimization, and limits the maximum number of
markers measured to around 40. These limitations prevent more comprehensive characterization
of immune cells that is critically needed for immunology and immune-oncology research. Mass
cytometry and RNA-seq based methods are throughput-limited and cost-prohibitive for measuring
patient blood samples containing millions of cells. The goal of this SBIR application is to develop
cyclic flow cytometry, a high-throughput, affordable and easy-to-use solution for the high-marker
single-cell analysis market. Cyclic flow cytometry leverages proprietary laser particle technology
to barcode individual cells for repeated flow measurements, enabling complex flow cytometry
experiments with 30 or more markers to be broken down into multiple, much easier cycles with
around 10 markers at a time. The feasibility of this innovative approach has been verified in the
Phase I research. The specific aims of this Phase II research involve developing and testing a
complete workflow and fully functional prototype for cyclic flow cytometry. The system will be
validated with external investigators for several applications. Completion of the Phase II work will
lead to early market validation of cyclic flow cytometry and directly lead to design of product-ready
prototypes, followed by commercial launch.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10325053
- **Project number:** 2R44GM139504-02
- **Recipient organization:** LASE INNOVATION INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Sheldon J.J. Kwok
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $955,253
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2020-08-01 → 2023-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10325053

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10325053, Cyclic Flow Cytometry for Ultra-High Marker Single-Cell Analysis (2R44GM139504-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10325053. Licensed CC0.

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