# High Throughput CRISPR/Cas9 cell line generation using the CellRaft Array

> **NIH NIH R44** · CELL MICROSYSTEMS, INC. · 2020 · $819,896

## Abstract

Project Summary
 Genome editing technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas9 provide a rapid, and targeted means of both
knocking out gene expression and knocking in gene modifications. Since our initial Phase I submission, the
utility of CRISPR technology has expanded beyond the generation of cell lines, to forward genetic screening, in
vivo manipulation of gene expression and even human therapeutics. Phase I efforts successfully demonstrated
the use of the CellRaft Technology in a streamlined workflow for CRISPR-mediated genome editing in cell lines.
Our Phase I report demonstrates several unique capabilities of the CellRaft technology for establishing genome
edited cell lines using CRISPR: 1) performing all workflow steps (transfection, sorting, colony growth) on a
single cell culture consumable; 2) releasing colonies from the array without disturbing the growth of other
colonies (i.e. individual colony isolation, as opposed to en masse colony collection via trypsin); 3) sorting cells
and colonies via imaging without requiring flow-based sorting methods which can damage cell health and
perturb native phenotypes. By fully integrating the CRISPR workflow on a single platform, the CellRaft Array
and the automated CellRaft AIR™ System, the genome editing process will be dramatically streamlined. During
Phase II we will continue validating this workflow and prepare for commercialization on the broader genome
editing market. We will both scale up manufacturing of high-throughput CellRaft Arrays tailored to
CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing under multiple conditions at once, as well as validate the performance of the
system at two external laboratories. A new software package is also proposed which enables investigators to
track transfection positive cells during their initial clonal colony growth phase. This software platform will also
allow users to track the growth of colonies emerging from transfection positive single cells and sort them based
on temporal propagation characteristics. Subawardee William Marzluff, PhD of UNC-Chapel Hill will evaluate
the new high-throughput CellRaft Arrays as well as the new colony tracking software package and evaluate the
AIR™ System has a multi-lab core facility instrument. In a second subaward program, Mike McConnell, PhD
of the University of Virginia will perform a time-course CRISPR experiment using the CellRaft Technology and
automated AIR™ System. Using both CRISPR-mediated genome editing and time-course tracking of colony
growth, he will develop an in vitro model of tuberous sclerosis by editing the TSC1 gene in human IPSCs. Based
on discussions with several CellRaft customers who use the system for CRISPR-based assays, there remains a
clearly unmet need for a platform which broadly supports CRISPR genome editing workflows. The CellRaft
Technology’s combination of imaging capabilities, support for the culture of viable cells and colonies and ability
to sort and isolate cells for molecular analysis, lends itself to becoming ...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9910418
- **Project number:** 5R44GM134993-03
- **Recipient organization:** CELL MICROSYSTEMS, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Jessica Hartman
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $819,896
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-05-01 → 2022-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9910418

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9910418, High Throughput CRISPR/Cas9 cell line generation using the CellRaft Array (5R44GM134993-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9910418. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*