A Fully Integrated Platform for Reproducible and Scalable Single-Cell Sequencing in Clinical Research

Title: A Fully Integrated Platform for Reproducible and Scalable Single-Cell Sequencing in Clinical Research Abstract: Single-cell sequencing (SC-seq) is transforming biomedical research by enabling high-resolution profiling of cellular heterogeneity, immune responses, and disease mechanisms. However, current SC-seq platforms suffer from major workflow limitations that restrict their use in clinical and translational settings. Chief among these are poor reproducibility due to variable sample preparation, limited cell retention that constrains throughput, and complex, labor-intensive workflows that are difficult to standardize across operators and sites. These challenges are particularly problematic for applications requiring detection of rare cell populations, such as immunotherapy development, precision diagnostics, and minimal residual disease detection. Sansimeon is developing a turnkey platform that integrates high-efficiency, unbiased sample preparation with scalable, deterministic cell encapsulation to support high-throughput single-cell sequencing from limited clinical specimens. Our approach unifies red blood cell and platelet removal, cell enrichment, multiplexed tagging, and CITE-seq labeling into a streamlined, one-step workflow—eliminating the need for centrifugation and minimizing hands-on time. The platform also incorporates a high-speed deterministic encapsulation system capable of processing up to 100 million cells per run with significantly improved cell-bead pairing efficiency. In Phase I, we will develop and validate a unified one-step incubation protocol for SC-seq multiplexing, CITE-seq, and cell enrichment in peripheral whole blood. In Phase II, we will build an automated benchtop instrument and an injection-molded microfluidic cartridge to enable standardized, reproducible sample preparation. We will validate the integrated system across multiple donors, operators, and timepoints, using commercial and in-house SC-seq platforms. Successful completion of this project will deliver a clinically relevant, scalable single-cell sequencing solution that improves reproducibility and expands access to single-cell technologies across immunotherapy, precision medicine, and drug discovery applications. Project Number: 1R44GM163418-01 | Fiscal Year: 2026 | NIH Institute/Center: National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) | Principal Investigator: Philipp Spuhler | Institution: SANSIMEON, INC, FREMONT, CA | Award Amount: $382,798 | Activity Code: R44 | Study Section: Special Emphasis Panel[ZRG1 MCST-B (15)] View on NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11313701