FerroBio’s CD34+ Cell Isolation Technology that could offer benefits for cancer research and cell therapies
Gainesville – A new peer-reviewed study published today in Stem Cell Translational Medicine reports that FerroBio™, a next-generation CD34+ stem cell isolation platform, produces healthy, functional hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) using a gentler and more streamlined process than traditional magnetic-bead methods. The findings highlight technological advantages that could improve the consistency and quality of CD34+ cell processing for research, preclinical development, and future therapeutic applications. The research, in collaboration with James Ropa, PhD at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, represents the first formal academic evaluation of the FerroBio system.
In the study, donated umbilical cord blood units were split evenly by volume and processed side-by-side using either the standard magnetic bead protocol or the FerroBio device. Unlike traditional approaches that rely on multiple, high-speed centrifugation steps and leave magnetic beads attached to the cell surface, the FerroBio system eliminates centrifugation and fully removes beads during processing. FerroBio integrates a proprietary cartridge and a semi-automated controller designed to minimize mechanical stress on the cells. This results in a workflow that is more efficient, less technically challenging, and less disruptive to stem cells.
“This study was designed to determine if the technology was as effective and equivalent to traditional cell separation methods and if the cells would engraft in mouse models of human cell transplantation, which was the case,” Ropa said. “But to my surprise, what we actually found was that there were some metrics by which these cells appear to be healthier and more functional when isolated with the new technology including higher stem cell numbers post-thaw and improved intermediate-term engraftment in mouse models.”
The study also noted that magnetic beads from the traditional method were often retained on unhealthy or dying cells, supporting the idea that traditional isolation methods may negatively affect cell integrity. Whereas FerroBio-isolated cells appeared healthier, with fewer morphological signs of stress.
“These results demonstrate that the FerroBio technology is not only equivalent to the standard method, but may offer meaningful advantages,” Ropa said. “A simpler, bead-free system could make high-quality stem cell isolation more accessible to research and clinical labs.”“Our goal in developing FerroBio was to create a more gentle, reliable, and scalable way to isolate hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells,” said Dr. Shabnam Namin, President of 42Bio. “Seeing independent academic data that reinforces the biological impact of removing beads and reducing mechanical stress is an important milestone for our platform and the scientist who rely on these cells.”
Key findings from the study include:
- Equivalent long-term engraftment compared to traditional methods
- Higher early and intermediate engraftment with FerroBio
- Increased post-thaw CD34+ stem cell numbers
- Complete removal of magnetic beads from isolated cells
- Healthier cell morphology demonstrated by electron microscopy
- Streamlined, centrifugation-free workflow that reduces technical burden
The study supports FerroBio as a next-generation platform for stem cell research, humanized mouse model development, and future translational cell therapy manufacturing.