2. Introduction
Flow cytometry is a laser-based technology for
analyzing and measuring physical and chemical
characteristics of cells or particles in fluid. This
presentation covers its principles,
instrumentation, applications, limitations, and
future perspectives.
3. Table of contents
- Definition of Flow Cytometry
- Principles of Flow Cytometry
- Instrumentation/Parts of Flow Cytometry
- Light Scattering and Fluorescence
- Protocol for Flow Cytometry
- Types of Flow Cytometry
- Applications of Flow Cytometry
- Limitations of Flow Cytometry
4. Definition of Flow Cytometry
This technology is widely used in clinical and research settings for
various applications such as immunology, cell biology, and cancer
research.
Flow cytometry employs lasers to illuminate cells as they flow in a
stream and uses detectors to capture the resulting light signals.
The technique allows for the simultaneous analysis of multiple
parameters at a high throughput, enabling rapid data collection from
thousands of particles per second.
Fluorescence labels introduced to the cells provide specific
information about cellular markers and can indicate the presence of
5. Principles of Flow Cytometry
As particles flow through a focused laser beam in a hydrodynamically
focused manner, the interaction of light with particles leads to
forward scattering and side scattering, providing distinct information
about size and granulation.
Forward scatter indicates the overall size of particles, while side
scatter is correlated with internal complexity, such as granules or
organelles within cells, aiding in distinguishing between different cell
types.
The use of fluorescent dyes that bind to specific cellular markers,
such as proteins or nucleic acids, enhances the ability to identify and
6. Instrumentation/Parts of Flow Cytometry
The fluidics system uses a sheath fluid to focus the sample into a
narrow stream, allowing individual particles to pass through the laser
one at a time for precise analysis.
In the optics system, the lasers are aligned to focus on the sample
stream, with optical filters used to select the specific wavelengths of
light that are relevant for detection.
Detectors, such as photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) or avalanche
photodiodes, capture scattered light and emitted fluorescence and
convert these light signals into electrical signals.
Advanced flow cytometers include multiple lasers and detectors to
7. Light Scattering and Fluorescence
The degree of light scattering is influenced by the size, shape, and
refractive index of the particles, allowing for detailed
characterization of various cell types and their states.
In flow cytometry, forward scatter and side scatter are two distinct
measurements that provide complementary information about cell
size and internal complexity.
By utilizing multiple fluorescent markers, researchers can identify
specific cell populations and track changes in cellular behavior, such
as activation or apoptosis.
Different fluorescent dyes have unique excitation and emission
8. Protocol for Flow Cytometry
To achieve single-cell suspension, cell clusters must be dissociated
using enzymatic digestions or mechanical methods, ensuring
accurate analysis without aggregation.
In antibody staining, it is essential to optimize the concentration of
antibodies to prevent nonspecific binding while ensuring sufficient
fluorescent signal for detection.
Samples should be incubated for a specific duration at an
appropriate temperature, often in the dark, to enhance the binding
of antibodies to their target antigens.
Blocking agents can be used in the staining protocol to reduce
9. Types of Flow Cytometry
Traditional flow cytometers are typically characterized by a single or
a few lasers and can perform basic analysis of cell populations,
making them suitable for straightforward applications in research
and diagnostics.
Acoustic Focusing Cytometers utilize sound waves to manipulate and
focus cells in the fluid stream, enhancing detection accuracy and
allowing for the analysis of larger particles without the shear forces
present in traditional systems.
Cell Sorters are advanced types of flow cytometers specifically
designed to isolate and collect specific cell populations based on
10. Applications of Flow Cytometry
Used in biology, pathology, immunology, virology, and plant biology.
Detect malignancy in bodily fluids, separate cells of interest, and
analyze DNA content.
Can identify different stages of cell death and the effects of
treatments.
11. Limitations of Flow Cytometry
Does not provide intracellular localization of proteins.
Sample preparation can be time-consuming.
High costs and requires skilled technicians.
12. Conclusion
Flow cytometry is a critical tool in modern
biology and medicine, allowing for detailed
analysis of cell properties, though it faces
limitations that can impact its effectiveness.
13. References
- Biotech, M. (2018). Flow cytometry instrumentation – an overview. Current Protocols in
Cytometry.
- McKinnon K. M. (2018). Flow Cytometry: An Overview. Current protocols in immunology.
- Dean, P.N. and Hoffman, R.A. (2007). Overview of Flow Cytometry Instrumentation.
14. Thank you!
Do you have any questions?
youremail@email.com
+00 000 000 000
www.yourwebsite.com
@yourusername