Related Experiment Videos
Coincidence in high-speed flow cytometry: models and measurements
J F Keij1, A van Rotterdam, A C Groenewegen
1Institute of Applied Radiobiology and Immunology TNO, Rijswijk, The Netherlands.
Cytometry
|January 1, 1991
Summary
High-speed flow cytometry requires understanding cell behavior at high rates. This study models cell detection rates, optimizing performance for instruments like the ZAPPER photodamage flow cytometer.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biophysics
Background:
- Coincident particle arrival is a key challenge in high-throughput flow cytometry.
- Accurate cell rate measurement is crucial for developing advanced flow cytometers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To model the relationship between real and detectable single cell rates at high flow rates (50,000-250,000 events/s).
- To evaluate models for optimizing cell analysis and sorting in high-speed flow cytometry.
Main Methods:
- Development and comparison of a Computer Simulation model and an Input/Output Device model.
- Validation of models against experimental data from the ZAPPER-prototype flow cytometer.
- Comparison with the Mercer model (1966) with adapted proportionality constant.
Main Results:
- Both developed models accurately predicted cell rates, showing distinct optima.
- Excellent model fits were achieved for cycle times of 4 and 15 microseconds; acceptable for 2 microseconds.
- Maximum cell rates at 70% yield were 180,000, 100,000, and 40,000 cells/s for 2, 4, and 15 microsecond cycle times, respectively.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a framework for selecting optimal cell rates based on acceptable cell loss.
- Model-driven insights enable evaluation of cycle time reduction benefits versus modification costs.
- Findings are applicable to the design and optimization of high-speed flow cytometry systems.