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Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Real-Time High Throughput Technique to Quantify Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Formation in Human Neutrophils
Published on: December 1, 2023
[Neutrophil extracellular traps: method of detection and assessment of bacterial trapping efficacy]
Aim:
To develop express method for detection of neutrophil extracellular traps represented by extracellular strands of neutrophils' DNA.
Materials And Methods:
Acridine orange staining was used for visualization of neutrophil exracellular traps, which allows to quickly reveal the forming structures and to quantify this phenomenon.
Results:
Performed studies showed that after 30-min of in vitro interaction of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, lactobacteria, bifidobacteria and latex particles with neutrophils, the latter produces extracellular net-like structures, which were well visualized after staining of fixed preparations with acridine orange. Such structures are able to trap latex particles and bacteria more efficiently than live cell. Additionally, representatives of normal flora (bifidobacteria) actively stimulate production of traps.
Conclusion:
Production of neutrophil extracellular traps could be one of the main and effective mechanisms in antimicrobial defense of mucosal surfaces.

