Development of small and inexpensive digital data acquisition systems using a microcontroller-based approach

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Instrumentation
• Digital Signal Processing

Background:

• Digital data acquisition systems enhance flexibility and precision in flow cytometry.
• Existing systems can be costly and complex.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a low-cost, small, and low-power digital flow cytometry data acquisition system.
• To evaluate the system's performance and applicability in flow cytometry.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a single microcontroller with an integrated analog-to-digital converter (ADC).
• Integrated a commercially available evaluation board into the system.
• Evaluated performance using calibration microspheres on commercial, slow-flow, and CCD-based flow cytometers.

Main Results:

• The system successfully resolved all eight peaks of Rainbow microspheres on multiple cytometer types.
• Demonstrated sensitivity and resolution suitable for most flow cytometry applications.
• Achieved millisecond time resolution, full waveform collection, and selective CCD camera triggering.

Conclusions:

• Microcontroller-based data acquisition offers a valuable approach for flow cytometry.
• The system is suitable for extending the lifespan of older cytometers.
• Presents a compelling design for low-cost, portable flow cytometry solutions.