Multiplex coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (MCARS) for chemically sensitive, label-free flow cytometry

Area of Science:

• Biophotonics and Imaging
• Analytical Chemistry
• Cellular Analysis

Background:

• Flow cytometry is a high-throughput tool for cell analysis, providing size and morphology data.
• Traditional flow cytometry relies on fluorescent labels, which have limitations like spectral overlap and cellular toxicity.
• Label-free molecular analysis is sought to complement or replace fluorescent methods in flow cytometry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a novel multiplex coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (MCARS) flow cytometer.
• To showcase the capability of MCARS flow cytometry for label-free particle discrimination.
• To discuss the system's performance and potential applications in molecular analysis.

Main Methods:

• Utilized multiplex coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (MCARS), a nonlinear optical technique.
• Developed and implemented an MCARS flow cytometer for analyzing flowing particles.
• Probed molecular vibrations via Raman energies to obtain intrinsic molecular information.

Main Results:

• Successfully demonstrated the unique capability of the MCARS flow cytometer.
• Distinguished flowing particles using label-free molecular information.
• Presented system performance capabilities and discussed future possibilities.

Conclusions:

• MCARS flow cytometry provides a powerful label-free alternative for molecular analysis.
• This technology overcomes the limitations associated with fluorescent labeling in traditional flow cytometry.
• The developed MCARS system shows significant potential for advanced particle and cellular analysis.