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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
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Imaging Flow Cytometry to Study Microbial Autoaggregation
Published on: September 29, 2023
A hard microflow cytometer using groove-generated sheath flow for multiplexed bead and cell assays.
Abel L Thangawng1, Jason S Kim, Joel P Golden
1Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375-5348, USA.
Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry
|July 27, 2010
Summary
This study presents a robust microflow cytometer for particle and cell analysis. The device utilizes hydrodynamic focusing and a clog-resistant design for multiplexed immunoassays and cell evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Microfluidics
- Optical Detection
Background:
- Development of microfluidic devices for biological analysis is crucial.
- Existing microflow cytometers face challenges with robustness and clogging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a rugged microflow cytometer for particle and cell analysis.
- To demonstrate the device's capability for multiplexed immunoassays and cell evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Micromachining a sheath flow system in polymethylmethacrylate.
- Incorporating six optical fibers into the interrogation region.
- Utilizing hydrodynamic focusing to narrow the core stream to ~35 μm × 40 μm.
- Employing a large channel design (375 μm × 125 μm) to minimize clogging.
Main Results:
- The microflow cytometer demonstrated robustness, withstanding pressures >100 psi without leaking.
- Successful analysis of coded microparticles and cells.
- Detection of nine different bacteria and toxins using multiplexed immunoassays.
- Evaluation of A549 cancer cells using fluorescence in situ hybridization.
Conclusions:
- The developed microflow cytometer is rugged and clog-resistant.
- The device enables sensitive multiplexed detection of biological targets.
- This technology has potential for various applications in cell analysis and diagnostics.
