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Microfluidic Imaging Flow Cytometry by Asymmetric-detection Time-stretch Optical Microscopy (ATOM)
Published on: June 28, 2017
Microflow Cytometer for optical analysis of phytoplankton.
Nastaran Hashemi1, Jeffrey S Erickson, Joel P Golden
1Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, USA.
Biosensors & Bioelectronics
|May 24, 2011
Summary
A novel Microflow Cytometer on a chip can classify marine algae by cell size and fluorescence. This technology enables phytoplankton characterization for potential use on unmanned underwater vehicles.
Area of Science:
- Marine biology
- Biotechnology
- Analytical chemistry
Background:
- Intrinsic fluorescence analysis aids in classifying marine algae based on size and fluorescence.
- Phytoplankton classification is crucial for understanding marine ecosystems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and fabricate a Microflow Cytometer on a chip for phytoplankton characterization.
- To assess the device's sensitivity and ability to distinguish different phytoplankton populations.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a Microflow Cytometer on a chip.
- Measurement of side scatter and fluorescence properties of marine algae (Synechococcus sp., Nitzschia d., Thalassiosira p.).
- Validation of measurements using a benchtop Accuri C6 flow cytometer.
Main Results:
- The Microflow Cytometer successfully measured distinct side scatter and fluorescence properties.
- The device detected and characterized picoplankton (approx. 1 μm) and larger phytoplankton (up to 80 μm).
- Measurements were consistent with those obtained from a standard flow cytometer.
Conclusions:
- The Microflow Cytometer demonstrates sensitivity for a wide range of phytoplankton sizes.
- The device's ability to detect intrinsic fluorescent pigments suggests potential for distinguishing phytoplankton populations.
- This technology is suitable for deployment on unmanned underwater vehicles for in-situ marine monitoring.
