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Optical systems for single cell analyses
Kristin Sott1, Emma Eriksson, Elzbieta Petelenz
1Postdoctoral fellow University of Gothenburg, Department of Physics, SE-41296, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Background:
Data extracted from a population of cells represent the average response from all cells within the population. Even when the cells are genetically identical, cell-to-cell variations and genetic noise can make the cells respond in completely different ways. To understand the mechanisms behind the behaviour of a population, the cells must also be analysed on an individual basis.
Objective:
This review highlights the use of optical manipulation, microfluidics and advanced fluorescence imaging techniques for the acquisition of single cell data.
Conclusion:
By implementation of these three techniques, it is possible to achieve a deeper insight into the principles underlying cellular functioning and a more thorough understanding of the phenomena often observed in cell populations, thus facilitating research in drug discovery.
