Assessment of Small Cellular Particles from Four Different Natural Sources and Liposomes by Interferometric Light
Anna Romolo1, Zala Jan1, Apolonija Bedina Zavec2
1University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Health Sciences, Laboratory of Clinical Biophysics, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|December 23, 2022
Summary
Interferometric light microscopy (ILM) accurately measures small cellular particle (SCP) density and size in biological samples. This method offers a reliable alternative for assessing SCPs in blood preparations for clinical studies.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Microscopy
- Particle Analysis
Background:
- Small cellular particles (SCPs) play roles in biological interactions but are difficult to quantify.
- Existing methods for SCP assessment face challenges with particle size and transient nature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate interferometric light microscopy (ILM) for quantifying small cellular particles (SCPs).
- To compare ILM's performance against other techniques like flow cytometry (FCM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS).
Main Methods:
- Interferometric light microscopy (ILM) was applied to various biological samples including blood, spruce homogenate, microalgae, and liposomes.
- Samples were also analyzed using flow cytometry (FCM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), UV-vis spectrometry, and cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM).
Main Results:
- ILM provided accurate particle density measurements, a capability lacking in other methods used.
- ILM's hydrodynamic radius (Rh) measurements agreed with DLS for most samples.
- Cryo-TEM revealed non-globular particle shapes, explaining discrepancies in Rh from batch methods.
Conclusions:
- ILM is a valuable tool for determining SCP number density and Rh.
- ILM is particularly suitable for analyzing blood preparations, indicating potential for clinical and population studies.
