Related Experiment Videos
New flow cytometric technologies for the 21st century
M C Roslaniec1, C S Bell-Prince, H A Crissman
1National Flow Cytometry Resource, Life Sciences Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, USA.
Human Cell
|March 1, 1997
Summary
Flow cytometry advancements now detect single molecules and analyze DNA fragments for the Human Genome Project. These innovations enable real-time cellular analysis and improved chromosome sorting for biomedical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Flow cytometry's capabilities are rapidly expanding beyond traditional applications.
- New technologies are pushing the boundaries of detection sensitivity, speed, and analytical scope.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the expanded frontiers of flow cytometry.
- To showcase novel applications in molecular biology and genomics.
Main Methods:
- Single-molecule detection and fluorescence lifetime measurements.
- Rapid kinetic flow cytometry for sub-second analysis.
- Advanced particle analysis from DNA fragments to plankton.
- Optical chromosome selection and single-cell fractionator technologies.
Main Results:
- Detection sensitivity extended to single molecules.
- Analysis range expanded from DNA fragments to plankton (1,000+ microns).
- Increased sorting rates (50,000/sec) and real-time kinetic analysis.
- Accurate DNA fragment sizing for the Human Genome Project.
- Improved chromosome sorting and single-cell flow cytogenetics.
Conclusions:
- Expanded flow cytometry capabilities are driving significant advancements in biomedical research.
- New technologies enable precise measurements of molecular events and cellular processes.
- Flow cytometry is becoming indispensable for genomics, diagnostics, and fundamental biological research.