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Analysis of Cell Suspensions Isolated from Solid Tissues by Spectral Flow Cytometry
Published on: May 5, 2017
Flow Cytometry: The Next Revolution
J Paul Robinson1,2, Raluca Ostafe3, Sharath Narayana Iyengar1
1Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
Insights
Spectral flow cytometry advances immune system analysis, enabling over 100 parameters. This cytomics breakthrough integrates with multi-omics, transforming biological research and diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Biotechnology
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- Immune system research demands sensitive analytical methods.
- Flow cytometry has evolved with technological and informatics advancements.
- Traditional flow cytometry faced limitations around 30 parameters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline current cell analysis and detection methods.
- To discuss traditional, microfluidic, and next-generation sorting approaches.
- To explore future opportunities in flow cytometry.
Main Methods:
- Technological advancements in flow cytometry.
- Development of spectral flow cytometry.
- Integration of informatics and multi-omics approaches.
Main Results:
- Spectral flow cytometry overcomes previous parameter limitations.
- Potential for up to 100 simultaneous parameter analyses.
- Cytomics is now a key player in multi-omics research.
Conclusions:
- Flow cytometry is becoming indispensable in biological laboratories.
- Future advances will combine speed with diverse detection methods.
- This field is poised for significant future growth and application.
Abstract:
Unmasking the subtleties of the immune system requires both a comprehensive knowledge base and the ability to interrogate that system with intimate sensitivity. That task, to a considerable extent, has been handled by an iterative expansion in flow cytometry methods, both in technological capability and also in accompanying advances in informatics. As the field of fluorescence-based cytomics matured, it reached a technological barrier at around 30 parameter analyses, which stalled the field until spectral flow cytometry created a fundamental transformation that will likely lead to the potential of 100 simultaneous parameter analyses within a few years. The simultaneous advance in informatics has now become a watershed moment for the field as it competes with mature systematic approaches such as genomics and proteomics, allowing cytomics to take a seat at the multi-omics table. In addition, recent technological advances try to combine the speed of flow systems with other detection methods, in addition to fluorescence alone, which will make flow-based instruments even more indispensable in any biological laboratory. This paper outlines current approaches in cell analysis and detection methods, discusses traditional and microfluidic sorting approaches as well as next-generation instruments, and provides an early look at future opportunities that are likely to arise.
