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Separating the signal from the noise: Expanding flow cytometry into the sub-micron range.
Citation:
Zucker, R. Separating the signal from the noise: Expanding flow cytometry into the sub-micron range. Cytometry Part A. Wiley InterScience, Silver Spring, MD, 85(9):744-45, (2014).
Impact/Purpose:
Flow Cytometry is an exciting new application to study sub-micron particles. the technology can be used to study nanoparticles in cells or sub-micron particles by imaging. Increasing the sensitivity of the new equipment allows for greater resolution.
Description:
Cytometry Part A Special Section: Separating the signal from the noise: Expanding flow cytometry into the sub-micron range. The current Cytometry Part A Special Section presents three studies that utilize cytometers to study sub-micron particles. The three studies involve the 1) improvement of instrument coefficients of variation (CVs), 2) comparing image and flow cytometers performance in detecting submicron vesicles and 3) studying silicone nanoparticle uptake in cells. All three studies try to push the limits of detection by improving the factors that involve hardware and software. Continued improvements through the development of new hardware and software have resulted in an increase in sensitivity, resolution, and capabilities of flow and image cytometers. These improvements have included photomultiplier tubes (PMTs), flow cells, lasers, and stable fluidics which ultimately help in sub-micron applications and the subsequent data analysis.