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Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting

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Cell Separation

Part of the book series: Advances in Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology ((ABE,volume 106))

Abstract

Flow cytometry and cell sorting are well-established technologies in clinical diagnostics and biomedical research. Heterogeneous mixtures of cells are placed in suspension and passed single file across one or more laser interrogation points. Light signals emitted from the particles are collected and correlated to entities such as cell morphology, surface and intracellular protein expression, gene expression, and cellular physiology. Based on user-defined parameters, individual cells can then be diverted from the fluid stream and collected into viable, homogeneous fractions at exceptionally high speeds and a purity that approaches 100%. As such, the cell sorter becomes the launching point for numerous downstream studies. Flow cytometry is a cornerstone in clinical diagnostics, and cheaper, more versatile machines are finding their way into widespread and varied uses. In addition, advances in computing and optics have led to a new generation of flow cytometers capable of processing cells at orders of magnitudes faster than their predecessors, and with staggering degrees of complexity, making the cytometer a powerful discovery tool in biotechnology. This chapter will begin with a discussion of basic principles of flow cytometry and cell sorting, including a technical description of factors that contribute to the performance of these instruments. The remaining sections will then be divided into clinical- and research-based applications of flow cytometry and cell sorting, highlighting salient studies that illustrate the versatility of this indispensable technology.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 697, 14642, Rochester, NY, USA

    Sherrif F. Ibrahim

  2. Department of Oceanography, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA

    Ger van den Engh

  3. Cytopeia, Inc., 12730 28th Avenue NE, 98125, Seattle, WA, USA

    Ger van den Engh

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  1. Sherrif F. Ibrahim
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  2. Ger van den Engh
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Correspondence to Sherrif F. Ibrahim .

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Ashok Kumar Igor Yu Galaev Bo Mattiasson

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Ibrahim, S.F., van den Engh, G. (2007). Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting. In: Kumar, A., Galaev, I.Y., Mattiasson, B. (eds) Cell Separation. Advances in Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology, vol 106. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/10_2007_073

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