Creative Biolabs has developed a series of flow cytometry (FCM)-based kits for in vitro diagnostics (IVD). We can provide vast expertise on FCM platforms and related products for customers in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. Except that, we also offer other IVD development services and adjust our manufacturing processes flexibly to satisfy clients’ requirements.
Flow Cytometry (FCM)
Flow cytometry (FCM or FC) is an impedance-based biophysical technology that is invented for cell sorting, cell counting, biomarker detection, protein engineering and so on. The FCM machine makes use of suspending cells in a stream of fluid to pass through an electronic apparatus and then collect quantities of data or parameters. It has become readily available in clinical laboratories and is normally used in basic research, clinical trials and the diagnosis of health disorders, particularly in blood cancers.
Fig.1 Schematic of flow cytometry setup. (Bridle, H., 2014)
FCM is an approach in which dozens of diverse, highly-specialized assays can be performed at the same time. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) is a common variation that involves linking the FCM analytical capability to a sorting device for separating cells from a mixture one by one into two or more containers, based on the optical properties and fluorescent features of each cell. FACS as a specialized type of FCM provides a fast, objective and quantitative recording of fluorescent signals from individual cells and physical separation of cells of particular interest.
FCM is faster and more automated than culture-based techniques and that microorganisms are undisturbed by the analysis, such that available for further testing if needed. The greatest merit of this technique is that simultaneously allows multiparametric analysis of various physical and chemical characteristics of up to thousands of particles per second. It is also compatible with many other fluorescent detection methods, allowing for more information to be obtained.
Principles of FCM
FCM is basically a particle analyzer that measures cell properties when a stream of single cell suspension passes through a laser beam. As the particles enter the channel, they are focused using sheath flow to attempt to ensure single-particle passage. The cell size, granularity, and membrane-associated nuclear or cytoplasmic molecules labeled by different fluorescence are analyzed by a set of optical detectors. Most FCM instruments can measure at least six parameters meanwhile: cell size represented by forward scatter (FSC) laser light, cell granularity depicted by side scatter (SSC) laser light.
Fig.2 A simplified diagram of a flow cytometer. FL1, -2, -3, and -4 represent various types of fluorochromes. (Naeim, F., 2008)
FCM-based Kits Development
FCM as a process for identifying cell populations is increasingly employed in biochemistry research and clinical practice. Due to technological advances in recent time, FCM now routinely allows for a panel of markers assessment of proteins on cells simultaneously. And here, the multiparameter analysis is a key point. Therefore, it has possible to resolve complex combinatorial expression patterns correlated with functionally distinct cellular characteristics.
Creative Biolabs has many years of experience and advanced technological capabilities in operating lots of biotechnologies, including FCM. We combine the most developed facilities and automated equipment with proven expertise in FCM and providing its corresponding kits and services for the area of IVD. With the assistance of us, the FCM-based kit development is able to fit the cell selection and detection as clients’ application requires. For more detailed information, please feel free to contact us.
References
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