Cytometers in Space
Novel cytometer design opens door to zero gravity readings
A research journal article* written by scientists at Wyle laboratories and NASA's Johnson Space Center, both in Houston, USA and published in cytometry Part B (Clinical Cytometry), describes how Guava Technologies' novel flow cytometric technology offers the potential for spaceflight-compatible readings.
A spaceflight compatible flow cytometer would be very beneficial for the diagnosis of astronaut illness during long-duration spaceflight and for conducting in-flight research to evaluate the effects of weightlessness on human physiology.
Until recently, standard flow cytometers had many limitations that prevented their use in spaceflight or zero gravity environments. The authors describe how the novel Guava cytometer functioned well during reduced gravity experiments and produced data comparable to ground based control experiments. The reduced gravity immunophenotype data reported was indistinguishable from ground control data and reference cytometric data. Bead based instrument precision (coefficient of variation) during reduced gravity operation was within acceptable limits so as not to effect most common flow cytometric applications. Data also validates the ability of the Guava cytometer to perform absolute cell counts in reduced gravity.
The flow cytometer technology developed by Guava, and used in their current generation of laboratory cellular analysis systems, uses a novel flow cell design to create single-particle laser scanning and evaluation without the need for sheath fluid-based hydrodynamic focusing. The authors confirm that the Guava cytometer offers many advantages for spaceflight use - it is highly miniaturised and lightweight, uses a low-energy diode laser, has a small number of moving parts, does not use sheath fluid, and does not generate significant liquid waste.
The study offers the first generation of real-time flow cytometry data during zero gravity.
Guava Technologies, Inc. is a leading provider of integrated, fully optimised microcytometry and cell counting systems. Guava serves the worldwide life science, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, offering a state-of-the-art, comprehensive portfolio of products designed to accelerate discovery and increase productivity with accessible, easy-to-use solutions to the biologist's testing problems available right at the lab bench. Guava's products have
broad applications in scientific research, drug discovery, cell counting, and optimisation of commercial bioproduction. Guava's technology also offers potential for use in clinical testing and blood processing, as well as other areas where single cell counting is important.
* Crucian, B and Sams, C. Reduced Gravity Evalution of Potential Spaceflight-Compatible Flow Cytometer Technology. 2005. Cytometry Part B (Clinical Cytometry). 66B:1-9.
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Topic World Cell Analysis
Cell analyse advanced method allows us to explore and understand cells in their many facets. From single cell analysis to flow cytometry and imaging technology, cell analysis provides us with valuable insights into the structure, function and interaction of cells. Whether in medicine, biological research or pharmacology, cell analysis is revolutionizing our understanding of disease, development and treatment options.
Topic World Cell Analysis
Cell analyse advanced method allows us to explore and understand cells in their many facets. From single cell analysis to flow cytometry and imaging technology, cell analysis provides us with valuable insights into the structure, function and interaction of cells. Whether in medicine, biological research or pharmacology, cell analysis is revolutionizing our understanding of disease, development and treatment options.
