Flow cytometry cell assays

Flow cytometry is a sophisticated analytical technique that enables the rapid, multi-parametric analysis of single cells as they flow through a laser beam. This technology has become indispensable in various fields, including immunology, cancer research, and microbiology, due to its ability to provide detailed information about cell populations and their characteristics. With the capability to analyze thousands of cells per second, flow cytometry allows researchers to obtain quantitative data on multiple cellular parameters simultaneously.

Flow cytometry cell assays are versatile and can be applied in numerous ways:

• Cell Viability Assays: By using viability dyes, researchers can distinguish live cells from dead ones, providing insights into cell health and responses to treatments. This application is crucial in drug development and toxicology studies, where understanding the effects of compounds on cell viability is essential.
• Proliferation Assays: Flow cytometry can measure DNA synthesis in dividing cells by employing specific dyes that incorporate into newly synthesized DNA. This allows for the assessment of cell division rates, which is vital for understanding growth dynamics in cancer research and developmental biology.
• Apoptosis Detection: Specific assays can identify apoptotic cells through markers that indicate early or late stages of apoptosis. Techniques such as Annexin V staining combined with propidium iodide enable researchers to differentiate between live, apoptotic, and necrotic cells, providing valuable information for studies on programmed cell death.