The Boston University research team developed a high-throughput single-cell sorting technique based on stimulated Raman spectroscopy

A Boston University research project has successfully developed an innovative single-cell sorting technique that uses stimulated Raman spectroscopy to replace traditional fluorescent labeling and achieve labeling free and non-destructive single-cell measurements.

This technology is expected to have a profound impact in the fields of cytology, microbiology and biomedical research, allowing scientists to directly capture pathogens or cells with specific metabolic characteristics from the natural environment.

Stimulated Raman is used to separate cells

Research background

Flow cytometry is a well-established technique for counting and characterizing cells, including blood cells, stem cells, and cancer cells in biomedicine. The idea is to illuminate the cells as they pass through a channel narrow enough to force them to roughly line up, usually after labeling them with a fluorescent label.

This technique typically uses fluorescent labeling to distinguish and identify different types of cells, as fluorescent labeling allows scientists to determine a cell's identity by detecting the fluorescent signal it emits. Then, by analyzing these signals, high-throughput single-cell sorting and analysis can be performed.

However, traditional flow cytometry has some disadvantages, one of which is that fluorescent labeling may affect the biological activity of cells and require additional experimental steps. Therefore, researchers have been looking for labeling free and non-invasive methods for single cell measurement and sorting, and stimulated Raman spectroscopy is one of the innovative directions.

Stimulated Raman spectroscopy

The Boston University research team used stimulated Raman spectroscopy, an innovative approach that allows individual cells to be measured for their unique chemical fingerprints without the need for fluorescent labeling. The technique utilizes a 532 nm laser monopulse to focus light on the target cell and push it into the collector, enabling high-throughput single-cell sorting.

Experimental result

In experiments, the technique was applied to a mixture of 1 micron polymer beads, which were sorted approximately 14 times per second, achieving approximately 95% purity and 98% throughput. The technique can also be used for sorting fixed bacteria. In addition, tests on active yeast cells showed that the sorted cells were still able to maintain healthy growth.

Application prospect

The new stimulated Raman spectral sorting technique provides scientists with an innovative, high-throughput way to classify cells based on their chemical composition within them. This has broad applications for microbiology, biomedical research, and the direct capture of pathogens or cells with specific metabolic characteristics from the natural environment. This technology is expected to advance the development of cytology, microbiology and biomedical research, providing new tools and methods for medical diagnosis and life science research.

Source: Chinese Optical Journal Network