English

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

1192
2023-09-07 14:47:36
See translation

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

Related Recommendations
  • Researchers use spectroscopic methods to characterize ancient Egyptian mining gemstones

    In a recent study published in the journal AIP Advances, researchers used molecular and elemental spectroscopy techniques such as laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy to characterize mines in ancient Egypt.In this study, researchers examined various gemstones that can be traced back to the era of the pharaohs. The team...

    2023-08-31
    See translation
  • Oxford University develops technology for capturing strong laser pulses in one go

    Physicists at the University of Oxford have unveiled a “pioneering” method for capturing the full structure of ultra-intense laser pulses in a single measurement. The breakthrough, a collaboration with Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich and the Max Planck Institute for Quantum Optics, could revolutionize the ability to control light-matter interactions, say the team.The Oxford announcement sta...

    07-07
    See translation
  • The Key Role of Laser Pointing Stability in the Application of Lithography Systems

    Lithography is one of the core processes in semiconductor manufacturing, and extreme ultraviolet lithography technology, as a new generation lithography technology, is also in a rapid development stage. The basic principle is to use photoresist (also known as photoresist) to form corrosion resistance due to photochemical reactions after being photosensitive, and to engrave the patterns on the mask...

    2024-07-02
    See translation
  • WEC acquires precision laser cutting giant Laser Profiles Ltd

    Recently, WEC Group, a leading engineering and manufacturing company in the UK, announced that it has completed the acquisition of Laser Profiles Ltd, a precision laser cutting leader in Bournemouth. For over 40 years, WEC Group has been providing manufacturing, laser cutting, precision machining, waterjet cutting, powder coating, and CCTV installation solutions.The company stated that the acqui...

    2024-08-19
    See translation
  • The efficiency of crystalline silicon solar cells has exceeded 27% for the first time, and Longi's research results have been published in Nature

    Recently, Longi Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Longi"), as the first unit, published a research paper titled "Silicon heterojunction back contact solar cells by laser patterning" online in the journal Nature, reporting for the first time the research results of breaking through 27% of the photoelectric conversion efficiency of crystalline silicon cells through full ...

    2024-10-18
    See translation