Researchers using FlowCam have been busy publishing. We’ve taken our favorite articles in aquatics and biopharma applications and compiled them into a literature list. Feel free to use these as an introduction or review of the topic.
Like to get more clarification about particle count vs. concentration? Check out our technical note below and also obtain tips on how to optimize instrument settings and sample preparation for your analysis.
Enjoy reading!
Your FlowCam Team
FEATURED STORY: FLOWCAM STUDIES
Notable Publications in Aquatic and Biopharma Research
FlowCam has become a vital lab instrument for scientists around the globe. Take a look below at our literature list of recent influential FlowCam publications in aquatic and biopharma research.
First adapted in oceanographic research, water market applications have expanded from studying ecosystems in our oceans, rivers, and lakes to analyzing water quality in our drinking water supply.
In Biopharma applications, Flow Imaging Microscopy (via FlowCam) has emerged as a crucial tool for analytical labs involved in the quantification and characterization of protein particles in biotherapeutics.
Obtaining Accurate Concentration Data with FlowCam
In our newly published Technical Note, we review the definitions of particle count, particle concentration, and efficiency, and discuss how this data can be affected by the FlowCam instrument settings.
Learn more about proper techniques for sample dilution and sample handling, as well as how to apply correct instrument capture settings for obtaining more accurate data.
Prymnesium parvum (golden algae) and a cryptophyte as imaged by FlowCam 8000 with a 20X objective. Images from pure cultures are shown at the top and middle. The bottom image shows P. parvum (golden color) ingesting the cyrpophyte cells (pink) in the mixed culture sample.
Prymnesium parvum (golden algae) is a widely distributed single-celled algal species that can form harmful blooms in inland and coastal waters. P. parvum produces a suite of toxins called prymnesins which adversely affects the gills of organisms like fish, mussels, and crayfish, and has caused extensive fish kills during bloom conditions. At high concentrations, these toxins can also kill other phytoplankton by causing cell lysis at which point they are ingested by P. parvum using phagocytosis.
FlowCam was recently used to capture this predator-prey relationship between cultures of P. parvum and a cryptophyte (another common type of algae). Each culture was analyzed separately, and then the two cultures were mixed and analyzed. In the mixed sample, FlowCam successfully captured images of P. parvum swarming and actively ingesting cryptophyte cells demonstrating the instrument’s utility in differentiating between single-cells and cells undergoing predation.
WHAT WE'RE READING
FlowCam Demonstrates Degradation of Protein Formulations in IV Bags
In a recent collaboration between the University of Colorado and Children's Hospital Colorado, researchers investigated particle generation in IV bags that were transported in the hospital's Pneumatic Tube System (PTS).
This study demonstrates that using PTS for transporting therapeutic protein formulations can result in significant particle generation, greatly reducing the quality of the therapeutic that a patient ultimately receives. Characterizing these downstream particle sources with FlowCam can help researchers develop more effective guidance for handling these therapies, minimize particle formation after a sample is manufactured, and ensure that patients receive the highest quality therapeutic possible.
On Sunday, June 12th FlowCam user Hunter Adams of Wichita Falls, Texas will be hosting a full-day pre-conference workshop titled "Proactive Management of Aesthetic Quality to Maintain Consumer Confidence".
Join Hunter and other water professionals as they examine tools such as FlowCam for proactive monitoring, and discuss various methods for management of aesthetic drinking water quality. To register for the workshop, please email service@awwa.org.