Nano-flow
cytometry is a revolutionary technology that has the potential to transform
early disease detection and diagnosis. Nano-flow cytometers are able to detect
and analyze individual nanoparticles, including extracellular vesicles and
viruses, with high sensitivity and accuracy. This makes them ideal for
detecting diseases at their earliest stages, when they are most treatable.
How does nano-flow cytometry work?
In
nano-flow cytometry (nfCM),
a sample of cells or other particles is passed through a laser beam. A number
of photodetectors detect the light that is scattered off of the particles by
the laser beam. A histogram of the particle sizes and light scattering
characteristics is produced using the photodetectors' data.
What can nano-flow cytometry detect?
- Extracellular
vesicles (EVs): Small vesicles called EVs are expelled by cells. They
contain a range of biomolecules, such as lipids,
proteins, and nucleic acids. Cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's
disease are just a few of the illnesses for which EVs can be used as biomarkers.
- Viruses:
Viruses like HIV and SARS-CoV-2 can be detected and quantified using
nano-flow cytometry. This can be applied to both diagnose viral infections
and track their development.
- Other
nanoparticles:Other
nanoparticles, including exosomes, liposomes,
and nanoparticles used in drug delivery, can be found and analyzed using
nano-flow cytometry.
What are the benefits of nano-flow cytometry?
- Increased
sensitivity: detect smaller particles than traditional flow cytometers.
This makes them ideal for detecting diseases at their earliest stages.
- Improved
accuracy: accurately measure the size and light scattering properties of
individual particles. This allows for more accurate and reproducible
results.
- Versatility:
detect and analyze a wide variety of nanoparticles. This makes them a
powerful tool for a variety of research and clinical applications.
How is nano-flow cytometry being used to improve
early disease detection?
- Cancer
detection: Nano-flow cytometry is being used by researchers to create
new blood tests that can identify cancer cells in their earliest stages.
As an illustration, scientists at the University of California, Los
Angeles have created a brand-new blood test that can find circulating
tumor cells (CTCs) in people with early-stage lung cancer. Cancer cells
known as CTCs are cancer cells that have detached from a tumor and entered
the blood. Patients with lung cancer may have a better prognosis if CTCs are
found early.
- Alzheimer's
disease detection: In order to create new blood tests that can spot
early indications of Alzheimer's disease, researchers are using nano-flow
cytometry. For instance, scientists at the University of Pennsylvania have
created a brand-new blood test that can identify toxic proteins called
amyloid beta oligomers, which are thought to contribute to the onset of
Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease can be slowed down in its
progression and the quality of life for patients increased with early
detection.
- Viral
infection detection and monitoring: New approaches for identifying
and keeping track of viral infections are also being developed using
nano-flow cytometry. As an illustration, scientists at the University of
California, San Francisco have created a brand-new blood test that can
identify HIV in its earliest stages. Compared to conventional HIV tests,
this one is more sensitive and can find the virus even before anti-HIV
antibodies have formed. HIV must be identified early in order to start
treatment and stop the spread of the virus to others.
The future of nano-flow cytometry
A
technology with a promising future, nanoflow
cytometryis currently in rapid development. The use of
nano-flow cytometers in research and clinical settings is likely to increase as
they become more accessible and affordable.
Early
disease detection and diagnosis could be completely changed by nano-flow cytometry.
Nano-flow cytometry has the potential to save lives by identifying diseases in
the very early stages.
The Wall