Cells are transported by liquids through tiny channels 100 micrometres across and a few centimetres in length in such a way that they move in the centre of the channel, thus allowing the examination of single cells. This induced current ensures that every single cell passes through a laser beam, where different cells display specific behaviour depending on their size, shape, and staining, thus allowing them to be identified. Once the cells have been counted, they are separated out from the main channel.

However, the flow cytometer’s market maturity is still some way off.

The development is a collaboration with the biotechnology company “Miltenyi Biotec” in Bergisch-Gladbach, which already sells products for cell sorting.

The cell analyzer currently under development is later to be used especially in cell therapy.

For more information (in German): http://www.w-hs.de/