Advanced analysis of aquatic plankton using NovoCyte Flow cytometer

Flow cytometry has routinely been used to study phytoplankton by taking advantage of innate fluorescence molecules that distinguish different species and their physiological conditions. Recent advances in cytometer design and functionality have modernized certain aspects of marine biology applications creating a more accurate, data-rich, and timely assessment of microscopic marine organisms. ACEA Biosciences Novocyte benchtop flow cytometer allows to examine the distribution and abundance of the phytoplankton, bacterial, and viral fractions of seawater by implementing volumetric sample delivery via precise syringe injection and extended fluorescence profiling with three excitation lasers.

The use of the multi-laser format (405, 488, and 640 nm excitations) allows for reliable discrimination of phototrophic eukaryotes, Synechococcus spp., Prochlorococcus spp., and heterotrophic populations in aquatic samples. Precision syringe driven fluidics enables direct enumeration of populations allowing for reliable comparisons to assess population dynamics. The integrated NovoSampler permits timely processing of samples in a variety of formats that can be configured by the user. Fixed voltages facilitates setup time and experimental repeatability, while requiring less user training. The systems innovative engineering allows for compact design with a small bench top footprint and low power demand making it ideal for shipboard analysis of marine samples eliminating the need for research samples to be stored and analyzed at a later date.

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