Imaging flow cytometry for phytoplankton analysis

Methods. 2017 Jan 1:112:188-200. doi: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2016.05.007. Epub 2016 May 17.

Abstract

This review highlights the concepts and instrumentation of imaging flow cytometry technology and in particular its use for phytoplankton analysis. Imaging flow cytometry, a hybrid technology combining speed and statistical capabilities of flow cytometry with imaging features of microscopy, is rapidly advancing as a cell imaging platform that overcomes many of the limitations of current techniques and contributed significantly to the advancement of phytoplankton analysis in recent years. This review presents the various instrumentation relevant to the field and currently used for assessment of complex phytoplankton communities' composition and abundance, size structure determination, biovolume estimation, detection of harmful algal bloom species, evaluation of viability and metabolic activity and other applications. Also we present our data on viability and metabolic assessment of Aphanizomenon sp. cyanobacteria using Imagestream X Mark II imaging cytometer. Herein, we highlight the immense potential of imaging flow cytometry for microalgal research, but also discuss limitations and future developments.

Keywords: Imaging flow cytometry; Metabolic activity; Microalgae; Phytoplankton; Viability.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Chlorophyll / chemistry
  • Cyanobacteria / metabolism
  • Cyanobacteria / ultrastructure*
  • Flow Cytometry / methods*
  • Fluoresceins / chemistry
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemistry
  • Harmful Algal Bloom / physiology
  • Image Cytometry / methods*
  • Phytoplankton / metabolism
  • Phytoplankton / ultrastructure*
  • Staining and Labeling / methods

Substances

  • 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate
  • Fluoresceins
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Chlorophyll