Label‐free analysis of mononuclear human blood cells in microfluidic flow by coherent imaging tools. Issue 5 (9th August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dannhauser, David; Rossi, Domenico; Memmolo, Pasquale; Causa, Filippo; Finizio, Andrea; Ferraro, Pietro; Netti, Paolo A.
• Is Part Of: Journal of biophotonics. Volume 10:Issue 5(2017)
• Page Start: 683
• Page End: 689
• Publication Date: 2016-08-09
• Subjects: microfluidics -- light scattering -- digital holography -- peripheral blood analysis; Photonics -- Periodicals; Optical materials -- Periodicals; Optics -- Periodicals; Medical instruments and apparatus -- Periodicals; 621.3605
• DOI: 10.1002/jbio.201600070
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1864-063X

Abstract

Abstract : The investigation of the physical properties of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) is of great relevance, as they play a key role in regulating human body health. Here we report the possibility to characterize human PBMC in their physiological conditions in a microfluidic‐based measurement system. A viscoelastic polymer solution is adopted for 3D alignment of individual cells inflow. An optical signature (OS) acquisition of each flowing cell is performed using a wide angle light scattering apparatus. Besides, a quantitative phase imaging (QPI) holographic system is employed with the aim (i) to check the position in flow of individual cells using a holographic 3D cell tracking method; and (ii) to estimate their 3D morphometric features, such as their refractive index (RI). Results obtained by combining OS and QPI have been compared with literature values, showing good agreement. The results confirm the possibility to obtain sub‐micrometric details of physical cell properties in microfluidic flow, avoiding chemical staining or fluorescent labelling. Abstract : Physical properties of peripheral blood mononuclear cells are label‐free characterized by a microfluidic‐based measurement system. An optical signature acquisition of each flowing cell is performed using light scattering, while a quantitative phase imaging holographic system is employed to check the individual cells position in flow and to estimate their 3D morphometric features.