Cell phenotype analysis using a cell fluid-based microchip with high sensitivity and accurate quantitation.
We have assessed a cell fluid chip-based fluorescent cytometric assay that runs on bioanalyzer for fast characterization of small population cell phenotypes characterization. The assay determines the expression of specific cell surface markers on various cell samples. Six samples can be analyzed on each chip in one automated process. Results were in good agreement with conventional flow cytometry in quantitation. Importantly, this procedure used less than 200 cells per sample and produced results consistent with that using 10(5) cells by the conventional staining procedure. The method was also used for screening potential ingredients in herbs. Purpose of this study was to analyze the change of cell subtypes of UCB mononuclear cells in vitro reactivity in herbs. We found that by treatment of the water-soluble extract (F3) of Ganoderma lucidum, the presence of CD56(+) marker (natural killer cells) significantly increased from 1.1 to 3.2% (P<0.05 and P) in UCB mononuclear cells. The results indicated that F3 quantitatively influenced NK cells activities. We suggest this screening method may be useful for a fast phenotypes characterization after extract stimulation utilizing only a small population of cells.
Chien
Chichen Michael
CM
Institute of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, 300 Hsinchu, Taiwan.
Cheng
Jing-Long
JL
Chang
Wen-Teish
WT
Tien
Ming-Hsun
MH
Wu
Wen-Yi
WY
Chang
Yung-Han
YH
Chang
Hwan-You
HY
Chen
Shui-Tein
ST
D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005434:Flow Cytometry / Q000295:instrumentation; D006801:Humans; D008904:Miniaturization; D009000:Monocytes / Q000166:cytology*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity