Flow cytometry applications in the food industry.
Flow cytometry has become a valuable tool in food microbiology. By analysing large numbers of cells individually using light-scattering and fluorescence measurements, this technique reveals both cellular characteristics and the levels of cellular components. Flow cytometry has been developed to rapidly enumerate microorganisms; to distinguish between viable, metabolically active and dead cells, which is of great importance in food development and food spoilage; and to detect specific pathogenic microorganisms by conjugating antibodies with fluorochromes, which is of great use in the food industry. In addition, high-speed multiparametric data acquisition, analysis and cell sorting, which allow other characteristics of individual cells to be studied, have increased the interest of food microbiologists in this technique. This mini-review gives an overview of the principles of flow cytometry and examples of the application of this technique in the food industry.
Comas-Riu
Jaume
J
Serveis Cientificotècnics, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
Rius
Núria
N
D005434:Flow Cytometry / Q000379:methods*; D019649:Food Industry / Q000379:methods*; D005516:Food Microbiology