A research journal article* written by scientists at Wyle
laboratories and
NASA's Johnson Space Center, both in Houston, USA and published in
cytometry
Part B (Clinical Cytometry), describes how Guava Technologies' novel
flow
cytometric technology offers the potential for spaceflight-compatible readings.
A spaceflight compatible flow cytometer would be very beneficial for the
diagnosis of astronaut illness during long-duration spaceflight and for
conducting in-flight research to evaluate the effects of weightlessness on human
physiology.
Until recently, standard
flow cytometers had many limitations that prevented
their use in spaceflight or zero gravity environments. The authors describe
how the novel Guava cytometer functioned well during reduced gravity
experiments and produced data comparable to ground based control experiments. The
reduced gravity immunophenotype data reported was indistinguishable from
ground control data and reference cytometric data. Bead based instrument
precision (coefficient of variation) during reduced gravity operation was within
acceptable limits so as not to effect most common flow cytometric applications.
Data also validates the ability of the Guava cytometer to perform absolute
cell counts in reduced gravity.
The flow cytometer technology developed by Guava, and used in their current
generation of laboratory cellular analysis systems, uses a novel flow cell
design to create single-particle laser scanning and evaluation without the need
for sheath fluid-based hydrodynamic focusing. The authors confirm that the
Guava cytometer offers many advantages for spaceflight use - it is highly
miniaturised and lightweight, uses a low-energy diode laser, has a small number
of moving parts, does not use sheath fluid, and does not generate significant
liquid waste.
The study offers the first generation of real-time
flow cytometry data
during zero gravity.
Guava Technologies, Inc. is a leading provider of integrated, fully
optimised microcytometry and cell counting systems. Guava serves the worldwide life
science,
biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, offering a
state-of-the-art, comprehensive portfolio of products designed to accelerate discovery
and
increase productivity with accessible, easy-to-use solutions to the
biologist's testing problems available right at the lab bench. Guava's products have
broad applications in scientific research, drug discovery, cell counting, and
optimisation of commercial bioproduction. Guava's technology also offers
potential for use in clinical testing and blood processing, as well as other
areas where single cell counting is important.
* Crucian, B and Sams, C. Reduced Gravity Evalution of Potential
Spaceflight-Compatible Flow Cytometer Technology. 2005. Cytometry Part B (Clinical
Cytometry). 66B:1-9.