Microfabrication & Flow Cytometer Statistics

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In summary, the conversation discusses the use of microfabrication to create a flow cytometer on a chip and whether the statistics generated from this smaller version will be as good as the larger version. The idea is to use less reagents, materials, and sample, but there is concern about the quality of statistics with less sample. The speaker suggests that with even a few hundred cells, the data will still be similar. However, for more critical situations, it is recommended to consult a mathematician for confirmation.
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gravenewworld
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I'm taking microfabrication right now and we will be making a flow cytometer on a chip. My question is--are the statistics that come from something microfabricated as good as the larger version? The idea is to use less reagents, materials, and sample, but if you use less sample can you generate the same quality of statistics? A flow cytometer can generate massive amounts of statistics, but if you you use 1/100th of the amount of cells for a cytometer on a chip will your data be as good?
 
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With even a few hundred "particles" in statistical mechanics things already overwhelmingly favor the dominant configuration and I believe you can just say "its similar for cells".

For blood, 1 microliter contains about 5 million cells, and with microfluidic lab on a chips you're probably looking at somewhere between 1 nanoliter and 1 microliter of fluid, so at minimum you'll have thousands of cells which is probably good enough.

If something really, really big is riding on this and there's a gigantic penalty for failure though don't trust what I say and ask a math guy instead.
 

1. What is microfabrication and how is it used in research?

Microfabrication is a process of creating very small structures or devices, typically on a microscale or nanoscale level. It involves techniques such as photolithography, etching, and deposition to create patterns and structures on a small scale. In research, microfabrication is used to create microfluidic devices, biosensors, and other tools for studying biological systems and phenomena.

2. What is a flow cytometer and how does it work?

A flow cytometer is a scientific instrument used to measure and analyze cells or particles in a fluid sample. It works by passing the sample through a laser beam, which excites fluorescent molecules on the cells or particles. The resulting fluorescence is then measured by a series of detectors, providing information about the size, shape, and other characteristics of the cells or particles.

3. How is flow cytometry used in biomedical research?

Flow cytometry is a widely used technique in biomedical research for analyzing and sorting cells based on their physical and chemical properties. It is used in a variety of applications, including cell counting, cell sorting, cell cycle analysis, and biomarker detection. It is also used in drug discovery, cancer research, and immunology studies.

4. What are some common statistics used in flow cytometry data analysis?

Some common statistics used in flow cytometry data analysis include mean fluorescence intensity (MFI), coefficient of variation (CV), and percent positive cells. MFI is a measure of the average fluorescence intensity of a cell population, while CV is a measure of the variability in fluorescence intensity within the population. Percent positive cells is a measure of the percentage of cells in a population that meet a certain fluorescence intensity threshold.

5. How do you ensure accurate and reproducible results in microfabrication and flow cytometry experiments?

To ensure accurate and reproducible results in microfabrication and flow cytometry experiments, it is important to carefully optimize experimental conditions, use appropriate controls, and perform replicates. Additionally, proper data analysis techniques, such as gating and compensation, should be used to accurately interpret the results. Regular maintenance and calibration of equipment is also essential for obtaining consistent and reliable data.

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