Enhancing veterinary research and diagnosis through flow cytometry technique - systematic review

Abstract

Flow cytometry, a cornerstone technology in cellular and molecular biology, has evolved significantly since its conceptual origins in the 1930s. This technique enables high-throughput, multiparametric analysis of individual cells in a liquid stream, providing detailed insights into their physical and molecular characteristics. Early developments, such as fluorescent antibody conjugates and the creation of fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), revolutionized the field, enabling cell sorting and precise quantification. Modern flow cytometers integrate advanced fluidics, optics, and electronics systems, achieving analysis speeds of up to 100,000 events per second. Applications span immunophenotyping, cell cycle analysis, and diagnostics in both human and veterinary medicine. The introduction of systems like the Thermo Fisher Attune™ NxT Flow Cytometer has further advanced capabilities, allowing for rapid, sensitive, and precise detection of diverse cellular parameters. Despite challenges such as high costs and technical complexity, flow cytometry remains indispensable for research and clinical diagnostics, offering unparalleled versatility and precision in studying cellular processes, immune responses, and disease mechanisms.