The advantages of flow cytometry in comparison to fluorometric measurement in algal toxicity test

Eleršek, Tina (author)

Fluorometric measurements in algal toxicity tests are very commonly used as surrogate parameters for algal biomass. Although, fluorometry is a powerful technique, we have demonstrated that it is not suitable for determination of toxic effects of chemicals, which alter the fluorescence spectra. We recommendthe flow cytometry as the best technique for detecting algal and/or cyanobacterial cell count and fluorescence per cell. Flow cytometry has many advantages: little volume of algal/cyanobacterial sample required, suitable also for little algal/cyanobacterial cells, distinction between live and dead cells. Furthermore, flow cytometry reveals the early changes in fluorescence spectra as a consequence of the specific chemicals presence or stress, even though the cell count is not yet affected (an early marker for ecotoxicology testing).

• Language: English
• Keywords: algae, cyanobacteria, ecotoxicity test, fluorescence, flow cytometry
• Work type: Not categorized
• Typology: 1.01 - Original Scientific Article
• Organization: BF - Biotechnical Faculty
• Publisher: Društvo biologov Slovenije
• Year: 2012
• Number of pages: Str. 3-11
• Numbering: Vol. 55, št. 2
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-69576
• UDC: 579
• ISSN on article: 1408-3671
• COBISS.SI-ID: 2712399
• Publication date in RUL: 10.07.2015

Record is a part of a journal

• Title: Acta biologica slovenica
• Shortened title: Acta biol. slov.
• Publisher: Društvo biologov Slovenije
• ISSN: 1408-3671
• COBISS.SI-ID: 68526592

Secondary language

• Language: Slovenian
• Title: The advantages of flow cytometry in comparison to fluorometric measurement in algal toxicity test

Abstract

V strupenostih testih z algami se zelo pogosto izvajajo fluorometrične meritvekot nadomestni parameter za biomaso alg. Čeprav je fluorimetrija zelo uporabna tehnika, smo pokazali, da ni primerna za določanje strupenih učinkov kemikalij, ki spremenijo spekter fluorescence. Za določanje števila alg in/alicianobakterij in njihove fluorescence na celico priporočamo uporabo pretočne citometrije. Uporaba pretočne citometrije za zaznavanje alg in/ali cianobakterij ima mnogo prednosti: majhni volumni vzorca alg/cianobakterij, primerno tudi za majhne celice alg/cianobakterij, razlikovanje med živimi in mrtvimi celicami. Poleg tega pretočna citometrija razkrije zgodnje spremembe vspektru fluorescence, ki so posledica prisotnosti specifičnih kemikalij oz. stresa, čeprav število celic še ni spremenjeno (zgodnji marker v ekotoksikoloških testiranjih).

• Keywords: alge, cianobakterije, ekotoksikološki test, fluorescenca, pretočna citometrija