Using Flow Imaging Microscopy for Particle Image Analysis: How it Works

Particle characterization plays a crucial role in fields such as pharmaceuticals, environmental science, and material engineering. In image-based particle analysis, properties such as area, perimeter, and diameter, as well as circularity and aspect ratio, among other physical characteristics, are measured directly from high-resolution images of the particle. By measuring both size and shape, researchers can gain a comprehensive understanding of how particles behave across different environments and applications.

Other particle analysis techniques, such as light obscuration, laser diffraction, and light scattering, require assumptions about the particle's physical dimensions. Many of these analytical techniques only measure ensemble (bulk) properties, i.e., the properties of the overall population. Flow imaging microscopy instruments like FlowCam offer several key advantages over traditional particle analysis:

• High-resolution images enable visual validation and detailed morphology

• Each particle is characterized individually, allowing for size distributions based on multiple dimensions, concentration data, and population diversity metrics

• Individual particle tracking provides particle-level statistics and classification

• Visual evidence supports regulatory compliance and validation protocols

• Adaptability to diverse research and QC environments

FlowCam instruments are designed to be versatile, easy-to-use, and tailored to various applications, including aquatic research, biopharmaceutical development, and materials science:

• Detection of Protein Aggregates and Contaminants in Parenteral Drugs

• Cell & Gene Therapy Formulation Development

• Cleanroom Contamination Control

• Water Quality Monitoring—Microorganism Identification in Marine & Freshwater

• Phytoplankton & Zooplankton Research and Analysis

• Aquaculture Research and Commercial Monitoring

• Microalgae Cultivation and Algae Technology

• Crop and Soil Sciences

• Food and Beverage Characterization

• Printer Toner Quality Assurance

• Fiber Analysis

FlowCam offers a variety of models and configurations to target different particle size ranges, making it a flexible choice for groups with diverse research interests.

FlowCam 8000 instruments and FlowCam Cyano characterize subvisible particles, cells, and plankton ranging in size from 2 µm to 1 mm across magnification objective and flow cell configurations. FlowCam Macro can analyze particles up to 5 mm in size. FlowCam Nano can analyze submicron particles from 300 nm to 2 µm.

FlowCam analyzes over 40 parameters—such as size, shape, color, biovolume, and fluorescence—to capture intricate details about particle morphology that go beyond mere size measurements. This allows for a deeper understanding of particle behavior. VisualSpreadsheet, FlowCam’s fully integrated particle analysis software, is included with all FlowCam instruments and can set up analysis methods, acquire data, and process images, enabling a more efficient approach to identifying and sorting particles by size and shape.

With FlowCam, particle measurements are calculated directly from an image of the particle. Since flow imaging microscopy uses fixed optics at known magnifications, image distances can be directly converted to real distances on the object.

Sample processing speed varies by instrument configuration. For example, using the 10X or 4X configurations on the FlowCam 8000 series, users can process 1 mL of sample in 5 minutes or 30 seconds, respectively. Likewise, FlowCam Macro can run several hundred milliliters per minute.

FlowCam flow imaging microscopy instruments are high-throughput and high-resolution, enabling analysis of thousands of particles in less than a minute and characterizing size, concentration, morphology, and identity of particles, cells, and microorganisms. FlowCam also offers an automated liquid handler (ALH) to improve measurement repeatability, reduce the opportunity for human error, and increase productivity.

FlowCam instruments are intuitive and easy to use. A variety of training and support opportunities are available for new users, both during initial installation and as part of ongoing support, including:

• Initial installation & training

• FlowCam University on-demand tutorials

• FlowCam University In-person workshop

If you’d like to understand better how FlowCam works and determine which particle analysis instrument is best suited for your distinct needs, request a demo to talk to an expert and see FlowCam in action.