Since its development in 1999 at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, the FlowCam has evolved from its roots in the study of phytoplankton in the Gulf of Maine.
The FlowCam has been used for many other aquatic applications from aquaculture to wastewater analysis, ballast water testing and research to paleolimnology, microplastic analysis and invasive species detection. The FlowCam is ideally suited to analyze microscopic and macroscopic organisms and particles in water. The FlowCam combines microscopy, flow cytometry, and image recognition to analyze a myriad of microscopic particles and organisms.
How will you know if the FlowCam will work for you? Send us a sample for us to analyze on the FlowCam. We will share the results and teach you how the FlowCam can be used for your intended application.
The FlowCam captures high-resolution, digital images of particles suspended in a liquid medium. Over 40 physical parameters are measured from each image, and the data is processed using our image-recognition statistical analysis software, VisualSpreadsheet®. Use digital images to verify the size, shape, and identity of your organisms and particles.
Customer Quote:
"The purpose of this study was to develop a new method for investigating sediment-inhabiting meiobenthos using the Flow Cytometer And Microscope (FlowCam)...These small benthic invertebrates are traditionally investigated by individually counting and identifying specimens under a microscope, which is labor intensive and time consuming. However, FlowCam, which was originally developed to semiautomatically analyze microplankton, has the potential to resolve these challenges.... We found the FlowCam system:
—Kitahashi et al., A new method for acquiring images of meiobenthic images using the FlowCam, MethodsX 5, 1330-1335 (2018).
For particles 2 µm to 1 mm. Several fluorescence detection options available. Compatible with FlowCam Automated Liquid Handler.
Streamlined for rapid data acquisition and analysis, the FlowCam 5000 analyzes freshwater and marine samples, calculates cell counts, concentration and biovolume, and provides semi-automated classification of taxa; all at an affordable price that now puts the FlowCam technology within reach of smaller non-profits, facilities and government institutions.
For particles sized 300 µm to 5 mm. Uses an external peristaltic pump rather than an internal microsyringe pump.
FlowCam Automated Liquid Handler (ALH)
For high-throughput, unsupervised sample analysis of up to ninety-six 1-mL samples. Compatible with the FlowCam 8000 Series.
Wonder if the FlowCam ALH will work for you? Schedule a demo in the YFT Lab.
Read about how customers are using the FlowCam for:
Anaerobic Digestion for Wastewater
Visit Resources Page for Other Aquatic Applications for guides, posters, articles, and more.