AN ELECTROPHORETIC INSTRUMENTATION FOR THE MULTIPARAMETER ANALYSIS OFCELLS AND PARTICLES

An automated electrophoretic measuring system has been developed and a pplied to the multiparameter analysis of cells and other particles. Th e instrumentation is based on a real-time image processing system and includes a new tracking procedure. It allows measurements of the elect rophoretic mobilities of cells and particles and calculates mean value s, histograms and fingerprints (electrophoretic mobility as a function of the measured pH and decadic logarithm of the specific conduction p lambda). Apart from the electrophoretic mobility the instrumentation measures size, density (sedimentation) and shape of every single cell. The final data are represented as histograms and 2D-/3D-plots or comp ared using statistical methods. The automated electrophoretic cell ana lyzer can be used for the characterization of complex processes on sur faces and the detection of small differences between cells and particl es. This may contribute to a better understanding and controlling of p rocesses at solid/liquid interfaces and can complete diagnosis and pro gnosis of various diseases. The paper demonstrates typical measurement s' of the instrumentation showing the wide range of basic applications .