Real-time fluorescence and deformability cytometry — flow cytometry goes mechanics

Cell mechanical characterization has recently approached the throughput of conventional flow cytometers. However, this very sensitive, label-free approach still lacks the specificity of molecular markers. Here we combine real-time 1D-imaging fluorescence and deformability cytometry (RT-FDC) to merge the two worlds in one instrument — opening many new research avenues. We demonstrate its utility using sub-cellular fluorescence localization to identify mitotic cells and test for their mechanical changes in an RNAi screen.