In-flow physical-morphological analysis of PBMC in microfluidic device by light scattering

Morphological detailed informations of living blood cell are retrieved with an approach based on light scattering coupled to a cell 3D alignment in a centreline of a microfluidic self made apparatus. Cell’s informations are collected over a widespread angle, spanning from 2 to 30 degrees, with an angular resolution of 0.1022 degrees. Cells are investigated in their natural state, and such "label-free" approach of analysis significantly differs from other technique based on scattering of light, such as flow cytometry. Such a characterisation permits to obtain detailed informations, giving the possibility to discriminate cells with very similar physical characteristics between each other. Morphological analysis of single Red Blood Cells have been performed, obtaining precise determination in terms of dimension. Single White Blood Cells have been investigated as well , obtaining precise diameter characterization together with information regarding Refractive Index and amount of nucleus relative to the overall dimension of the cell (Nucleus/Cytosol ratio). White Blood Cells have been also analysed in pathological conditions.