In laser flow cytometry, the application of a voltage potential to sample droplets results in what?

In laser flow cytometry, applying a voltage potential to sample droplets causes the separation of cells into subpopulations based on their charge. This technique employs electrical forces to sort cells after they are illuminated by a laser. As cells pass through the laser beam, the system detects light scatter and fluorescence emitted from the cells, which can be indicative of various characteristics, such as size or the presence of specific labels.

When a voltage is applied, charged cells will experience electrostatic forces that allow them to be directed into different collection channels. This means that cells can be categorized and sorted based on their surface charge, which is often a reflection of the cell type or the presence of specific surface markers.

While measuring cell size and identifying specific antigens are key functions of flow cytometry, they do not directly result from the application of voltage potentials to the droplets. The combination of different cell types is also not a function of the voltage application, as each cell is typically analyzed individually based on its distinguishing characteristics rather than combined. Therefore, the focus on separation by charge highlights the specific role voltage plays in facilitating the distinction of various cell populations in this analytical technique.