At AMF, we are always thrilled to see our precision-engineered microfluidic components enabling cutting-edge scientific research. We extend our congratulations to Marrit M. E. Tholen and her team for their recent publication in Communications Biology, where they introduce Lectin-PAINT, a super-resolution imaging method that enhances live-cell visualization of the glycocalyx at the single-cell level. This study represents a major step forward in glycotyping, providing valuable insights into glycosylation patterns with unprecedented accuracy.
Glycosylation plays a crucial role in cell communication, development, and immune responses, influencing a wide range of biological processes. However, traditional analytical methods, such as mass spectrometry and lectin microarrays, often fall short in detecting subtle variations in glycan structures at the single-cell level. These methods either require extensive sample preparation, disrupt the native cellular environment, or fail to provide sufficient spatial resolution.
This study overcomes these challenges by introducing Lectin-PAINT, an advanced imaging technique that utilizes the reversible binding properties of lectins to selectively attach to glycans. By employing a super-resolution microscopy approach known as PAINT (Point Accumulation for Imaging in Nanoscale Topography), the method enables real-time tracking and localization of glycans with nanometric precision. Unlike conventional fluorescence imaging techniques that rely on permanent labeling, Lectin-PAINT leverages transient binding events, allowing for multiplexed imaging with minimal cellular perturbation.
The research team further enhanced this approach by integrating microfluidic technology, ensuring a controlled environment for live-cell imaging. This combination allows researchers to analyze glycan abundance, mobility, and distribution across different cell types in a highly precise and reproducible manner. By applying this method to cancer cell lines, the study revealed significant differences in glycosylation patterns, highlighting the potential for glycotyping as a novel diagnostic tool in oncology.
This breakthrough has profound implications for disease diagnostics, therapeutic development, and cancer immunotherapy. Understanding glycosylation at this level of detail could lead to the identification of new biomarkers for early disease detection and the development of more targeted treatment strategies, particularly in cancers where abnormal glycan expression plays a critical role.
To conduct this research, the team employed an innovative combination of:
This multidisciplinary approach allowed the team to generate detailed glycotyping profiles of various cell lines, paving the way for advanced research in cellular biology.
AMF’s LSPone Laboratory Programmable Syringe Pump played a critical role in this study by ensuring precise, automated and controlled liquid handling throughout the microfluidic experiments.
Accurate flow rate control: Ensures consistent reagent delivery, crucial for reproducible results.
By providing unparalleled fluid control, LSPone enabled the researchers to execute their experiments with extreme precision and repeatability, ensuring data accuracy and integrity.
Each model shares a common modular design, making integration effortless for various research and industrial applications. Whether in biomedical research, chemical processing, or microfluidics, LSPone ensures precise, reliable, and efficient liquid handling.
This research highlights the powerful capabilities of precision pumps in modern laboratory settings and demonstrates the crucial role LSPone plays in high-impact scientific studies.
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