Imaging-in-flow (FlowCAM)

One major application for this instrument is recognition and early warning detection of harmful algal species. We will focus on the three common harmful species in local waters:
1) Alexandrium, causing red tide and paralytic shellfish poisoning (PDP)
2) Dinophysis, causing diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP); and Pseudonitzchia, the cause of amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP)
We will develop and test the multi-aspect angle image database for these three forms. Second priority will the natural temperate assemblage of diatoms, dinoflagellates and microzooplankton seen in local waters over seasonal time frames.

Example FlowCAM images showing the diversity of cell types that can be discerned including (A) the dinoflagellate Alexandrium, (B) the silicoflagellate Dichtyoca, (C) the diatom Thallasionema, (D) ciliates, and (E) the dinoflagellate Dinophysis. Note in C that the same colony can look very different when imaged at different angles. The proposed dual-view FlowCam will capitalize on this for better classification. At some views angles it would not be recognizable. For size reference, the Alexandrium cells are about 30 m in diameter.