However, their limitations have rendered them suitable for only a small percentage of culturable microbes. Flow cytometry removes the need for a culture step, enabling the rapid identification and quantification of microbes – regardless of their culturability or viability.

Although it has not been considered a traditional component of the microbiology toolkit, recent technological advances have revealed its potential as an alternative solution to traditional methods.

Moreover, developments such as microbe-specific stains, image enhancement and acoustic focusing have increased the scope of its applications in both industry and research.

This eBook will explore the history of flow cytometry in microbiology and some of the current and future trends, with reference to solutions available and their applications.