Early detection of apoptotic events and apoptosis using optophoretic analysis

Abstract

A method for detecting the onset of apoptosis in cells using a moving optical gradient includes the steps of exposing at least a portion of the cells to at least one chemical compound, moving the cells and the optical gradient relative to each other so as to cause displacement of at least some of the cells, measuring the displacement of at least a portion of the displaced cells, comparing the measured displacement with the measured displacement of at least one control cell that has not been treated with the at least one chemical compound. The step of comparing the measured displacement of the control and tested cells determines the onset of apoptosis. Methods are also provided for monitoring cells throughout apoptosis.

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