FlowCam 8000 Series (8100/8400)

What is Flow Imaging Microscope - FlowCam?​

FlowCam is a flow imaging microscope that integrates three powerful functions into a single instrument, enabling anyone to easily perform particle analysis:​
(1) Visualize fluids under a microscope in real time.
(2) Rapidly capture particles in liquid samples, generating high-resolution digital images and instantly measuring more than 30 morphological parameters for each particle.
(3) Extract, analyze, and classify particle images with the industry-leading VisualSpreadsheet software.

Flow Imaging vs Other Particle Analysis Methods

 

Challenges and Needs in Particle Analysis

Particle characterization is a critical process across many fields, including pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, water quality, and advanced materials. Traditional methods typically provide only quantitative data such as particle size and concentration. However, they often fail to answer essential questions like:

What types of particles are actually present?
What is the identity of foreign particles or contaminants?

Today, there is a growing demand for “visualizing particles” — not only obtaining numerical data, but also capturing detailed images that reveal particle shape and structure. This visual information has become increasingly important for ensuring product quality, safety, and research insights.

 

Comparison of Methods

	Optical Microscopy​	Particle Size Analysis	Flow Cytometric Analysis​	Flow Imaging Microscopy
Features	Easy, intuitive operation; ​ flexible observation	Measures large numbers of particles statistically​	Strong for fluorescence markers ​and multi-parameter analysis​	Automatically captures and analyzes images of each particle
Information Obtained	Images, shapes​	Particle size, volume distribution​	Size, fluorescence intensity​	Images, size, shape, color​
Limitations	Dependent on observer, poor quantification, time-consuming	No information on shape or type, no images​	Non-image analysis, ​ cannot visualize ​ particle shape or structure​	Produces large amounts of data (but highly valuable for classification and detailed analysis)​

 

Particle Measurement Size by Method

While each analytical technique has its own strengths, Flow Imaging Microscopy sets itself apart by capturing and analyzing images of every individual particle. This unique capability provides both quantitative data and visual confirmation, enabling more accurate characterization and deeper insights.

 

What FlowCam Makes Possible

FlowCam is an innovative imaging particle analysis system that combines the strengths of a light microscope and a flow cytometer. Each particle is rapidly captured in real time, providing both quantitative data (size, shape, volume) and visual confirmation. Unlike traditional particle size analyzers, FlowCam enables detailed characterization of particle morphology and composition.

Basic parameters: area, length, width, aspect ratio, Equivalent Spherical Diameter (ESD), Area-Based Diameter (ABD), volume, etc.
Morphological features: circularity, elongation, compactness, fiber curl, straightness, perimeter, edge gradient, etc.
Grayscale & color features: brightness, mean intensity, transparency, average values (blue, green, red), and color ratios (blue/green ratio, red/blue ratio, red/green ratio, etc.)

 

User Feedback

“Particles considered the same size by particle size analyzers were shown by FlowCam to differ in both shape and composition.”
“Since introducing FlowCam, we can identify the root cause of manufacturing contaminants much faster.”
“Aggregates that were often overlooked in manual observation are now instantly visualized through automated analysis.”

FlowCam makes previously hidden particle characteristics visible, supporting better decisions and faster actions compared to traditional methods.

Application Examples

 

Biopharmaceuticals

In Biopharmaceutical manufacturing, identifying aggregates and silicone oil is critical. FlowCam enables rapid and accurate detection of these particles. It can also be used to monitor the formation state of spheroids in cell culture processes.

 

Food

FlowCam can measure yeast viability, particle size distribution in flour, and the formation of microcapsules. This information helps evaluate product stability and ensure consistent flavor and texture.

 

Industrial & Chemical

FlowCam rapidly measures features of various particle shapes, facilitating quality assessment and contaminant detection. This supports product uniformity, process improvement, and early identification of production issues.

 

Water Environment

FlowCam enables rapid differentiation and counting of microorganisms and algae in water. It is especially effective in detecting harmful cyanobacteria and red tides, allowing for timely monitoring of environmental changes.

Captured Images

Protein Aggregates Detect protein aggregates that may cause side effects.

Cell Spheroids Evaluate the size and shape of spheroids formed by suspended cells in culture media.

Yeast (Left: Live, Right: Dead) Assess yeast viability and morphology.

Flour Analyze particle size and circularity distributions, which affect texture and quality.

Electronic Devices (Left: Plastic, Right: Metal) Detect foreign particles in cleaning water and evaluate manufacturing processes.

Harmful Algae Quickly analyze morphology to support water quality management and red tide prevention.