First characterization of marine particles by laser scanning flow cytometry

A new laser scanning flow cytometer (CLASS) has been developed at ENEA to characterize single marine particles. The first setup of the instrument allowing the detection of the particle light scattering over a wide angular range is presented. A test of CLASS employing polystyrene microspheres is described. Eventually, the first measurements of biological particles (Penicillium Italicum conidia) and marine phytoplankton (Synechocystis cells) are reported.