Label-free holographic imaging flow cytometry for white blood cell analysis: a step toward space applications

In our study, we applied a novel label-free holographic imaging flow cytometry (HIFC) system to analyze white blood cells (WBCs) sub-populations (i.e. lymphocytes, monocytes, and granulocytes) in human blood samples from a healthy donor. This methodology enables access to cellular-scale information through quantitative phase imaging, avoiding the need for staining or fluorescent markers. The obtained results, in terms of sub-population identification and characterization, demonstrate the potential of this technique for extending analysis to real patient samples, enabling the monitoring of extreme conditions (e.g. radiation-induced effects) and, more broadly, enhancing the efficiency of label-free space applications.