AC electrokinetic characterisation and separation of cells with high and low embryogenic potential in suspension cultures of carrot (Daucus carota)

Abstract

Suspension cultures of Daucus carota L. were established, and cells with embryogenic potential were separated from those without by density gradient centrifugation in Ficoll at different stages in the growth curve. In order to obtain information about the electrical properties of individual cells, electrorotation spectra of single plant cells from different fractions were measured before and after induction of embryogenesis. The data were analysed using models based on Maxwell–Wagner's theories of interfacial polarisation. It was found that the denser cells had a higher embryogenic potential, a darker appearance and a higher internal conductivity (>1 S m−1) than the less dense cells, which had less or no embryogenic potential and a lower internal conductivity (<1 S m−1). Modelling the dielectrophoretic (DEP) response on the basis of the electrorotation data suggested that separation of cells with high embryogenic potential may be achievable in the frequency range 1–10 MHz. Actual dielectrophoretic separation of cells with high embryogenic potential from suspensions in which embryogenesis had not yet been induced was achieved using steric as well as hyperlayer dielectrophoretic Field-Flow Fractionation (DEP-FFF).