Advances in flow cytometry: technological innovations and their expanding role in biomedical research and clinical practice

As a multiparameter, high-throughput single-cell analysis technology, flow cytometry has become a core tool for biomedical research and clinical diagnosis because of its ability to detect the physical properties (such as size and complexity) and biochemical characteristics (such as surface markers and intracellular proteins) of cells. This article reviews its technical development history, application fields and future challenges. At the technical level, flow cytometry has gradually developed from early single-parameter detection to innovative technologies such as multicolor fluorescence, mass spectrometry flow and imaging flow, realizing the simultaneous analysis and dynamic visualization of over 40 parameters of single cells. In clinical applications, flow cytometry is widely used in the fields of immune diseases and blood tumors, significantly improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment monitoring efficiency. In addition, it also plays a key role in cell biology and drug development. Although flow cytometry faces technical challenges such as high cost, complex data processing and multicolor fluorescence interference, future development directions should focus on intelligence (AI-assisted analysis), portability and multiomics integration, which is expected to further promote the development of precision medicine and personalized treatment. This article systematically reviews the technical evolution and application value of flow cytometry, providing a reference for understanding its core position and future potential in modern medicine.