Numerical simulation and experimental study on light scattering by biological cells with discrete dipole approximation

An experimental apparatus for the analysis of biological cells light scattering in liquid suspensions has been presented. Characterization is based on the scattering of a monochromatic laser beam by particles [which can be inorganic, organic, or biological (such as animal cells and bacteria)] and on the strong relation between the light-scattering pattern and the morphology and refractive index of the particles. In order to study light scattering in biological cells close to the actual situation, we focus on non-spherical particles in the cell-culture medium. Finally, we demonstrate the light scattering results of bovine kidney cells suspended in the cell-culture medium, and compares then with the simulated results. © (2013) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland.