Who invented spectral flow cytometry?

Several teams of researchers have been responsible for the progressive development of spectral flow cytometry over the years since the initial efforts began.

In 1979, Wade, Rhyne, Woodruff, Bloch, & Bartholomew were the first to measure the average spectra of multiple particles using dispersive optics such as prisms and gratings to disperse light over a detector array.
More advanced detectors used by Dubelaar et al., 1999; Fuller and Sweedler, 1996; and Gauci et al., 1996 overcame the limitations inherent in the original detectors and allowed researchers to measure the spectra of single particles.

Asbury et al., 1996; Steen and Stokke, 1986 succeeded in measuring the population average spectra with relatively high resolution by making consecutive measurements at different wavelengths using a monochromometer and a photomultiplier tube. Buican, 1990 and Marrone et al., 1991 applied an interferometric approach that enabled single cell measurements but with relatively low spectral resolution

The impact of the earlier systems was limited by the compromise between sensitivity, speed, and spectral resolution. In recent years however, advancements in optics, data systems and detectors have made it possible to develop high precision spectral flow cytometers that are capable of taking quick and sensitive high resolution measurements of cells and other particles. 

The 2000’s saw major developments at Purdue University Grégori et al., 2012; Robinson, Rajwa, Gregori, Jones, and Patsekin, 2005. The Purdue group initially presented their application of spectral flow cytometry at the 2004 International Society for Analytical Cytology (ISAC) meeting (Robinson et al. 2004). A patent was finally issued for the technology to Purdue University in 2007 (Robinson 2019). After testing several different prototypes (Nolan, Condello, Duggan, Naivar, & Novo, 2013), Sony released the first commercial instrument in 2012.