Autofluorescence as a Signal to Sort Developing Glandular Trichomes by Flow Cytometry

The study developed a method to isolate young and mature type VI glandular trichomes from Solanum habrochaites using autofluorescence signals and flow cytometry, overcoming previous challenges in separating trichomes at different developmental stages. By incorporating sieving, density gradient centrifugation, and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), the researchers increased the proportion of young trichomes from less than 0.7% to 22.6%, achieving over 99% purity. This allowed for effective RNA and metabolite analysis, revealing higher flavonoid metabolism in young trichomes. The method improved RNA quality by using ethanol, and its principles could be applied to isolate specific cell types in other plant tissues.