I am interested in using flow cytometry to measure blue green algae (cyanobacteria) populations in freshwater samples. However, most of the species we find are colonial (Woronichinia sp) or filamentous (Anabaena sp. and Oscillatoria sp.). How can I best separate these colonies and filaments into their single cells, without damaging or lysing the cells? The purpose of this is to allow the single cells to pass through the flow cytometer one cell at a time. Does anyone know of any routine procedures using vortexing or sonication?

Many thanks.