I am referring to the ratio mass per volume and not cell number. I am interested in your suggestions for possible characterization techniques to determine this physical parameter. Typically the density of a cell is around 1.05 g/mL but I want to characterize my own cell population.
The easiest way would be through density-gradient centrifugation using e.g. isotonic Percoll and corresponding density marker beads; see J. Biochem Biophys Methods 44 (2000)1-30 by Hakan Pertoft "Fractionation of cells and subcellular particles with Percoll".
Thank you for you reply Ruud, I'll check the reference you suggested.
The easiest and most obvious way would be the procedure suggested by Ruud however if you like to investigate this parameter in a more refined way as related to the individual cells present in your population you can take advantage of the properties of differential interference microscopy. The methodology can be used as quantitative a tool to estimate the dry weight of cells or part of cells. Once you have the dry weight and the volume of a cell you can also easely desume its density.
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