Flow Cytometry Facility
Flow cytometry is a method of measuring multiple physical and chemical characteristics of single cells or particles as they travel in suspension one by one past a sensing point. Fluorescent probes and antibodies are used to identify and characterize cells or particles The modern flow cytometer consists of a light source, collection optics, electronics and a computer to translate signals to data. The light source of choice is a laser which emits coherent light at a specified wavelength. Scattered and emitted fluorescent light is collected by two lenses (one set in front of the light source and one set at right angles) and a series of optics, beam splitters and filters. Specific bands of fluorescence can be measured.
Flow Cytometry can measure physical characteristics such as cell size, shape and internal complexity. Any cell component or function that can be detected by a fluorescent compound can also be examined. There are many applications for flow cytometry, resulting in the extensive use of these instruments within the biological and medical fields.
The Flow Cytometry Facility occupies approximately 300 square feet and is a fully equipped high speed cell sorting and cell analyzing research laboratory. The Becton-Dickinson FACSAriaII (special order) high-speed cell sorter, features four air cooled lasers (blue 488nm, red 640nm, violet 405nm and UV355nm), multicolor analysis up to 10 parameters and four way sorting. This instrument is housed in a Baker BioProtect-II bio-safety cabinet, which enables sorting of BSL-2 level samples. FACSDiva software is used for acquisition and analysis. The Becton-Dickinson FACSCalibur benchtop flow cytometer features two lasers (blue 488nm and red 635nm) with four color capability. CellQuest software is used for acquisition and analysis. The Accuri C6 bench top trained user operated flow cytometer features two lasers (blue 488nm and red 649nm) with four color capability. Luminex-BioPlex Array Reader is a flexible analyzer based on the principles of flow cytometry. The system enables you to multiplex (simultaneously measure) up to 100 analytes in a single microplate well, using very small sample volumes. The system delivers fast and cost-effective bioassay results on many assay formats including nucleic acid assays, receptor-ligand assays, immunoassays and enzymatic assays. The FACSCalibur was donated to SIU-SM in October 1999 by the Community Blood Bank. The FACSAriaII special order high speed cell sorter was purchased in FY'09-‘10 with funds from an NIH Shared Instrumentation Grant. This laboratory has a full time experienced operator who assists researchers in the development of protocols, teaching of flow cytometric techniques and is responsible for the daily operation of the facility. The Becton Dickinson flow cytometers are maintained under service contracts.
The Flow Cytometry Facility is located at 801 North Rutledge, room 2364.
For Further Information Please Contact: Anna Travelstead
