Flow cytometry is an advanced technique that allows the measurement of functional and structural characteristics of heterogeneous mixtures of particles, typically cells. Its principle is based on passing a cellular suspension in an aligned and individualized manner through the center of a focused laser beam. The interaction of each cell with the laser light generates signals corresponding to different parameters of the cell, which are captured by various detectors. These detected light signals are converted into electrical pulses, amplified, and turned into digital signals that are sent to a computer system for processing and analysis.
Additionally, cell separation technology offers the same capabilities as flow cytometers but with the added advantage of selectively isolating and recovering cells from the liquid suspension based on their characteristics. This allows for more precise studies on the properties of isolated cells or their use in subsequent experiments.
The Flow Cytometry Unit also provides various data analysis software that enable researchers to efficiently optimize the representation of their data.
The Flow Cytometry Unit also provides various data analysis software that enable researchers to efficiently optimize the representation of their data.
Main applications of flow cytometry include immunophenotyping studies, cell cycle analysis, cell death, protein expression, and cell separation, among many others. This widely used tool is essential in fields such as cell biology, immunology, cancer research, and infectious diseases.
The Flow Cytometry Unit at CABIMER is staffed by specialized professionals who provide training and consulting services to both internal and external researchers, contributing to the development of efficient and reliable assays. In addition to offering Flow Cytometry and Cell Separation services, the Unit provides various analysis software to enhance data representation.
To optimize the use of the equipment and provide efficient service, the Flow Cytometry Unit operates with a booking system. Interested users can contact the technical manager of the Unit to arrange services and make a reservation. This allows for personalized coordination, tailored to the specific needs of each user. Access to the Unit’s equipment is provided under the supervision of a specialized operator, who will manage the equipment to ensure results of the highest quality. To make the most of the service, users are requested to bring their samples already prepared and ready for analysis or separation.
Las principales aplicaciones que se llevan a cabo en la Unidad de Citometría son:
The Flow Cytometry Unit team is available to answer any inquiries regarding pricing or to explore new flow cytometry applications. Feel free to contact us for personalized advice and guidance according to your research needs.
The Flow Cytometry Unit at CABIMER has the following equipment and software:
BD FACSCalibur Flow Cytometer
Number of units: 2
Manufacturer: BD Biosciences
Technical Features: Two laser lines; 488 nm (blue) and 633 nm (red), with four independent fluorescence detectors (FL1, FL2, FL3, FL4).
LSRFortessa X-20 Flow Cytometer
Number of units: 1
Manufacturer: BD Biosciences
Technical Features: Four laser lines; 405 nm (violet), 488 nm (blue), 561 nm (yellow-green), and 633 nm (red). Capable of detecting up to 16 fluorescence parameters (2B/3R/6V/5YG) and 2 scatter parameters (FSC, SSC) simultaneously. In addition to manual sampling in tubes, it is equipped with an HTS module for automated sample acquisition in 96-well or 384-well plates. The system also includes a quality module for optimizing voltages and monitoring equipment performance.
BD FACSAria IIIu Cell Sorter
Number of units: 1
Manufacturer: BD Biosciences
Technical Features: : Four laser lines; 405 nm (violet), 488 nm (blue), 561 nm (yellow-green), and 633 nm (red). Capable of detecting up to 17 fluorescence parameters and 2 scatter parameters simultaneously. It can purify different types of cell populations based on specific characteristics. It supports various platforms for sample acquisition and sorting. It is equipped with an ACDU (Automated Cell Deposition Unit) for sorting into multi-well plates or slides. The Index Sorting system allows the visualization of individual fluorescence and scatter characteristics of sorted cells. It also features a cooling system for temperature-controlled sample acquisition and sorting.
Data Analysis Software
3 licenses of FlowJo software
1 license of FCS Express software
Manuals and Guidelines
The equipment user manuals and guidelines can be accessed via this link.