Flow Cytometry/FACS Core Laboratory
Director:TBD
This facility consists of the Beckman-Coulter Altra Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorter (FACS). This model is a powerful tool to study, analyze, select and purify cells using endogenously produced fluorescent tags or antibodies to specific cell surface or intracellular markers. The machine became fully operational this year and all aspects, including cell analysis and sorting, have been utilized by both COBRE investigators and other researchers. The advantage over other cell sorters, including those which are available at other Core facilities nearby at the University of Delaware, is that ours has lasers with more variation of wavelengths and the capability of high-speed sorting, which result in higher yields or viable cells. The Beckman Coulter EPICS Altra flow cytometer is equipped with:
- An argon ion air-collect laser (emission at 488nm)
- An air-cooled red Helium-Neon (HeNe) laser (emission at 633 nm)
- A water-cooled Coherent Innova 70C Spectrum laser that is able to produce the following wavelengths: 458, 476, 488, 514, 521, 531, 568 and 647
The Altra capabilities include:
- Capable of multiparameter analysis and sorting
- Capable of sorting at high speed, approximately 15,000 cells per second
- Autoclone option sorts defined numbers of cells (e.g. 1-1000 cells 96 well plate)
- Instrument is also able to bulk-sort defined numbers of cells
- DNA and Cell Cycle Analysis
The Flow Cytometry/FACS Core has been available to advise on study design, perform analyses, and sort cells into specific populations for additional study or culture. Staff are always made available and back-up technical staff is being arranged, since the workload is increasing. Current Flow Cytometry/FACS Core staff are Cynthia Healy, BS, and Joan Pugarelli, BS.