Core Biotechnology Services

Instruments

The facility has three cell analysers and a cell sorter available for use. Please contact us to discuss your requirements and book facilities.

We now hold a site licence for Flowjo Software. A leading platform for single cell analysis. Please contact us if you would like Flowjo software for your university PC or laptop.

Use the guide below to determine which is the best instrument for your experiment.

  FACSAria Fusion  FACSCanto II  Cytoflex  Accuri 
Lasers  4 Blue-Red-Violet-Yellow/green  2 Blue-Red  2 Blue-red  2 Blue-Red 
Colours  16  6  4  4 
Increased throughput?  No  40 tube  96-well plate  No 
Cell sorting?  Yes  No  No  No 
Independent use?  No  Yes  Yes  Yes 

BD FACSAria FusionFACSAria Fusion

Purchased in 2018, the BD FACSAria Fusion is a high-performance cell sorter located in a Class II biosafety cabinet, capable of measuring up to 16 fluorescent parameters from four lasers. The key feature of the system are:

  • 4 laser system, 16 colours plus two scatter parameters
  • High performance cell sorting with four nozzle sizes (70, 85, 100, 135um)
  • Four way sorting, to allow four populations to be sorted simultaneously
  • Sorting into 96/384-well plates to facilitate clonal cell line growth or genomics analysis
  • Class II Biosafety cabinet for optimum protection of both the user and to maintain sterility of the sample

The cell sorter is located in lab G43, in the Maurice Shock Building and is operated by the facility manager, therefore no training is required.

BD FACSCanto IIFACSCanto II 

The BD FACSCanto II is two laser, 6 colour instrument with the functionality to provide independent throughput of up to 40 samples using the carousel option. It is ideal for small multi-colour experiment and assays with a large number of tubes.

  • Two laser, 6 colours plus two scatter
  • 40 tube carousel reader
  • BD FACSDiva software for acquisition and analysis

Internal users will be trained on the FACSCanto II to allow independent use.

External collaborators interested in using this technology should contact the facility.

Beckman Coulter CytoflexCytoflex

The Beckman Coulter Cytoflex is a compact cytometer with easy to use software.  It is ideal for cell cycle analysis, small multi-colour experiments and its integrated plate reader makes it ideal for high throughput assays.

  • Two laser, four colour plus two scatter
  • 96-well plate reader
  • Volumetric count functionality
  • Opportunity to upgrade: up to three lasers, 13-colours

Cytoflex configuration

Laser  Filter  Status 
Blue  610/20  Locked 
585/42  Open 
525/40  Open 
690/50  Locked 
780/60  Locked 
Red  780/60  Open 
660/20  Open 
712/25  Locked 
Violet  450/45  Locked 
525/40  Locked 
610/20  Locked 
660/20  Locked 
780/60  Locked 

Internal users will be trained on the Cytoflex to allow independent use.

External collaborators interested in using this technology should contact the facility.

BD Accuri C6 PlusAccuri C6 Plus 

The BD Accuri C6 Plus is a sensitive, compact and easy to use instrument. It is ideal for cell cycle analysis and cell death assays, or any simple four colour experiment.

  • Two laser, four colour with two scatter parameters
  • Simple to use software for ease of analysis
  • High sensitivity
  • Volumetric counting

In addition, the Accuri C6 is a portable instrument, offering researchers the opportunity to place the instrument within their own labs. You are welcome to discuss you requirements with the facility manager to see how this can work for you.

Internal users will be trained on the Accuri C6 to allow independent use.

External collaborators interested in using this technology should contact the facility.

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