Spectral Flow Cytometry for the Midlands

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Flow cytometry is a method used in the biological sciences to count and profile mixtures of cells in a liquid. For example, immunologists use flow cytometry to work out the different types of immune cells in a blood sample. They can use flow cytometry to identify the different cell types, count them and profile them. Antibodies labelled with fluorescent dyes can be used to identify cells with specific features. The technology underlying flow cytometry is continually improving. In the 1980s, equipment utilised a single laser and analysis of 2 colours (i.e. cell features). Over the years, the number of lasers and the possible colour combinations has increased with the conventional flow cytometers now offering 5+ lasers and analysis of up to 20 colours. Spectral flow cytometry, by changing the underlying technology from detection of a specific wavelength range for a particular fluorophore to measurement of the full optical spectrum for each particle, is now pushing the boundaries of the technology even further. The Cytek Aurora, requested in this application, is a newly released five-laser spectral flow cytometer that can measure up to 40 colours. State-of-the-art optics and software enables this overall high performance. Together the improvements offered by this spectral flow cytometer mean that researchers can measure more features within a single sample, leading to improved characterisation of cell populations. Unlike other high performance flow cytometers, this spectral flow cytometer can be applied to the study of a broad range of samples, including plant cells, bacteria, yeast, small particles and mammalian cells. The new equipment will be located in the University of Nottingham's Flow Cytometry facility and will extend the capability of that facility. The facility, managed by Dr David Onion, has an excellent track record in delivering cutting-edge flow cytometry facilities to researchers across the UoN and beyond. It has established mechanisms for access, charging and an extensive client list both at the University of Nottingham, across the Midlands Innovation group of universities, and in industry that have indicated keen interest in gaining access to this technology. The facility has well-established processes in place for managing access and data, developing costing models for charging users and training new users.