Flow cytometry

Expandable, backward-compatible flow cytometer

The BD FACSAria III Cell Sorting System is a next-generation flow cytometer with the ability to run complex multicolor experiments using up to six lasers. A gel-coupled cuvette in the flow cell ensures that the system’s lasers are focused precisely on the sample stream and that they generate the greatest signal to maximize the amount of emitted light. The instrument’s advanced optical system works efficiently to maximize signal detection as well as greatly increase the sensitivity and resolution for each color in a multicolor assay. A new expandable architecture uses an X-mount optical plate that allows the system to be expanded to support up to six laser wavelengths — 633 nm, 561 nm, 488 nm, 445 nm, 405 nm, and 375 nm — as well as up to 20 detector positions that can be used simultaneously. A backwardcompatible architecture allows BD FACSAria or BD FACSAria II customers to upgrade existing instruments to the new platform.

BD Biosciences

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Detect phosphorylation of intracellular proteins

Cell Lab Signaling Cytometry (Cell Lab SC) reagents offer a comprehensive set of antibodies for detection of the phosphorylation state of signaling proteins in cells via flow cytometry. The reagents, which are conjugated to either Alexa Fluor 488 or Alexa Fluor 647, are released in conjunction with a new method that allows analysis of samples in whole blood. This minimizes artifacts and variability introduced through sample manipulation, and helps preserve the native biology of the cell. Antibodies in the Cell Lab SC line can be used in combination with extracellular markers to study signaling patterns in specifi c cellular subpopulations. Products are available for the study of apoptosis, chromatin regulation, cytoskeletal signaling, DNA damage, lymphocyte signaling, MAP kinase signaling, protein folding, translation control, and other phosphorylation events.

Beckman Coulter

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Flow cytometry information management

SoftFlowCytometry provides process-management features that include managing automated workflows, facilitating analysis and interpretation of results derived from automated equipment, and creating related reporting materials — all in one application. This browser-based, Web-enabled, user-friendly module allows for easy interfacing to flow-cytometry instruments and other automated instruments. The rapid data-capture and data-management from automated instruments offers effi cient and accurate reporting. Customizable reporting templates, including those containing scatterplot images, can be readily composed. Built-in reporting tools enable users to analyze reports based on analytical parameters of their choice and design. A Web-based manager’s dashboard allows enterprise-wide workload assignment and tracking to provide access to all team members.

SCC Soft Computer

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Molecules of equivalent soluble fluorochrome kits

Alexa Fluor 488 and Alexa Fluor 647 Quantum MESF Kits consist of fl uorescent-bead populations surface-labeled with fluorochrome. The beads are run on the cytometer on the same day and at the same instrument settings as cells to generate a standard curve relating channel value to a standardized fluorescence-intensity unit — molecules of equivalent soluble fluorochrome (MESF). Once fl ow-cytometry results have been converted to MESF units, accurate data comparison can be made over time and between multiple instruments. Quantitative MESF values that correspond to surface- marker expression levels are then assigned to stained cell samples. The Quantum MESF beads can alert users to adverse conditions in the system, such as contaminants or changes in pH.

Bangs Laboratories

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Acoustic flow cytometer

Designed to use sound waves to precisely control the movement of cells, the Attune Acoustic Focusing Cytometer provides both high sensitivity and high throughput. The cytometer enables users to gather statistical data on a large number of heterogeneous cells to study parameters within a cell population, including size, complexity, phenotype, and health, and can be used with small sample sizes. This instrument features a small footprint; accommodates standard tissue-culture hoods; eliminates the need for a separate fluidics cart; and provides violet-and blue-laser combinations for a choice of six analysis colors.

Applied Biosystems

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