Novel Flow Cytometer at the BMC Core Facility Flow Cytometry
The latest addition to our instruments at the Core Facility Flow Cytometry is the spectral analyzer Cytek Aurora (equipped with 5-lasers), co-funded by the SFB1054 and the BMC.
The spectral technology used in the Aurora does not identify fluorochromes only based on their emission maxima (as is the case in conventional cytometers), but analyses the full spectrum (365-829 nm range), and can therefore discriminate fluorochromes with similar emission maxima based on smaller differences elsewhere in the emission spectra. This allows the combination of ‘similar’ dyes that cannot be combined in conventional flow cytometry, but also increases sensitivity for weak signals (useful for fluorescent proteins and small particle analysis). The possibility of autofluorescence extraction improves signal discrimination for markers on highly autofluorescent cells such as tissue macrophages, but also allows the identification of aquatic or microbial populations purely based on autofluorescence features. The Aurora will therefore support many different research areas such as biomedicine (particularly immunology) and biology.
For more information and data examples, please also have a look at the Cytek website. If you are interested in using/trying this technology, please contact the Core Facility.
You are welcome to join our seminar by the Cytek Expert at the BMC on February 18th for an introduction to the technology and software! For more information see the website of the Core Facility.
