Flow Cytometry
Deflection illumination for calibrating droplet break-off point.
We offer a range of flow cytometric techniques. The equipment adds flexibility in the preparation and execution of experiments allowing different approaches to research problems. Our facility meets researchers’ needs and enables better resolution in terms of analysis and product. The goal of the facility is to proactively introduce flow cytometric methods into new research areas while supporting and extending current research.
Major projects and accomplishments
- The analysis of algae life cycle project relied on the intrinsic fluorophores in algae to identify life cycle stages. It required photosaturation of the photosynthetic units in the algae.
- Cell cloning by Darwinian selection required a series of single cell sorts of a target population into 96-well plate in order to select a stable integrated gene into a cell line.
- There is a project investigating a bi-stable state of a reworked bacterial signalling cascades that requires precise and accurate instrument measurements of the bacteria in order for them to be identified.
- The apoptosis project uses a novel FRET assay in order to identify apoptosis in a cell line.
- An ongoing project, in collaboration with the Heidelberg University’s Chemistry Department, investigates the flow cytometric analysis of cellular uptake of novel synthetically produced probes.
Services provided
- Sorting heterogeneous single cell populations into homogeneous populations for experiments.
- Providing an analysis of single cell populations based on fluorescent probes and light intensities (including light scattering and polarisation).
- Providing expertise in flow cytometric techniques for use in experiments.
- Providing advice in the use of flow cytometry.
- Developing novel flow cytometric techniques for use in EMBL’s scientific activities.
Technology partners
We work with equipment from Cytopeia Inc., DAKO, Becton Dickinson, Union Biometrica and Miltenyi Biotec. We are open to test new technological developments to best serve the needs of the scientific community.