5 laser flow cytometer for the detection of 20 parameters with high throughput sampling unit

• Subject Area: Microbiology, Virology and Immunology
• Term: Funded in 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 454730664

With this proposal, the Benjamin Franklin Flow Cytometry Facility (BFFC) applies for an additional flow cytometry analyzer capable of multiparameter analysis (18 fluorescence parameters, 2 scatter detectors, 5 lasers and a high throughput sampling unit). Currently, the Campus Benjamin Franklin (CBF) of Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin undergoes a significant expansion and is being scientifically re-invigorated by the recruitment of new laboratory heads and their groups. The new flow cytometer is urgently needed for the analysis and functional characterization (including cell cycle analysis and Ca2+ signaling) of rare and/or complex cell populations on the highest possible level, both in basic and clinical research. BFFC already operates a similar analyzer but the machine already runs at maximal capacity leading to long waiting times and delays in projects. No other flow cytometry facility at Charité offers a comparable analyzer with 5 lasers. Multiparameter flow cytometry is a “state-of-the-art” technology in basically all biomedical sciences. In particular, the analysis of clinical samples requires rapid access to such an analyzer, in order to guarantee timely analysis of these precious samples. The powerful high-throughput analyzer facilitates rapid analysis of multiple samples and the establishment of novel and powerful in vitro models (e.g., single cell differentiation assays, organoid technology). Due to the recent recruitment of new groups at CBF a new flow cytometry analyzer is urgently needed to cope with the increasing demand for multi-parameter flow cytometry.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: 5-Laser Durchflusszytometer
• Instrumentation Group: 3500 Zellzähl- und Klassiergeräte (außer Blutanalyse), Koloniezähler
• Applicant Institution: Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
• Leader: Professor Dr. Andreas Diefenbach