ABSTRACT
Flow cytometry is a powerful technology that has applications in immunology, infectious diseases, molecular
biology, cancer biology, etc. It allows for rapid characterization of particles and mixed cell populations isolated
from various tissues. Using lasers as light sources, a flow cytometer produces scattered and fluorescent
signals thus allowing simultaneous examination of cell size, granularity, cell marker and cytokine expression. In
this shared instrumentation proposal funding is sought to purchase a FACSymphony A1 for Southern Illinois
University-Carbondale (SIUC). The FACSymphony A1 uses a single fixed excitation optical assembly that
consists of four spatially separated high-power Blue, Red, Violet, and Yellow Green lasers. Emission optics
uses fiber optics to deliver the emitted light to the detector arrays, which use reflection to maximize signal
detection and can detect up to 16 fluorochromes. This system features VPX ultra-low noise electronics,
improving the signal-to-noise ratio. The Small Particle Detector can resolve particles as small as 90 nm. This
equipment will allow SIUC researchers to use the full spectrum of commercially available fluorescent dyes in
their research. This equipment will contribute to research programs across two SIU colleges and the SIU
School of Medicine. All the users mentor undergraduate and graduate students, and this instrument will
provide opportunities to train students in cutting-edge technologies and experimental design. The
FACSymphony A1 will also be incorporated into two laboratory courses at SIUC. Educational potential for this
equipment will have a broad reach through the partnership with the SI Bridges program. This NIH-funded
program connects community college students with ongoing undergraduate research opportunities at SIUC.
The FACSymphony A1 will enhance the biomedical research capacity and have a meaningful impact on
biomedical education at SIUC.