Multicolor flow cytometer with a particle detector. - 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.
