Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME
Flow cytometry allows the simultaneous analysis of multiple physical and chemical parameters in cells and other particles, regardless of their origin. While the samples pass through a laser beam at a very high flow rate, the different parameters can be measured in parallel and used, for example, for the analysis of cell populations or for the selection of individual cells with particular properties.
Fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACs) combines the rapid analysis of large numbers of cells at a rate of up to 200,000 events per second with the physical separation and isolation of desired cell populations or individual cells or particles.
FACS and flow cytometry are applied routinely to mammalian cells, but Fraunhofer IME also has the expertise to sort microbial and plant cells using these methods
The personnel at Fraunhofer IME’s service unit are well trained on the latest equipment and operate in an S2 approved laboratory area. Our technical equipment for flow cytometry/FACS comprises:
- One BD FACSverse device – with three laser and eight fluorescence detectors, a universal loader and absolute cell number determination
- Two BD Calibur devices – one or two laser systems and two high-speed cell sorters
- One BD Influx device – five laser and 13 fluorescence detectors with a small particle detector option in a biological safety cabinet (S2 area)
- One BD FACSvantage SE-DiVa device – three laser and eight fluorescence detectors.