About Us
The Florida Research & Innovation Center (FRIC) Flow Cytometry Core provides state-of-the-art instrumentation and technical support for researchers. Instrumentation includes a Cytek Aurora spectral flow cytometer, a ThermoFisher Bigfoot spectral cell sorter, a BD FACSAria II cell sorter and 10X Chromium Controllers for single-cell library preparation. The core also provides assistance for investigators with flow panel design and with analysis, from simple to high dimensional techniques and methods.
Dr. James Thomas, the director of the Flow Cytometry Core, previously worked at Frederick National Laboratory for over 20 years performing research on retroviruses in the Retroviral Mutagenesis Section, and then working in the Cellular Immunity Core (Flow Core). While there he designed, optimized, and analyzed large flow cytometry panels (up to 33 fluorescent parameters) on a wide variety of instruments in support of various AIDS and Cancer Virus Program studies.
For a publications list: NCBI Thomas Bibliography
Please remember to acknowledge the Flow Cytometry Core in any research published that includes data or expertise provided by the Core.
For more information on access, policies, and more, please visit the FRIC Flow Cytometry Core Connect Today page (Cleveland Clinic employees only).
Contacts
Services
Multi-parameter Flow Cytometry
Cytek Aurora Spectral Analyzer
Leveraging the power of full spectral flow cytometry, our four laser Aurora Spectral Analyzer has 48 fluorescence detectors and can detect over 25 parameters simultaneously. The instrument uses highly sensitive avalanche photodiodes to detect fluorescence, and this permits better discrimination of markers with low expression levels. In addition, the ability to identify and subtract cell autofluorescence can substantially enhance marker detection.
ThermoFisher Bigfoot Spectral Cell Sorter
The Bigfoot Spectral Cell Sorter is available for the physical separation of desired cell populations identified via flow cytometry. This instrument has 5 lasers and can capture 48 fluorescence parameters, enabling a detailed identification and sorting of target populations. This instrument can sort up to 6 populations at a time with deposition into a wide variety of tube sizes, sort up to 4 populations at a time into 96-well or 384-well plates or onto slides, and sort single populations into 1536-well plates.
BD FACSAria Cell Sorters
FACSAria Cell Sorter is available for the physical separation of desired cell populations identified via flow cytometry. This instrument has 4 lasers and can detect up to 16 fluorescent parameters permitting detailed cell identification. Up to 4 populations at a time can be sorted into a variety of tube types, or one population at a time can be sorted into/onto well plates (up to 384) or slides.
Single Cell Partitioning for Sequencing Library Preparation
10x Chromium Controllers are available for the generation of single cell sequencing libraries. This powerful technology supports kits that include single cell gene expression and immune profiling, as well as ATAC and/or protein expression multiomics. After preparation of sequencing libraries, the Core can help coordinate sequencing offsite with Lerner Research Institute's Genomics Core and the FRIC Bioinformatics Core can assist with experiment design and data processing.
Experiment Consultation
Assistance is available with experimental design, cell preparation troubleshooting, antibody and fluorophore choices, assay and application selection, high dimensional data analysis methods, and the preparation of data or methods for publication.
Instrument, Experimental Design and Data Analysis Training
Training is offered on instrument operation and troubleshooting, panel design and optimization, and laboratory techniques. Users can be trained to operate the Aurora spectral flow cytometer and utilize it self-serve 24/7. Training on data analysis software, including FlowJo (BD Biosciences) and FCSExpress (De Novo Software) is also available.
Data Analysis
- Data analysis services are available - please complete a consultation form via iLab.
- For self-serve data analysis, Flowjo or FCSExpress are recommended. FlowJo is currently available from Lerner Research Institute's Flow Cytometry Core (Cleveland) for a licensing fee. Please contact [email protected] if interested in a license. Instructions to access the software (PDF) are provided on their webpage.
For service rates and scheduling, please visit our iLab page.
For more information on services and instrumentation, please visit the FRIC Flow Cytometry Connect Today page (Cleveland Clinic employees only).
Equipment
Cytek Aurora Spectral Analyzer
A spectral flow cytometer capable of 25+ parameter detection. Features include:
- 4 lasers: 405, 488, 561 and 640nm
- Full spectrum detection and spectral unmixing technology for high parameter flow cytometry
- 48 fluorescent parameter detectors
- Violet side scatter detector for small particle analysis
- High throughput sample loader (96 well plate)
- Autofluorescence subtraction and powerful detectors for high resolution detection
ThermoFisher Bigfoot Spectral Cell Sorter
A spectral cell sorter capable of flow cytometric analysis and target cell (or particle) collection. Features include:
- 5 lasers: 349, 405, 488, 561 and 640nm
- Full spectrum detection and spectral unmixing technology for high parameter flow cytometry
- 48 fluorescent parameter detectors
- Violet forward scatter and polar forward and side scatter detectors
- High speed sorting of up to 6 target populations at a time
- Deposition into a variety of tubes (1.5, 5, 15, 50mL), plates (up to 1534 well) and slides.
FACSAria Cell Sorters
Cell sorters capable of flow cytometric analysis and target cell (or particle) collection. Features include:
- 4 lasers: 405, 488, 532 and 640nm
- 16 fluorescent parameter detectors
- High speed sorting of up to 4 target populations at a time
- Automated Cell Deposition Unit for sorting up to 384-well plates, slides and onto slides
10x Chromium Controller
Partitions single cells for downstream library preparation. Applications include:
- Single cell gene expression (3' or 5')
- Single cell immune profiling
- Single cell ATAC
- Single cell multiomics
Other Instruments:
- Thermo Cytospin 4
- Countess Cell Counters
- Thermo Nanodrop 2000c
- Agilent Bioanalyzer 2100
- Roche LightCycler 480 qPCR
- ThermoFisher ViiA7 qPCR
- Bio-Rad C1000
- Thermocycler Eppendorf 5430
- ThermoFisher X1R Centrifuge
- Fluorescent Microscope
For service rates and scheduling, please visit our iLab page.
For more detailed information, please visit the FRIC Flow Cytometry Connect Today page (Cleveland Clinic employees only).