Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorter (FACS)

• Subject Area: Biological Chemistry and Food Chemistry ; Basic Research in Biology and Medicine
• Term: Funded in 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 502863603

Fluorescence-activated cell sorting represents an ideal technology for isolation of distinct cell populations. In biotechnology, this technology can be used for directed evolution of proteins (and potentially other biomolecules or properties), if coupled to a fluorescent readout. For the mRNA technology, droplet-based sorting provides the opportunity to optimize sequences regarding desired properties, such as improved stability and translation. One of the hallmarks of FACS is the high throughput and speed in combination with mild isolation, allowing continued cultivation of cells after sorting. In combination with next generation RNA sequencing, cell sorting enables transcriptome analysis of cell populations and is rapidly advancing towards single cells.In addition, flow cytometry is versatile for analysis and quantification of cell surface labeling. This enables to assess and improve biochemical methods and bioorthogonal reactions regarding their labeling efficiency on living cells.In addition to mammalian cells, bacterial cells can be sorted. This provides access to establishing and validating novel molecular tools directly in cells or on the cell surface. Even artificial vesicles can be sorted by this technology, if they are available in aqueous solution, making artificial dynamic systems accessible for analysis.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Durchflusszytometer mit Sortiersystem
• Instrumentation Group: 3500 Zellzähl- und Klassiergeräte (außer Blutanalyse), Koloniezähler
• Applicant Institution: Universität Münster
• Leaders: Professor Dr. Henning D. Mootz, since 1/2024; Professorin Dr. Andrea Rentmeister, until 12/2023