Spectral 5-Laser Cell Sorter

• Subject Area: Microbiology, Virology and Immunology
• Term: Funded in 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 553871908

The highly specific analysis of rare immune cells is a central component of the research projects at the institute. Cell sorting combined with spectral flow cytometry analysis offers a significant advantage by providing the ability to precisely isolate and analyse cell populations based on multiple fluorescent markers, enabling deeper insights into cellular heterogeneity, function, and interactions. The spectral technology expands the range of detectable fluorochromes, enabling researchers to gain more detailed single-cell insights and facilitating downstream analyses through efficient sorting of specific cell populations. The simultaneous excitation of more than 20 fluorescent colors is mandatory for rare immune cell isolation projects (e.g. subpopulations of dendritic cells and macrophages). By combining flow cytometry data with spatial and morphological insights, this cutting-edge technology is essential to provide researchers with previously unseen information about cellular behaviour and interactions. The integration of visual examination of cell images enhances data analysis and will improve the quality of downstream studies. In addition, it is essential that the option of sorting genetically modified (S2) or infectious (L2) organisms is available (installation in an S2 area in a class 2 safety cabinet) to continue our scientific projects. The acquisition of a Spectral Cell Sorter with integrated Image-Technology for the Flow Cytometry Core Facility – Campus Poppelsdorf (FCCF-CP) of the Faculty for Natural Sciences and Mathematics with a planned location in the LIMES institute is also supported by the expected high sample throughput and short transport distances for sensitive measurements to avoid in vitro effects. In addition, a cell sorter is needed to perform the planned screening experiments in the context of collaborations with the scientists based at the institute. Furthermore, we work with limited primary human sample material, which makes the combination of as many parameters/dyes/staining combinations as possible necessary to minimize the required staining.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Spektrales 5-Laser Zellsortiergerät
• Instrumentation Group: 3500 Zellzähl- und Klassiergeräte (außer Blutanalyse), Koloniezähler
• Applicant Institution: Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn
• Leader: Professorin Dr. Elvira Mass