6-Laser Flow Cytometer

• Subject Area: Microbiology, Virology and Immunology
• Term: Funded in 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 575845467

We are applying for a state-of-the-art, seven-laser spectral flow cytometer for the Core Unit Cytometry at the Institute of Immunology of the University Medicine Greifswald (UMG). Flow cytometry is a key technology in the life sciences and medicine. It allows for the detailed characterization of single cells at a very high resolution and throughput. Spectral flow cytometry records the complete spectral profile of each fluorophore, enabling the discrimination of fluorophores with overlapping emission spectra. The analysis of over 40 parameters per cell is now possible with high sensitivity, representing the current state of the art. The Core Unit Cytometry currently operates two conventional four-laser flow cytometers. However, these instruments need to be replaced because they no longer meet important requirements of Greifswald's research groups, and the manufacturer has terminated its service warranty. In addition to operating the devices, Core Unit staff offer hands-on-training, user support, advanced courses, and consulting to help users achieve optimal results with flow cytometry. To take this service into the future, we are applying for a modern spectral flow cytometer with seven lasers. Such a high-performance device offers optimal flexibility and efficiency in panel design, very high sensitivity and signal resolution, few compensation problems, and productive handling of cellular autofluorescence. These features are crucial for analyzing complex cell mixtures, especially when only small cell numbers are available or the research question concerns rare cell populations. The device will be centrally operated in the Core Unit Cytometry and used in numerous bio-medical research projects to analyze cells from human and murine blood and tissues. For example, it will be used for studies on the dynamics of immune cells, disease mechanisms, and therapeutic interventions. The main users are from the fields of cardiology, gastroenterology, hematology, immunology, neurology, oncology, orthopaedics, and surgery. To ensure stable operation in the Core Unit Cytometry, the instrument must be very reliable, robust, and user-friendly, and it must have a proven track record on the market. Automatic setup, cleaning, shutdown, and quality control procedures should minimize manual handling, and autosampling maximize operating time. We are also requesting a computer workstation for data analysis and two geographically separate servers to back up and manage the large data volumes. This equipment will enable the Greifswald research groups to successfully address their diverse research questions and allow the Core Unit to support the scientific and technical development in a future-proof manner in the coming years.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: 6-Laser Durchflusszytometer
• Instrumentation Group: 3500 Zellzähl- und Klassiergeräte (außer Blutanalyse), Koloniezähler
• Applicant Institution: Universität Greifswald
• Leader: Professorin Dr. Barbara Bröker