High-throughput flow cytometer

• Subject Area: Medicine
• Term: Funded in 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 578183088

For the differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into various specified cell types, distinct differentiation markers are analyzed at defined time points. The purity of developmental stages such as definitive endoderm, pancreatic progenitors, and ductal, acinar, and endocrine organoids can thereby be quantified in a highly standardized manner. The high acquisition rate, combined with the ability to analyze very large cell numbers and a high laser and detector sensitivity, enables the reliable detection of subtle changes and subpopulations. The high throughput and minimal measurement variability make a flow cytometer ideally suited for a wide range of applications addressing cell specification, plasticity, and tissue heterogeneity. Based on our extensive prior experience with a flow cytometer from the preferred device series, we want to emphasize the system’s speed, user-friendliness, and robustness, while the instrument requested here additionally offers an excellent fluorescence spectrum and advanced multiplexing capability. A carefully considered usage concept, coordinated with all involved parties, will be implemented alongside a data management strategy adhering to FAIR principles. Given the very high demand within the Institute for Molecular Oncology and Stem Cell Biology, the device will be operated in a decentralized manner, while comprehensive access will be ensured for interested users as needed. The acquisition of a flow cytometer will secure the successful execution of the outlined projects and is expected to additionally disclose new applications. The robust and standardized single-cell measurements, together with straightforward quantification of targeted protein markers and larger staining panels, offer broad potential for application across diverse research questions and scientific fields.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Hochdurchsatz-Durchflusszytometer
• Instrumentation Group: 3500 Zellzähl- und Klassiergeräte (außer Blutanalyse), Koloniezähler
• Applicant Institution: Universität Ulm
• Leader: Professor Dr. Alexander Kleger