Cytometry and Cell Sorting Core Facility

The aim of the Cytometry and Cell Sorting Core Facility is to provide interested scientists with access to state-of-the-art flow cytometry equipment .

  • 4 Analyzers ( LSR Fortessa-A3, Quanteon, LSR Fortessa, Aurora from march of 2025)
  • 2 Sorters (AriaIIIu and AriaFusion)
  • 1 Imaging Analyzer (ImageStream)

The analyzers can be used independently after prior training and acceptance of the terms of use (also offered as a service). Both sorters, the FACS AriaIIIu and the FACS AriaFusion are operated by the facility staff.

If you require instruction, support or advice on operating the devices, please contact us.

Services

  • Cell Sorting with the FACS AriaIIIu or FACS AriaFusion
  • Sorting of untested human samples and bacteria (FACS AriaFusion)
  • Cell analysis with the LSR Fortessa-A3, Quanteon, LSR Fortessa and CantoII
  • Determination of absolute cell counts on the Quanteon
  • High resolution images can be combined with quantifiable results (stained marker) on the imaging flow cytometer Image Stream
  • Analysis of vesicles and microparticles on the Image Stream
  • Provision of evaluation stations for independent use with the following software: DIVA, FLOWJo, NovoExpress, Infinicyt and Ideas Software
  • Introductory training and support for new users on the analysis devices for independent use
  • Training of users with many years of flow cytometry experience on the sorters, FACS AriaIIIu and FACS AriaFusion, for independent use
  • Measurement of the latest fluorescent proteins possible through acquisition of new filters
  • Regular training courses on flow cytometry in cooperation with the device manufacturers

Cell Analysis

  • FACS LSR Fortessa

    The LSR Fortessa allows, in addition to the blue, violet and red laser a yellow-green laser for better detection with the use of PE-dyes and red fluorescent proteins. Up to 17 fluorescences can be used in a sample.
    The device is equipped with the following lasers:

    • 405 nm: violet laser
    • 488nm: Blue Laser
    • 561 nm: green laser
    • 640 nm: Red Laser

  • The quanteon is equipped with 4 lasers. The special feature of this device is the determination of absolute cell counts.

    Furthermore the software provides analysis wizards for cell cycle and proliferation experiments.

    The quanteon can be used independently for multicolour experiments or as a service.

    The device is equipped with the following lasers:

    • 405 nm: violet laser
    • 488nm: blue Laser
    • 561 nm: green laser
    • 637 nm: red Laser

  • The LSR Fortessa A3 is our highend flowcytometer for getting the most information out of your sample. The device provides the 3 Standardlasers plus a yellow-green and an UV-laser. It is possible to use up to 29 parameters in your sample.

    The device is equipped with the following lasers:

    • 355 nm: UV laser
    • 405 nm: Violet laser
    • 488 nm: Blue Laser
    • 561 nm: Green laser
    • 640 nm: Red Laser

  • Aurora

Cell Sorting

  • FACS Sortprinzip
    Lupe zum Vergrößern des Bildes

    1. Cells are harvested by a sheath flow as beads strung on a string (hydrodynamic focusing)

    2. In the laser intersection the analysis of the cells takes place.

    3. The nozzle separates the jet into individual drops and charges the drops to be sorted on.

    4. The charged drops are deflected in an electric field, and fall into the appropriate receptacle.

  • The following tables show how long a sorting operation. These are minimum hours, 20 minutes should be allocated for the setting of the device. The duration varies with the size of the cells.

    Sortdauer smaller cells

    Sortdauer for small cells (15,000 / sec, Mode:. Yield)
    Sortdauer large cells

    Sortdauer for large cells (5000 / sec, Mode:. Yield)
  • multicolor analysis
    Lupe zum Vergrößern des Bildes

    Examples for multicolor analysis

  • The following options are possible with the FACS Aria III and FACS Aria Fusion:

    FACS 15ml tube

    1) separated into 2 populations in 15 ml tubes

    FACS tube
    FACS small reaction tube

    2) seperated into up to 4 populations in FACS-tubes or small reaction tubes

    FACS 96-well

    3) filing in microtiter plates (for example, 96-well)

  • FACS AriaIllu

    This Cytometry one or more cell populations from the suspension can be sorted out (Note: not all cells can be sorted well, sometimes the populations are very sensitive). The sorted cells can be cultivated further.
    The cell sorting on FACS AriaIIIu is handled by employees of the Core Unit. The device is equipped with the following lasers:

    • 407 nm: violet laser
    • 488nm: Blue Laser
    • 561 nm: green laser
    • 633 nm: Red Laser

  • Multi color combination
    Lupe zum Vergrößern des Bildes
    Examples of color combinations in a multi-color analysis.

    The device is equipped with the following lasers:355 nm UV laser

    • 405 nm: violet laser
    • 488nm: Blue Laser
    • 561 nm: green laser
    • 640 nm: Red Laser

Further Equipment

  • Technical data:

    Laser:
    - 488 nm blue laser (high-power)
    - 642 nm red laser
    - 785 nm far red laser
    - 375 nm UV laser
    - 405 nm violet laser
    - 561 nm green laser

    Speed:
    - up to 200 events per sec

    Objective
    -20x, 40x und 60x magnicfication

    Sample characteristics:
    - Volume: 20-200yl
    - Utilization efficiency: up to 95%

Registration

The Cytometry and Cell Sorting Core Facility is open to all researchers at the UKE and other interested parties. Bookings can be made via the internet booking system provided. New users should contact the specified contact persons directly.

There is flat fee per hour of use, which is calculated on the basis of the required consumables. The usage fee for UKE employees is (as of April 2023):

• FACS LSR Fortessa A3 25 € per hour
• Quanteon 24 € per hour
• FACS LSR Fortessa 22 € per hour
• FACS AriaIII 60 € per hour
• FACS AriaFusion 60 € per hour
• Image Stream 55 € per hour

The total usage time for each working group is determined on a quaterly basis and billed either via cost center or third-party funds. Please note the usage regulations for the individual devices.

Contact

Location:

N27 (Campus Forschung)
4. Etage Raum 61.1