BD Biosciences has released its most advanced technology in fluorescent activated cell sorting (FACS) with the 50th year of FACS just around the corner in 2024. The BD FACSDiscover™ S8 Cell Sorter is the first spectral flow cytometer with sort-capable image analysis allowing the Canadian research community to derive greater insights, with the possibility of addressing previously impossible-to-answer questions.
In combination with BD CellView™ imaging technology and BD SpectralFX™ technology, the cytometer allows researchers to obtain insights on cell populations and characteristics that can be visually confirmed in real time during analysis and sorting. While scientists have previously combined spectral flow cytometry and microscopy, no flow cytometer to date has provided both of these advantages. By adding spatial and morphological insights to spectral flow cytometry, new insights and image-based applications in cell cycle analysis, cell-cell interactions, tumor cell killing, marine biology, plant biology and cell morphology can now be explored.
Working in tandem with new BD Horizon RealYellow™ and BD Horizon RealBlue™ dye technology, BD Biosciences produced a six-way sort of a 38-colour spectral panel to characterize and sort deep lineages of T cell and NK cell subsets, revealing biological information. The new family of dyes and powerful cytometry allows for minimal spillover and cleaner data, maximizing biological resolution.
It is evident that researchers in Canada are excited to uncover new insights and expand their capabilities with the BD FACSDiscover™ S8 Cell Sorter. The first instrument in Canada was installed at Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, part of Sinai Health Systems in Toronto. Pictured below is Michael Parsons, Flow Cytometry Core Facility and Commercial Services Manager and Annie Bang, Flow Core Operator, receiving an Early Adopter of Technology Plaque from BD at the BD Horizon NEXT Global Educational Tour Series, Toronto. With the advanced spectral detection system in combination with real-time imaging technology, principal investigators at the institute will use the instrument to translate information derived from imaging platforms to unique applications requiring cell sorting.
Presentation of the Early Adopter of Technology Plaque to Michael Parsons and Annie Bang of Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health Systems, by BD Biosciences’ Dionne White (Technical Applications Specialist), Scott Hayes (Account Manager) and Robert Balderas (VP Biological Sciences).
BD Canada is a Member of Research Canada: An Alliance for Health Discovery and a Sponsor of the Parliamentary Health Research Caucus Morning Panel and Luncheon, Breakthrough Stem Cell Research & the Power of Regenerative Medicine. Visit rc-rc.ca to learn more.