First flow cytometer offering excitation sources across the visible spectrum launched by Beckman Coulter

Beckman Coulter Life Sciences has opened up the possibilities for cancer researchers with the launch of the first flow cytometer to offer excitation sources across the visible spectrum in a standard configuration.

Image credit: Beckman Coulter

The CytoFLEX LX Blue-Red-Violet-Yellow Green-Ultraviolet-Infrared series incorporates excitation sources from ultraviolet 355 nm to infrared 808 nm alongside the existing Avalanche photodiode detectors*(APD).  For the first time, this allows researchers to utilize the periphery of the visible spectrum.

The CytoFLEX provides powerful analytical performance in a compact, benchtop instrument.  It leverages the effective use of Avalanche photodiode detectors to deliver the instrument’s advanced sensitivity. They work in conjunction with the different lasers, detecting the light emitted from the cells after excitation.  The addition of the new ultraviolet laser further expands the applications available to the researcher.

“Scientists recognize the technological brilliance of the CytoFLEX in its exquisite sensitivity,” said Mario Koksch Vice President and General Manager of Beckman Coulter’s Cytometry Business Unit. “Efficient light management underpins every stage of analysis – harnessing the effective use of fiber optics first seen in the telecommunications industry. The result is a powerful research tool in a relatively small device.”

Image credit: Beckman Coulter

While flow cytometry is recognized as a powerful technique for single cell analysis, traditionally it has focused on the center of the visible light spectrum. “Now that the community has experienced CytoFLEX performance, they have been anticipating the availability of the UV excitation source,” said Maria Gentile Product Manager for the CytoFLEX LX.  

It opens up research into cell-cell interactions under both normal and abnormal conditions.  For example, this will enable investigators to obtain separation of non-stained auto-fluorescing populations from positively stained populations.

At the other end of the spectrum lie the infrared wavelengths, 808 nm.  “This is a field where more and more detectors are packed into an already crowded space,” added Ms Gentile.  “The opening up of the infrared end of the spectrum sees an exciting expansion of the capabilities of flow cytometry.  Biologists will have space in the spectrum to simplify complex experiments, helping them tease apart subtle, but potentially meaningful, variations in their cellular analyses.”

Image credit: Beckman Coulter

The decision to incorporate Avalanche photodiode detectors, not available in other flow cytometers, in the design of the original CytoFLEX makes this expansion possible. With their high and stable quantum efficiency from 400 to 1100 nm, they can enhance performance when using the new infrared laser. In addition, the CytoFLEX includes an extensive set of repositionable band pass filters, the flexibility to upgrade by adding additional parameters and intuitive software to facilitate multicolor analysis.

“The power of CytoFLEX technology expands the potential of flow cytometry and its role within complex research environments,” said Koksch.  “Beckman Coulter is committed to expanding the available tools to facilitate these important areas of scientific investigation.”