FACSDiscover S8™
FACSDiscover S8™ from Becton Dikinson is an innovative instrument that integrates the functionalities of a spectral cell sorter with an imaging system capable of visually capturing the analyzed cells. This combination enables a more comprehensive cellular analysis by incorporating both fluorescent and morphological data.
Instrument characteristics
The instrument features a highly comprehensive configuration: five excitation lasers (UV, 405, 488, 561, and 640 nm) at Diagonal Campus or four excitation lasers (405, 488, 561 i 640 nm) at Bellvitge Campus, 78 fluorescence detectors, and the ability to sort up to six cell populations simultaneously. In addition, it allows sorted cells to be collected in plates of various formats within a sterile environment provided by the integrated flow cabinet.
The BD SpectralFX™ spectral technology incorporated into the S8 facilitates the combination of multiple markers and the subtraction of autofluorescence, thereby improving the resolution of analyses. It also includes a quality control system that ensures the integrity and consistency of the data obtained over time.
However, the most remarkable feature of this instrument is its ability to capture images of detected particles at a rate of up to 15,000 cells per second. This functionality makes it possible to use imaging parameters as sorting criteria, thereby integrating morphological information typical of optical microscopy into the field of flow cytometry.
Technology applications
Beyond the well-known applications of cell sorters, such as cell purification to obtain phenotypically homogeneous populations for use in other techniques, spectral technology enables in-depth phenotyping of immune system cells. This opens new possibilities for the study of the human immune system, immuno-oncology, and models with high autofluorescence.
The incorporation of imaging enables new applications in nuclear translocation, apoptosis, internalization, cell-cell interactions, cell cycle, phagocytosis assays, and, in general, all applications where cell morphology provides relevant information. It is also especially useful in samples with a low proportion of intact or non-aggregated cells, such as dissociated tissues or organoids.
Funding
The equipment located at the Diagonal Campus has been fully funded by European funds through the 2021 Scientific and Technical Equipment Acquisition Call of the Next Generation EU Fund, under the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (Project EQC2021-007393-P), with a total amount of €595,000.
The equipment located at the Bellvitge Campus has been funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) of the European Union, within the framework of the 2024 Scientific and Technical Equipment Acquisition Call, with a total amount of €302,209 (Project EQC2024-007917-P).
Location
The FACSDiscover S8 instrument is available at the Cytometry Laboratories, located at the Parc Científic de Barcelona (Cluster Building, P1C24) and at the Bellvitge Campus (Feixa Llarga Street, s/n).