Full Spectrum Cell Sorter with Imaging Enhancement for Boston University Flow Cytometry Core Facility

B. Project Abstract The Boston University (BU) Flow Core seeks funding to acquire the BD FACSDiscover S8, a state-of-the-art spectral cell sorter with advanced imaging capabilities, to replace our aging BD FACSAria II, which is critical for our high-demand cell sorting applications. The current instrument, heavily utilized by over 90 laboratories and integral to multiple NIH-funded projects, is outdated and will no longer be supported by the manufacturer after December 2024. The BD FACSDiscover S8 will provide unmatched accuracy in cell sorting and the ability to integrate imaging and spectral cytometry, essential for our advanced research applications. Our research programs, including studies on pneumonia, sepsis, HIV, lung and breast cancer, adipose tissue dynamics, and immune cell interactions, require high-quality cell sorting that the current equipment can no longer reliably provide. The BD FACSDiscover S8 will enable seamless transfer of optimized panels from the Cytek Aurora analyzer to a sorting platform, allowing us to sort up to six populations simultaneously and improving the quality of sorted cells by excluding debris and dead cells through engaging imaging features. This capability is crucial for ongoing NIH-funded projects and future research endeavors. The acquisition of the BD FACSDiscover S8 is essential for maintaining the productivity and quality of our research. It will support studies on neutrophil heterogeneity in pneumonia, immunophenotyping myeloid cell populations, and the dynamic behavior of adipose progenitor cells (APCs) in response to environmental stimuli. The instrument's advanced imaging capabilities will enhance our ability to conduct single cell transcriptomics experiments and other downstream analyses, providing deeper insights into cell morphology and interactions. Overall, the BD FACSDiscover S8 will significantly advance our research by enabling high- quality cell sorting and comprehensive phenotypic analyses. This will drive forward our understanding of complex biological processes and contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies, ensuring that the BU Flow Core continues to meet the high demands of its research community.