Enhancing FACS Capabilities: New Equipment and Expanded Services for Researchers

Coming up in the New Year –

FACS recently received a generous c-ShaRP award to purchase an Aurora Cell Sorter, a 5-laser, 6-way sorter with full spectral capability. Users who have developed spectral panels on the Aurora Analyzer can directly transfer their panels to the sorter. The instrument also supports conventional compensation assays and offers extensive flexibility, featuring UV, violet, blue, yellow, and red excitation lasers.

In early 2026, we will add a second spectral analyzer to the FACS facility: the Agilent Opteon. This 5-laser spectral analyzer has capabilities comparable to the Aurora Analyzer and uses software similar to the Penteon/Quanteon systems already in use. The Opteon is an excellent option for users looking to expand their panels to 25+ colors. Installation is scheduled for early January, and we will send an announcement once it is available for scheduling and training.

We have also expanded our services to include sample staining with analysis. Currently, we are piloting both standard and custom flow cytometry staining panels and plan to add automation for sample processing within the next six months. Services will support both small panels and larger (25+ color) optimization projects. By bringing these services in-house, we aim to reduce researchers’ assay optimization burden and lower overall cytometry costs.