Relocation of the VMC flow cytometers to a new space in the VRT basement, TB-016 and TB-018!

On April 22nd-24th, 2024 we relocated our Veterinary Medical Center (VMC) flow cytometers, located in VMC C4117 and VMC C5102A, to a new space in the Veterinary Research Tower (VRT) basement, TB-016 and TB-018! This included the VRT Attune, VRT Symphony A3, and VRT Symphony A5 analyzers. In order to complete the move with the assistance of movers and BD engineers, we blocked off the calendars for April 22nd-24th. There were no access to these instruments during that time. We invited users to come visit the new space in the afternoon of April 24th, from 1pm-4pm. There were some goodies and handouts! The new location are VRT basement rooms TB-016 (A3 and Attune) and TB-018 (A5). The easiest way to find these new rooms was to take the central elevators within VRT down to the basement level B, and when leaving the elevator turn right and they are both at the end of the hall. (Signs were posted) The instruments were up and running by April 25th.

New installation of a plate-reader High Throughput Sampler (HTS) on the BD FACS Symphony A5 SE analyzer

We are happy to announce the recent installation of a plate-reader High Throughput Sampler (HTS) on the BD FACS Symphony A5 SE analyzer! The HTS is capable of analyzing samples straight from a 96-well plate (U, V or flat-bottom) or 384-well flat-bottom plate, and can be customized with different speeds, volumes, and mixing and rinsing steps. We will be putting it through its paces and finalizing the running and cleaning protocols, and once that is completed it will be ready for use. Please be on the lookout for an upcoming email with more details.

New equipments

ZOE Fluorescent Cell Imager

On December 12, 2023, a ZOE Fluorescent Cell Imager for routine cell culture and imaging applications was installed at the Flow Core Facility (BRC 140) With brightfield and multichannel fluorescence, an integrated digital camera, and a touch-screen interface, this inverted microscope makes cell imaging simple, fast, and intuitive.

Features of the ZOE Cell Imager include:

Simplified cell imaging — the intuitive touch-screen interface allows users to view cells, capture images, and create multichannel merges with minimal training
Flexible operation — one brightfield and three fluorescent channels enable use for routine cell culture applications as well as more sophisticated imaging applications
Fluorescence at your bench — light shield permits fluorescence imaging in ambient light
Robust construction — fully integrated system with long-life LEDs, ready for intensive daily use
LED light sources — thousands of hours of illumination that are instantly ready after power-on
Large imaging area — the motorized stage and wide field of view allow you to see more of your sample, faster
Small footprint — compact size accommodates crowded lab benches

Illumination light sources

Blue channel uses a UV LED
Green channel uses a blue LED
Red channel uses a green LED
Brightfield channel uses a ring of multiple green LEDs for reduced chromatic aberration

Fluorescence channels

Blue channel: excitation, 355/40 nm; emission: 433/36 nm
Green channel: excitation, 480/17 nm; emission: 517/23 nm
Red channel: excitation, 556/20 nm; emission, 615/61 nm

The ZOE Fluorescent Cell Imager is compatible with many commonly used fluorescent dyes and proteins.

Mitochondria stained with Mtotracker Red CMXRos, F-actin stained with Alexa 488 Phaloidin and nuclei Stained with Dapi in BPAE cells (Source: https://www.bio-rad.com/en-us/sku/1450031-zoe-fluorescent-cell-imager?ID=1450031)

New instrument operation

Attune NxT 4 Laser Flow Cytometer started operations – December 15th 2022

New Symphony A5 SE

The Spectral Enabled (SE) Symphony was installed and demoed – October 13th and October 19th 2022

New Equipment

Attune NxT 4 Laser Flow Cytometer was acquired – November 15th 2022

Operation of the satellite facility

Resumed operations on Symphony A3 for users – August 24th 2022

Relocation

Moved Symphony A3 from VRT T2-003 to VMC C4117 – August 23th 2022

New Equipment

BD Symphony A5 SE was purchased – June 30th 2022

New Staff Member

Welcome, Michael Sledziona! – May 16th 2022

New Staff Member

Welcome, Amanda Ferguson! – April 11th 2022

New Equipment- August 4th, 2021

Our facility has acquired a centrifuge! It is a benchtop centrifuge and is located in 140C (Sony room). The centrifuge is available for all users!

New Equipment- June 28th, 2021

Our facility has just acquired a Bio-Rad TC20 automated cell counter, it is now available for use at our main BRC facility.

The TC20 automated cell counter counts cells in one simple step using its innovative auto-focus technology and sophisticated cell counting algorithm to produce accurate cell counts in less than 30 seconds. Upon insertion of a counting slide, the TC20 cell counter rapidly provides a total cell count (with or without trypan blue staining) and assesses cell viability via trypan blue exclusion.

Key Features and Benefits

Compatible with a broad range of cell sizes and types — counts cell lines, primary cells, and stem cells
Innovative auto-focus technology — removes the variation associated with manual focusing and leads to precise cell counts in 30 seconds
Flexible cell size gating — user selects a population of interest in complex samples, such as primary cells, or lets the cell counting algorithm do all the work
Accurate cell viability analysis — analyzes cells using multifocal plane analysis
Easy to archive and analyze — stores up to 100 counts in the onboard memory for access any time, or use the optional TC20 data analyzer software on your PC to further analyze exported cell images

Getting all the data you need about your cell cultures is fast and easy; the TC20 cell counter and disposable counting slides eliminate the need for tedious setup, cleaning, or maintenance. The TC20 cell counter is simple and intuitive to use — learn to use the TC20 automated cell counter in the introduction video or take a virtual test drive. (Source: https://www.bio-rad.com/en-us/product/tc20-automated-cell-counter?ID=M7FBG34VY)

FlowJo Workstation VPN Update- June 15th, 2021

CIT is now requiring two-factor authentication for all departmental VPNs, including the Biotech VPN that is needed to remotely connect to our Flow Workstation that has FlowJo installed. Please see the link below for updated instructions for how to connect to our VPN.

https://it.cornell.edu/cuvpn/connect-windows-cu-vpn