With the ability to analyse multiple immune parameters simultaneously, this new research tool will help CRID researchers to examine deeper into the mechanisms of immune responses.
(caption: FACSCalibur flow cytometer in CRID laboratory)
From June 25th to July 04th 2024, CRID hosted a capacity-building workshop. The training was organised in the frame of the FlowAfrica Project which aims to develop the Flow Cytometry technique in Africa. In this context, CRID received a FACSCalibur Flow Cytometer from the FlowAfrica Team supervised by Professor Oscar Fornas, the Head of Flow Cytometry Unit at Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) and the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona, Spain, through a Charity named TReND in Africa. What is BD FACSCalibur? The BD FACSCalibur flow cytometer is a flexible and user-friendly system designed to support a wide variety of research and clinical applications. Its multicolour application support is achieved through dual-laser technology, inter-beam compensation, and alignment-free optical design. This ensures high sensitivity and minimal compensation, maximizing the information that can be gained from limited samples.
Opening a new research axis at CRID. With the ability to analyse multiple immune parameters simultaneously, the FACSCalibur flow cytometer will help CRID researchers to investigate deeper into the mechanisms of immune responses, such as cytokine production, cell signalling pathways, and the interactions between different immune cell types. This will facilitate understanding not only the immunity developed by human against pathogens, but also how vector immunity can be boosted to help blocking the pathogens at their level. The flow cytometer will significantly enhance the research centre’s capabilities in immunology by providing advanced analytical tools, fostering skill development, and enabling interdisciplinary collaboration. This technology strengthens existing research and also opens new avenues for exploration and innovation in the field. CRID is thankful to the @FlowAfrica Team and to @TReND in Africa for this donation and hopes many other African institutions will benefit from the initiative.
