Flow cytometric assays

Novocyte Flow Cytometer (Acea Biosciences, USA)

NovoCyte® is a high-performance benchtop flow cytometer, capable of detecting up to 17 parameters with enhanced sensitivity and resolution. The customizable laser and optical configurations of NovoCyte offer a high degree of flexibility while providing complex cell analysis capabilities. The NovoExpress® software facilitates easy and intuitive sample acquisition and analysis. Automation of multiple fluidic functions eliminates cumbersome and time-consuming procedures.

What is Flow cytometry?

Flow cytometry is a technique used to detect and measure the physical and chemical characteristics of a population of cells or particles. A sample containing cells or particles is suspended in a fluid and injected into the flow cytometer instrument. The sample is focused to ideally flow one cell at a time through a laser beam and the light scattered is characteristic to the cells and their components. Cells are often labeled with fluorescent markers so that light is first absorbed and then emitted in a band of wavelengths. Tens of thousands of cells can be quickly examined and the data gathered are processed by a computer.

Available assays

1.  DNA content-flowcytometry aided cell cycle analysis

The DNA of mammalian cells can be stained by a variety of DNA binding dyes. The premise of these dyes is that they are stoichiometric, i.e. they bind in proportion to the amount of DNA present in the cell.

In this way, cells that are in S phase will have more DNA than cells in G1. They will take up proportionally more dye and will fluoresce more brightly until they have doubled their DNA content. The cells in G2 will be approximately twice as bright as cells in G1.

Read more about the analysis protocol

Sample of in-house generated data

2. Annexin V-FITC and PI staining differential apoptosis/necrosis assessment

Flow cytometry allows the study of all aspects of apoptosis from induction via surface receptors, to late stages where DNA fragmentation occurs. Annexin V-FITC Apoptosis Staining / Detection Kit is used in a 10 min, one-step staining procedure to detect apoptosis by staining phosphatidylserine molecules which have translocated to the outside of the cell membrane. The kit can differentiate apoptosis vs necrosis when performing both Annexin FITC-V and Propidium Iodide (PI) staining.

Read more about the analysis protocol

Service prices

• Apoptosis assessment (including cells from Nawah): 650 EGP
• Apoptosis assessment (without cells from Nawah): 350 EGP

Sample of in-house generated data

3.  Acridine Orange quantitative autophagy assessment (in house protocol)

Autophagy is a dynamic process of bulk degradation of cellular proteins and organelles in lysosomes. Acridine orange is used in autophagy assays. It crosses into lysosomes and becomes protonated. The protonated dye stacks and stacked acridine orange emits in the red range. Acridine orange not in an acidic compartment will emit as green.

Sample of in-house generated data

You can also check our other services:

1- Cytotoxicity Assays

2- Multipurpose treated-flasks

3- Cellular drug uptake by HPLC

4- Cell migration / wound healing assay

5- Western Blotting