Flow Cytometry and High-Speed Cell Sorting Shared Resource Laboratory
The Flow Cytometry and High-Speed Cell Sorting Shared Resource Laboratory supports research across Auburn University through cell analysis, cell sorting, training, and consultation. We help researchers plan experiments, select appropriate instruments and reagents, optimize sample preparation protocol, and interpret flow cytometry data. Both assisted services and instrument access for trained users are available. Researchers starting a new project are encouraged to contact the laboratory before preparing samples.
For diagnostic flow cytometry, please contact the Clinical Pathology laboratory.
Instruments
Agilent NovoCyte Opteon Spectral Flow Cytometer
A four-laser spectral flow cytometer equipped with violet (405 nm), blue (488 nm), yellow (561 nm), and red (637 nm) excitation lasers. The instrument collects fluorescence signals across an array of detectors and uses spectral unmixing to resolve fluorochromes based on their emission profiles. This approach supports multiparameter characterization of heterogeneous cell populations and allows cellular autofluorescence to be modeled separately from fluorochrome-associated signals. Tube and plate sample delivery options accommodate a range of experimental workflows.
Beckman Coulter CytoFLEX LX Flow Cytometer
A 6-laser (NUV: 375 nm, Violet: 405 nm, Blue: 488 nm, Yellow: 561 nm, Red: 638 nm, IR: 808 nm) conventional flow cytometer for cell and particle analysis, with tube and 96-well plate sample delivery options. The installed configuration provides up to 21 fluorescence detection channels.
Current availability (September 2026): The red laser is inoperative. Use for a proposed project requires confirmation of panel compatibility and instrument availability with the laboratory.
Beckman Coulter CytoFLEX SRT Cell Sorter
The four-laser CytoFLEX SRT identifies and physically separates cell populations for downstream experiments. The instrument Is equipped with 4 lasers (Violet: 405 nm, Blue: 488 nm, Yellow: 561 nm, Red: 638 nm) supports simultaneous sorting of up to four populations into separate collection tubes. Alternatively, cells can be deposited onto glass slides or into individual wells of 96- or 384-well plates. These capabilities enable isolation of selected cell populations or nuclei for downstream molecular analyses. Please contact the laboratory in advance to discuss sample preparation, sorting goals, and biosafety requirements.
Resources
Contact Rie Watanabe (rzw0041@auburn.edu) for any questions and to set up a consultation.
- Facility Policy (PDF)
- User Rate (Fiscal Year 2027)
- Flow Cytometry Lab FAQs
- Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting Sample Requirements (General Guidelines)
- Facility and Instrument Descriptions for Grant Applications
Contact
Rie Watanabe, BVSc, Ph.D., SCYM(ASCP)CM
Manager and Operator
250A Greene Hall
Directions to the lab (PDF)
1130 Wire Road
Auburn, AL 36849
Lab Phone: 334-844-2711
rzw0041@auburn.edu
Dr. Richard Curtis Bird
Laboratory Director
255 Greene Hall
1130 Wire Road
Auburn, AL 36849
birdric@auburn.edu