An advanced flow cytometry platform developed by Sartorius Corporation relieves common capacity bottlenecks to speed up the entire flow cytometry workflow. Known as the iQue® 3 advanced flow cytometry platform, this complete, walk-away solution combines the fastest sample acquisition in the industry with miniaturized assay volumes and the ability to measure multiple cellular phenotypes and secreted cytokines within the same well. Not only does this allow for evaluation of greater sample numbers in a more biologically relevant, reproducible, and cost-effective manner, but it also provides faster time to actionable results. Now, using the iQue® 3 advanced flow cytometry platform with optimized reagent kits and integrated Forecyt® software, researchers can enjoy simplified experimental processing, real-time data acquisition and analysis, and dynamic visualization of results for a broad range of cell and bead-based applications.
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In this podcast, Nina Senutovitch, Ph.D., Senior Scientist at Sartorius, talks about how the iQue® 3 advanced flow cytometry platform is different than traditional flow and also discusses applications, including with T-cell based therapeutics and COVID-19 related research.
Unlike conventional flow cytometry platforms that are relatively slow, the iQue® 3 advanced flow cytometry platform uses a patented sampling method to achieve unrivaled speed of acquisition. This is complemented by the convenience of continuous plate loading through connection with any automation system, as well as high capacity fluidics that enable increased run times supportive of larger studies. Integrated Forecyt® analysis software has been carefully tailored for high-throughput experiments, allowing researchers to rapidly visualize and interpret results from 96, 384 or 1536 well plates. Moreover, since Forecyt® can handle all data analysis requirements, there is no need to export data into third-party software packages, thereby saving time and significantly reducing the risk of error.
A major advantage of the iQue® 3 advanced flow cytometry platform is its extremely small sample volume requirement, a feature that is especially important for researchers working with limited material such as patient-derived samples, primary cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). Micro-volume sampling translates to run times of as little as 5 minutes per 96 well plate, or 20 minutes per 384 well plate, allowing the iQue® 3 to deliver results faster than other commercially available platforms. And with no dead volume due to the proprietary sampling technology, all of the sample is analyzed.
The iQue® 3 advanced flow cytometry platform is highly amenable to multiplexing, providing researchers with data of greater biological relevance for immuno-oncology and drug discovery projects compared to performing separate experiments across a timeframe of days, weeks, or even months. For instance, using the iQue® 3, it is now possible to simultaneously measure secreted proteins (through bead-based assays), monitor multiple cell health parameters (e.g. cell viability, mitochondrial membrane integrity), perform cellular phenotyping, and evaluate a range of cytokines, all in a single study. Collapsing the workflow to run cell- and bead-based assays in parallel can therefore reveal novel insight that might be missed by running individual assays sequentially. Moreover, having the entirety of the data in Forecyt® greatly reduces the time and effort that would otherwise be spent combining results from multiple experiments.
One of the key features of the iQue® 3 advanced flow cytometry platform is the Forecyt® software, which delivers a fully integrated experience, from data acquisition through to novel plate-level analytics and multiparametric data visualization. With the capability to analyze experimental data in real-time, Forecyt® eliminates the need for labor-intensive and time-consuming data import/export and manual processing, thereby reducing the likelihood of introducing costly mistakes. Pre-made templated analysis packages streamline categorization of sample subsets and provide auto generation of EC50/IC50 curves, while user-friendly visualization tools such as heat maps allow easy identification of trends to guide further research. Furthermore, by using the cutting-edge Forecyt® software tool, Panorama, data can be visualized across multiple plates simultaneously, even if acquired on separate days.
Designed for busy laboratories and multi-user environments, the iQue® 3 advanced flow cytometry platform offers intuitive walk-up-and-use operation with no need for extensive pre-analytical instrument set-up or training of designated power users. Researchers simply place their microplate on the sample shaker, start the pre-set program, and allow the instrument to run. Automated QC with on-board vortexing ensures proper resuspension immediately prior to sampling, while a built-in rinse station employs enhanced liquid level detection and user-definable rinsing and shaking protocols for robust, consistent sample processing. Using the iQue®3 with Intellicyt reagent kits that have been rigorously optimized for cellular phenotype and function applications, researchers can readily carry out antibody discovery and development studies; assess multiple cell parameters faster, with fewer cells and less reagents; and perform high-content phenotypic screening of immune biology across the drug discovery process.
To learn more about the iQue® 3 advanced flow cytometry platform, Forecyt® software, and Intellicyt reagents and consumables, visit sartorius.com/intellicyt