Millipore's Benchtop Flow Cytometer

Millipore’s Guava® easyCyte 12 flow cytometer offers the performance of a traditional flow cytometer in a compact, benchtop-sized package. Our group has used the Guava extensively for well over a year to detect cell surface markers, perform cell cycle analysis and nanoparticle uptake studies. Part of our research involved determining different subpopulations of breast cancer cells within a single cell line before and after treatment with various anti-cancer agents, some of which are being developed in our lab. We were also interested to see how these agents affect cell cycle. Finally, we routinely monitor the cellular uptake of our nanoparticle drug delivery platform.

After comparing various candidate flow cytometers that were within the same price range with similar features, we ultimately chose the Guava because of the availability of a UV laser as well as the sheathless focusing of samples using capillary fluidics. The inclusion of a UV laser allowed us to use a greater range of dyes and fluorophores. In addition, without the need to supply sheath fluid, there is significant cost saving in term of consumables and it allows for smaller sample volume and more diluted sample while retaining sample acquisition speed. Finally, a calibration module that uses calibration beads are also provided to ensure that lasers and detectors are within specification before each run, without having to perform tedious laser alignment.

Overall, this is a great instrument with excellent capabilities at a competitive price.