Details

Autor(en) / Beteiligte

• McShan, Carol
• Davis, Mandel
• Duggan, Ryan

Titel

Creating Custom Reagents for Use in Flow Cytometry

Ist Teil von

• Journal of biomolecular techniques, 2013-05, Vol.24 (Suppl), p.S30-S30

Ort / Verlag

Bethesda, MD: Association of Biomolecular Resource Facilities

Erscheinungsjahr

2013

Quelle

EZB Electronic Journals Library

Beschreibungen/Notizen

• As the field of flow cytometry grows beyond its basic use by Immunologists, an increase in the demand for custom reagents becomes evident. Companies provide antibodies coupled to multiple fluorochromes however, their focus is on investing in reagents that can turn a profit. Those investigators who may have developed their own novel antibodies, or those who work in a niche scientific environment are forced to make due with whatever is available commercially. In addition these more obscure antibodies may only be available in the most common colors (e.g. FITC, or PE) forcing investigators to look for their common antibodies in obscure colors. The Cytometry and Antibody Technology (CAT) Facility at the University of Chicago is a recent partnership between the long-established Fitch Monoclonal Antibody Facility (FMF) and Flow Cytometry Facility (FCF) with a mission to provide custom tools for investigators representing various departments. Here we present preliminary data showing the efficiency of a service to provide custom reagents that are pre-titered and tested for quality using the flow and image cytometers available on campus. The reagents start at the hybridoma stage where cells are grown and antibody-containing supernatant is purified and coupled with fluorescent tags. These reagents are then titered and aliquoted for investigator use. Documentation is provided with the reagent so that the end-user can know exactly how to use the reagent. This service is provided at a fraction of the cost of commercial antibodies. As we become aware of commonly used antibodies we can stockpile those that will move quickly. However, we are not limited to only pursue common reagents. We can easily provide the same services for uncommon or niche applications with equally good quality and efficiency. This service provides tremendous added value to our users leading to an increase in usage of associated services and equipment.