I’d like to (re)introduce Flow Core users to the Amnis ImageStream MK II, an imaging flow cytometer. With the ImageStream, individual cells are illuminated by both a brightfield source and 405 nm, 488 nm, 561 nm, and 642 nm lasers at 20x, 40x, or 60x magnification. The ImageStream combines the throughput and quantitative ability of flow cytometry with the detailed imagery of microscopy. This instrument was installed in early September 2020, when our staffing levels didn’t allow us to fully promote or support widespread usage. However, now our Imagestream expertise and current staffing provide us with the opportunity to support increased user demand.

Potential applications are diverse, and analysis can range from spot counting for H2AX DNA damage or number of internalized fungi to shape change based on nuclear or cell surface morphology. Cell subpopulations can be defined not only by signal intensity, but by the localization or colocalization of fluorescent probes on, in, or between cells, even for rare phenotypes in highly heterogenous samples. Current instrument uses include three main emphases: phagocytosis and internalization, antigen localization and colocalization, and cell-cell contact within immune synapses

See some data from UofU researchers here. –> Amnis Imagestream overview

If you’re interested in learning more about the ImageStream MK II, please reach out to the Flow Core or specifically Josh Monts jmonts@cores.utah.edu for more information, and you can also check out this link to a few videos: https://flowcytometry.cores.utah.edu/instruments/image-cytometers/.