Instruments for checking physical characteristics

Description

The Francis Crick Institute requires a high-end Mass Cytometer that incorporates the very latest technologies available in the field, to overcome the limitations posed by traditional flow cytometry (limited number of analytes and ability to resolve tagged antibodies with overlapping fluorophores). Mass cytometry is a relatively new technology that overcomes these limitations by using lanthanide-labeled antibodies to tag cells that are then measured using a mass ctytometer (also termed CyTOF). The outcome is an improved signal-to-noise ratio and little overlap of signal, enabling cells to be labeled with far greater numbers of different antibodies than conventional flow cytometry, with over 100 detection channels being feasible. The resulting multiparametric data then allows researchers to identify not only complex protein marker combinations but also pathway activation states in normal and diseased biological systems. The Francis Crick Institute has awarded the contract for a mass cytometer to Fluidigm, as we are unaware of any other supplier who would be able to provide this technology. The instrument will be installed to customised requirements within the Flow Cytometry facility at the Crick. The key requirements of the system are: —Analysis of individual cells labelled with stable metal isotopes using state of the art inductively coupled plasma time of flight (TOF) technology. —135 detection channels allowing simultaneous resolution of multiple elemental probes at high acquisition rates allowing detection of over 100 analytes. —High sensitivity for low level expression of targets with a detection limit of fewer than 350 antibodies/cell. —Peak throughput 2000 events/sec. —Dynamic range 4.5 orders of magnitude. —Addition of an imaging module allowing laser ablation of micron sized pieces of tissue and introduction of these to a mass cytometer. —Automated calibration and quality control. —Pneumatic sample introduction. A VEAT notice relating to the description of the supplies was previously issued. OJEU notice http://ted.europa.eu/udl?uri=TED:NOTICE:146205-2017:TEXT:EN:HTML&tabId=1