Unique Optical Collection and Analytical Capabilities
Spectral flow cytometry (SFC) is based on many of the fundamental aspects of conventional flow cytometry but has unique optical collection and analytical capabilities. With SFC, the emission spectrum of every fluorescent molecule is captured by a set of detectors or an array of channels across a defined wavelength range. Every molecule’s fluorescent spectrum can be recognized, recorded as a spectral signature, and used as a reference in multicolor applications. Spectral unmixing can then be performed, which relies on the discrimination of fluorescence by identifying differences in the overall spectral signatures.
SFC signal resolutions can be enhanced using the cell autofluorescence extraction feature. When cell autofluorescence is extracted during unmixing, the feature may significantly reduce the background, particularly with highly autofluorescence cell lines and certain tissues, such as brain tissue.
Flexibility in Panel Design
SFC provides greater flexibility in panel design because, unlike conventional flow cytometry, the selection of fluorophores is not limited by instrument configuration (i.e., available detectors and filters). All fluorophores, which emit light across UV to the infrared range, can be measured by the SFC detector array, and a greater number of fluorophores can be resolved and used together.
