Flow Cytometry

Flow Cytometry Specialist

Ferdus Sheik

Ferdus joined the Flow Cytometry facility in 2022. He has been awarded an BSc in Applied Biomedical Science (2017) from Aston University and an MSc in Clinical Haematology and Transfusion Science (2021) from Manchester Metropolitan University. Originally from a clinical background, Ferdus has gained experience of flow cytometry through the completion of the Scientist Training Programme (STP) in which he established a ‘multi-parameter minimal residual disease panel to monitor chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in patients’ and aided in diagnostic immunophenotyping of haematological malignancies at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust. He has experience in a range of flow cytometry equipment including Beckman Coulter Navios and BD FACSLyric.

Email: f.sheik@bham.ac.uk

Flow Cytometry Specialist Technician

Megan Butler

Megan joined the Flow Cytometry facility in 2024. She is completing a PhD in Cancer Immunology and was awarded an MRes in Cancer Sciences from the University of Birmingham and a BSc in Human Biology from the University of Worcester. Megan has gained experience in flow cytometry throughout her PhD and time as a technician in which she has developed several high-parameter panels, in particular focussing on the phenotype of virus-specific T-cells in healthy donors and cancer patients. She has knowledge of a range of flow cytometry techniques and analysis and has experience in a range of BD flow cytometers.

Mass Cytometry Specialist 

Dr Shahram Golbabapour

Shahram joined the Flow Cytometry facility in 2019. He was awarded a PhD in Biotechnology and Biochemistry (2015) from the University of Malaya (Malaysia), a Masters in Biotechnology, and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM). Shahram has four years postdoctoral experience and advanced knowledge of a range of flow cytometry equipment (sorter and analysis) including Beckman MoFlo Astrios EQ (sorter), BD FACS Aria (sorter), BD Celesta (analysis), BD Fortessa (analysis) the Helios (CyTOF) Mass Cytometer. 

Email:  S.Golbabapour@bham.ac.uk

Research Facilities Manager

Dr Adriana Flores-Langarica

Email: A.FloresLangarica@bham.ac.uk

Flow Cytometry Academic Lead

Dr David Bending

Email: D.A.Bending@bham.ac.uk

We provide training and support for users to independently use all our available analysers. Currently our training programmes are divided in two sections. Firstly, the CANVAS Module which can be completed at the user pace and once that is completed we deliver an in person training session at the equipment. If you require training just request it in Stratocore. We deliver sessions regularly.

Once trained, users will initially have ‘novice’ rights in which they can only book within peak hours. After 20 hours experience with the equipment, users will have ‘autonomous’ rights meaning they can book 24/7.

We also organize seminars relevant to our users. Those are advertised locally but you can also follow us on Facebook @ Flowcytometry Bham for further details and news about the Flow Cytometry Platform.

We deliver a full service for cell sorting. Additionally, to support users that their sorting needs are outside working hours we have a program of super-user training. All super-user requests should be submitted to flowcytometry@contacs.bham.ac.uk explaining your need for access after-hours access to the sorter and should include the relevant PI. All requests will be evaluated by our Operations Team.

For Mass Cytometry we deliver a full service where a specialist will start, QC and run your samples, so no training is required. However, we work closely with Standard BioTools to provide support to users from panel design, sample processing and analysis.

Finally, as part of the Midlands Innovation Flow Cytometry Group we deliver an Introduction to Flow Cytometry course aimed to people approaching the technology. The sessions are delivered online and include a theory and a live demonstration in a flow cytometer. These sessions take place once every quarter and are advertised widely.

Online support

• BD Instruction to Flow Cytometry 

Online Tools

• BD Spectrum Viewer
• ThermoFisher SpectraViewer
• Biolegend Spectra Analyzer
• BD Panel Design Tool
• ThermoFisher Flow cytometry Panel Builder
• CyTOF & Helios Support

Protocols

• ThermoFisher Flow Cytometry Protocols
• BIO-RAD Flow Cytometry Protocols
• Biolegend Flow Cytometry Controls

External users are encouraged to contact us via email in the first instance, however all internal prospective users will need to request an account on the core facilities booking system Stratocore (unless you already have one). Please ensure you use your UoB email address to register your Stratocore account. 

As part of your account, you will need a valid finance/grant code. We need this to be able to charge you for your use of the equipment.

You code will either be a project or general ledger. Guidance on finance/grant codes is here:

Project Ledger. (Project Finance Number begins with a ‘1’ or ‘2’). Project Ledger codes require 3 components in the format:

Cost Centre Code       -           Task Number  -           Project Finance Number

C082                           -           1.1                   -           21991

General Ledger. (Project Finance Number begins with a ‘6’). General Ledgers require 2 components in the format:

Cost Centre Code       -           Project Finance Number

C283                           -           65371

If you are unsure about any of your Finance code, contact techubfinance@contacts.bham.ac.uk who will be able to assist you.

Account requests and flow cytometry training requests may be submitted simultaneously.  GCP level users are required to submit a new project form through Stratocore before requesting flow cytometry training.

For any Stratocore or finance relation queries please contact techubfinance@contacts.bham.ac.uk

Analysers

Spectral Cytometer

Sony ID7000TM Spectral Cell Analyser

The ID7000™ spectral cell analyser supports high-parameter flow cytometry by delivering comprehensive information about heterogeneous cell populations, with high sensitivity to detect dim and rare populations.

The ID7000 expands the capabilities of cell analysis, as it is configured with 5 lasers. The system enables researchers to perform experiments using 44 colours or more, limited only by the fluorochromes available. Laser choices range from ultraviolet (355 nm) to red (637nm). The system’s detection capability enables expansion of multicolour panels and can keep pace with future fluorochrome development.

The ID7000 spectral cell analyser includes novel features, including the spectral reference library and the autofluorescence finder allowing researchers to identify and subtract contributions to the signal from autofluorescent populations, thus ensuring higher fidelity of data and more accurate visualization.

Spectral technology, easy-to-use software, and automation across the workflow make the ID7000 an excellent fit for facilities looking for a user-friendly, high-performance analyser that will bring their research to the next level.

In recognition of the essential support provided by the Technology Hub Facilities and in alignment with the values of The Technician Commitment and UKRI guidance on the recognition of specialist staff, we kindly request that all users acknowledge the contribution of the Technology Hub in any resulting publications, presentations, or grant applications. This helps ensure continued support and visibility for the facilities and the staff who make this work possible. Please include one of the following acknowledgment statements in your manuscripts or outputs:

1. General Acknowledgment (for use of equipment and/or technical support):
   “We acknowledge the support of the [Facility] Technology Hub Facilities at the College of Medicine and Health, University of Birmingham, for providing access to equipment and technical expertise.”
2. Specialist Staff Contribution (if staff provided significant input):
   “We thank [Staff Member’s Name] from the [Facility], Technology Hub Facilities, College of Medicine and Health, University of Birmingham, for their valuable technical assistance and input during this work.”
3. Co-authorship:
   If a member of the Technology Hub staff has made a substantial intellectual or technical contribution to the research, we strongly encourage including them as a co-author, in line with standard authorship guidelines.

We appreciate your support in helping to raise the visibility and recognition of the essential contributions made by technical staff and facilities. If you are unsure how best to acknowledge the support received, please contact the Technology Hub team for guidance.

• CD103+CD11b+ mucosal classical dendritic cells initiate long-term switched antibody responses to flagellin. Flores-Langarica A, Müller Luda K, Persson EK, et al. (2017).  Mucosal Immunol. May;11(3):681-692. doi: 10.1038/mi.2017.105. Epub 2017 Dec 20.
• Intestinal CD103+CD11b+ cDC2 Conventional Dendritic Cells Are Required for Primary CD4+ T and B Cell Responses to Soluble Flagellin. Flores-Langarica Adriana, Cook Charlotte, Müller Luda Katarzyna, et al. (2019). Frontiers in Immunology. 9: 2409. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02409.  
• Antigen and checkpoint receptor engagement recalibrates T cell receptor signal strength. Thomas, AE., Jennings, E., Lecky, DA., Thawait, N., Flores-Langarica, A., Copland, A., Maslowski, K., Wraith, DC & Bending D. (2021) Immunity. 13;S1074-7613(21)00352-6. doi: 10.1016/j.immuni.2021.08.020.

flowcytometry@contacts.bham.ac.uk

cytof@contacts.bham.ac.uk

techubfinance@contacts.bham.ac.uk

Research Facilities Manager
Dr Adriana Flores-Langarica
Email: A.FloresLangarica@bham.ac.uk

Flow Cytometry Academic Lead
Dr David Bending
Email: D.A.Bending@bham.ac.uk