The biomedical sciences sector in Singapore is experiencing a robust growth phase, particularly within the realms of biotech investment and healthcare research.
The global medical technology company, Becton Dickinson, has advanced this growth further by launching the BD FACSDiscover™ S8 Cell Sorter in Singapore.
Breakthrough Technology
The new instrument introduces a significant innovation in flow cytometry by combining. real-time imaging and spectral flow cytometry. These technologies together overcome the shortcomings of traditional flow cytometry experiments. They provide scientists with the capability to identify cells that were previously unidentifiable in real-time.
In addition, BD CellView™ Image Technology allows researchers to view detailed microscopic images of individual cells. Thereafter, they can sort at high speeds based on visual characteristics. This allows confirmation of insights in real-time. Additionally, the BD SpectralFX™ Technology enables full-spectrum cell sorting, further improving the research process.
Potential Medical Impact
Keefe Chee, Segment Marketing Lead at BD Life Sciences in Singapore, stated that “The S8 cell sorter is the first flow cytometer in the world that combines real-time cell imaging, spectral capabilities, and cell sorting in one single box. It can sort thousands of events per second while retaining high efficiency and image resolution. The ability to observe the morphology and cell-to-cell interaction and then decide to sort those events in nanoseconds to isolate those cells will greatly impact cell biology research and discovery.”
Benoit Malleret, Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Immunology Translational Research Programme, NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, shares his thoughts on how the technology can be used in the medical industry, “Microscopy has traditionally been a trusted technique for examining the morphology of malaria parasites in the bloodstream, especially during a patient’s treatment to clear these parasites. The BD S8 sorter technology, which integrates imaging with spectral flow cytometry sorting, offers a fresh perspective to detect multi-drug resistant parasites by identifying the morphology associated with resistance, addressing the rising concern of malaria drug resistance in Asia.”
Accelerating Research
Additionally, the BD FACSDiscover™ S8 Cell Sorter will likely accelerate research in diverse fields. These include gene therapy, cancer immunology, and stem cell research. Scientists can now benefit from the instrument’s high-complexity flow cytometry capabilities. According to Joel M. Sederstrom, Director of Flow Cytometry Core, Baylor College of Medicine, the new technology will enable researchers to “push some of the boundaries of science” and investigate aspects of single-cell biology that were previously unattainable.
Conclusion
The launch of the BD FACSDiscover™ S8 Cell Sorter marks a monumental achievement for biomedical research in Singapore. Combining Real-time Imaging Spectral Flow Cytometry (RTI-SFC) and advanced imaging and spectral technologies adds a powerful tool to the field.
Furthermore, the support from leading global medical technology company BD shows a promising commitment towards enriching and enhancing biomedical research. It stands as a significant testament to the continued growth and innovation within Singapore’s biomedical sciences industry. This technology represents a new chapter in flow cytometry, providing novel applications and potentially life-changing discoveries.
