BecA Hub in action | Imaging and Cytometry unit |
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Dr Jan Naessens, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Laboratory / Research Technologists: John Wasilwa FACSCanto II The most recently acquired machine, FACScanto II, is used for advanced research studies requiring high quality of data. It functions with one laser, but can measure up to eight different colours. While it is easy to operate, it takes some time to train for it, as it is very delicate. It operates on FACSdiva software, but it is possible to transfer data on a personal computer. We have acquired Flo-Jo software on a few computers for long term storage and undisturbed analysis of the data by individual scientists. The unit is operated by an electronics engineer who keeps the machines in running condition and takes care of the general management of the machines. He can provide help with acquisition, data transfer, analysis and printing of data, time permitting. 
Species-specific fluorescent reagents A major application at the institute is the identification and monitoring of particular bovine cell types during infections, such as CD4/CD8 ratios. The BecA Hub Platform is unique in the world, having developed one of the most extensive collections of monoclonal antibodies specific for bovine leukocyte populations. Many of these are used and distributed by commercial partners. Using indirect staining, these antibodies allow us to identify the different lymphocyte populations from bovine blood and tissues, such as macrophages, neutrophils, B cells, T cells, g,d-T cells, CD4 and CD8 subpopulations and many of the different maturation and activation stages of these cell types. For multi-colour analysis, we need directly labeled antibodies and several of these are being prepared. The fluorescent dyes recommended by Becton Dickinson are: fluorescein, rhodamine, allophycocyanin, phyco-erythrin. 
The flowcytometry This unit offers research scientists the opportunity to examine changes in intracellular and surface parameters of animal and plant cells, as well as the ability to identify and monitor changes in different cell types from blood or other tissues One of the machines is able to sort cells to very high purity under sterile conditions (fluorescence-activated cell sorting), allowing further research on particular functional cell populations. Further applications include cell cloning, cell cycle analysis, cell proliferation, determination of ploidy, studies on cell activation, apoptosis, cytoadhesion, phagocytosis, and many other applications, as well as combinations of these. 
FACSstar plus Can measure three fluorescent dyes simultaneously, as well as forward and side scatter signals. 
Fragment Analysis services For simple applications that are routinely carried out in the unit, such as monitoring of bovine cell types, cell sorting of particular bovine cell populations, cell cycle analysis, etc. few preliminary tests are needed. However, new and more advanced applications will require some initial tests and planning with the operators of the unit, in order to select the machine, the correct reagents, technical help, the cost and the time slots. For costs of the services, Contact Dr. Appolinaire Djikeng (Technology Manager), This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it 
Download the Cytometry unit brochure  Cytometry Unit brochure 1.80 Mb
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BecA Clippings
LATEST ANNOUNCEMENTS!
- German Chancellor Angela Merkel visits the BecA Hub, 20 July 2011.
- Transcript of the speech from Kenya's President, His Excellency, the Honorable Mwai Kibaki for the official opening of Biosciences eastern and central Africa Hub, 5 November 2010.
- Transcript of the speech from Honorable Mohammed Abdi Kuti, Minister for Livestock Development, for the official opening of the Biosciences eastern and central Africa Hub, 5 November 2010.
- Notes from the speech of His Excellency, David Collins, Canadian High Commission to Kenya at the official launch of the Biosciences eastern and central Africa (BecA) Hub, 5 November 2010.
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