# Acquisition of a CytoFLEX LX Flow Cytometer to characterize extracellular vesicle (EV) formation and multiparametric flow cytometry assays

> **NIH NIH P20** · UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE · 2023 · $247,748

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
The aim of this project is to acquire a Beckman CytoFLEX LX flow cytometer for small particle and multicolor
flow cytometry. The University of Delaware Flow Cytometry Core has two fluorescence-activated cell sorters (BD
FACS Aria Fusions), but does not have a dedicated, modern analytical flow cytometer for multicolor flow
cytometry panels and small particle (~80 nm) analyses. The existing BD FACS Aria Fusion can resolve only up
to ~300-1000 nm particles, a range that does not achieve the lower limits of small particle and EV biology.
Acquiring an instrument with FSC detectors specializing in small particle detection will make it possible to use
flow cytometry to study the rapidly growing field of research on extracellular vesicles (EV) and exosomes. It will
open up new avenues of research for UDEL investigators studying EV release in human and mouse bone marrow
cells, pancreatic cancer cells, bacteria, fungi as well as other small particles, such as virus-like particles and
nanoparticles for drug delivery. With a complement of 4 active lasers (and detectors) similar to the current Aria
Fusions at the core labs, existing users can efficiently transition to the CytoFLEX LX for dedicated analysis
purposes. Additionally, new and existing users will also benefit from the CytoFLEX LX’s highly sensitive
avalanche photodiode (APDs) technology which provide a greater sensitivity and better resolution of signal-to-
noise ratios compared to existing PMT technology inherent to other flow cytometers. Furthermore, it will greatly
expand the UD flow cytometry core’s capabilities to conduct multiparametric single cell analyses with multicolor
flow cytometry panels to reveal clinical and translationally relevant findings.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10797180
- **Project number:** 3P20GM103446-23S2
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE
- **Principal Investigator:** MELINDA K DUNCAN
- **Activity code:** P20 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $247,748
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2001-09-30 → 2025-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10797180

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10797180, Acquisition of a CytoFLEX LX Flow Cytometer to characterize extracellular vesicle (EV) formation and multiparametric flow cytometry assays (3P20GM103446-23S2). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-11 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10797180. Licensed CC0.

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