The BD Accuri C6 Plus Flow Cytometer is a compact, personal flow cytometer designed for ease of use, reliability, and enhanced capabilities, making advanced cell analysis accessible to a wide range of researchers. It features a dual-laser system and four-color detection, providing robust multiparametric analysis at the single-cell level.

Key Features & Capabilities:

1. Compact footprint (11 x 14.75 x 16.5 inches) and lightweight (30 lbs) for portability and benchtop placement, including within a laminar flow hood.
2. Intuitive software (BD Accuri C6 Plus software) with automated functions for quick setup, data collection, analysis, and statistics, compatible with third-party programs like FCS Express and FlowJo.
3. Fixed optical alignment and pre-optimized detector settings eliminate the need for voltage adjustments, ensuring consistent performance and ease of use.
4. Wide dynamic range of over 7 decades (16 million channels of digital data) allows for comprehensive data collection and reanalysis without loss of information.
5. Automated sampling, agitation, and wash cycles minimize cross-well contamination, supporting walkaway convenience with the optional BD CSampler Plus accessory.
6. Unique low-pressure pumping system and open fluidics allow for direct sample volume determination and absolute cell counting without counting beads, and support the use of laboratory-grade water for sheath fluid, reducing operating costs.
7. Enhanced sensitivity with MESF <75 (FITC) and <50 (PE).

Technical Specifications:

1. Manufacturer: BD Accuri
2. Lasers: Blue (488 nm excitation) and Red (640 nm excitation) lasers.
3. Detectors: Two light scatter detectors (Forward Scatter and Side Scatter) and four fluorescence detectors.
4. Optical Filters Optimized For: FITC (FL1 533/30 nm), PE (FL2 585/40 nm), PerCP-Cy5.5 (FL3 >670 nm), APC (FL4 675/25 nm), and compatibility with newer polymer dyes (e.g., BD Horizon Brilliant Blue 515) and fluorescent proteins (e.g., GFP, YFP, mCherry).
5. Automated Sampling Support: 48-well plates, 96-well plates, 96-deep-well plates, and 24-tube racks for 12 x 75-mm tubes (with optional BD CSampler Plus).
6. Event Rate: Up to 10,000 events per second.
7. Sample Concentration: Over 5 x 10⁶ cells per mL.
8. Minimum Detectable Particle Size: 0.5 µm.
9. Minimum Sample Volume: 50 µL.
10. Flow Rates and Core Sizes:
11. Slow: 14 µL/min, 10-µm core
12. Medium: 35 µL/min, 16-µm core
13. Fast: 66 µL/min, 22-µm core
14. Custom: 10–100 µL/min, 5–40 µm core

Applications:

1. Immunology and Immunophenotyping
2. Cell and Cancer Biology
3. Plant and Microbiology
4. Industrial Applications
5. Dose-response studies
6. Cell cycle analysis and Cell Proliferation studies
7. Apoptosis detection (including Annexin V, caspase activation, mitochondrial membrane potential, PARP cleavage, DNA fragmentation)
8. DNA analysis
9. Analysis of complex populations
10. GFP transfection studies and Gene expression analysis
11. Kinetic analysis of cellular responses (e.g., calcium flux, pH, reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, nanoparticle uptake)
12. Absolute cell counting
13. Aquatic research and Water quality assessment (e.g., bacterial viability)
14. Bioprocessing, Biofuels development, and Synthetic biology
15. Stem cell studies
16. Drug discovery

Availability & Pricing Context:

The BD Accuri C6 Plus Flow Cytometer System is available for purchase, with new units priced around $81,750.00. Leasing options are also offered by specialized equipment providers. Refurbished units can be found from various laboratory equipment suppliers.