Beckman Coulter Life Sciences Launches Modular Spectral Flow Cytometry Module, First of Its Kind in Industry

Beckman Coulter Life Sciences, a provider of laboratory automation and innovation and an operating company of Danaher Corporation, has launched the CytoFLEX mosaic Spectral Detection Module, the industry’s first modular spectral flow cytometry solution, the company announced on March 18, 2025 (1).

The CytoFLEX mosaic Spectral Detection Module offers substantially greater fluorescence sensitivity when connected to the CytoFLEX LX or S Flow Cytometers. The solution addresses challenges with dim and complex multicolor experiments because it can detect nanoparticles as small as 80 nm. The instrument provides two unmixing algorithms and up to 10 autofluorescence channels, with up to 88 detection channels. As a result, richer data can be generated from spectral analysis that can help untangle the complexities of biological systems and diseases faster. It also allows for a nuanced understanding of immune cell subsets and their functions and interactions by simultaneously detecting multiple markers.

“As a central feature of the CytoFLEX platform, this innovation is focused on pairing ease-of-use with powerful, sensitive acquisition technology to remove the intimidation encountered in many flow cytometry instruments,” said Matthew Goff, product manager, Beckman Coulter Life Sciences, in a company press release. “Investigators can now easily switch between their true conventional detection system and this advanced spectral detection system, while maintaining a familiar sample management and user experience, all without having to invest in a separate instrument. Along with experimental continuity and evolution offered by a more flexible approach, this delivers a unique solution for sustainability needed by many institutions.”

Compared to conventional flow cytometry (2), spectral flow cytometry acquires the full emission spectrum of each antibody-associated fluorophore across all lasers, rather than just measuring the peak of emission. This advanced ability delivers a more detailed and precise characterization of cellular properties, which can then advance the understanding of complex biological systems and diseases within each sample compared to older, traditional approaches, according to the company in the release.

The CytoFLEX mosaic spectral detection module runs on a unique algorithm that is capable of improving resolution compared to other available methods. It also offers unmixing accuracy checks for ensuring efficiency. Accompanying the instrument is the CytExpert software, used in spectral cytometry to reduce the need for extensive training, which can thus speed up the transition to spectral technology. The module also comes with tools to ease the full spectral workflow and offers access to the FluoroFinder panel builder and a Cytobank premium license that provide all the tools needed to transition from sample preparation to analysis of complex spectral data in an easy manner.

“I found the software very easy to learn and was able to start my first experiments in only a few hours,” said Tamar Tak, coordinator of the Flow Cytometry Facility at Leiden University Medical Center, in the press release. “A feature I really like is that it allows me to do an extensive QC [quality control] of the unmixing. You get a plot with all the normalized spectra of your fluorochromes and a table with similarity indices. This allows me to see if a tandem dye has degraded, or perhaps the wrong antibody was added. The autofluorescence settings are another highlight, allowing flexibility depending on your samples—from human tissue to complex samples of microorganisms.”

The new module is available in two configurations, the CytoFLEX mosaic 88 for the CytoFLEX LX Flow Cytometer and the CytoFLEX mosaic 63 for the four-laser CytoFLEX S Flow Cytometer.

References

1. Beckman Coulter Life Sciences. Beckman Coulter Life Sciences Launches Industry-First Modular Spectral Flow Cytometry Solution. Press Release. March 18, 2025.
2. McKinnon, K. M. Flow Cytometry: An Overview. Curr. Protoc. Immunol. 2018, 120, 5.1.1–5.1.11. DOI: 10.1002/cpim.40