Imaging Flow Cytometry Instrument
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Warwick
Department Name: School of Life Sciences
Abstract
Flow cytometry and microscopy play an integral role in molecular science research. Flow cytometry is used to detect and measure fluorescently labelled characteristics of thousands of cells or particles over a timescale of seconds; microscopy is used to visualise cells and particles invisible to the eye on an individual basis. An imaging flow cytometer combines these two technologies, enabling fast visualisation of thousands of cells that can be used to quantify sub-cellular characteristics, removing the limitations of the separate techniques. This combined technology opens up an extensive range of novel applications.
At the University of Warwick, we have world-class research making a positive contribution to the future of our economy and our health. We will use the instrument for a broad range of research, from the fundamentals of how cells work and the mechanisms underpinning gene expression, to understanding reproduction in plants and improved crop yields. At a mechanistic level, we will improve our understanding in many areas, including the immune system, cell population heterogeneity, the genes involved in pregnancy, and processes underpinning antibiotic resistance.
We request funds for an Amnis ImageStreamX Mk II because it has the versatility to support cutting edge science in a broad range of research areas. For example, the range of magnifications available will ensure that we can analyse the variety of sample sizes anticipated (nanoparticles, yeast, bacteria, mammalian and plant cells). The instrument can also deliver up to 12 images (fluorescence, brightfield and darkfield) of every cell with speeds of up to 5000 cells per second. This will ensure that the instrument has the flexibility for an extensive range of applications.
The instrument will be established in the University of Warwick's Flow Cytometry Shared Resource laboratory, where it will be managed and supported by two research technical professionals. This environment will ensure that the instrument is well maintained and supported. The technical team will provide training, management and financial oversight and will ensure that use of the instrument incorporates sustainability practices, such as energy and consumable use. The instrument will be accessible to a wide userbase, both internal and external to the University, enhancing the bioscience research capabilities nationally.
At the University of Warwick, we have world-class research making a positive contribution to the future of our economy and our health. We will use the instrument for a broad range of research, from the fundamentals of how cells work and the mechanisms underpinning gene expression, to understanding reproduction in plants and improved crop yields. At a mechanistic level, we will improve our understanding in many areas, including the immune system, cell population heterogeneity, the genes involved in pregnancy, and processes underpinning antibiotic resistance.
We request funds for an Amnis ImageStreamX Mk II because it has the versatility to support cutting edge science in a broad range of research areas. For example, the range of magnifications available will ensure that we can analyse the variety of sample sizes anticipated (nanoparticles, yeast, bacteria, mammalian and plant cells). The instrument can also deliver up to 12 images (fluorescence, brightfield and darkfield) of every cell with speeds of up to 5000 cells per second. This will ensure that the instrument has the flexibility for an extensive range of applications.
The instrument will be established in the University of Warwick's Flow Cytometry Shared Resource laboratory, where it will be managed and supported by two research technical professionals. This environment will ensure that the instrument is well maintained and supported. The technical team will provide training, management and financial oversight and will ensure that use of the instrument incorporates sustainability practices, such as energy and consumable use. The instrument will be accessible to a wide userbase, both internal and external to the University, enhancing the bioscience research capabilities nationally.
Technical Summary
Research at the University of Warwick (UoW) has significant relevance to the BBSRC's strategic delivery plan and priorities. Our research will significantly benefit from the capabilities of an imaging flow cytometer, enabling statistical population analysis of characteristics such as particle morphology, co-localisation and signalling, at speeds of up to 5000 cells per second.
We are requesting funds for an Amnis ImageStreamX MkII imaging flow cytometer. This instrument combines multiparametric fluorescence measurements of a population with high-throughput brightfield, darkfield and fluorescent imaging of each cell and powerful data analysis software, IDEAS, to facilitate complex image analysis and machine learning. The instrument will be capable of:
- Detecting a broad range of fluorophores (five laser system, 375nm, 405nm, 488nm, 561nm and 642nm), complementing existing technology at the UoW
- A range of magnifications (60x/40x/20x) to ensure support for a broad range of sample types
- Resolving small particles, such as nanoparticles/extracellular vesicles and microplastics, using a high power 400mW blue laser, 60x magnification and high gain mode
- Capturing up to 12 high resolution images of every cell passing through the instrument
- Capturing all structures within the cell into one crisp plane of focus with an Extended Depth of Field (EDF) option
The instrument will be integrated into a specialised Flow Shared Resource Laboratory, where it will be professionally managed and supported for multi-user access, both internally and nationally. The instrument will be managed by the PI, an experienced research technology facility manager, and supported by the Research Co-I, a flow cytometry specialist. The research team Co-Is will support the development of research applications on the imaging flow cytometer, sharing these with the research community and building on the UK's bioscience capabilities.
We are requesting funds for an Amnis ImageStreamX MkII imaging flow cytometer. This instrument combines multiparametric fluorescence measurements of a population with high-throughput brightfield, darkfield and fluorescent imaging of each cell and powerful data analysis software, IDEAS, to facilitate complex image analysis and machine learning. The instrument will be capable of:
- Detecting a broad range of fluorophores (five laser system, 375nm, 405nm, 488nm, 561nm and 642nm), complementing existing technology at the UoW
- A range of magnifications (60x/40x/20x) to ensure support for a broad range of sample types
- Resolving small particles, such as nanoparticles/extracellular vesicles and microplastics, using a high power 400mW blue laser, 60x magnification and high gain mode
- Capturing up to 12 high resolution images of every cell passing through the instrument
- Capturing all structures within the cell into one crisp plane of focus with an Extended Depth of Field (EDF) option
The instrument will be integrated into a specialised Flow Shared Resource Laboratory, where it will be professionally managed and supported for multi-user access, both internally and nationally. The instrument will be managed by the PI, an experienced research technology facility manager, and supported by the Research Co-I, a flow cytometry specialist. The research team Co-Is will support the development of research applications on the imaging flow cytometer, sharing these with the research community and building on the UK's bioscience capabilities.
Organisations
- University of Warwick (Lead Research Organisation)
- ASTON UNIVERSITY (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF NORTHAMPTON (Collaboration)
- LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY (Collaboration)
- KEELE UNIVERSITY (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM (Collaboration)
- CRANFIELD UNIVERSITY (Collaboration)
Publications

Fullam E
NagA mediates the remodelling and recycling of peptidoglycan derived amino sugars in mycobacteria
in Journal of Biological Chemistry

Servin, S
(2024)
Standard Operating Procedure - ImageStream
Description | We have purchased and installed a state of the art imaging flow cytometer into the Bio-Analytical Shared Resource Laboratories. Technical specialist, Steven Servin, has developed specialist skills in the technology and engaged new users to use the instrument by providing free access for the first year. PIs are including costs in new grant submissions to use the technology and we are attracting new users to our facility. In particular, Steven has attracted and developed a niche in non-conventional flow cytometry. |
Exploitation Route | Researchers will use the imaging flow cytometer to support their research. Future grants will include costs to access the instrument and industry will pay full FEC to access. |
Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink Chemicals Environment Healthcare Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
URL | https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/lifesci/tic/flow |
Description | MIBTP Flow Cytometry Master Class |
Geographic Reach | Local/Municipal/Regional |
Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
Impact | By providing an introduction to Flow Cytometry and hands on experience of the technology, students gained a better understanding of the potential data that can be collected from the technologies. This is particularly relevant to the Imaging Flow Cytometer, merging the capabilities of a flow cytometry and microscopy. The instrument and capabilities are not well known and as a relatively new technology, engaging ECRs is important for its adoption. |
Description | MIBTP Single Cell Master Class |
Geographic Reach | Local/Municipal/Regional |
Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
Impact | The Imaging flow cytometer was used to support the workflow of single cell genomics. It introduced participants to a particular application where imaging flow cytometry can be used. The instrument and capabilities are not well known and as a relatively new technology, engaging ECRs is important for its adoption. |
Description | Member of the BBSRC People and Talent Strategy Advisory Panel RTP Subgroup |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
Description | Steven Servin - Member of the RMS Flow Cytometry Scientific Committee and RMS Early Career Committee, RMS Ambassador |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
URL | https://www.rms.org.uk/community/science-sections/early-career-committee.html |
Description | UKRIO Authorship Workshop |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
Description | MITalent Programme |
Amount | £739 (GBP) |
Organisation | United Kingdom Research and Innovation |
Department | Research England |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 08/2023 |
End | 09/2023 |
Description | Newton International Fellowship - Chromatin memory in plants |
Amount | £345,234 (GBP) |
Funding ID | NIF\R1\243207 |
Organisation | The Royal Society |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2025 |
End | 03/2027 |
Title | New Imaging Flow Cytometry technology |
Description | We have carried out a competitive tender for the purchase of an imaging flow cytometer. This was awarded on the 2nd October 2023 to Cytex for an ImageStreamX MkII system with INSPIRE and IDEAS software, Machine Learning module, 2 additional years service contract. The instrument was installed on the 21st/22nd December 2023 and training took place on the 24th /25th January 2024. This is a completely new capability for the University of Warwick. |
Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
Year Produced | 2024 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | Since the training our flow technical specialist, Dr Steven Servin, has been gaining experience on the instrument and the data analysis. As part of exposing users of our facility to the new instrument, he has been running their samples in parallel on the ImageStream so that they get an idea of what is possible with the new instrument. This is completely new capability and we are engaging new users. We are aware of future grant submissions that will use the instrument. |
URL | https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/lifesci/tic/flow |
Title | Research technical professional training |
Description | In September 2023, our flow technical specialist Dr Steven Servin, took part in a shadowing opportunity at Newcastle Fow Cytometry Core Facility under Prof Andrew Filby, funded by MITalent. |
Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
Year Produced | 2024 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | Steven attended a 2 day ImageStream User meeting and 2 days shadowing the ImageStream instrument at the University of Newcastle. Steven brought the knowledge and skills back to the University of Warwick, enabling him to engage new users in the use of the instrument at Warwick. |
Description | Midlands Innovation Flow Cytometry Network |
Organisation | Aston University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Steven Servin has become an active member of the MIFlow network and this year (2025) we are hosting the Annual Midland Flow Cytometry Meeting at the University of Warwick. |
Collaborator Contribution | Regular meetings and contributions to annual Midlands Flow Cytometry Meeting. Free training classes and online training materials. |
Impact | Univeristy of Warwick will host the Annual Midland Flow Cytometry Meeting (1st April 2025). This is a multidisciplinary collaboration. |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | Midlands Innovation Flow Cytometry Network |
Organisation | Cranfield University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Steven Servin has become an active member of the MIFlow network and this year (2025) we are hosting the Annual Midland Flow Cytometry Meeting at the University of Warwick. |
Collaborator Contribution | Regular meetings and contributions to annual Midlands Flow Cytometry Meeting. Free training classes and online training materials. |
Impact | Univeristy of Warwick will host the Annual Midland Flow Cytometry Meeting (1st April 2025). This is a multidisciplinary collaboration. |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | Midlands Innovation Flow Cytometry Network |
Organisation | Keele University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Steven Servin has become an active member of the MIFlow network and this year (2025) we are hosting the Annual Midland Flow Cytometry Meeting at the University of Warwick. |
Collaborator Contribution | Regular meetings and contributions to annual Midlands Flow Cytometry Meeting. Free training classes and online training materials. |
Impact | Univeristy of Warwick will host the Annual Midland Flow Cytometry Meeting (1st April 2025). This is a multidisciplinary collaboration. |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | Midlands Innovation Flow Cytometry Network |
Organisation | Loughborough University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Steven Servin has become an active member of the MIFlow network and this year (2025) we are hosting the Annual Midland Flow Cytometry Meeting at the University of Warwick. |
Collaborator Contribution | Regular meetings and contributions to annual Midlands Flow Cytometry Meeting. Free training classes and online training materials. |
Impact | Univeristy of Warwick will host the Annual Midland Flow Cytometry Meeting (1st April 2025). This is a multidisciplinary collaboration. |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | Midlands Innovation Flow Cytometry Network |
Organisation | University of Birmingham |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Steven Servin has become an active member of the MIFlow network and this year (2025) we are hosting the Annual Midland Flow Cytometry Meeting at the University of Warwick. |
Collaborator Contribution | Regular meetings and contributions to annual Midlands Flow Cytometry Meeting. Free training classes and online training materials. |
Impact | Univeristy of Warwick will host the Annual Midland Flow Cytometry Meeting (1st April 2025). This is a multidisciplinary collaboration. |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | Midlands Innovation Flow Cytometry Network |
Organisation | University of Leicester |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Steven Servin has become an active member of the MIFlow network and this year (2025) we are hosting the Annual Midland Flow Cytometry Meeting at the University of Warwick. |
Collaborator Contribution | Regular meetings and contributions to annual Midlands Flow Cytometry Meeting. Free training classes and online training materials. |
Impact | Univeristy of Warwick will host the Annual Midland Flow Cytometry Meeting (1st April 2025). This is a multidisciplinary collaboration. |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | Midlands Innovation Flow Cytometry Network |
Organisation | University of Northampton |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Steven Servin has become an active member of the MIFlow network and this year (2025) we are hosting the Annual Midland Flow Cytometry Meeting at the University of Warwick. |
Collaborator Contribution | Regular meetings and contributions to annual Midlands Flow Cytometry Meeting. Free training classes and online training materials. |
Impact | Univeristy of Warwick will host the Annual Midland Flow Cytometry Meeting (1st April 2025). This is a multidisciplinary collaboration. |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | Midlands Innovation Flow Cytometry Network |
Organisation | University of Nottingham |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Steven Servin has become an active member of the MIFlow network and this year (2025) we are hosting the Annual Midland Flow Cytometry Meeting at the University of Warwick. |
Collaborator Contribution | Regular meetings and contributions to annual Midlands Flow Cytometry Meeting. Free training classes and online training materials. |
Impact | Univeristy of Warwick will host the Annual Midland Flow Cytometry Meeting (1st April 2025). This is a multidisciplinary collaboration. |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | Flow Facilities Meeting 2024 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Sarah Bennett co-organised the RMS Flow Facilities Meeting in Birmingham, 2024. As part of this meeting, Steven Servin presented a crib talk on the technology we have in our flow cytometry facility at Warwick, including the Imaging Flow Cytometer. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
URL | https://www.rms.org.uk/rms-event-calendar/2024-events/flow-facilities-meeting-2024.html |
Description | Steven Servin - Delivered online basic skills in Imaging Cytometry for the National Integrative Biology conference in Mexico. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Steven Servin delivered in spanish online basic skills in Imaging Cytometry for the National Integrative Biology conference in Mexico. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
Description | Times Higher Education Campus article - Changing the culture from academic-owned equipment to shared ownership is not easy |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | As a result of being shortlisted for the Times Higher Education Technician Commitment award, Sarah Bennett was invited to write an article for CAMPUS. Within this article, the difficulties arund equipment sharing were discussed and reference was made to the BBSRC Alert funding opportunity and the successful bid for an Imaging Flow Cytometer. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
URL | https://www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/changing-culture-academicowned-equipment-shared-ownershi... |
Description | Tour to industry |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | One of the Industrial users of our facility, NanoSyrinx, requested that we provide a tour of our flow facility to the BIA Manufacturing Advisory Committee Leadership Programme (BIA MAC LeaP). This included representatives from different manufacturing biotechs (10 attendees) and provided exposure to the technologies at the University of Warwick and potential knowledge exchange. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |