Cell sorter for high-resolution live cell and subpopulation analysis - we request funding to acquire a BD facsmelody™ cell sorter to expand the cell analysis and purification capabilities at…

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences awarded $249,034 to CSU Fullerton Auxiliary Services Corporation on September 1, 2026, under the Biomedical Research and Research Training program (CFDA 93.859) to acquire a BD FACSMelody cell sorter for California State University, Fullerton.

The instrument expands cell analysis and purification capabilities at CSUF through high-resolution benchtop flow cytometry enabling precise sorting of viable cell populations based on fluorescence, size, and granularity. Research applications include investigating plasma membrane localization of HSPA1A, a molecular chaperone implicated in cancer progression and stress adaptation; sorting genetically engineered Trypanosoma cruzi to study mechanosensitive ion channels involved in infectivity; isolating glial cells for transcriptomic analysis of neuroinflammatory responses; purifying Drosophila immune cells for lipidomic profiling in myelination models; and characterizing antibiotic-tolerant subpopulations of Acinetobacter baumannii to uncover resistance mechanisms. The sorter integrates into upper-division laboratory curricula and supports mentorship of undergraduate and master's students across cancer biology, microbiology, neurobiology, and parasitology research activities.

Performance occurs at Fullerton, California, with a period of performance from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027. The award is classified as a Project Grant, an assistance type supporting biomedical research infrastructure at a primarily undergraduate institution serving a large Hispanic student population.

Cell sorter for high-resolution live cell and subpopulation analysis - we request funding to acquire a BD facsmelody™ cell sorter to expand the cell analysis and purification capabilities at california state university, fullerton (csuf). This high-performance, benchtop flow cytometry system will support interdisciplinary biomedical research and advanced instructional activities by enabling precise, reproducible sorting of viable cell populations based on fluorescence, size, and granularity. Csuf serves a large student population as a comprehensive university and primarily undergraduate institution, providing broad access to biomedical research training. This instrument aligns with the university's mission by expanding access to advanced biomedical technologies that are often limited at institutions with primarily undergraduate populations. Faculty will mentor undergraduate and master's students using the sorter, supporting early engagement in translational research. These efforts span cancer biology, microbiology, neurobiology, and parasitology. A key project investigates plasma membrane localization of HSPA1A, a molecular chaperone implicated in cancer progression and stress adaptation, requiring isolation of rare subpopulations for lipidomics, viability assays, and RNA-SEQ. Another project focuses on sorting genetically engineered trypanosoma cruzi to study mechanosensitive ION channels involved in infectivity. Additional applications include isolating glial cells for transcriptomic analysis of neuroinflammatory responses, purifying drosophila immune cells for lipidomic profiling in models of myelination, and characterizing antibiotic-tolerant subpopulations of acinetobacter baumannii to uncover resistance mechanisms. The instrument's high-resolution sorting capacity is central to these investigations and enables experiments that are not currently feasible with existing equipment. The cell sorter will also be integrated into upper-division laboratory curricula in molecular biology, immunology, stem cell biology, and microscopy, including capstone and course-based undergraduate research experiences (cures), serving more than 150 students annually. Through this model, the sorter will provide hands-on training in modern cell sorting workflows and data interpretation, preparing students for biomedical research careers and advanced biotechnology studies. The instrument will be housed in an existing BSL-2 laboratory within the department of biological science and maintained with institutional support and oversight by a faculty-led instrumentation committee. This shared-access model ensures broad availability, efficient training, and long-term sustainability. The BD facsmelody™ cell sorter will establish lasting infrastructure to expand research capacity and support student training in biomedical sciences at csuf.