Fractal
Flow Cytometry Resource
Advanced Cytometry Technical Applications Laboratory
FRACTAL is the flow cytometry and cell sorting facility of IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, designed to support researchers with advanced technologies for cell analysis, characterization and purification. The facility provides access to state-of-the-art cytometry instrumentation, specialized technical expertise and training services for both internal and external scientific users.
Flow cytometry is a rapidly evolving technology with applications across multiple areas of biomedical research, including immunophenotyping, cell activation, cell cycle analysis, apoptosis, intracellular signaling and functional cell studies. FRACTAL enables researchers to analyze and isolate cell populations with high precision, supporting experimental design and data interpretation throughout the research workflow.
Through advanced cytometry platforms and expert technical assistance, the facility helps scientists characterize complex biological systems and perform high-resolution analysis of cells and microparticles.
Mission
The mission of FRACTAL is to provide researchers with advanced cytometry technologies, technical expertise and training opportunities to support high-quality scientific research.
The facility aims to:
- Promote collaboration between IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele and the international scientific community
- Provide training courses and workshops on flow cytometry technologies and experimental design
- Support researchers with cutting-edge instrumentation and technical guidance
- Continuously upgrade technologies through funding and innovation initiatives to keep pace with advances in cytometry research
Services
FRACTAL offers a range of flow cytometry and cell sorting services designed to support experimental research in life sciences.
Cell Sorting
Cell sorting is performed by trained specialists using high-performance instruments to isolate specific populations of cells, microparticles or beads. This service allows researchers to obtain purified samples for downstream analyses or functional assays.
Cytometry Analysis
Researchers can perform cytometric analysis using advanced flow cytometry analyzers. The facility provides both independent use and assisted analysis, depending on the user's level of expertise.
Training and User Support
Regular training sessions and theoretical courses are offered to help researchers learn how to use cytometry instruments and interpret experimental results. Training may be provided individually or in group session
Independent Use of Instruments
After completing the required training and demonstrating proficiency, users may access cytometry analyzers independently.
The facility provides the necessary guidance to ensure proper instrument operation and data acquisition, allowing researchers to conduct experiments autonomously while maintaining high technical standards.
Assisted / Supervised Use
Researchers who require additional support can request assisted or supervised instrument use.
FRACTAL staff provide technical assistance in experimental setup, cytometry operation and sample preparation protocols. Samples must be prepared in the investigator’s laboratory before being brought to the facility for analysis.
Special instrument configurations may also be arranged depending on experimental requirements.
Instrumentation
FRACTAL hosts a wide range of state-of-the-art flow cytometry instruments for cell analysis and sorting, including:
Cell Sorters
- BD FACSAria Fusion
- Beckman Coulter MoFlo Astrios
Cytometry Analyzers
- BD FACSCanto II
- BD Accuri C6
- CytoFLEX S
- CytoFLEX LX
- Cytek Aurora
- Navios (Beckman Coulter)
- BD FACSymphony A5 SORP
These instruments enable high-parameter analysis, multiparametric cytometry experiments and precise separation of cell populations.
Facility Management
The facility is managed by Chiara Villa, who coordinates the scientific and technical activities of FRACTAL and supports researchers in the design and interpretation of flow cytometry experiments.
The team also includes specialists in cytometry analysis, cell sorting and experimental support, ensuring efficient operation and high-quality service for the research community.
Contacts and Forms
LOCATION: FRACTAL is located on level R of the Dibit2 in San Gabriele building.
For any general info and special requests, write to: citometria@hsr.it
Useful documents and forms:
Instrumentation
Sorting
The facility's staff will provide information for the preparation of samples for cell sorting. Samples must be prepared at the investigator's lab and must be in good condition prior to loading onto the instrument. Guidelines for sample preparation will be discussed prior to preparation, and well before arrival at the cell sorting lab. All sortings are performed by our skilled sorter specialists.
Analyzers
The facility's staff will provide information for the preparation of samples for analysis. Samples must be prepared at the investigator's lab and must be in good condition prior to loading onto the instruments. Guidelines for sample preparation will be discussed prior to preparation, and well before arrival at the analysis laboratories.