Tender For The Supply And Installation of a High-throughput Droplet-based Microbial Single Cell Screening And Sorting Platform

The University of Birmingham invites tenders for supply of a versatile platform for encapsulation of millions of single microbial cells in micrometer-sized liquid or gel-based droplets for high-throughput droplet sorting and selection. This platform will be operated by the Institute of Microbiology and Infection (IMI) at the University of Birmingham (UoB). The platform will support existing and planned research projects, and will lead to the establishment of a facility to extend analytical capability for UoB and its collaborators, and will increase the capacity for high-throughput cell sorting and screening, across the UK.

The platform should be able to rapidly produce large numbers of droplets, with the capability to adjust reagent input. For cell screening and sorting, the platform should be equipped with multiple lasers and fluorescence detection wavelengths, as well as forward-scattered light (FSC) and side-scattered light (SSC), due to the vast range of planned applications. The platform must be compatible with aseptic techniques for handling various microorganisms, of pathogenic and non-pathogenic varieties, and therefore be easy to clean.

The platform should ensure damage-free sorting of cell droplets, even with fragile cell types. The platform must have the capability to dispense a single droplet into microwell plates, and be able to sort cells with high purity (i.e. >90%) in high-throughput fashion (approx. 1000 events per second). The instrument should be capable of using a variety of sheath fluid types, and should be compatible with custom made or easily accessible consumables, including Fluorinate-oil.

This project may be funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) or;

• European Structural and Investment Fund (ESIF) or;
• Research Councils UK (RCUK), the strategic partnership of the UK's seven Research Councils