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BioBRU’s research reaches another level

The Rhodes Biomedical Biotechnology Research Unit (BioBRU) is celebrating the arrival of the new, much anticipated NRF/Rhodes-funded FACS machine. Not to be confused with the similar sounding “FAX” machine, this FACS is a highly specialised piece of equipment that allows researchers to conduct a wide range of fluorescence-based analyses on microscopic particles.

The purchase of this machine was made possible by a grant awarded to Professor Blatch under the National Research Foundation’s (NRF) National Equipment Program (NEP). Under the NEP, the NRF provides funding to the value of two-thirds of the total cost of the machine, with the remaining third coming from Rhodes University. With a price tag in the millions, this technology would be out of reach to most researchers were it not for governmental and institutional support.

FACS or Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting can be used to identify and isolate particles from a mixture based on their fluorescent properties. Rhodes’ new FACS machine incorporates the latest advances in particle sorting technology, with a customised laser combination (UV, red and blue), to make it one of the most advanced machines in its field. These specifications make it one of a kind in South Africa and most likely on the African continent.

The reason BioBRU is so excited, is because the installation of this machine will take their research to the next level, directly benefiting both their parasitology and cancer research themes. The FACS will allow BioBRU to isolate a rare but resistant population of cells, known as cancer stem cells, from tumours. This insidious cancer stem cell population is thought to be the root of development, spread and drug-resistance of many cancers.

BioBRU’s research efforts have been hampered by the difficulties involved in isolating this small but important population from tumours. That is, until now. The FACS machine is ideally configured for stem cell isolation and will make BioBRU one of the best equipped units in South Africa for stem cell research. Being able to acquire sufficient quantities of these cancer stem cells will allow BioBRU to interrogate their biology and to design improved cancer treatments.

BioBRU will also use FACS, together with its newly established parasite culturing facilities, to quantity parasitemia in blood cultures, allowing them to conduct high throughput screening of novel compounds with anti-malarial properties. This unique and versatile machine is going to revolutionise the way BioBRU approaches research.