Zinc ion flux during mammalian sperm capacitation
Kerns et al., 2018 · Nature Communications
Single Cell Phenomics Center
See every cell.
Understand the system.
High-throughput microscopy meets flow cytometry and artificial intelligence—opening a new window into cellular heterogeneity.
Explore capabilities ↓
Overview
A cornerstone in the multi-omic era.
The Single Cell Phenomics Center brings advanced image-based flow cytometry to Iowa State researchers and external collaborators. The technology works like a high-throughput microscope, imaging thousands of cells in seconds while collecting brightfield, side scatter, and fluorescence data.
20× / 40× / 60×Imaging objectives
ThousandsOf cells imaged in seconds
120 × 200 μmMaximum cell dimensions
AI-readyImage analysis pipelines
01 · The platformTwo strengths, one instrument
Flow cytometry meets fluorescence microscopy.
Quantitative flow data is paired with detailed cellular images in a single platform. Samples can be viewed in brightfield, side scatter, and across a wide fluorescent palette—with extended depth of field when the research question calls for it.
Research applications
Built for questions across disciplines.
- Cell signaling & co-localization
- Cell cycle & mitosis
- Internalization & phagocytosis
- Rare cell detection
- Extracellular vesicles
- Bacteria & viruses
Artificial intelligence
From images
to insight.
Image outputs integrate naturally with machine- and deep-learning approaches, enabling label-free classification and richer phenotypic discovery.
Selected publications
Research powered by image-based flow cytometry.
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Compartmentalization of proteasome-interacting proteins during sperm capacitation
Zigo et al., 2019 · Scientific Reports
Relationship between sperm mitochondrial sheath length and boar fertility traits
Kerns et al., 2020 · Antioxidants
Sperm cohort-specific zinc signatures and capacitation-induced zinc flux
Kerns et al., 2020 · IJMS
Internal & external access
Bring your samples.
We’ll help reveal the story.
Services are available to Iowa State principal investigator labs and external stakeholders. Equipment scheduling and billing are managed through iLab.
Schedule through iLab ↗Project inquiry
Is image-based flow cytometry right for your question?
Tell us about the cells or particles, approximate dimensions, available labels, desired measurements, sample count, and timeline. We can help assess fit before you schedule through iLab.
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