Open Cytometry Hardware is a collaborative project dedicated to making cytometry accessible through open-source plans and resources for building functional flow cytometers. The initiative is aimed at scientists, especially those in resource-limited settings, who can benefit from the ability to construct, customize, and maintain their own cytometers. This community-driven project provides freely available design plans, part lists, and assembly instructions, supporting both scientific research and education.
Key Benefits of Open Cytometry Hardware
- Research Support: Enables scientists to build affordable, quality cytometers suited for research needs without the high cost of commercial instruments.
- Customization: Allows researchers to create specialized cytometers with unique features, such as custom lasers or specific detection capabilities, suited to their projects.
- Community Building: Brings together a community of cytometry enthusiasts and professionals to innovate and improve open cytometry technology.
- Commercial Opportunities: Opens pathways for individuals or businesses to assemble and distribute cytometers based on these open-source plans.
- Educational Resources: Provides workshops and resources for scientists to learn cytometer construction and operation, fostering hands-on understanding of the technology.
Open Cytometry Hardware encourages participation from a wide range of skills, from optics to software and 3D printing. Anyone interested can join the community by creating an account on their forum to contribute or learn from others in this growing network.
