Simplified, Yet Flexible Cell Sorter with Several Sort Options

February 07, 2019

BlueskyReddit
Memorial University of Newfoundland
Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine
Research Assistant

Overall

Performance

Ease-of-Optimization

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Company:

Beckman Coulter

Product Name:

MoFlo Astrios EQ cell sorter

Catalog Number:

A66831

In our core facility we have a MoFlo Astrios EQ cell sorter with 3 lasers capable of detecting 11 colors installed within the optional BSL2 biosafety cabinet. Overall, we have found the performance of the instrument to be satisfactory for our needs. There are several different options available so that you can tailor your sort to your experimental needs. Instrument setup has been simplified as much as possible for a complex piece of equipment. We routinely obtain highly pure populations of cells from our sorts. The Intellisort II feature does a good job of simplifying the setup of a given sort, but also functions well in maintaining sort parameters. When we first received the cytometer, it would routinely pass QC without any issues or adjustments. However, it has become increasingly difficult to pass QC on all parameters for some reason. After sales service has been sub-par in my opinion. We have not received quality technical service given the price of the cytometer/PM package.

Experimental Design and Results Summary

Application

Flow cytometry cell sorting

Protocol Overview

The IFU manual provided by the manufacturer contains the operating procedures for the instrument, as well as detailed notes on how to operate the software. Beckman Coulter also has several technical notes available on their website regarding sample preparation for cell sorting, small particle analysis, instrument setup for different applications, etc.

Tips

Performing simple 1-2 color sorts can be performed with relative ease with minimal experience with the instrument, provided that the user has prior knowledge of cell sorting principles. However, in order to setup the instrument, perform QC, be able to troubleshoot, and have a thorough understanding of the features/parameters available for a sort, reading through the manual is a must. As with other cell sorters, sample preparation is very important in order to perform a quality sort. Performing maintenance on the instrument might be overwhelming for some core staff and might be better left for Beckman Coulter technical staff, when they are available.

Features Summary

Our unit has 3 lasers (405, 488, 640 nm) with 11 detectors for fluorescence (405 - 2 detectors, 488 - 6 detectors, 640 -3 detectors). From the Beckman Coulter website: Up to 7 laser / 7 pinhole configurable system; 355 nm, 405 nm, 488 nm, 532 nm, 560 nm, 592 nm, 645 nm. Single Multi-Laser Shaping Optic (MLSO) for fiber-coupled lasers. Flat-Top beam profile on fiber coupled lasers increases beam stability and alignment ease. 7 lasers aligned through two alignment stages for quick sorter set up. IntelliSort II: Beadless drop delay determination and monitoring. 6-way sorting with a variety of collection devices (temperature control for all sort outputs available with water bath option). Reproducibly sort up to 1536-well plates. Capable of 70,000 sort decisions/second validated performance. Electronic capability to simultaneously detect up to 44 parameters. > 100,000 events/second acquisition rate validated performance. 1 billion events .fcs files with no parameter limit. Up to 2 FSC channels including user-selectable FSC masks. Optional additional SSC detection off each wavelength greater than or equal to 405 nm. Optional custom Baker SterilGARD BSL2 cabinet. Single turnkey aerosol evacuation direct from sorter sort chamber to HEPA enclosure. Quick release nozzle design for easy access to nozzle tip.

DOI or PMID #

N/A

Additional Notes

N/A

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Summary

The Good

User friendly instrument setup. Ability to sort up to 6 populations simultaneously. Ability to analyze and sort small particles. Optional biosafety cabinet. Easy access to sort chamber for cleaning/sterilizing between sorts.

The Bad

Difficult to QC at times for inexpiable reason - some days are good, some days are bad. After purchase technical support is not very good.

The Bottom Line

The MoFlo Astrios EQ cell sort is available in a variety of configurations to meet your lab's needs and more. It is versatile in that it can perform relatively simple 1 color sorts all the way up to >10 color, 6-way complex sorts. Analysis of small particles using the enhanced forward scatter is a bonus. You should give this instrument a closer look if you are in the market for a cell sorter...just don't expect much technical support once it is up and running in your lab.

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