BC MoFlo Astrios EQ

The MoFlo Astrios EQ is an ultra-high speed sorter which accomplishes 30.000 sort decisions per second. The instrument is used for quantitative and qualitative characterization as well as sorting of cell populations (yeast, bacteria, plant and mammalian cells).

The MoFlo Astrios EQ is equipped with 5 lasers

   488 nm

   561 nm

   638 nm

   405 nm

   355 nm (UV-laser)

The instrument offers the possibility to sort in tubes and in plates (Eppendorf cups; 5 ml, 15 ml and 50 ml tubes). Six different populations can be sorted at once. Poolsorting as well as single-cell sorting in multi-well plates (6, 12, 24, 48, 96, 384 and 1536 well) is supported. If needed, the samples as well as the sorted cells can be temperature controlled (5-37 °C).

The cells or particles pass the laser in a sheath fluid (buffered saline) with high velocity. According to the shape, size and/or staining of the cells, scattered light is emitted, which is then detected by filters and PMTs. Whereas the forward scatter signal depends on size, the side scatter signal is up to the complexity and granularity of the cell. The cells can also be sorted due to fluorescent signals produced by the staining of certain cell properties with dyes which directly bind, or with fluorescently labelled antibodies. To sort the cells, positive or negative charges are brought up to the sheath fluid. Simultaneously, the fluid is broken into droplets by the vibration of a piezo crystal. The deflection plates deflect these droplets to the desired vessels.