Beckman Coulter CytoFLEX Cytometer

Description

The CytoFLEX Flow Cytometer is a sophisticated instrument used in scientific research for counting cells and analyzing their properties. It stands out for its ease of use, allowing scientists to focus more on their research rather than the intricacies of the instrumentation. The system is known for its superior sensitivity and resolution across all configurations, which gives it an advantage over other cytometry systems, even those four times its size​¹.

This cytometer is part of the CytoFLEX Platform and is designed for superior performance, with easy installation and operation suited for research applications. It features cell counters that provide accurate and timely counts of dead cells, live cells, and total cells. A specific model, the V5-B5-R3, includes three active lasers (at wavelengths of 405 nm, 488 nm, and 638 nm) and 13 channels for fluorescence detection, which can be further upgraded​³​.

CytoFLEX Cytometer Features:

• Powerful performance in all configurations
• 21 available flexible configurations (up to 3 Lasers, 13 Colors)
• Future-proof solution with built-in system flexibility for easy upgrade options
• Superior sensitivity and resolution for excellent fluorescence and nanoparticle detection
• Simple yet elegant design that is compact and reliable
• CytExpert experiment-based software for easy multicolor setup and QC
• Easy to learn, easy to operate, easy to maintain
• Versatile Plug-n-play filters –bandpass-only light collection
• Integrated optics for alignment stability
• Accommodates 12x75mm and microtiter tubes
• Customer Installable – be ready to run in minutes not hours
• Compact – Fits on your benchtop <50lbs, 16”x 16” x 13”

The CytoFLEX Flow Cytometer is notable for its range of features designed to enhance its functionality and performance in cell analysis. Here are some of its key features:

1. Sensitivity and Resolution: The CytoFLEX offers superior sensitivity and resolution, which allows for detecting dim and bright populations within the same sample and even detecting nanoparticles.
2. Multi-Laser Configuration: Models like the CytoFLEX LX can have up to six lasers, enabling multiple fluorochromes and the analysis of a wide spectrum of light wavelengths, reducing spectral overlap and crosstalk.
3. Multiple Fluorescence Channels: Depending on the model, the CytoFLEX can have numerous channels for fluorescence detection, like the V5-B5-R3 model, which has 13 channels and can be upgraded further.
4. Innovative Technology: It employs novel semiconductor-based technology, using avalanche photodiodes for sensitive light detection, wavelength-division multiplexing, enhanced optics, and diode lasers to maximize light capture.
5. User-Friendly Operation: The system is designed for ease of use, with a straightforward setup and operation that allows researchers to focus on the science rather than the instrumentation.
6. Versatility: The platform’s versatility is highlighted by its ability to adjust to the user’s needs. It allows purchasing the number of parameters needed for current applications with options to upgrade as needs change.
7. Large Dynamic Range: The large dynamic range of the CytoFLEX is critical for accurately resolving cell populations with vastly different intensities of fluorescence.
8. Platform Integration: CytoFLEX can integrate seamlessly with other systems, such as the CytoFLEX SRT cell sorter, creating a comprehensive solution for cell analysis and sorting.

These features make the CytoFLEX Flow Cytometer a powerful tool for various applications, from basic research to complex clinical diagnostics.

The CytoFLEX is a semiconductor-based flow cytometer that uses advanced technology like avalanche photodiodes, wavelength-division multiplexing, enhanced optics, and diode lasers to maximize light capture, which enhances its detection capabilities​⁴. The sensitivity and resolution provided by the CytoFLEX are powerful enough for both simple and challenging applications, and it offers performance and capabilities that surpass those of top-tier analyzers, with the ability to detect nanoparticles as well.

The platform presents optimal excitation and emission, minimizing light loss and maximizing sensitivity. It’s designed to pair with the CytoFLEX SRT benchtop cell sorter for a seamless detection and sorting experience. An expanded model, the CytoFLEX LX, offers up to six lasers and 21 color parameters, with spatially separated lasers that reduce crosstalk and spectral overlap, further broadening research possibilities.

What is the use of the CytoFLEX flow cytometry machine?

The CytoFLEX flow cytometry machine is used for various research and clinical applications due to its high sensitivity and resolution. Here are some specific uses:

1. Cell Analysis: It is used to accurately count and analyze the properties of cells, such as size and granularity, as well as the presence and density of cell surface markers.
2. Research Applications: The machine’s ease of installation and operation makes it suitable for various research applications, including immunology, cell biology, cancer research, and drug discovery.
3. Detection Capabilities: CytoFLEX’s advanced technologies allow for exceptional detection capabilities. It can resolve both dim and bright populations in the same sample, critical for detailed cell analysis.
4. Nanoparticle Detection: It can use violet side scatter to detect nanoparticles, expanding its use to nanotechnology and nanomedicine.
5. Multi-Parameter Analysis: The CytoFLEX offers configurations such as the CytoFLEX LX, which can have up to six lasers and 21 color parameters, allowing for the simultaneous detection of multiple parameters from a single cell. This is particularly useful in complex immunophenotyping and multi-color assays.
6. Integration with Cell Sorters: The platform can be paired with cell sorters like the CytoFLEX SRT for a combined experience of detection and sorting, which is useful for applications requiring sorting specific cell populations after analysis.

Overall, the CytoFLEX system provides a comprehensive solution for advanced flow cytometry applications, offering both high-quality data and user-friendly operation.

CytoFLEX Laser Specifications:

Configuration:

The Beckman Coulter CytoFLEX flow cytometer is an excellent instrument that can handle a wide variety of experiments. The ability to perform small particle analysis will be a deal breaker for some. Having never performed these types of experiments before, I was able to have the instrument set up and detecting 50 nm particles within a very short time.

The instrument and software are simple enough for beginner users who sparingly perform flow cytometry experiments, but will also satisfy advanced users performing multicolor experiments. However, advanced users may want to export their data for analysis with a FlowJo, Kaluza, etc., as the CytExpert software has limited capabilities in this department. Overall, I highly recommend this instrument and it is a must to have on your short list when shopping for a new cytometer!

Reference

• Manufacturer Information
• Brochure