BD FACSAria II Cell Sorter
The BD FACSAria™ II flow cytometry system is now shipping, bringing simplified cell sorting and higher productivity to life science researchers. This high-performance cell sorter features hardware and software enhancements that improve overall ease of use, flexibility, and aseptic capability. And, the BD FACSAria II offers new options in lasers and nozzles to support more advanced multicolor applications.
“Since its introduction five years ago, the BD FACSAria system has made cell sorting accessible to a broad audience of researchers, making it the workhorse of the global research community,” said William Rhodes, President, Cell Analysis, BD Biosciences. “Working closely with our customers, we designed improvements across the system to make the BD FACSAria II even easier to use and more productive.”
Built on fixed-alignment technology
As in the first-generation BD FACSAria system, the flow cell of the BD FACSAria II is in true fixed alignment with the laser, to reduce startup time and improve reproducibility. Gel coupling of the flow cell to the objective lens increases the collection efficiency, sensitivity, and resolution needed for multicolor sorting applications.
New fluidics system features
A streamlined fluidics path and integrated valve manifolds make aseptic setup easier and cleaning more effective. An improved nozzle insertion design offers tight registration for a secure fit. This means a reproducible drop profile after every insertion, and reproducible instrument setup. For sorting a wide range of particle sizes, choose from four nozzles: 70, 85, 100, and 130 microns.
Better workflow and productivity
The BD FACSAria II has updated hardware and the latest software tools to optimize workflows. For example, a universal sort tube collection mount now makes it easier to insert and remove tube holders. Nozzles are more readily accessible and easy to change. Better access to controls and new software wizards simplify and automate aseptic sort setup, drop-delay determination, and clog detection. Researchers can use the new Cytometer Setup and Tracking (CS&T) feature of BD FACSDiva™ software for instrument setup and QC, further boosting productivity and helping ensure consistent, reproducible results.
375-nm Near UV laser
This new laser option expands the range of applications for the BD FACSAria II. The beam geometry of the 375-nm Near UV laser is optimized for most hematopoietic stem cell side populations. Its top hat design triples the amount of light at the sample intercept. The 375-nm Near UV laser can be operated with the red and blue lasers.
BD FACSAria to BD FACSAria II upgrades
Customers will be able to upgrade their BD FACSAria instrument to the capabilities of a BD FACSAria II. Three packages are available, including a complete upgrade, a fluidics only upgrade, and a 375-nm Near UV laser upgrade.