-
Sign In
- Sony Biotechnology
- Sony Biotechnology
The SA3800 spectral analyzer improves sensitivity and simplifies application design, workflow, and analysis over conventional flow cytometers. This is achieved using spectral analysis technology, automation throughout the system, advanced electronics, and patented optical technologies, unique to Sony systems.
Spectral analysis technology is the foundation of the SA3800 system. Spectral flow cytometry streamlines workflow and yields better data by collecting the entire visual spectrum of light. In conventional systems, overlapping fluorescence is subtracted using color compensation, so less light is collected. Instead, spectral flow cytometers sum the fluorescence together and then use unmixing to mathematically separate the colors. This powerful capability also simplifies workflow, including panel design, and improves visualization of autofluorescence.
A unique prism collection system delivers emitted light to a 32-channel PMT. This produces 34 data points of signal detection for fluorescence and bright autofluorescence to achieve accurate visualizations of fluorescent populations. Researchers can see the complete spectral fingerprint of each fluorochrome from 420 nm to 800 nm.
A powerful capability of spectral technology is unmixing. This technique allows researchers to separate fluorophores into pure signals that measure the quantity of each fluorophore at each pixel to more accurately measure data for analysis.
Spectral unmixing separates each spectral fingerprint to better visualize each fluorochrome marker. Unlike conventional filtering in which overlapping signals are lost, spectral unmixing captures the photons emitted from 420 nm to 800 nm. In doing so it enhances dim signal detection for better visualization of rare populations, fluorescent proteins, and fluorochromes excited by multiple lasers.
This also lets researchers separate the spectra of fluorophores masked by autofluorescence by extracting it from the signal and creating a unique autofluorescence parameter. With a clear signal for each color channel unaffected by overlapping signals (spillover) and autofluorescence, spectral analysis yields better, unbiased data for analysis.
Automation is present across the workflow to simplify operation and ensure accurate results. The system supports a wide variety of standard and deep-well plates, and 12 x 75-mm 5-mL tubes in the tube loader.
The novel 3D AutoSampler uses a fixed probe and moves the plate in horizontal and vertical directions to minimize sample-to-sample cross-contamination and speed up cleaning.
Sensors on the probe enable the system to accurately move the sample to the probe, calculate height of the tube or plate, and automatically recoil the probe if it touches the container or base plate surface. This unique design is aimed at reducing cross-contamination and clogs, and allows for automatic recovery when flow problems are encountered. It also enables faster cleaning between samples.
The 3D AutoSampler mixing function ensures consistent sampling throughout the acquisition of 96- or 384-well sample plates. Software optimizes settings for each plate type. Importantly, the mixing function maintains the integrity and heterogeneity of samples, ensuring that all particles are properly suspended for consistent results.
A cooling plate at the surface of the 3D base further reduces variability and inhibits sample degradation over time.