BD Biosciences introduces new Influx Cell Sorting System

BD Biosciences, a segment of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), announced today the launch of the new BD Influx™ Cell Sorting System that researchers can configure with up to seven lasers to support two-way, four-way and six-way sorting, giving them flexibility to meet specific application or environmental requirements.  

"Life science researchers on the vanguard of cellular analysis require flexible cell sorting systems to meet their ever-complex needs," said James Glasscock, President, Cell Analysis, BD Biosciences.  "The new BD Influx System rises to that challenge and is already in use in a leading institution performing advanced cell research."

The system's modular architecture along with exchangeable detector options, hands-on controls, and sorting options make it adaptable to a wide variety of site and application needs. The seven laser paths and seven-pinhole optical collection system in the new BD Influx System supports 24 parameters simultaneously with a 24 x 24 compensation matrix.  Its unique sorting modes, such as proportional and positional sorting, offer additional application flexibility.

"Possessing an advanced instrument that can keep pace with the rapid rate of scientific discovery is critical," said Dr. Ger van den Engh, Vice President of Advanced Cytometry, BD Biosciences – Cell Analysis.  "The BD Influx System provides life science researchers with a powerful, adaptable cell sorting system that they can change as new challenges and research requirements evolve."

The BD Influx System uses parallel electronics to reach a throughput rate of 200,000 events per second, independent of the number of lasers or parameters. Its fluidics design features a special acoustical coupling in the nozzle assembly to reliably create droplets for sorting, while ensuring low shear stress to optimize cell viability, even at high pressures. BD FACS™ Accudrop technology simplifies setup and eliminates manual calculations normally required for drop-delay determination.   To support aseptic sorting, the BD Influx System's disposable fluidics allow researchers to replace a sample line or the complete fluidics path from sheath tank to nozzle tip.

In addition, BD Influx software, which is scheduled for a fall 2010 release, will provide comprehensive control of the cell sorter from configuration and compensation setup to acquisition, sorting and analysis.  It will fundamentally change the way traditional software supports cell sorting and let researchers visualize data from experiments in a variety of rich output formats.  The software will use industry-standard protocols and manage hundreds of system parameters, giving researchers a higher level of control and engagement with the instrument to support advanced research applications.  Software wizards and controls will assist researchers to classify cell populations, perform compensation, monitor sorting and analyze results.