Cell sorters are specialized laboratory instruments used to identify and separate specific species or populations of cells within a sample. Automated cell sorting provides high throughput sample preparation for downstream analysis within the life science and pharmaceutical industries. Many cell-sorting instruments also reduce the risk of cross-contamination and operator exposure by containing the samples within a cartridge or chip. Cell sorters employ several methods to achieve accurate and gentle sorting, including fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS), Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting (MACS), and various microfluidic or on-chip sorting methodologies. FACS cell sorting relies on the addition of fluorescent targets to a cell suspension, while MACS utilizes magnetic beads to bind to target cells. Microfluidic cell sorters can be especially useful for the enrichment of target cell types, however, these typically require a larger cell concentration and volume. When comparing cell sorters, consider which methodology would work best for your assay or sample type. Additionally, flow rates and throughput can vary from one instrument to another.
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