Bio-Rad S3™ Cell Sorter - Manual (Page 11)

Instruction Manual | 1
Introduction
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The S3 ™ and S3e ™ Cell Sorters are designed to offer affordable, dependable, and simplified
cell sorting. As benchtop cell sorters, the S3 and S3e Cell Sorters are equipped with one or
two lasers and up to four fluorescent detectors, plus forward and side scatters. Samples are
analyzed using the traditional jet-in-air technology, and events can be sorted at high speeds
while maintaining sensitivity and high purity.
Sorting is typically accomplished by breaking the stream of fluid containing particles into
droplets and applying a charge to the stream when a particle passes the criteria to be sorted.
The charged droplet containing the particle is then deflected by an electric field into a collection
vessel. To ensure proper deflection of the correct droplets, proper instrument setup is integral to
achieving high-purity sort results.
By automating the complex presort setup with a unique technology, the S3 and S3e Cell Sorters
create a more efficient and consistent workflow.
Key automated features:
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Startup/shutdown
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Stream-to-laser alignment
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Drop delay calculation
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Droplet break-off monitoring and feedback
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Phase and deflection adjustments to sort stream
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Daily QC reporting and trending
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Collection volume monitoring to prevent overfilling
The S3 and S3e Cell Sorters include a complete internalized fluidics and temperature control
system. The instrument uses a unique internal buffer chamber system for dilution of 8x sheath
fluid with deioinized (DI) water, allowing users to swap fluids without the need to shut down the
system. This process is known as a “hot swap,” and allows uninterrupted sorting. For more
information, refer to Section 5.3, Checking or Swapping Fluidics.