Menarini Silicon Biosystems DEPArray PLUS image-based cell sorter

Menarini Silicon Biosystems has announced the highly automated DEPArray PLUS, now available with nine fluorescent channels. The robust, image-based, cell-sorting technology combines microelectronics and microfluidics in a platform to isolate rare cells from mixed cellular samples. Its optimised, intuitive interface allows researchers to obtain the desired target cells with 100% purity and minimal operator interaction.

The built-in software leads to a rapid selection of cells with a high level of reproducibility and quality due to its fluorescent microscope resolution. The system is compatible with a variety of rare cell suspensions, including live and fixed cells, small cell loads, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues and liquid biopsies. Sorting of rare cells should therefore be effortless and precise.

The additional fluorescent channels provide expanded capabilities to better characterise different cell populations from complex heterogeneous samples. Once individual or pools of cells are isolated, researchers can conduct precise molecular investigations. The product is designed to optimise the user experience, reduce hands-on time and speed up sample processing, with an automated notification system informing users directly on their mobile device upon the completion of each step of a run, a cartridge with enhanced microfluidics and the implementation of preset parameters for identification and recovery of target cells.

Researchers have the flexibility to prepare their samples according to their own protocol or use optimised sample preparation kits for various inputs including blood, FFPE tissue and forensic evidence. The system is able to identify and isolate low numbers of target cells from a minimal input sample volume. It is fully integrated with blood samples prepared with the company’s CELLSEARCH and CELLMAG CTC enrichment technologies, allowing further isolation and delivery of 100% pure single cells ready for genetic analysis.