We have three MoFlo high-speed sorters. They can each run at least 5-color analysis and perform 2-way sorting.
All of our MoFlos have a 488nm (blue) laser and a 647nm (red) laser. MoFlo 2 and MoFlo 3 also have UV lasers. MoFlo 1 and MoFlo 3 can also tune their red lasers to another wavelength if needed.
The Flow Cytometry Core Facility operates as a BSL2 facility. This means that this is an open core facility with many researchers coming and going throughout the day. It is therefore very important for us to know exactly what the biohazard classification is for all the samples we sort or analyze.
Cell Sorter Policy: Samples that are derived from patients/donors that are of unknown pathogenic nature are classified as BSL3 due to the fact that the samples are aerosolized going throug the cell sorter. Samples that have ben tested and shown to be HIV-, HepB-, and HepC- (with proper documentation) can only be run on MoFlo 3 and are then classified as BSL2+. MoFlo 3 has a biohood and allows us a greater measure of protection than our other cell sorters. However, samples that have been tested and have been shown to meet our criteria may still have other pathogens that can be considered biohazardous and so having as much information about the sample helps us prepare accordingly. We also reserve the right to reject samples if testing documentation can not be provided. Samples with a BSL1 rating can be run on any of the cell sorters. Samples with a higher biosaftey rating must meet the biosaftey guidelines that can be found at the following link: ISCS Bio-Saftey Data. Please feel free to contact the director should you have any questions regarding this manner.
MoFlo 1:
MoFlo 2:
MoFlo 3:
MoFlo time may be booked with our online scheduler. For more information, please see our billing information.
You must be present during setting of gates for sorting. You are also welcome to stay while samples are being acquired or sorted.
Please be sure to check your information stored in the scheduler for accuracy — we will use this information to contact you if there are any problems prior to your appointment or during your sort.
Samples to be run on the MoFlos should be in Falcon #2063 polypropylene tubes. Samples to be run only on MoFlo 3 may also be in Falcon #2052 or #2054 polystyrene tubes, eppendorf tubes or 15 mL conical tubes.
All samples must be in single cellular suspension to run effectively. You must filter your samples with a 35µm or 40µm mesh (usage of larger mesh will leave aggregates that will clog the machine). Convenient filters include:
Samples should not contain BSA or FCS at any concentration greater than 0.2%, as this also causes cells to aggregate. Please note that if your samples clog the machine, you are charged for any additional time it takes to remove the clog.
Sample concentration is dependent on your experiment. If you are sorting mouse bone marrow, for example, you should have your cells at a concentration of 5.0x10^7/mL. If you are sorting cultured cells, you should have them at a concentration of 2.0x10^7/mL. Please be sure to bring spare serum-free buffer with you so we can dilute your samples further if necessary.
All collection tubes/devices should be half-full with media. This media may contain or be BSA or FCS. We recommend that a general antibiotic also be added to the collection media to help prevent contamination.
All our MoFlos can sort into plates. This includes, but is not limited to, single-cell sorting into 96-well plates, or bulk sorting into a six-well plate.
For 1-way and 2-way sorting (simultaneous collection of 1 or 2 populations) we can collect into:
MoFlos 1 and 3 can also do 3-way and 4-way sorting (simultaneous collection of up to 4 populations). To utilize this, you must collect into specific tubes: