Cell sorting facs machine

The Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) machine is a fundamental tool in biology for isolating specific cells based on their fluorescent properties.

About this subject

FACS technology, developed in the 1960s, revolutionized cell biology by enabling high-precision sorting of living cells. The basic principle involves passing cells in a thin liquid stream intercepted by a laser. Each cell is individually analyzed by detectors measuring light scatter and fluorescence emitted by specific markers. Based on these signals, the system electrostatically deflects target cells into collection tubes, while others go to waste. This ability to purify rare cell populations is crucial for applications such as immunology, stem cell research, and personalized therapy development. Modern FACS machines can process tens of thousands of cells per second, maintaining viability above 90%. The equipment is also used for cell cycle analysis, apoptosis, and gene expression studies, making it indispensable in flow cytometry labs. In Brazil, research centers like Instituto Butantan and USP use FACS for studies on dengue, Zika, and COVID-19.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between FACS and flow cytometry?

Flow cytometry is the technique of analyzing cells in a fluid stream, while FACS is the application that physically separates the analyzed cells. All FACS machines are flow cytometers, but not all cytometers have sorting capability.

How are cells labeled for FACS sorting?

Cells are incubated with antibodies conjugated to fluorochromes or fluorescent dyes that bind to specific molecules on the cell surface or inside. Each fluorochrome emits light at a characteristic wavelength when excited by the laser.

Can FACS sort living cells?

Yes, FACS is designed to maintain cell viability during the process. The system uses sterile saline solutions and collects cells in culture media, allowing them to be cultured or used in subsequent experiments.