A fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS) refers to a powerful laboratory instrument that analyzes, separates, and isolates cells based on specific fluorescent properties. It utilizes a combination of flow cytometry and droplet-based technology to label, sort, and collect individual cells from a heterogeneous cell population. FACS is predominantly used in research fields such as immunology, cancer biology, and stem cell research.
The FACS instrument works by first tagging cells with fluorescent markers or dyes that bind to specific cellular components or molecules. As the cell suspension passes through the instrument, laser beams excite the fluorochromes on the cells, causing them to emit light at various wavelengths. The emitted fluorescence serves as a distinguishing feature of each cell, enabling their detection and analysis.
The instrument then employs an array of electrostatic deflection plates to identify cells of interest based on their unique fluorescence characteristics. By precisely controlling these plates, the FACS can meticulously divert cells into separate population-specific collection tubes or plates. This process allows researchers to isolate and study particular cell types, such as specific immune cells or rare cancer cells, for further analysis or experimentation.
In addition to cell sorting, a FACS system also provides quantitative data on cell populations, including their size, complexity, and levels of fluorescence intensity. The ability to accurately quantify and isolate cells based on their fluorescence properties makes the fluorescence activated cell sorter an essential tool in advanced cellular analysis and biomedical research.
