Background information
The MACSQuant Tyto Cartridge HS consists of three compartments that can each be accessed from above through individual, aseptic Luer-Locks: the input chamber, the positive collection chamber, and the negative collection chamber.
Cells suspended in the specially formulated MACSQuant Tyto Running Buffer are loaded into the input chamber of the MACSQuant Tyto Cartridge. The input chamber contains an adjustable propeller, which keeps cells in suspension during the sort.
After loading the cartridge into the instrument, filtered air is applied to the input chamber through a pressure inlet. Driven by moderate air pressure, fluorescently labeled cells flow from the input chamber through an inertial focusing microchannel into the microchip. Within the microchip, cells are interrogated by three lasers. Fluorescent and scatter light signatures are used to select target cells, which are then redirected by a sort valve located within the sorting channel.
To gently redirect a target cell into the positive collection chamber, a magnetic field is applied to the microchip. This triggers the sorting valve to open and therefore change the flow of the target cell towards the positive collection chamber.
After a target cell has passed through, a silicon spring returns the valve into its original position. Unlike during conventional droplet sorting procedures, the cells do not experience very high pressures of up to 70 psi, and therefore are not as strongly decompressed as in these systems. In addition, no charge is applied, and the cells experience only very mild shear forces, resulting in a high viability and functionality of the sorted cells.
