COPAS Flow Cytometers

COPAS FlowPilot Cytometers

Smart Sorting of Large Objects

The COPAS FP platform is designed for the measurement of objects ranging in size from 10–1500 microns (diameter). Each of the four COPAS FP models features a fixed, specially engineered fluidic path, flow cell and optics optimized for a specific subset of that size range to provide maximum speed, accuracy, resolution and throughput, depending on the application. Instruments can dispense objects either into bulk receptacles or multiwell plates.

A 488 nm solid state laser is used to measure both the size and optical density of the objects, as well as for fluorescence excitation. Each COPAS FP system can be equipped with up to three lasers.

The real-time analysis of these measured parameters is used to make sort decisions and only those objects meeting the user-selected sort criteria are gently dispensed into multiwell plates or stationary receptacles. Those objects not meeting the sort criteria are diverted by a puff of air to a sample recovery container, where they may be recaptured, unharmed and still viable.

Top view of COPAS FP optics layout

Instruments are equipped with an X-Y stage to permit the dispensing of objects into micro-wells, including 24-, 48-, 96-, and 384-well plate formats. Using the FlowPilot™ software, users may custom design templates or use default templates.

Factory trained personnel will install your new COPAS FP system and train you at your site in the operation and routine maintenance of the system and accessories.

All systems are supplied with a Windows® workstation running FlowPilot™ software for operation and analysis.

Choosing a COPAS FP Model

Each COPAS FP system features a specially engineered fluidic path and flow cell optimized for a specific object size range to achieve the highest accuracy and sensitivity possible. The table shown at Choosing the Right Platform and Model summarizes the largest object size recommended for each COPAS FP model and also provides general system recommendations based on some sample applications. The applications listed are not exhaustive, but simply meant to provide a general overview of system capabilities. For a more detailed discussion of your particular application, including those applications that are not listed here, please contact our applications scientists directly at AppSupport@unionbio.com.

FP-250

The COPAS FP-250 instrument features our smallest flow cell available (250 µm) and is ideal for use with all stages of C.elegans as well as cell clusters like mouse adipocytes, ESC’s / EB’s, hepatocytes, pancreatic islets, and duct cells as well as small beads and seeds with sizes from 20 to 200 microns (diameter). Although the FP-500 can also be used for sorting C. elegans, the FP-250’s 250µm flow cell is preferable if you need to sort eggs as well as adults. The specially designed fluidic path and small flow cell have been optimized for small objects to provide the highest size resolution measurements while achieving the fastest sort rate. Objects are analyzed and sorted using size, optical density and up to three channels of fluorescence. Objects meeting the sort criteria may be dispensed into 24-, 48- 96- or 384-multiwell plates or bulk receptacles.

FP-500

The COPAS FP-500 model features a mid-size flow cell (500 µm) for use with all stages of C. elegans, Drosophila embryos to first instar larvae, pollen, and beads and seeds from 20 to 350 microns, making this one of our most versatile systems, ideal for use by multiple labs with varied applications. Objects are analyzed and sorted using size, optical density, and up to three channels of fluorescence. Objects meeting the sort criteria may be dispensed into 24-, 48- 96- or 384-multiwell plates or bulk receptacles.

FP-1000

The COPAS FP-1000 instrument features a larger-size flow cell (1000 µm) for use with organoids and spheroids, zebrafish larvae, third instar mosquito larvae, Drosophila embryos to second instar larvae, Arabidopsis seeds, as well as beads from 30 to 700 microns, providing a flexible system suitable for use by multiple labs with varied applications. Objects are analyzed and sorted using size, optical density, and up to three channels of fluorescence, and those objects meeting the sort criteria may be dispensed into 24-, 48- 96- or 384-multiwell plates or bulk receptacles.

FP-2000

This system features our largest flow cell (2000 µm) and has been specially designed for use with zebrafish embryos and larvae, organoids and spheroids, early third instar Drosophila larvae, marine meiofauna, plant calli and beads from 100 to 1500 microns. Objects are analyzed and sorted using size, optical density, and up to three channels of fluorescence. Those objects meeting the sort criteria may be dispensed into 24-, 48- or 96-multiwell plates or bulk receptacles.