Beckman Coulter CytoFLEX SRT Desktop Flow Cytometer Sorter

Overview

The Beckman Coulter CytoFLEX SRT Desktop Flow Cytometer Sorter is an integrated, high-parameter sorting platform engineered for precision, reproducibility, and operational simplicity in academic, translational, and biopharmaceutical research environments. Built upon the proven optical architecture of the CytoFLEX platform, the SRT variant extends analytical capability into high-fidelity cell isolation—leveraging hydrodynamic focusing, electrostatic droplet charging, and real-time digital signal processing to achieve robust single-cell sorting at speeds up to 30,000 cells per second. Its core measurement principle relies on laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) and light scatter detection across four spatially separated lasers (405 nm, 488 nm, 561 nm, and 638 nm), each coupled to configurable bandpass filters enabling up to 15 simultaneous fluorescence parameters. The system operates under laminar flow conditions with a 100 µm nozzle and 35 kHz droplet oscillation frequency, ensuring stable jet-in-air generation and minimal shear stress—critical for maintaining post-sort viability and functional integrity of sensitive primary cells, stem cells, and rare immune subsets.

Key Features

• Compact desktop footprint (64 × 61 × 51 cm) with integrated fluidics, electronics, and optics—designed for benchtop deployment without dedicated infrastructure.
• Automated alignment and real-time liquid stream monitoring, including bubble detection and automatic recovery—eliminating manual calibration and reducing operator dependency.
• Quadruple-collection sorting with independent gating logic per stream, supporting mixed-mode sorting (e.g., purity vs. yield trade-offs) and discard-capture functionality to recover valuable cells excluded from primary sort gates.
• No-voltage-adjustment operation: pre-optimized electrode voltages and deflection plate settings are factory-calibrated and dynamically maintained via closed-loop feedback control.
• Cyclone Movement indexing enables coordinate-mapped single-cell deposition into 96- or 384-well plates, slides, or tubes—essential for clonal expansion, CRISPR screening, and single-cell multi-omics workflows.
• Modular laser and detector architecture allows field-upgradable expansion from base configurations (e.g., V-B-Y-R 3-laser) to full 4-laser/15-channel capability without hardware replacement.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The CytoFLEX SRT accommodates a broad range of biological samples—including whole blood, PBMCs, dissociated tissues, cultured adherent and suspension cells, and microorganisms—across volumes from 10 µL to 1 mL per tube. Its low-shear fluidics (operating at ≤20 psi sheath pressure) preserve membrane integrity and antigen epitope exposure, supporting downstream applications such as RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, functional assays, and adoptive transfer. The instrument meets IEC 61010-1 safety standards and supports biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) compliance when paired with optional aerosol containment cabinets or standalone exhaust systems. All data acquisition, compensation, and sorting decisions are logged with time-stamped, user-attributed audit trails—fully compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures. Routine performance verification aligns with ISO 13973-1 (flow cytometer calibration) and ASTM E2810 (fluorescence sensitivity assessment).

Software & Data Management

CytExpert for CytoFLEX SRT delivers a unified interface for acquisition, analysis, and sorting setup—built on a deterministic real-time operating system for sub-millisecond event processing. The software includes automated spectral unmixing, batch-based compensation matrix generation, and intuitive gate hierarchy management for complex multistep sorting strategies. All sorting parameters—including trigger thresholds, population logic, collection destination mapping, and index-sorting coordinates—are saved as encrypted, version-controlled experiment files (.cyt). Raw FCS 3.1 files are generated with embedded metadata (instrument configuration, date/time, operator ID, QC metrics), enabling traceability across GLP and GMP workflows. Remote diagnostics and firmware updates are supported via BeckmanConnect—a secure, HIPAA-compliant cloud portal providing tiered technical assistance and predictive maintenance alerts.

Applications

The CytoFLEX SRT serves critical roles across immunology (e.g., rare Treg or exhausted CD8+ T-cell isolation), oncology (circulating tumor cell enrichment, leukemia stem cell sorting), regenerative medicine (MSC and iPSC subpopulation purification), and vaccine development (antigen-specific B-cell cloning). Its high-sensitivity FITC detection (<30 MESF) and low rCV (<3%) support quantitative phenotyping of low-abundance markers such as PD-1, CTLA-4, or intracellular cytokines. The ability to sort into multiwell plates with positional fidelity enables high-content functional screening, while the discard-capture mode ensures maximal recovery of low-frequency targets—such as neoantigen-reactive T cells or CRISPR-edited clones—without compromising sort purity. In bioprocess development, it facilitates rapid clone selection and stability monitoring of therapeutic cell lines under cGMP-aligned documentation practices.

FAQ

What is the maximum number of fluorescence parameters supported?
The fully activated CytoFLEX SRT supports up to 15 fluorescence detection channels, distributed across four lasers (405 nm, 488 nm, 561 nm, 638 nm) with position-tunable bandpass filters.
Does the system require daily alignment or voltage tuning?
No. The CytoFLEX SRT features fully automated liquid stream establishment, real-time droplet break-off monitoring, and factory-optimized electrode settings—requiring zero user intervention for voltage adjustment or optical alignment.
Can I upgrade my existing CytoFLEX S analyzer to SRT sorting capability?
No. The CytoFLEX SRT is a distinct platform with integrated sorting hardware (electrodes, deflection plates, collection manifolds) and cannot be retrofitted onto non-sorting CytoFLEX S instruments.
Which collection formats are natively supported?
Standard options include 5 mL and 15 mL conical tubes, microscope slides, 96-well (deep- and shallow-well), and 384-well plates—with programmable positioning for index sorting.
Is aerosol containment included by default?
Aerosol containment is optional and available either as a fully integrated Biosafety Cabinet or as a standalone exhaust module—both certified to meet NIH/CDC BSL-2 aerosol management guidelines.