Axetris Impedance Flow Cytometer takes advantage of the superior sensitivity of its microfluidic chip for measuring the electrical properties of any kind of cells (bacteria, yeasts, animal and human cells). This technology does not need the use of specific biomarkers, thus, most analyses can start right after sampling. The device can measure changes in cell size, membrane capacitance and cytoplasmic conductivity, parameters whose alterations characterise many cellular processes. It is best suited for routine, pre-diagnostic and quality control analyses. Following applications have already been successfully tested:
| • Cell type discrimination: mixed populations of bacteria, yeasts, spores and animal cells |  |
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| • Growth stage discrimination: budding yeasts & bacterial spore formation | |||
| • Haematology: | › white blood cells: | - lymphocytes, monocytes, granulocytes | |
| - activated and resting leukocytes | |||
| › red blood cells: | - structure and form changes | ||
| - membrane modifications | |||
| • Parasitology: | › animal cell infection with parasites (Theileria) | ||
| • Cell differentiation: | › monocytes –› dendritic cells & macrophages | ||
| › fibroblasts –› adipocytes | |||
| • Vitality studies: | › nutrient deprivation (cell lines) | ||
| › cytotoxic agent testing | |||
| › desinfectant treatment (bacteria, yeasts) | |||
Specifications
| Impedance Chip Channel dimensions |
20 x 20 μm, 10 x 10 μm or 40 x 40 μm (depending on application requirements) |
| Impedance measurement Frequency range Frequency selection |
300 kHz – 20 MHz Up to 4 different frequencies simultaneously |
| Analysis range Sample volume Concentration range |
50-800 μl 1 x 105 to 1 x 107 cells/ml |
| Fluidics Sample flow rate Pump Labware compatibility |
0.2 – 2.0 μl/min Pulsation-free DC motor micropump Standard 5 ml polystyrene round-bottom tubes (Falcon® 352058) |
| Operating System | Windows® XP |
| Software | CellRecorder for data acquisition in fcs3-format |
| Dimensions & Weight Dimensions (WxDxH) Weight |
40 x 40 x 25 cm 22.4 kg |
| Operating Environment Temperature Humidity Power |
16° - 32°C 10% -90% relative non-condensing 120V AC ± 10%, 240V AC ± 10%, 50/60 Hz, < 500 W |