Pala Cell Sorter and Single Cell Dispenser

How does the Pala set up time compare to FACS? The Pala significantly reduces set up and maintenance time compared to conventional FACS. Pala can be set up and run, achieving single cell isolation in as little as 7 minutes. Conventional FACS systems, can take over an hour to set up and provide results.

How does the Pala Cell Sorter and Single Cell Dispenser compare to traditional FACS and limited dilution with sensitive cell lines? The Pala system is gentle and uses very low pressure (<2 psi) for cell sorting. In contrast, conventional FACS instruments use relatively high pressures (30-70 psi), which can be damaging for sensitive cells, resulting in reduced cell viability. The figure on the left shows a comparison of cellular stress response genes between cells isolated using a FACS instrument vs. using Bio-Techne's gentle cell sorting technology. Cells sorted with a FACS instrument showed induction of cellular stress response genes such as Ubiquitin C (Ubc), while cells sorted using Bio-Techne's technology show much lower expression of stress response genes. Limited dilution, on the other hand, is a gentle technique but does not yield high rates of single cell clones and has no fluorescence sorting capabilities resulting in laborious screening and high experimental failure rates.

Can Pala fit in a tissue culture hood to keep my samples sterile? Pala is a compact, benchtop system ideal for fitting into a tissue culture hood for sterile sorting. You can carry out all the preparatory work on your cells and isolate them at the same workstation! At 35 lbs., Pala can be moved outside of the hood when not in use to free up valuable space.

I run multiple samples and sterile isolation is important in my work, how does the Pala cell sorter mitigate contamination risk? Pala utilizes disposable microfluidic cell cartridges, which are specifically designed for sterile isolation. The closed cartridge design, and the ease of switching between cartridges with different samples, eliminates the potential for sample to sample carryover.

Pala is an innovative, easy-to-use system, supported by world class customer support. The Pala system is automated and easy-to-use with an intuitive software interface. There is no extensive training or specialized expertise required. If you’re not sure, call tech support and we’ll be happy to help!