Plug flow cytometry: An automated coupling device for rapid sequential flow cytometric sample analysis
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Updated: Oct 13, 2026
Flow Cytometric Analysis of Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation: A High Throughput Quantitative Method to Study Protein-protein Interaction
Published on: August 15, 2013
B S Edwards1, F Kuckuck, L A Sklar
1Cancer Research and Treatment Center, Departments of Cytometry and Pathology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA.
Background:
The tools for high throughput flow cytometry have been limited in part because of the requirement that the samples must flow under pressure. We describe a simple system for sampling repetitively from an open vessel.
Methods:
Under computer control, the sample is loaded into a sample loop in a reciprocating eight-way valve by the action of a syringe. When the valve position is switched, the plug of sample in the sample loop is transported to the flow cytometer by a pressure-driven fluid line. By coupling the plug-forming capability to a second multi-port valve, samples can be delivered sequentially from separate vessels.
Results:
The valve is able to deliver samples at rates ranging up to about 9 samples per minute. Each plug of sample has uniform delivery characteristics with a reproducible coefficient of variation (CV). Even at the highest sampling rate, carryover between samples is limited.
Conclusions:
Plug-flow flow cytometry has the potential to automate the delivery of small samples from unpressurized sources at rates compatible with many screening and assay applications.
