Techniques for analysis, sorting, and dispensing of C. elegans on the COPAS flow-sorting system

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Developmental Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Traditional flow cytometry is limited to analyzing single cells.
• Model organisms like Caenorhabditis elegans are valuable for biological research but challenging to analyze at scale.
• Automated sorting of multicellular organisms is needed for high-throughput studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the COPAS Biosorter, a novel flow cytometer for analyzing and sorting large objects like Caenorhabditis elegans.
• To demonstrate the capability of high-speed, automated optical analysis and sorting of multicellular organisms.

Main Methods:

• The COPAS Biosorter uses a laser beam to optically scan organisms along their long axis as they flow through a cell.
• Laminar flow orients the organism, enabling sequential excitation of fluorescent properties.
• Analysis is based on fluorescent protein expression, lectin/antibody binding, and autofluorescence.

Main Results:

• The system analyzes and sorts living multicellular organisms at rates up to 100 organisms per second.
• It can distinguish organisms based on various optical signatures, including fluorescent protein expression.
• Dispensing capabilities allow for targeted collection and precise distribution of sorted organisms.

Conclusions:

• The COPAS Biosorter provides a high-speed, automated solution for analyzing and sorting Caenorhabditis elegans and similar multicellular organisms.
• This technology advances research by enabling efficient selection and distribution of organisms based on defined optical properties.
• The system expands the application of flow cytometry to larger biological models.