Beckman Coulter Launches Premiere Instrument in New Flow Cytometer Series

Beckman Coulter, Inc. introduces the Gallios Flow Cytometry system, an instrument that delivers analytical excellence, coupling extraordinary sensitivity, resolution and dynamic range with high-speed data collection. The instrument’s unprecedented detection capabilities and easy-to-use software, combined with new dyes -- some with proprietary tandem dye technology -- facilitates superior performance of multi-color flow cytometry assays.

Developed for the research and biopharmaceutical markets, with input from a number of investigators, the multi-color, multi-laser Gallios is the first in a series of key flow cytometry instrument, software and reagent releases that Beckman Coulter plans to announce this year.

A particular emphasis on optical and electronics design, combined with powerful automation and software tools, allows Gallios to greatly enhance the efficiency and analytical capabilities of flow cytometry laboratories. Patented electronics provide accurate and efficient digital signal processing at high event rates over a wide dynamic range of fluorescence intensities. These benefits are packaged in a compact analyzer that delivers stable performance over long periods of time and across a wide range of operating temperatures.

The Gallios houses up to three highly reliable, solid-state lasers in standard red and blue, with violet available as an option. Easily interchanged optical filters facilitate detection of a variety of dyes and wavelengths.

An innovative forward-scatter detector provides up to three measurements of cell size and visualization of particles down to 0.404 mm in diameter. A side-scatter detector incorporates an independently focused, high-performance photodiode with electronic attenuation. Six fluorescence detectors provide simultaneous acquisition of up to six fluorescence signals. Up to four fluorescence detectors can be added to the system, enabling concurrent reading of up to 10 colors. Simultaneous measurements of integral, peak and width are available for all parameters, including scatter and fluorescence signals. A selection of up to 62 parameters can be processed per analysis, at acquisition rates of 25,000 events-per-second, with high yield. Three scaleable configurations allow for the future addition of more lasers and fluorescence detectors as the applications for complex multi-color flow cytometry expand.

According to Brad Calvin, vice president of Beckman Coulter's Flow Cytometry Business Center, "Every aspect of Gallios’ optics design increases application performance, sensitivity and resolution. Our systems have the potential to enhance flow laboratory efficiency by increasing productivity and improving the reliability and reproducibility of results, thus reducing the cost of flow cytometry testing."

Beckman Coulter is also launching www.coulterflow.com -- a web portal that will enrich cytometry research. Features of this resource include a variety of specially designed interactive tools, such as cell signaling maps, a fluorochrome spectral overlap viewer and an experimental design tool to help cytometrists set up applications. Users will be able to access the latest flow cytometry product information, view extensive reference resources and order reagents.