MMI CellEctor single-cell isolation system: automated recognition followed by capillary aspiration under direct microscopic observation. Authorized distributor in China: Oriental Horizon Technology Co Ltd (Beijing).

System overview

CellEctor is a capillary aspiration system supplied as a complete configuration with an inverted research microscope. The default host microscopes are the Nikon Ti2-E, EVIDENT IX83 / IX85, and ZEISS Axio Observer 7.

The optional CellDetector automated target recognition software locates targets under the microscope on the basis of color, morphology, and relative size. Each target is then aspirated with a glass capillary and transferred to a PCR tube, an ibidi vessel, or a multi-well plate. Rare cells in suspension can be isolated with an automated recognize-then-aspirate workflow, and adherent cells can be picked in shake mode without prior trypsinization. Applications reported by the manufacturer include circulating tumor cells (CTCs), sperm, plant cells, and pollen. The entire process can be observed and recorded under the microscope, and aspiration takes place only after the target has been identified.

Figure. MMI CellEctor capillary isolation on an inverted research microscope.

Key features

• Dedicated to single-cell aspiration and isolation.
• Optional CellDetector automated target recognition, suitable for rare cells in suspension and for adherent single cells.
• The whole procedure is visible and can be recorded, which supports standardized operation and review of results.

Related systems

For laser microdissection of tissue sections, see CellCut; for infrared optical tweezers, see CellManipulator. CellEctor can be configured on the same inverted research microscope as CellCut and CellScan; section cutting and suspension aspiration are quoted separately. Sievewell nanowell chips are an optional accessory that allows rare cells to settle into individual wells before aspiration.

For research use only.