The SortingModule extends the AcCellerator platform with active cell sorting directly within the RT-DC workflow.
Cells can be sorted in real time based on deformation, size, brightness, morphology — or fluorescence signals detected with the FluorescenceModule.
No labeling is required for intrinsic property-based sorting.
Conventional fluorescence-based sorting relies on molecular labeling. The SortingModule enables sorting based on intrinsic biophysical properties extracted in real time during measurement.
Sorting parameters can include:
Cell deformation
Cell size (area)
Brightness and morphology parameters
Fluorescence intensity (when combined with the FluorescenceModule)
Any logical combination of extracted parameters
This enables functional sorting without antibodies or dyes.
The SortingModule uses pressure-controlled flow shifting inside the microfluidic chip (FlicSo) to redirect selected cells into a target outlet.
Key characteristics:
Available for 20 µm and 30 µm sorting channels
Measurement rates up to 100 cells per second
Positive sorting rates up to 50 cells per second
Typical absolute target recovery of several 10k cells (dependent on initial concentration)
Minimal additional mechanical stress to sorted cells
The pressure-driven flow shift avoids strong electric or mechanical perturbation of cells.
Experimental demonstration of size-based microbead sorting in a microfluidic channel, captured with an extended field of view to visualize the sorting event.
Sorting decisions are applied in real time based on the defined gate. The target population is redirected during flow and can be re-analyzed immediately to verify enrichment.
This enables quantitative validation of sorting efficiency within the same workflow.
Example of label-free sorting of lymphocytes from leukocytes using a size gate.
Left: measurement population with defined sorting gate.
Right: re-analysis of sorted target fraction.
The SortingModule is designed as a fully integrated extension of the AcCellerator system.
It includes:
Sorting control module for pressure pulse generation
SortingUnit mounted directly to the existing SampleBox
Microfluidic sorting chips (FlicSo)
SampleStage for FlicSo integration
Upgrade of Shape-In software for full sorting control
Installation, training and initial consumables
Existing AcCellerator systems can be upgraded.
The SortingModule enables two complementary strategies:
Label-Free Sorting
Sort cells based purely on intrinsic mechanical phenotype and morphology.
Fluorescence-Assisted Sorting
Combine molecular identity with mechanical phenotype for multi-parameter sorting decisions.
This creates a unified workflow for functional mechanophenotyping and targeted cell isolation.
The SortingModule is commercially available as an add-on for the AcCellerator. The price is 54 000 €.
(price only for business customers from academia within Europe, excl. VAT)
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