Bio-Rad Acquires Cell Sorting System from Propel Labs

What are the terms of the agreement?

Under the terms of agreement, Bio-Rad has acquired Propel Labs’ Avalon™ system, an automated, easy-to-use benchtop cell sorter. The new system will be provided and supported exclusively under the Bio-Rad brand as the S3 Cell Sorter.

Why did Bio-Rad acquire the Avalon system?

Cell sorting systems are used primarily in flow cytometry core facilities at academic, government, and industrial research institutions due to the size, high cost, and complexity of operation and maintenance. Bio-Rad and Propel Labs recognized the market need for a robust, low cost cell sorter to handle the workload challenges facing core facilities today. Additionally, the simplicity of operation and price point will make cell sorting more accessible to new labs and core facilities that previously could not afford or support such an instrument.

What does Tidar Sadeh, Propel Labs President and CEO, have to say about the agreement?

“We welcome the opportunity to partner with Bio-Rad to commercialize the S3 Cell Sorter. This cell sorting platform establishes a new benchmark in terms of price, performance, and ease-of-use and meets the needs of researchers working in cell biology today.”

Tell me about the S3 Cell Sorter (formerly the Avalon system).

Bio-Rad’s S3 Cell Sorter uses established jet-in-air technology and is equipped with one or two lasers and up to four fluorescent detectors as well as forward and side scatter detectors.

What are the advantages of the S3 Cell Sorter?

•    The new ProDrop™ technology automates setup and calibration in less than 30 minutes, which allows samples to be sorted at high speeds while maintaining sensitivity and high purity.

•    The completely internalized fluidics and temperature control system enable a compact size to fit in any lab.

•    Each S3 Cell Sorter is shipped with an intuitive, lab friendly ProAnalyzer™ software package. Installation and on-site training can be completed within three days.

What is Propel Labs?

Propel Labs, Inc. is a privately held biotechnology instrumentation company headquartered in Fort Collins, CO USA. Its principals helped develop the MoFlo™ cell sorter and the CyAn™ analyzer. The company focuses on the customer by quickly delivering innovative products and enhancing their research to advance patient care. For more information, visit www.propel-labs.com.