iCyt Unveils New Flow Cytometry Products in Collaboration with Sony at CYTO2010

CHAMPAIGN, Ill., May 7 /PRNewswire/ -- iCyt, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, today announced the introduction of their new flow cytometry products at CYTO2010, the Congress of the International Society for Advancement of Cytometry (ISAC), held in Seattle. (http://www.isac-net.org/) These new products are the first to be released by the two companies since iCyt was acquired by Sony in February of this year. These are SYNERGY - an advanced bench-top cell sorter/analyzer, and ECLIPSE - a multi-color automated bench-top analyzer. Both new instruments have been optimized for use with iCyt's new comprehensive line of flow cytometry reagents.

SYNERGY exceeds the analytical capabilities and more than doubles the sorting capacity of competitive bench-top instruments, without taking up more laboratory space. The unique, dual module SYNERGY supports two high performance cell sorter modules, two automated cell analyzer modules, or a sorter/analyzer combination in a single bench-top package. Each module is user-configurable with up to seven lasers and 26 high-sensitivity fluorescent detectors (52 total). The SYNERGY is compatible with all popular fluorochromes and fluorescent protein combinations. SYNERGY sorter and analyzer modules utilize a unique, Sony-developed, molded detection channel and nozzle system. This new Sony technology provides the customer with a simple, cost-effective nozzle and detection channel replacement option for aseptic sorting. SYNERGY analyzer features an automated sample loading system that supports a wide variety of multi-well plate and test tube formats. SYNERGY sorter may be integrated into a certified biosafety cabinet that provides both operator safety and sample protection.  The space-saving SYNERGY combines iCyt and Sony technologies to deliver high performance, biosafe, flow cytometry solutions for stem cell sorting, cell biology, immunology, or microbiology research.

The ECLIPSE analyzer is simple to use and offers greater versatility than any instrument in its class. The ECLIPSE is an affordable solution for flow cytometry, cell counting, and particle sizing applications. With four laser options, electronics cell volume, and user-configurable fluorescent detectors, the ECLIPSE is compatible with all commonly used fluorochromes and fluorescent proteins. The ECLIPSE features a flexible sample loading system that supports a wide variety of multi-well plate and test tube formats. The intuitive ECLIPSE software simplifies operation. The highly versatile ECLIPSE offers an affordable solution that will boost productivity in any busy cell biology, immunology, or microbiology research laboratory.

SYNERGY and ECLIPSE have been optimized for use with iCyt's extensive new line of flow cytometry reagents that will be introduced at CYTO2010. Included is a broad portfolio of mouse and human monoclonal antibodies tailored for use in cell biology, immunology, cancer research, and stem cell research.

Sony and iCyt will also present several new developments at the CYTO2010 conference. In technical sessions at the conference, scientists and engineers from both companies will present exciting new results of their research efforts in hyper-spectral cytometry, microfluidic cell sorting, micro-injection molded nozzles, reflective optical systems, and dielectric spectro-cyometry. The commercial exhibit will also highlight a novel spectral measurement technology developed by Sony. This technology allows the full spectrum of visible light to be captured for each cell passing through a flow cytometer.

These presentations will highlight Sony's dedication to innovation in the development of flow cytometry instrumentation, reagents, and applications. Sony and iCyt plan to present their next innovations at the 14th International Congress of Immunology in Kobe Japan this August (http://www.ici2010.org/).

About iCyt:

iCyt supplies advanced flow cytometry analysis and sorting technology for use in life science research. Its products are marketed to private and public research institutions, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and large medical centers. iCyt has received significant industry recognition for its line of multi-channel, high-speed cell sorting products. iCyt, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, is headquartered in Champaign, Illinois. www.i-cyt.com

SOURCE Sony Corporation of America