I am currently sorting sperm using a FACS Aria II and getting good results when I coat the tubes in 0.3% BSA for 30 min prior. I am able to centrifuge the cells after sorting but each time I do some of the cells falls apart. For this reason I only want to centrifuge one time but I have to centrifuge multiple times to wash out the BSA as I want to use these cells for mass spec. Does anyone know any alternatives to BSA that I can coat my tubes with?
Have you tried collecting sorted cells in polypropylene tubes rather than polystyrene?
We have good success without needing to coat with BSA.
Hi Rachel,
It's been a while since your last post here, but I thought I give it a try anyway. I have a similar problem like you described.
We are sorting cells under the microscope in a BSA-containing buffer. It works nicely but now we want to do Mass spec with these cells and I want to get rid of the BSA in my buffer. BSA-free buffer doesn't work because sorted cells stick everywhere (glass dish, pipette, sorter,...)
I was just wondering how you used the PVA in your buffer? Did you dissolve it in water?
Thanks for any help or suggestions.
Philipp
