COPAS
COPAS Platform Overview
The COPAS platform is designed for the measurement of objects ranging in size from 20–1500 microns (diameter). Each COPAS model features a specially engineered fluidic path, flow cell and optics optimized for a specific subset of that size range to provide maximum speed, accuracy, resolution and throughput, depending on the application. Instruments can dispense objects either into bulk receptacles or multi-well plates.
A 488 nm solid state laser is used to measure both the size and optical density of the objects, as well as for fluorescence excitation. Each COPAS system can be equipped with up to three lasers.
The real-time analysis of these measured parameters is used to make sort decisions and only those objects meeting the user-selected sort criteria are dispensed into microtiter plates or stationary receptacles. Those objects not meeting the sort criteria are gently sorted by a puff of air to a sample container, where they may be recovered, unharmed and viable.
Top view of COPAS optics layout
Instruments are equipped with an X-Y stage to permit the dispensing of objects into micro-wells, including 24-, 48-, 96-, and 384-well plate formats. Using the COPAS software, users may custom design templates or use default templates.
Factory trained personnel will install your new COPAS system and train you at your site in the operation and routine maintenance of the system and accessories.
All systems are supplied with a Windows™ workstation running COPAS™ software for operation and analysis.
Every COPAS system is covered by a full one-year warranty. At the end of this warranty period, a factory certified engineer will perform a preventive maintenance service call to ensure continued high performance. Several options are available for extended warranty service contracts or on-demand repairs.
Choosing a COPAS Model
Each COPAS system features a specially engineered fluidic path and flow cell optimized for a specific object size range to achieve the highest accuracy and sensitivity possible. The table below summarizes the largest object size recommended for each COPAS platform and also provides general system recommendations based on some sample applications. The applications listed are not exhaustive, but simply meant to provide a general overview of system capabilities. For a more detailed discussion of your particular application, including those applications that are not listed here, please contact our applications scientists directly at AppSupport@unionbio.com.
| Fluidics and Optics Core Assemblies | 250 µm | 500 µm | 1000 µm | 2000 µm | |
| Object size range (microns) | 10-200 | 20-400 | 30-750 | 30-1500 | |
| Recommended object size (microns) | 20-150 | 40-300 | 200-700 | 500-1500 | |
| Sample Type | Size/Stage of Object | ||||
| Small Model Organisms | |||||
| C. elegans | embryo to adult | R | O* | ||
| synchronized adults | R | R | |||
| D. melanogaster | embryo to 1st instar | R | |||
| 1st and 2nd instar | R | ||||
| 3rd instar | R | ||||
| D. rerio | embryo to hatchling | R | |||
| Plants | |||||
| Arabidopsis & tobacco |
seeds, early seedlings | R | |||
| Large Cells & Cell Clusters | |||||
| Adipocytes | R | R | |||
| Duct Cells (kidney, breast, pancreas) |
R | O | |||
| Hepatocytes | R | O | |||
| Pancreatic Islets | O | R | |||
| Stem Cells | R | ||||
| Embryoid Bodies | O | R | O | ||
| Beads** | |||||
| R = Recommended | O = Optional | ||||
| * Size resolution with 500 μm not as good as with 250 μm, Fluorescence is OK, Speed reduced by 1/2. | |||||
| ** Bead sizes are "swollen" sizes in water (not dry). | |||||