1. Custom Made Test Tube Holder for BD FACS ARIA III
University of California, Merced
School of Engineering
Christopher Cruz – Ryan Burtzlaff – Diane Martinez – Socorro Martinez
Figure 5. A magnetic stirring plate was attached to the
back of the test tube holder to help mix the fluids inside.
Results showed that the attached stirring plate successfully
mixed the fluids together.
Cost Analysis
Results
Three models were printed using a 3D printer . Each model
is able to accommodate the following combination of test
tube sizes:
• 1x 50mL, and 2x 5mL Test Tubes
• 2x 50mL Test Tubes
• 2x 15mL, and 2x5mL Test Tubes
Figure 2. 2x50mL Test Tube Holder
Figure 3. Results from a sorting test using the 2x50mL test
tube holder . Each color represents a different type of cell
being sorted into each test tube. Results show that the
sorting accuracy of each cell type into the correct test tube is
about 88.77%. This indicates that our models is compatible
with the ARIA II
Figure 4. Model placed into Aria III
Mission Statement
Mission is to streamline the cell sorting process at the Stem
Cell Instrumentation Facility (SCIF) by creating a cost-
effective custom made device to improve sorted stream
collection and increase cell viability
Introduction
Background: The BD FACS Aria III is a cell sorting machine
commonly used at the Stem Cell Instrumentation Facility
located on UC Merced for research purposes. This machine
is capable of sorting up to 4 different cell types from one
sample into their own test tube.
Problem:
• Test Tube Holder can only hold a small variety of test tube
sizes.
• Cell Sorter has difficulty mixing the sheath fluid and serum
together.
1a) 1b)
Figure 1a. Image of FACS Aria III; 1b. Image of sheath fluid
(top layer) not mixed with serum (bottom layer).
Objective
• Design and create a Test Tube Holder that is able to
accommodate a variety of combinations of test tube sizes.
• Develop a mixing mechanism so that the sheath fluid and
serum are able t combine properly.