# US 11,441,996 B2 · Flow cytometers having enclosed droplet sorters with controlled aerosol content and methods of using the same

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- Number: US 11,441,996 B2
- Document ID: US11441996B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 17/101,319
- Filed: 2020-11-23
- Published: 2021-04-15
- Granted: 2022-09-13
- Earliest claimed: 2018-04-27
- Assignees: Becton, Dickinson and Company
- Applicants: Becton, Dickinson and Company
- Inventors: Pierce Norton; Kyle Dembski; Henry Lankila
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11441996B2

## CPC

- G01N 15/1404: Handling flow, e.g. hydrodynamic focusing
- G01N 15/1459: {the analysis being performed on a sample stream}
- G01N 15/149: specially adapted for sorting particles, e.g. by their size or optical properties
- G01N 2015/1006: {for cytology}
- G01N 2015/1493: {Particle size}
- G01N 2035/00277: {Special precautions to avoid contamination (e.g. enclosures, glove- boxes, sealed sample carriers, disposal of contaminated material)}
- G01N 2035/00455: {Controlling humidity in analyser}
- G01N: INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES (measuring or testing apparatus or processes other than immunoassay, involving enzymes or microorganisms C12M, C12Q)

## Abstract

Flow cytometers having an enclosed particle sorting module are provided. Aspects of the flow cytometers include, in addition to the enclosed particle sorting modules, a sample input module fluidically coupled to an inlet of the enclosed particle sorting module, a waste reservoir fluidically coupled to first outlet of the enclosed particle sorting module and a first sorted particle collection system fluidically coupled to a second outlet of the enclosed particle sorting module. Flow cytometers as described herein are configured to control aerosol content in the enclosed particle sorting modules, including the sort chambers of such modules. Also provided are methods of using the flow cytometers, as well as kits that include one or more components of the flow cytometers are consumables for use therewith.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method of flow cytometrically processing a sample, the method comprising:
introducing a particulate sample into an enclosed particle sorting module of a flow cytometer comprising:
an enclosed particle sorting module having a sort chamber comprising a droplet deflector;
a sample input module fluidically coupled to the enclosed particle sorting module;
a waste reservoir fluidically coupled to first outlet of the enclosed particle sorting module;
a closed recirculating gasflow between the sort chamber and the waste reservoir; and
a first sorted particle collection system fluidically coupled to a second outlet of the enclosed particle sorting module;
wherein the flow cytometer is configured to control aerosol content in the sort chamber; and
sorting the introduced particulate sample.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The method according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises maintaining a temperature above dew point in the sort chamber.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The method according to claim 1, wherein the particles are cells.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The method according to claim 1, wherein the method is performed under sterile conditions.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The method according to claim 1, wherein the closed recirculating gas flow comprises a desiccant.

### Claim 6

A particle sorting module comprising:
a sort chamber, the sort chamber comprising:
droplet deflector
a first outlet configured to fluidically connect a waste stream to a waste reservoir via a waste line, wherein the first outlet is configured to be axially aligned with the waste stream; and
a second outlet configured to fluidically couple sorted particles to a collection system;
wherein the particle sorting module is configured to control aerosol content in the sort chamber by minimizing contact of the waste stream with a wall of the first outlet.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The particle sorting module according to claim 6, wherein the first outlet has a diameter ranging from 5 to 10 mm.

### Claim 8 (depends on 6)

The particle sorting module according to claim 6, wherein the enclosed particle sorting module further comprises a heater.

### Claim 9 (depends on 6)

The particle sorting module according to claim 6, wherein the particle sorting module further comprises an aligner.

### Claim 10 (depends on 6)

The particle sorting module according to claim 6, wherein the module is sterile.

### Claim 11 (depends on 6)

A kit comprising:
a particle sorting module according to claim 6; and
sterile packaging for the enclosed particle sorting module.

### Claim 12 (depends on 11)

The kit according to claim 11, wherein the kit further comprises a sorted particle collection system.

### Claim 13 (depends on 12)

The kit according to claim 12, wherein the sorted particle collection system comprises:
(a) a collection container having a sort tube in droplet receiving relationship with the second outlet; and
(b) a sample output operatively coupling a cell collection location of the collection container to a mating connection for an evacuated receiving container.

### Claim 14 (depends on 13)

The kit according to claim 13, wherein the kit further comprises an evacuated receiving container.