Curiox biosystems launches affordable cell washing automation system
Curiox Biosystems has launched a new automated cell washing system that eliminates centrifugation to enhance cell viability whilst streamlining laboratory workflows. The Curiox C-Free Pluto ALPHA represents an advancement in sample preparation technology with potential applications in immunophenotyping, cell therapy development, and drug discovery research.
Curiox C Free PLUTO-ALPHA
Technology principles
The newly developed Pluto ALPHA utilises pipette-based technology rather than traditional centrifugation methods for washing suspension cells and beads. This approach aims to preserve cell integrity and reduce variability between samples, addressing a common challenge in cellular analysis workflows. The system employs a fixed 96-channel pipette head and operates with multiple pre-configured wash protocols designed for different application requirements.
The elimination of centrifugation steps means cells undergo less mechanical stress during preparation, potentially leading to improved viability and more consistent experimental outcomes. This gentle washing approach may be particularly valuable for applications involving delicate primary cells or rare cell populations where sample preservation is critical.
Integration considerations
With a compact benchtop footprint, the device has been engineered to integrate into existing laboratory infrastructures without requiring significant space allocation or additional equipment. The system supports multiple labware formats including standard 96-well plates, deep-well plates, and the company’s proprietary Laminar Wash plates. Maintenance requirements are reportedly comparable to standard pipetting stations, with the company suggesting minimal downtime for service interventions. The instrument offers wash cycles from two minutes onwards, which could represent time savings compared to centrifugation-based protocols that typically require multiple spinning, decanting and resuspension steps.
“The Curiox C-Free Pluto ALPHA combines affordability, simplicity, and precision, enabling labs of all sizes to achieve consistent, reliable results while saving time and resources,” said Dr Namyong Kim, CEO & CTO at Curiox Biosystems.
Technical specifications
The standard configuration includes three plate decks and a fixed 96-channel pipette head. The instrument’s protocols are categorised into four pre-configured options: Light, Moderate, Heavy, and Ultra wash protocols, presumably calibrated for different sample types and experimental requirements.
According to the manufacturer, the system can be customised with configurable pipette tips and adjustable wash parameters for specialised applications. This flexibility could allow laboratories to optimise protocols for specific cell types or experimental conditions.
Cost implications
Priced below $30,000, the Pluto ALPHA has been positioned as an affordable automation solution for laboratories operating under budget constraints. The company appears to be targeting small to medium-sized research facilities that may previously have found automation prohibitively expensive.
The economic rationale extends beyond the initial capital expenditure, with the manufacturer suggesting operational cost reductions through decreased hands-on time and improved experimental reproducibility. By automating repetitive washing steps, research staff could potentially focus on more complex analytical tasks.
For more information, visit: https://www.curiox.com/pluto-alpha
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