Thermo Fisher Attune NxT Flow Cytometer
| Brand | Thermo Fisher |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Regional Classification | Domestic (China-manufactured) |
| Model | Attune NxT Flow Cytometer |
| Pricing | Available upon Request |
Overview
The Thermo Fisher Attune NxT Flow Cytometer is a compact, benchtop flow cytometry platform engineered for high-speed, high-fidelity single-cell analysis in research laboratories. It operates on acoustic focusing hydrodynamics—utilizing ultrasonic standing waves to precisely align cells in the center of the sample stream prior to laser interrogation. This principle eliminates reliance on traditional sheath fluid pressure-based hydrodynamic focusing, thereby reducing clogging risk, improving signal-to-noise ratio, and enabling stable, reproducible data acquisition at flow rates up to 1,000 µL/min—approximately tenfold faster than conventional hydrodynamically focused cytometers. The system supports up to four spatially separated lasers (including violet 405 nm, blue 488 nm, yellow-green 561 nm, and red 637 nm) and up to 14 simultaneous fluorescence detection channels, with configurable optical filters and high-sensitivity photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) optimized for low-abundance antigen detection and multicolor panel design.
Key Features
- Acoustic focusing technology ensures consistent core alignment across variable sample viscosities and particulate loads, enhancing measurement reproducibility and reducing maintenance downtime.
- Benchtop footprint (54 × 59 × 44 cm) enables deployment in shared core facilities, biosafety cabinets, or limited-space labs without compromising optical performance.
- Optional Attune CytPix imaging module integrates a high-speed monochrome CMOS camera synchronized with the fluidics path, capturing brightfield images of every cell passing through the interrogation point at up to 10,000 cells/sec.
- Automated image analysis software correlates morphological descriptors (e.g., area, aspect ratio, texture, nuclear/cytoplasmic contrast) with standard fluorescence parameters, supporting phenotypic validation and rare-event identification.
- Compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements via optional audit-trail-enabled software package, including electronic signatures, user access controls, and immutable data archiving—suitable for GLP- and GMP-aligned preclinical studies.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Attune NxT accepts a wide range of sample types—including whole blood, PBMCs, dissociated tissues, cultured adherent and suspension cells, and even small-volume microsamples (as low as 5 µL). Its low-pressure fluidics architecture minimizes shear-induced activation or lysis, preserving native cell surface marker integrity. All reagents and protocols are validated for use under Research Use Only (RUO) regulatory status. The instrument complies with IEC 61010-1 (safety of laboratory equipment), EN 61326-1 (EMC), and ISO 13485–aligned quality management systems at the manufacturing site in Shanghai. It is not intended for diagnostic, clinical, or therapeutic applications.
Software & Data Management
Instrument control, acquisition, and analysis are managed through Attune Software v3.x—a Windows-based application featuring intuitive workflow templates, real-time histogram and dot-plot visualization, and batch processing capabilities. Data files are saved in standardized FCS 3.1 format and support third-party analysis platforms (e.g., FlowJo, Cytobank, R/Bioconductor). The optional 21 CFR Part 11-compliant software module provides role-based permissions, session logging, electronic signature capture, and encrypted database storage. Raw event data, acquisition metadata, and user annotations are retained with full traceability for audit readiness.
Applications
- Immunophenotyping of heterogeneous immune populations in murine models and human clinical trial samples.
- Cell cycle and apoptosis profiling using DNA-binding dyes and caspase activity probes.
- Intracellular cytokine staining and phospho-flow analysis for signaling pathway characterization.
- Stem cell and progenitor cell enumeration and functional assessment in regenerative medicine workflows.
- Microvesicle and exosome characterization via high-sensitivity scatter and lipophilic dye detection.
- Quality control of CAR-T and other adoptive cell therapy products during manufacturing release testing.
FAQ
Is the Attune NxT manufactured in the USA?
No—the Attune NxT system sold in China and select APAC markets is manufactured at Thermo Fisher’s ISO 13485-certified facility in Shanghai.
Can the instrument be upgraded from 2 to 4 lasers post-purchase?
Yes—hardware upgrade paths are available through authorized service engineers, subject to optical bench compatibility and firmware revision requirements.
Does the CytPix module require additional training for image analysis?
Basic morphometric outputs are generated automatically; advanced custom feature extraction may require familiarity with scripting interfaces (Python API) or consultation with Thermo Fisher Application Scientists.
What sample tube formats are supported?
Standard 12×75 mm polystyrene tubes, 5-mL polypropylene tubes, and 96-well plates (with compatible autosampler option).
Is remote monitoring or cloud-based data backup supported?
Local network sharing and scheduled backups to network drives are supported; native cloud integration is not included but can be implemented via institutional IT infrastructure and FCS file export protocols.
