Agilent Seahorse XFp Analyzer Consumables

Overview

The Agilent Seahorse XFp Analyzer Consumables are purpose-engineered disposable components essential for the operation of the Agilent Seahorse XFp Extracellular Flux Analyzer—a benchtop platform designed for real-time, label-free measurement of cellular bioenergetics. These consumables implement the patented Microchamber Technology, enabling simultaneous, kinetic quantification of oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) in live cells under physiologically relevant conditions. Unlike endpoint assays or bulk metabolic readouts, the XFp system captures dynamic mitochondrial respiration and glycolytic flux with high temporal resolution—critical for studying metabolic phenotypes in primary cells, stem cells, immune cells, and adherent or suspension cultures. The microchamber architecture ensures precise reagent delivery, minimized diffusion delays, and consistent microenvironmental control across all 8 wells per assay plate.

Key Features

• Patented Microchamber Cartridge Design: Integrated sensor probes and microfluidic channels enable automated, sequential injection of up to four metabolic modulators during a single assay run.
• Pre-Calibrated & Pre-Loaded Reagents: XFp Assay Kits contain lyophilized or pre-dosed compounds—including oligomycin, FCCP, rotenone/antimycin A, and 2-DG—validated for concentration accuracy, stability, and functional activity across lot-to-lot production.
• XF Base Medium Formulation: Chemically defined, bicarbonate- and serum-free basal medium optimized for low background OCR/ECAR, minimal buffering interference, and compatibility with diverse cell types without requiring pH adjustment or CO₂ incubation.
• Single-Use, Sterile, Low-Binding Plates: 8-well XFp Miniplates feature uniform well geometry, optical clarity for imaging integration, and surface treatment validated for consistent cell attachment and minimal non-specific binding.
• OEM-Qualified Manufacturing: All consumables are manufactured under ISO 13485-certified quality systems, with full traceability, lot-specific QC documentation, and compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-aligned controls for regulated research environments.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The XFp consumables support mammalian cells including but not limited to T cells, macrophages, iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, neuronal progenitors, and cancer cell lines—with validated protocols for both adherent and non-adherent formats. Each lot undergoes functional verification using standardized reference cell lines (e.g., HEK293, Jurkat) to ensure signal-to-noise ratio ≥15:1 and inter-well CV ≤8%. Regulatory alignment includes adherence to ISO/IEC 17025 principles for assay validation, compatibility with GLP-compliant workflows, and full documentation support for audit readiness (including raw data export logs, calibration certificates, and reagent stability reports). While not intended for clinical diagnostic use, these consumables meet requirements for preclinical pharmacology, toxicology screening, and mechanistic studies aligned with NIH, EMA, and FDA guidance on mitochondrial toxicity assessment.

Software & Data Management

Consumables integrate natively with Wave Desktop Software v2.6+ and Agilent’s cloud-enabled Seahorse Analytics Platform. The software auto-detects cartridge type and lot number via embedded RFID tags (on select kits), applies lot-specific calibration curves, and enforces protocol versioning to ensure reproducibility. Audit trails capture user actions, instrument events, and environmental parameters (e.g., ambient temperature, humidity) per ASTM E2500-18. Raw flux data is exported in .xlsx and .csv formats compliant with FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data principles. For regulated labs, optional 21 CFR Part 11-compliant modules provide electronic signatures, role-based access control, and immutable data archiving.

Applications

• Mitochondrial Stress Testing: Quantitative profiling of basal respiration, ATP-linked OCR, proton leak, maximal respiratory capacity, and spare respiratory capacity.
• Glycolytic Rate Assays: Measurement of basal glycolysis, glycolytic capacity, and glycolytic reserve under glucose-dependent or substrate-limited conditions.
• Immunometabolism Studies: Real-time monitoring of metabolic reprogramming in activated T cells, M1/M2 polarized macrophages, or dendritic cells.
• Drug Mechanism of Action Screening: Evaluation of compound effects on OXPHOS, glycolysis, fatty acid oxidation, or glutaminolysis pathways.
• Toxicity Assessment: Detection of mitochondrial dysfunction induced by environmental toxins, chemotherapeutics, or nanomaterials.

FAQ

Are XFp consumables compatible with other Seahorse instruments?
No—XFp Miniplates, cartridges, and reagent kits are mechanically and functionally specific to the XFp Analyzer and are not interchangeable with XF96, XFe24, or XFe96 platforms.
What is the shelf life of XFp assay kits upon receipt?
Lyophilized kits retain full activity for 12 months when stored at –20 °C; liquid reagents must be used within 30 days of thawing and storage at 4 °C.
Can XF Base Medium be substituted with standard culture media?
No—standard DMEM or RPMI introduces high background ECAR and variable buffering, compromising assay sensitivity and reproducibility. XF Base Medium is required for valid OCR/ECAR interpretation.
Do consumables include calibration standards?
Yes—each XFp cartridge includes built-in positive and negative control wells for on-board sensor calibration prior to every assay run.
Is technical support available for assay optimization?
Agilent provides application scientists with protocol consultation, cell seeding density recommendations, and troubleshooting guides—accessible via registered user portal or direct inquiry through regional support centers.