Curiox Pluto Automated Sample Preparation Workstation for Flow Cytometry
| Brand | Curiox |
|---|---|
| Model | Pluto |
| Origin | Jiangsu, China |
| Instrument Type | Automated Liquid Handling & Cell Processing System |
| Plate Compatibility | Standard 96-well plates, 96-well deep-well plates |
| Intended Use | Research-grade flow cytometry sample preparation |
| Configuration Options | Three throughput tiers (Low/Medium/High) with modular accessory support |
| Regulatory Context | Designed for GLP-compliant research environments |
Overview
The Curiox Pluto Automated Sample Preparation Workstation is an integrated liquid handling and cell processing platform engineered specifically for reproducible, walk-away execution of flow cytometry sample preparation workflows. Built upon a precision robotic arm architecture with multi-channel pipetting modules and temperature-controlled deck zones, the Pluto system implements standardized protocols for cell suspension, reagent addition, antibody pre-mixing, intracellular/extracellular staining, and magnetic bead–based or centrifugation-free cell washing. Its design adheres to core principles of volumetric accuracy (±1.5% CV at ≥10 µL), tip-to-tip carryover control (<0.1%), and positional repeatability (±0.1 mm), ensuring inter-run consistency critical for multiparametric cytometric analysis. Unlike generic liquid handlers, the Pluto integrates hardware-level coordination between aspiration/dispense kinetics, incubation timing, and plate movement—enabling seamless transition between staining steps without manual intervention.
Key Features
- Modular throughput scalability: Three distinct Pluto configurations—Pluto S (low-throughput, up to 24 samples/run), Pluto M (medium-throughput, up to 96 samples/run), and Pluto H (high-throughput, dual-deck operation supporting parallel 96-well processing)—allow laboratories to align automation capacity with experimental scale and budget.
- Dedicated cell-compatible fluidics: Non-contact dispensing and low-shear aspiration paths minimize cell stress and aggregation; integrated anti-droplet formation nozzles prevent cross-contamination during antibody addition.
- Temperature-managed deck zones: Independent Peltier-controlled areas maintain 4 °C for antibody storage, 20–25 °C for ambient staining, and optional 37 °C incubation modules (add-on) for fixation/permeabilization steps.
- Reagent tracking & tip management: Barcode-scanned consumables (tips, plates, tubes) enable full traceability; disposable tip racks are auto-recognized and tracked across runs to enforce single-use compliance.
- Open protocol architecture: Supports import/export of SOPs in XML-based LHA (Labware Handling Architecture) format; compatible with third-party scheduling tools via RESTful API interface.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Pluto workstation accommodates primary human and murine immune cells, PBMCs, cultured cell lines (e.g., Jurkat, THP-1), and magnetically labeled cell subsets. It accepts standard ANSI/SLAS-compliant 96-well flat-bottom, V-bottom, and deep-well plates—including those from Corning, Greiner, and Sarstedt—without adapter modification. All wetted surfaces contact only USP Class VI-certified materials. The system meets ISO 13485 design control requirements for research instrumentation and supports validation documentation packages (IQ/OQ/PQ) aligned with GLP and GMP-adjacent laboratory practices. When operated with Curiox’s validated C-Free Control Suite v3.2+, the Pluto satisfies electronic record integrity criteria under FDA 21 CFR Part 11, including user authentication, audit trail logging, and electronic signature enforcement.
Software & Data Management
C-Free Control Suite provides a browser-based interface for protocol creation, run monitoring, and instrument diagnostics. Protocols embed step-level metadata—including reagent lot numbers, operator ID, timestamped execution logs, and environmental sensor readings (deck temp, humidity). Raw run data exports as CSV and FCS-compatible annotation files for direct ingestion into FlowJo, Cytobank, or custom Python/R analysis pipelines. Audit trails record all user actions, parameter modifications, and error events with immutable timestamps and hash-verified integrity. Remote access is secured via TLS 1.3 encryption; on-premise deployment options preserve data sovereignty for institutional IT policies.
Applications
- Standardized immunophenotyping panels (e.g., 8-color T-cell subset profiling)
- Intracellular cytokine staining (ICS) workflows requiring precise fixation/permeabilization timing
- Cell sorting pre-enrichment preparation with magnetic bead–based depletion or positive selection
- High-parameter spectral flow cytometry sample prep where batch effects must be minimized
- Longitudinal clinical trial sample processing under controlled SOPs across multiple sites
FAQ
Does the Pluto system support custom antibody panels with variable incubation times?
Yes—incubation durations, temperatures, and agitation modes (orbital vs. static) are fully programmable per step within each protocol.
Can the Pluto integrate with existing LIMS or ELN systems?
Yes—via configurable webhooks and HL7/FHIR-compliant adapters; integration support is included in the Enterprise license tier.
Is validation support available for regulated environments?
Curiox provides IQ/OQ documentation templates, traceability matrices, and on-site PQ assistance for labs operating under ISO 17025 or CAP accreditation frameworks.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
Preventive maintenance includes quarterly calibration verification, annual fluidic path inspection, and firmware updates delivered biannually through secure vendor portal.
Are consumables proprietary or third-party compatible?
All pipette tips, plates, and reservoirs follow ANSI/SLAS standards; however, Curiox-validated tips are recommended for optimal carryover performance and pressure sensing accuracy.
