Thermo Fisher Scientific Invitrogen Attune CytPix Imaging Flow Cytometer
| Brand | Invitrogen |
|---|---|
| Origin | Singapore |
| Manufacturer Type | Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) |
| Import Status | Imported |
| Model | Attune CytPix |
| Product Category | Imaging Flow Cytometer |
| Application Domain | Research |
| Laser Configuration | 4 Lasers (16 Detection Channels) |
| Optical Resolution (Spatial) | 0.2 µm |
| Sample Flow Rate | 100–1000 µL/min |
| Imaging Throughput | 6,000 images/sec |
| Cell Analysis Speed | ≤65,000 events/sec |
| Fluorescence Sensitivity | FITC < 80 MESF |
| Acoustic Focusing | Yes |
| Absolute Cell Counting | Integrated |
| Clog-Resistant Fluidics | Patented |
Overview
The Thermo Fisher Scientific Invitrogen Attune CytPix Imaging Flow Cytometer is an integrated platform that merges high-throughput flow cytometry with real-time brightfield imaging in a single instrument. Unlike conventional flow cytometers that infer cellular morphology indirectly from scatter and fluorescence profiles, the Attune CytPix captures spatially resolved brightfield images of every event passing through the interrogation zone—enabling simultaneous quantification of phenotypic markers and morphological assessment at single-cell resolution. This dual-modality architecture leverages hydrodynamic focusing augmented by acoustic-assisted sample core alignment, ensuring stable laminar flow across variable sample viscosities and particulate loads. The system operates on a validated optical path incorporating four solid-state lasers (405 nm, 488 nm, 561 nm, and 637 nm), supporting up to 16-parameter detection with spectral unmixing compatibility. Designed for research-grade applications in immunology, stem cell biology, CAR-T development, and bioprocess monitoring, the Attune CytPix delivers orthogonal data streams—quantitative fluorescence intensity, forward/side scatter metrics, and pixel-level morphometric features—all time-synchronized and exportable in standardized formats (e.g., FCS 3.1, TIFF, CSV).
Key Features
- Acoustic-assisted hydrodynamic focusing: Enables 10× faster sample introduction versus conventional sheath-based systems while maintaining tight coefficient of variation (CV) for size and granularity parameters.
- Brightfield imaging engine: Captures 6,000 high-fidelity 2D images per second at 0.2 µm optical resolution, with auto-exposure control and LED-based illumination optimized for low phototoxicity during live-cell acquisition.
- Clog-resistant fluidics architecture: Patented tapered nozzle design and pressure-pulsed backflush protocol accommodate primary tissues, aggregated cells, and viscous biologics without manual intervention or downtime.
- Modular laser and detector configuration: Factory-configurable 4-laser/16-channel layout supports field-upgradable optics and filter sets—validated for compliance with ISO 21501-4 for particle sizing and ASTM E2877 for flow cytometer performance verification.
- Integrated absolute counting: Uses volumetric sampling with precision syringe pumps and calibrated flow sensors to report cell concentration (cells/µL) without reference beads or secondary standards.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Attune CytPix accepts untreated whole blood, PBMCs, dissociated tumor digests, organoid suspensions, and microcarrier-based bioreactor harvests without pre-filtration. Its wide dynamic range (100–1000 µL/min) accommodates both rare-event analysis (e.g., circulating tumor cells) and high-density samples (e.g., >1 × 10⁷ cells/mL). All fluidic pathways are constructed from USP Class VI-certified polymers and undergo rigorous endotoxin testing (<0.03 EU/mL). The instrument complies with IEC 61010-1 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment) and IEC 62304 (Medical Device Software Lifecycle Processes) — relevant for GLP-compliant labs and early-phase biomanufacturing QC environments. Data integrity meets FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when operated with Thermo Fisher’s Attune CytPix Software v3.x or later, including electronic signatures, audit trails, and role-based access controls.
Software & Data Management
Attune CytPix Software provides a unified interface for acquisition, real-time image review, and multi-parametric analysis. It includes built-in morphometric modules (cell area, aspect ratio, texture entropy, nuclear-cytoplasmic contrast) extractable via batch processing. Export options support FCS 3.1 for downstream analysis in FlowJo, Cytobank, or custom Python/R pipelines (via open HDF5 APIs). Raw image stacks are stored in TIFF format with embedded metadata (laser power, gain, exposure time, timestamp), enabling retrospective reanalysis and cross-platform reproducibility. The software supports LIMS integration via HL7 and ASTM E1384 interfaces, and includes automated QC reports compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation standards.
Applications
- Immunophenotyping with morphological validation: Distinguishing blast vs. mature lymphocytes in leukemia samples based on combined CD45/SSC/brightfield texture features.
- Cell therapy process monitoring: Tracking viability, size distribution, and clumping kinetics during expansion and cryopreservation recovery.
- Apoptosis/necrosis discrimination: Using Annexin V-FITC/PI staining alongside membrane blebbing and nuclear condensation metrics derived from brightfield imagery.
- Microbiome-associated immune profiling: Identifying host-derived phagocytic cells containing intracellular bacteria via co-localized fluorescence and image-based engulfment scoring.
- High-content screening: Enabling phenotype-driven gating strategies (e.g., “large granular lymphocyte-like” cells) prior to deep immunophenotyping.
FAQ
Does the Attune CytPix require daily calibration with fluorescent beads?
No. The system uses internal reference photodiodes and laser power stabilization loops for inter-run consistency. Bead-based calibration is optional and recommended only for absolute fluorescence quantification in regulated workflows.
Can brightfield images be acquired simultaneously with all 16 fluorescence channels?
Yes. Brightfield capture occurs in parallel with all configured fluorescence detectors; no time-multiplexing or duty-cycle trade-offs are introduced.
Is the instrument compatible with third-party reagents and antibody panels?
Yes. It supports standard conjugated antibodies, viability dyes, and functional probes validated for flow cytometry. Spectral overlap management is handled via compensation matrices or linear unmixing algorithms.
What is the minimum required sample volume per acquisition?
As low as 20 µL can be reliably analyzed using the low-volume sampling mode, making it suitable for precious clinical specimens or limited primary isolates.
How is data security managed for multi-user laboratory environments?
Role-based permissions, encrypted local storage, and LDAP/Active Directory integration ensure separation of acquisition, analysis, and administrative functions—aligned with ISO 27001 information security frameworks.
