FAQs

Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our technology and portfolio.

C-FREE Technology
Pluto Models & Capabilities
Antibody Cocktail Preparation​
Workflow & Protocols
Validation & Maintenance
Support & Training

C-FREE Technology

C-FREE is Curiox’s proprietary platform technology for programmable, pipette-based liquid handling and buffer exchange workflows.

It powers both Laminar Wash and Pluto Wash approaches:

  • Laminar Wash: Uses a flat Laminar Wash Plate to create gentle laminar flow and efficient removal of unbound reagents.
  • Pluto Wash: Applies the same principle to standard or curved labware (microplates, deep-well plates, tubes).

Both share a common scientific foundation: automated workflows that reduce manual intervention and improve reproducibility while maintaining comparable cell retention to centrifuge-based methods.

Pluto Models & Capabilities

  • Pluto LT: up to 32 wells per run
  • Pluto MT: up to 72 wells per run
  • Pluto HT: up to 96 wells per run (384-well enabling software feature coming soon)
  • Pluto ALPHA: dedicated 96-well washing station
  • Pluto Code: licensing solution for compatible third-party liquid handlers
  • Pluto LT / MT / HT: Yes—these systems automatically adjust tip pick-up and labware usage.
  • Pluto ALPHA: You must configure the labware layout and manually set the number of wells processed.

Yes—the workflows are virtually identical in principle. The main differences:

  • Throughput (number of wells processed).
  • ALPHA requires manual reagent addition and incubation between steps, while LT, MT, and HT provide fully automated pipetting and timing.

Pluto Code is a licensing model that enables Pluto Wash workflows on compatible third-party robotic pipetting systems, allowing labs to leverage C-FREE technology without purchasing Pluto hardware.

 In most applications, cell retention is comparable. Some workflows report higher yields in Pluto Wash depending on assay setup, but this is not guaranteed.

Yes—as long as your labware is qualified and you adjust protocols for appropriate aspiration and dispense volumes.

 We recommend using bead- or cell-based QC samples to assess:

  • Residual volume after wash
  • Reproducibility across wells
  • Sample integrity

Antibody Cocktail Preparation

Yes—Pluto LT, MT, and HT support automated antibody cocktail preparation workflows:

  • Pipetting multiple antibody volumes into a single mixing well
  • Gentle mixing (with optional repetitions)
  • Documentation of all steps

No—cocktail preparation can be configured quickly using the CSV-based method, where you simply upload a spreadsheet specifying:

  • Antibody names
  • Volumes
  • Source and destination wells

This makes it as easy as writing an SOP, without requiring any manual scripting.

Yes—you can add CPAC cooling modules to maintain temperature for sensitive antibodies.

Workflow & Protocols

  • One wash cycle: ~5–10 minutes depending on volume and pipetting speed.
  • Complete workflows (e.g., stain, lysis, wash): typically 1–3 hours, depending on incubation steps.
  • Pluto ALPHA requires manual reagent addition and incubation between washes.

This depends on your labware and workflow:

  • For microplates (MTP), typical sample loads are similar to standard FCM workflows.
  • For deep-well plates (DWP), you can process higher cell numbers—

Always ensure adequate buffer volume to maintain wash performance.

  • Whole blood
  • PBMCs and other suspension cells
  • Tumor/tissue-derived suspensions (with appropriate pre-processing)
  • Bead-based assays

Yes—provided it is qualified as compatible Pluto labware.

 Yes—validated protocols for:

  • Whole blood staining
  • Intracellular staining
  • Media exchange
  • Bead-based workflows
  • Antibody cocktail preparation

Yes—using PipetLab Editor.
 Additionally, antibody cocktail preparation workflows can be set up easily without custom scripting by uploading a simple CSV file defining reagents, volumes, and labware locations.

Validation & Maintenance

  • Consistency: Superior reproducibility across operators.
  • Cell Retention: Comparable recovery. Some users report higher yields, but this varies by assay.
  • Workflow: Less manual handling and reduced hands-on time.
  • Laminar Wash workflows: Laminar Wash Plates
  • Pluto Wash workflows: Pluto-qualified microplates, deep-well plates, and tubes
  • Pipette tips: C-FREE qualified tips (250 µL and 1,000 µL)
  • After each run: Wipe deck and pipette tips with 70% ethanol.
  • Annual (recommended): Perform position calibration and O-ring inspection or replacement to maintain accuracy and prevent leaks.
    Routine checks beyond this are not typically required unless performance issues are observed.

Pluto systems are labeled Research Use Only (RUO). Customers may validate workflows for regulated environments independently.

Support & Training

  • Installation and operational qualification (IQ/OQ)
  • Hands-on training for operation, scripting, and maintenance
  • Optional advanced scripting courses

Demos are available virtually and in person at Curiox Innovation Centers or through authorized partners. Contact us to find out more.