Why The Pluto Workstation Is Not Just Another Liquid Handling Workstation

The Curiox C-FREE^TM Pluto system (Pluto workstation) stands out from conventional liquid handling platforms due to its powerful algorithm-driven capabilities and user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI). It’s more than just a physical workstation; it’s an innovative solution designed to redefine automation in cell analysis.

The Power of the Pluto Workstation: Algorithm-Driven Automation for Suspension Cells

The Pluto workstation’s defining feature is its patent-pending algorithm that enables the washing of suspension cells and beads with minimal or no reliance on a centrifuge. This breakthrough represents a significant cost-saving and efficiency improvement for labs. Automating centrifugation typically requires extensive integration and additional devices that can cost upwards of $250,000, even if a lab already has a workstation. Pluto’s smart algorithm, however, eliminates these needs by delivering centrifuge-less washing through robotic pipette control. And with a starting price below $50,000, Pluto workstations provide an unparalleled range of capabilities, making them an invaluable tool for labs focused on cell analysis.

Why the Pluto Workstation is Not Just Another Liquid Handling System

In many laboratories, protocols may require workflows with and without a centrifuge. Traditionally, this has meant purchasing multiple workstations to meet the range of application needs or giving up the automation provided by centrifuge-based workflows due to a higher cost. Thanks to its proprietary, smart algorithm, a single Pluto workstation can handle a wide variety of assays, from those involving centrifugation to those that do not. This versatility minimizes the need for multiple units, consolidating capabilities into one relatively small but powerful platform that and can be to support future assays as they are developed.

Automation Beyond the Ordinary

Equipped with the Pluto algorithm, this workstation transforms routine workflows. Notably, with just a set of pipette heads, it automates processes that traditionally require centrifugation, such as cell staining—a task often handled manually due to the nature of suspension cells. By integrating the Pluto wash function, the workstation can handle these cells gently and effectively, drastically reducing manual labor.

The Pluto workstation’s flexibility extends further. Leveraging the precision of its robotic pipette, it also automates antibody cocktailing, streamlining processes that previously required intensive hands-on preparation. This automation reduces the complexity and potential for human error in multi-step staining protocols, giving lab personnel more time for higher-value tasks.

Future-Ready for New Assays

The Pluto workstation’s functionality is designed to evolve alongside scientific needs. As labs introduce new assays, such as bead-based immunoassays, the Pluto workstation is primed to perform these with ease. The algorithmic washing of beads will be seamlessly integrated into its expanding repertoire beyond cell analysis into protein and gene analysis, allowing the workstation to meet the demands of cutting-edge research in immunology, oncology, and other fields requiring precise, reliable cell analysis.

Comprehensive Liquid Handling Capabilities

As a high-end liquid handling platform, the Pluto workstation is capable of much more than just cell analysis. It’s equipped to handle a variety of general liquid handling tasks, from reagent mixing to sample preparation, making it a versatile addition to any lab.

Conclusion

The Pluto portfolio family redefines what’s possible in cell analysis through intelligent, algorithm-driven automation. It’s a cost- and space-effective, efficient alternative to conventional workstations, delivering a broad range of functionalities at a fraction of the typical investment. With its advanced capabilities, adaptability, and user-friendly design, the Pluto workstations are essential tools for labs seeking to elevate their cell analysis workflows and streamline their operations.

The Curiox C-FREE product portfolio currently includes three versions of the Pluto system featuring the unique workstation capabilities highlighted above. These are the HT (High Throughput with a 96-channel liquid handling head), MT (Mid Throughput with a 24-channel liquid handling head), and LT (Low Throughput with an 8-channel liquid handling head) systems. By offering systems that support different throughput needs, you are able to get the exact right fit for your lab and current workflow. Learn more and request a quote now.