The Attune™ NxT Acoustic Focusing Cytometer

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A benchtop acoustic focusing cytometer

The Attune™ NxT Acoustic Focusing Cytometer is a benchtop analyzer (Figure 1) that uses acoustic focusing—a revolutionary technology that precisely aligns cells using ultrasonic waves prior to interrogation with one or more lasers. This technology enables multicolor flow cytometric analysis with significantly greater collection rates and an improved ability to detect rare events without excess sample manipulation. The Attune™ NxT system offers:

  • Unique modular design—one-day field-upgradable system with configurations for 1–4 lasers and up to 14 emission channels
  • Fast detection speeds—short acquisition times without loss of data quality enable applications such as rare-event detection and use of no-lyse, no-wash techniques
  • Distinctive acquisition and analysis software—intuitive and powerful for users of all experience levels
  • Convenient size—complete setup fits on your benchtop
Photo of the Attune NxT Acoustic Focusing Cytometer with optional Attune NxT Autosampler 
Figure 1. Attune™ NxT Acoustic Focusing Cytometer with optional Attune™ NxT Autosampler, for processing up to 384 samples.

Multicolor analysis in a modular design

With up to 4 lasers and 14 emission channels for multiparameter analysis, the Attune™ NxT Acoustic Focusing Cytometer was designed as a modular system to fit most experimental needs and lab budgets (Table 1). The Attune™ NxT cytometer can be configured to accommodate most common fluorophores used in flow cytometry, as well as to match the panels you are currently running. For example, with the optional violet and yellow lasers (in addition to the standard blue laser), the Attune™ NxT cytometer can be used to simultaneously detect multiple fluorescent proteins. Whether you configure your system now or upgrade later, the Attune™ NxT Acoustic Focusing Cytometer can grow with you and your research needs.

Table 1. Specifications for the Attune™ NxT cytometer.

FeatureAttune™ NxT Acoustic Focusing Cytometer
Size, weight40 x 58 x 43 cm (16 x 23 x 17 in), 29 kg (64 lb)
Electrical100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, <150 W
ExcitationUp to 4 lasers: Violet (405 nm, 50 mW), blue (488 nm, 50 mW), yellow (561 nm, 50 mW), red (637 nm, 100 mW) Laser profile: Flat-top laser requiring minimal alignment Flow cell: Quartz cuvette gel-coupled to 1.2 NA collection lens
EmissionForward scatter: Photodiode detector with 488/10 nm bandpass filter Side scatter: PMT with 488/10 nm bandpass filter Emission filters: User-changeable, keyed filters
FluidicsSample rate: 12.5–1,000 μL/min Sample analysis volume: 20 μL–4 mL Sample tube size: 17 x 100 mm to 8.5 x 45 mm Sample delivery: Positive-displacement syringe pump Fluid storage: All fluids stored within instrument with active fluid level sensing (optional external tank available)
PerformanceData acquisition rate: Up to 35,000 events/sec Maximum event file: 20 million Particle size range: 0.5–50 μm Automated maintenance: ≤15 min startup and shutdown

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