Cell density analysis in upstream bioprocessing

Bioprocessing

Accurately assessing viable cell density, cell viability, and total cell count are key parameters in different steps of upstream biomanufacturing workflows.

A robust cell density analyzer, like the XcytoMatic® 40 (XM40™) is agnostic to cell type, application, or therapeutic area. It’s suitable in a multitude of workflows to serve the simple function of measuring cell density and viability on your path to perfecting your product.

Built for GMP biomanufacturing, several new features improve the precision and speed of cell density and viability analysis throughout cell culture, including:

Low sample volume: only 50 μl of your sample are needed
Fast processing time: 35 seconds per sample, for a maximum capacity of 100 samples per hour
Wide cell counting range: 5E4–1E8 cells/ml
Auto-cleaning and sample handling: the user does not have to clean the instrument or manually stain samples
24-sample carousel: the carousel allows for flexible sample loading and high-throughput analysis

Unlimited applications, so you can focus on doing great science

As the science continues to move forward, the XM40™ will be there to quickly grab a cell count, or a hundred.

Whether you need to seed cells before expanding them, optimize cell culture media, count cells before transfection, analyze high-density samples, gain a clear picture of your peripheral blood mononuclear cells, or monitor cellular debris, XM40™ is your true bioprocessing companion, helping you optimize your process and product in less time and with less hassle.

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Features

Time-Saving

Save 4 ½ minutes per cell count with the the XM40™ compared to using a hemocytometer. That’s nearly a full day shift after 100 counts.

Easy to use

Both novice and experienced users of the XcytoMatic® 40 can achieve similar levels of precision. By eliminating several manual sample handling steps and minimizing the need to maintain the instrument, users quickly learn how to use the system.

Precision

When we say this instrument is precise, it’s because we have performed hundreds of cell counts with it on over a dozen cell types. From these results, we can say with confidence, our instruments are the most precise cell count and viability analyzers available.

Reliability

As we say: any sample, any user, anywhere and anytime. Your results vary minimally between instruments, users and sites, supporting process and tech transfer.

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Book a demo

To see it in action, book a demo with one of our XM40™ specialists and learn more about how this instrument can benefit your workflow. Some features that may interest you are:

Speed: With a 24-sample carousel and the option to have multiple carousels, users can load a new carousel into the instrument after the previous one has finished running, allowing the user to count 100 samples per hour.
Auto-cleaning: the instrument rinses its internal tubing system after each round of cell counting is complete. It also cleans the used tubes and neatly places them into a disposal container located on the left side of the instrument.
Reagents: Two reagents are used to perform cell analysis on this instrument. They include XM Cell Stain 1, which contains a mixture of acridine orange (AO) and 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) and XM Rinse 1, which is used for automatic rinsing of the instrument. The reagent bottles are long-lasting.
Pre-calibration: Since the instrument is pre-calibrated before release, there is minimal variation between different instruments, supporting easy tech transfer.
Brightfield and fluorescence microscopy: In contrast to our other instruments, the XcytoMatic® 40 uses both brightfield and fluorescent channels to illuminate your cells, allowing for a complete picture of your sample. Measuring cell diameter and cell debris is now even more accurate, providing key information about cell culture performance.

We look forward to showing you the capabilities of this instrument in your bioprocessing set up. Get in touch with us and one of our XcytoMatic® 40specialists will get in touch with you soon.

FAQ

How does the XM40™ work?

The XM40™ is an image cytometer. It takes pictures of cell samples and analyzes them using algorithms trained using artificial intelligence. Using brightfield and fluorescence microscopy together, the instrument captures a great deal of data about your cell sample, providing more accurate determinations of cell diameter and cellular debris. Using fluorescent dyes AO and DAPI, the instrument calculates cellular viability.

What cell types does the XM40™ analyze?

The XM40™ is able to analyze most, if not all, mammalian cells, such as those widely used in cell culture (HEK293T, CHO, Vero cells, hematopoietic stem cells, mesenchymal stromal cells, etc.). The current version of the XM-View™ software allows for analysis of purified white blood cells as well, accurately counting red blood cells and PBMCs. In the future, the instrument will also analyze aggregated cell types.

Do I need to use a pipette to use the XM40™?

Yes. Users need to pipette precisely 50 μl of their cell sample into the 1.5 ml lidless tubes that go into the carousel. It is important to use good pipetting technique when operating this instrument to achieve best results.

How precise is the XM40™ instrument and how does it compare to other cell viability analyzers?

Precision refers to the variation in cell counting results and includes variation in data produced by one instrument or between multiple instruments. The variation, referred to as the coefficient of variation, of total cell count in all 24 samples of the carousel within one instrument, is under 3%. Between three different XM40™ instruments, we have measured a coefficient of variation under 5%. Other instruments and manufacturers typically aim to keep variation between instruments under 10%. Due to our pre-calibration protocols, we can deliver more precise instruments.

Is the XM40™ suitable for compliance with 21 CFR Part 11?

Yes. With a Secure Mode license, the user of the instrument can ensure to comply with all aspects of 21 CFR Part 11.