Cytation 9 Imager and 406 FX Washer/Reagent Dispenser

We are awarding a contract to Agilent Technologies LDA UK Limited for the purchase of the Cytation 9 Imager and the 406 FX Washer/Reagent Dispenser based on their ability to meet specific technical and operational requirements.

The Edinburgh Genome Foundry is undergoing major expansion to incorporate a fully automated platform for the handling and analysis of mammalian cells. For a piece of kit to be integrated in such an automated platform, it needs to be designed especially for this purpose.

The Agilent Cytation 9 combines high-content imaging, multimode microplate reading, and both upright and inverted microscopy within a single instrument.

The Agilent BioTek 406 FX also combines automated washing and reagent dispensing capabilities, together with built-in ultrasonic maintenance technology (key for fully automated operations) within a single integrated system. This is a unique combination of capabilities that would otherwise require multiple instruments.

It is necessary for these instruments to perform multiple functions due to essential requirement to fit a robotic platform in a limited space and therefore it is not possible to have separate standalone instruments performing each function. The Agilent solutions provide the required functionality while maintaining the performance standards necessary for advanced cell-based assay workflows.

Furthermore, the Cytation 9 and 406 FX are designed to operate as complementary components within automated cell-based assay workflows. This integrated workflow enables efficient end-to-end automation, reduces manual intervention, and supports the facility's requirement for high-throughput, reproducible operation. The facility also collaborates extensively with international Biofoundries and partner laboratories that utilise the same platform. Adoption of this equipment will facilitate collaboration, enable the exchange of validated protocols and data, and support standardisation of workflows across laboratories, which is a key requirement within Engineering Biology.