Biotek Cytation 1 – Multi-Plate Live Cell Imaging System

The Biotek Cytation 1 is a multi-plate live cell imaging system that integrates traditional microplate reader functionality with digital microscopy in a single instrument. Designed for cell biology laboratories performing live cell imaging, culture monitoring, and quantitative phenotypic analysis, the system merges monochromator-based UV-Vis absorbance measurement with filter-based fluorescence imaging to fulfill both plate reading and imaging requirements. It supports a wide range of sample formats including 6- to 384-well plates, microscope slides, Petri dishes, T25 culture flasks, and hemocytometers. The 4-Zone Condensation Control provides incubation capability up to 45°C with ±0.2°C temperature precision at 37°C. Multiple shaking modes—linear, orbital, and double-orbital—are available. On the imaging side, the system supports monochrome, multi-color, montage, time-lapse, and z-stack acquisition methods using a 16-bit grayscale Sony CCD camera. Users can switch between two objectives and four fluorescence cubes. An optional Gas Control Module enables %0–20 CO2 and %1–19 O2 regulation, maintaining physiological conditions for extended live cell experiments. The Gen5 software manages both image capture and plate reading operations from a unified interface and integrates with automation platforms such as BioStack and BioSpa 8.

Technical Specifications

Applications

• Live cell culture monitoring and time-lapse imaging over extended periods
• Fluorescence and brightfield imaging in cell biology laboratories
• Cell culture experiments requiring hypoxia or physiological gas conditions
• Combined microplate-based UV-Vis absorbance measurements with imaging studies