Vi-CELL MetaFLEX: Automated biochemical analysis for cell culture and research
Beckman Coulter's Vi-CELL MetaFLEX is a biochemical analyser specifically designed to meet the needs of intensive research and bioproduction environments. This automated system provides accurate and rapid measurements of various biochemical parameters in cell culture media and whole blood samples used for research purposes. It is not a device intended for clinical diagnosis, which allows for greater flexibility in basic or industrial research laboratories.
One of the major advantages of the Vi-CELL MetaFLEX is its speed. It provides comprehensive results in less than 2 minutes, which is essential for real-time monitoring of cellular processes and for optimising culture viability and productivity. Thanks to its intuitive touchscreen interface and automated operation, the device is easy to use on a daily basis, even in high-throughput environments. Its integrated sensor cartridge and solution pack system reduces maintenance and ensures continuous measurement reliability.
The device measures a wide range of parameters crucial for monitoring cell physiology, including pH, partial pressure of CO₂ (pCO₂) and O₂ (pO₂), and concentrations of glucose, lactate, calcium, sodium, potassium and chloride. It also provides derived measurements such as total haemoglobin concentration (ctHb), oxygenation (sO₂), and the fractions of oxyhaemoglobin, carboxyhaemoglobin, methaemoglobin and foetal haemoglobin. This wealth of data allows metabolic drifts to be anticipated and culture conditions to be adjusted in real time.
Technologically, the Vi-CELL MetaFLEX uses a variety of measurement principles such as potentiometry for electrolytes and pH, amperometry for glucose and lactate, and optical spectrophotometry for oximetry analyses. These methods, combined with automatic three-level calibration and intelligent consumable management, ensure accurate and robust results.
Maintenance is simplified thanks to smart consumables with memory chips that track the number of tests and expiry dates. Installation is quick and the instrument can be battery-powered as an option, making it particularly flexible in a laboratory environment. In addition, USB, network and external peripheral interfaces (printer, keyboard) facilitate integration of the system into existing digital workflows.
The Vi-CELL MetaFLEX is the solution of choice for bioproduction researchers and engineers who want precise, fast and reliable control of their cell cultures in a user-friendly interface with a small footprint.
