Agilent Introduces the BioTek Cytation 9 Cell Imaging Multimode Reader
Agilent Technologies, Inc. has announced the launch of its latest innovation in laboratory instrumentation, the BioTek Cytation 9 cell imaging multimode reader, expanding its Cytation portfolio with a next-generation platform designed to integrate advanced cell imaging and multimode microplate detection into a single, streamlined system. This new release reflects more than a decade of continuous development in response to evolving research needs and direct customer feedback, aiming to accelerate scientific workflows from early discovery through high-content screening applications.
The BioTek Cytation series, first introduced in 2013, has become widely recognized as a benchmark in combining microplate reading with high-content imaging capabilities. Over the years, the platform has been adopted across academic, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology laboratories, enabling researchers to automate traditionally labor-intensive microscopy tasks and consolidate multiple experimental processes into a single instrument. With the introduction of Cytation 9, Agilent builds upon this established foundation while introducing enhanced performance, broader application capabilities, and improved efficiency.
At its core, Cytation 9 is designed to help laboratories move more quickly from raw samples to actionable insights. Modern research environments are increasingly complex, often requiring scientists to conduct both biochemical assays and cell-based experiments within the same workflow. Traditionally, these processes might involve separate instruments, increasing operational complexity, cost, and time. By integrating multiple functionalities into a unified platform, Cytation 9 aims to simplify these workflows while maintaining high levels of precision and flexibility.
One of the defining features of Cytation 9 is its combination of advanced imaging modalities with hybrid microplate detection technologies. The system includes inverted fluorescence microscopy, which allows for detailed visualization of live or fixed cells within microplates, as well as upright imaging capabilities that support a broader range of sample types. This dual imaging approach enables researchers to analyze samples from multiple perspectives, enhancing experimental versatility.
In addition to its imaging capabilities, the platform incorporates a multimode microplate reader module, enabling detection across various assay types, including fluorescence, luminescence, and absorbance. This integration allows researchers to perform both imaging and quantitative analysis within the same instrument, reducing the need for sample transfer and minimizing potential sources of error. The result is a more efficient and reproducible workflow that can support a wide range of applications, from basic cell biology research to advanced drug discovery studies.
A key focus of Cytation 9’s design is performance improvement, particularly in terms of speed and throughput. According to Agilent, the new system delivers approximately twice the imaging speed of previous Cytation models, enabling researchers to process larger numbers of samples in less time. This enhancement is particularly important in high-throughput screening environments, where efficiency and scalability are critical for evaluating large compound libraries or conducting extensive biological studies.
The development of Cytation 9 has been heavily influenced by feedback from thousands of users worldwide. Over the past decade, scientists using earlier Cytation models have provided insights into their evolving needs, including the demand for faster imaging, greater flexibility, and the ability to handle more complex experimental designs. Agilent has incorporated this feedback into the design of Cytation 9, resulting in a system that is not only more powerful but also more aligned with real-world laboratory workflows.
Xavier Amouretti, Vice President and BioTek and Seahorse Business Unit Leader at Agilent, highlighted the significance of this user-driven approach. He noted that Cytation imagers have long been valued for their ability to automate tedious manual microscopy and simplify complex image analysis tasks. With Cytation 9, the company has extended these capabilities while expanding the instrument’s application range and improving overall performance. According to Amouretti, the new system is positioned to support the next wave of discoveries in cell biology and drug development.
The timing of this launch aligns with broader trends in life sciences research, where there is increasing emphasis on high-content, data-rich experimentation. Advances in areas such as disease modeling, phenotypic screening, and precision medicine require tools that can capture detailed cellular information while maintaining high throughput. Cytation 9 is designed to meet these demands by enabling researchers to conduct sophisticated analyses with greater speed and efficiency.
In pharmaceutical and biotechnology settings, the ability to integrate imaging and assay detection is particularly valuable. Drug discovery workflows often involve iterative testing of compounds across multiple biological systems, requiring instruments that can adapt to diverse experimental conditions. Cytation 9’s flexibility allows it to support a wide range of assay formats and cell models, making it a versatile tool for both early-stage research and later-stage validation studies.
Moreover, the platform’s ability to handle advanced cell-based models is increasingly important as the industry moves toward more physiologically relevant systems. Three-dimensional cell cultures, co-culture systems, and organoid models are becoming more common in research, as they provide more accurate representations of human biology. Instruments like Cytation 9, which can accommodate these complex models, are essential for advancing our understanding of disease mechanisms and identifying new therapeutic targets.
Beyond its technical capabilities, Cytation 9 also reflects a broader effort by Agilent to support end-to-end laboratory workflows. By offering integrated solutions that combine hardware, software, and data analysis tools, the company aims to help researchers streamline operations and improve productivity. This holistic approach is particularly valuable in modern laboratories, where efficiency and data integration are critical for success.
Another important aspect of Cytation 9 is its potential to reduce operational complexity. By consolidating multiple functions into a single instrument, laboratories can save space, reduce maintenance requirements, and simplify training for personnel. This can lead to cost savings over time, as well as improved consistency in experimental results.
In conclusion, the launch of the BioTek Cytation 9 cell imaging multimode reader represents a significant advancement in laboratory instrumentation, combining enhanced imaging capabilities, faster performance, and integrated assay detection into a single platform. Building on the legacy of the Cytation portfolio, Agilent Technologies has developed a system that addresses the evolving needs of researchers across a wide range of disciplines. As scientific research continues to grow in complexity and scale, tools like Cytation 9 will play a crucial role in enabling faster, more efficient, and more insightful discoveries in cell biology, drug development, and beyond.
About Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: A) is a global leader in analytical and clinical laboratory technologies, delivering insights and innovation that help our customers bring great science to life. Agilent’s full range of solutions includes instruments, software, services, and expertise that provide trusted answers to our customers’ most challenging questions. The company generated revenue of $6.95 billion in fiscal year 2025 and employs approximately 18,000 people worldwide. Information about Agilent is available at www.agilent.com. To receive the latest Agilent news, subscribe to the Agilent Newsroom.
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