UItron Automation Workstation

UItron is Weilang Bio’s second-generation automated workstation for flow cytometry sample preparation. The platform processes 48 samples in parallel and features proprietary microfluidic liquid exchange technology that enables centrifuge-free cell washing—addressing a long-standing automation bottleneck in flow cytometry workflows.

Product Overview

Developed in response to customer feedback about the complexity of Weilang Bio’s first-generation ReadyGo system, UItron prioritizes operational simplicity while maintaining automation capabilities for complete flow cytometry sample processing. The system targets both research laboratories and clinical diagnostic facilities performing routine or high-volume flow cytometry analysis.

The platform’s defining innovation is its microfluidic approach to cell washing, eliminating the need for centrifugation. Traditional centrifuge-based washing requires mechanical integration, extends processing time, and can damage fragile cell populations. UItron’s technology maintains higher cell viability and recovery while simplifying the overall automation architecture.

Key Features

48-Sample Parallel Processing: Each run processes up to 48 samples simultaneously, enabling efficient batch handling for clinical laboratories with substantial daily throughput requirements.

Microfluidic Cell Washing: The proprietary liquid exchange technology performs cell washing without centrifugation. Compared to traditional centrifugation methods:

• Higher cell preservation ratios
• Improved cell viability
• Stronger positive fluorescence signals
• Higher staining indices without increased background

Integrated Processing Modules:

• Pipetting Module: Automated liquid handling for reagent addition and sample transfer
• Temperature Control: Maintained conditions for antibody incubation steps
• Light-Protected Incubation: Dark chamber for fluorophore-labeled antibody protocols

Pre-Configured Protocols: Common flow cytometry assays are pre-programmed, reducing setup time and operator training requirements compared to fully programmable systems.

Customization Options: While offering simplified operation, UItron retains capability for user-defined protocols when standard configurations don’t meet specific application needs.

Technical Specifications

UItron is a second-generation flow cytometry automation workstation by Weilang Bio, processing 48 samples per run with centrifuge-free microfluidic cell washing.

Clinical Applications

UItron automates sample preparation for various flow cytometry applications:

Immunophenotyping: Automated antibody staining workflows for lymphocyte subset analysis, leukemia/lymphoma classification, and immune monitoring applications.

Hematology Diagnostics: Sample preparation for blood cell analysis including CD4 counting and complete immunophenotyping panels.

Cell Therapy Quality Control: Processing for CAR-T and other cell therapy product characterization where consistent sample handling affects assay reliability.

Research Applications: Standardized sample preparation for reproducible research data across multiple operators and time points.

Technology Advantages

The microfluidic washing approach offers several advantages over centrifugation:

Improved Cell Recovery: Gentle handling preserves fragile cell populations that may be lost during centrifugation steps.

Better Data Quality: Higher cell viability and reduced damage translates to cleaner flow cytometry data with better resolution between positive and negative populations.

Simplified Automation: Eliminating centrifuge integration reduces system complexity, maintenance requirements, and potential failure points.

Consistent Processing: Automated liquid exchange provides more reproducible washing efficiency compared to manual or semi-automated centrifugation protocols.

Regulatory Status

Frequently Asked Questions

How does microfluidic washing work?

The technology uses controlled fluid dynamics to exchange the liquid surrounding cells without the mechanical stress of centrifugation. Cells remain suspended while wash buffer flows through the sample, removing unbound antibodies and debris. The process maintains cell integrity while achieving washing efficiency comparable to or better than centrifugation.

What throughput can UItron achieve?

Each run processes 48 samples in parallel. Total throughput depends on protocol complexity, but the batch processing approach significantly reduces hands-on time compared to manual sample preparation, especially for laboratories running multiple samples daily.

Is UItron suitable for clinical diagnostic use?

The platform is designed for both research and clinical applications. Laboratories should verify regulatory compliance requirements for their specific diagnostic applications in their jurisdiction, as approval status may vary by region and intended use.

How does UItron compare to imported automation systems?

UItron offers a domestically developed alternative to international laboratory automation platforms. The microfluidic washing technology represents a differentiated approach compared to systems that integrate traditional centrifugation for cell washing steps.