Beckman Coulter Debuts OptiMATE Gradient Maker

Beckman Coulter Life Sciences has launched the OptiMATE Gradient Maker, an instrument designed to automate the process of density gradient ultracentrifugation (DGUC). The new system accelerates purification processes by up to 75% while improving consistency and reproducibility.

Current upstream workflows can take up to three days with time-consuming steps including stock preparation, mixing and dispensing, along with tube sealing and up to 48 hours for spinning. The OptiMATE Gradient Maker slashes that time to as little as six hours with four steps from method creation, connecting consumables, method running, and spinning. The spin process alone shrinks from up to 48 hours to less than five hours by dispensing pre-formed linear gradients, which dramatically reduces centrifuge run times.

“This innovation offers a major breakthrough to expedite purification workflows,” said Shawn Sternisha, global commercial product manager at Beckman Coulter Life Sciences. “By automating the complex and time-consuming gradient preparation, we’re able to help laboratories dramatically reduce tedious, error-prone manual steps while improving the consistency and reproducibility of their results. This advancement not only drives efficiency, but also ensures high-quality outputs which are essential for a wide range of applications.”

The OptiMATE Gradient Maker, for research use only (RUO), is ideal for purifying viral vectors such as adeno-associated virus (AAV). The system simplifies the process of preparing ultracentrifuge-ready tubes, allowing researchers to achieve high-purity results with minimal manual intervention. Its plug-and-play design makes it easy to integrate into existing lab setups without requiring extensive training, providing a user-friendly solution for busy research environments, according to the company.

Intuitive software with a user-friendly design enables operators to be trained in a matter of hours versus weeks, all in a compact and space-saving benchtop design.

“The OptiMATE Gradient Maker is designed to meet the growing demand for faster, more consistent purification,” said Balasubramanian Venkatakrishnan, senior application scientist. “By unleashing the benefits of automation to critical steps in gradient preparation, we’re enabling labs to obtain high-quality results more quickly and with less variability. This is a key benefit for researchers focused on high-throughput purification and those looking to improve efficiency in their workflows, empowering their next big discovery.”

The OptiMATE Gradient Maker is not intended or validated for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions.

Beckman Coulter Life Sciences, a Danaher company, accelerates answers to critical questions through the power of efficiency, saving hours from some workflows and delivering reliable results in centrifugation, flow cytometry, genomic solutions, particle analysis/counters, and liquid handlers. The firm develops innovations for scientists by scientists, translating science in partnership with its customers.

Danaher is a global life sciences and diagnostics innovator, committed to accelerating the power of science and technology to improve human health. Its businesses partner closely with customers to solve many of the most important health challenges impacting patients worldwide. Danaher’s advanced science, technology, and ability to innovate help enable faster, more accurate diagnoses and reduce the time and cost needed to sustainably discover, develop, and deliver life-changing therapies. The company employs about 63,000 workers.