APPLICATION NOTES
Read about how scientists are using Alto to simplify their interaction characterizations.
The world’s first digital SPR system: zero-maintenance, cartridge-based kinetics and affinity from ultra-low sample volumes
Alto is the world’s first Digital Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) instrument to integrate digital microfluidics (DMF) with nanotechnology-based biosensors. DMF dramatically increases the ease of use of SPR while providing high throughput, high-quality binding affinity and interaction data.
The 16-channel instrument design:
Alto’s innovative integrated cartridge combines 16 parallel sensors with all of the samples, including reagents and buffers, into a cartridge to simplify assay set up. The single-use cartridge supports up to 48 samples. Serial dilutions of each sample are performed onboard, allowing for measuring up to 240 total interactions in one cartridge ― all without user intervention. Once the assay is complete, cleaning up is as simple as removing the cartridge!
Video capture of sample volume being moved and diluted via DMF inside the cartridge. Samples are artificially colored to enhance visibility.
Digital microfluidics (DMF) is a liquid handling technology for manipulating nanoliter-sized droplets across an array of electrodes. Contained within the Alto Cartridge, DMF brings the samples and buffers to the SPR sensor without needing any of the pumps, tubing, or flow cells used by traditional label-free systems, ultimately eliminating the need for maintenance. Alto is compatible with crude samples such as serum, lysate, and cell culture supernatant.
Beyond dramatically increasing the ease of use, the DMF cartridge design additionally breaks traditional SPR limitations by:
Applications
Alto’s comprehensive software, the Nicosystem, provides a centralized hub for acquisition and analysis of real-time binding data, while offering you the flexibility of accessing and sharing your experiments from anywhere.
Explore Nicosystem options for your research needs and budget today.
The Alto GxP Suite includes a software expansion and services to support regulated labs in meeting strict compliance requirements, including FDA’s 21 CFR Part 11 guidelines.
Are you an academic PI starting a lab or an early-stage biotech startup? The Alto Lab Catalyst Program is designed to empower you by providing affordable access to Alto digital SPR technology and dedicated support.
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Association Rate (kon) | Up to 1x10⁹ 1/M*s |
| Dissociation Rate (koff) | 1x10⁻⁵–1.0 1/s |
| Affinity Range (KD) | pM - mM |
| Hardware | |
|---|---|
| Core Detection Technology | Localized SPR fiber optic biosensors |
| Data Channels | 16 |
| Analytes | Up to 48 analytes/cartridge |
| Sample Volume | 2μL |
| Reference:Standard | 1:1 |
| Dilutions | Automated serial dilutions |
| Unattended Run Time | 24+ hours |
| Compliance | Please inquire for your specific needs |
| Instrument Size | 1.5H x 1W x 1.5D (ft) |
| Instrument Weight | 51 lbs |
The unique DMF-based Alto system is revolutionizing SPR assays. The Alto is bringing unprecedented ease of use and unattended operation, while providing high-quality data for up to 48 samples per cartridge, without the need for set up manual dilutions.
Learn more about the technology and its wide application across basic research and drug discovery & development.
Read about how scientists are using Alto to simplify their interaction characterizations.
