SHERIDAN, WYOMING – May 08, 2025 – Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) has introduced its highly anticipated Seahorse XF Flex Analyzer, an advanced, high-performance 24-well system designed to propel metabolic analysis in complex 3D tissue and organoid models. This groundbreaking tool, accompanied by dedicated consumables and kits, promises to transform the way researchers study cellular metabolism, providing critical insights into disease mechanisms and therapeutic development.
Enhancing Metabolic Research Capabilities
Metabolism plays a central role in cellular functions, powering energy production and processes like biosynthesis, mitochondrial function, and cell fate decisions. Disruptions in metabolism are linked to numerous diseases, making metabolic analysis a critical area of research. Traditionally, 2D models have been used for this purpose, but they often fail to reflect the complex biological interactions that occur in living organisms.
The Seahorse XF Flex Analyzer offers a major advancement by enabling real-time metabolic analysis in 3D tissue and organoid models, which better mimic in vivo conditions. This system is poised to support the rapid growth of the 3D culture market, which is gaining traction for its ability to provide more physiologically relevant insights compared to traditional cell culture models.
Key Features and Advantages of the Seahorse XF Flex Analyzer
- 24-well high-performance system: Provides enhanced sensitivity and accuracy, allowing researchers to detect even subtle changes in metabolic activity.
- Optimized for 3D models: Tailored for 3D tissue and organoid workflows, offering real-time bioenergetic measurements in live, complex models.
- Seahorse XF Flex 3D Capture Microplate: Essential for capturing 3D tissue samples for accurate metabolic analysis.
- Seahorse XF 3D Mito Stress Test Kit: Measures mitochondrial function in 3D models, crucial for understanding cellular energy production.
- Precision-cut vibratome: Creates consistent, smooth tissue sections for reliable results.
- Intuitive XF software: Simplifies assay setup, automates data quality control, and transforms raw data into actionable insights with minimal effort.
These features work in tandem to offer a comprehensive, user-friendly solution that enhances the accuracy and sensitivity of metabolic measurements, critical for advancing scientific research in cellular metabolism.
Industry Impact and Future Potential
“The new Seahorse XF Flex Analyzer has significantly enhanced our research capabilities,” stated Dr. Yvonne Couch, Associate Professor of Neuroimmunology at the University of Oxford, UK. “Its 24-well user-friendly design allows us to focus on experiments rather than struggling with equipment, while its heightened sensitivity makes it easier to detect subtle changes in metabolic activity in 2D and 3D cellular models. This efficiency and versatility, especially in studying brain tissue, has made it an invaluable tool for advancing our understanding of metabolism.”
Chris Braun, Associate Vice President of Marketing at Agilent, emphasized the broader implications of the analyzer's capabilities: “We are excited about the groundbreaking Seahorse XF Flex Analyzer as it will revolutionize the understanding of cellular metabolism in 3D models and organoids. Surpassing conventional methods, this innovative solution provides richer insight into metabolic functions in living cells, enabling researchers to uncover disease mechanisms and explore novel therapeutic avenues.”
By expanding its portfolio of metabolic analysis tools, Agilent demonstrates its commitment to advancing biomedical research. The Seahorse XF Flex Analyzer not only improves the reliability and versatility of these tools but also offers superior data quality that is essential for preclinical therapeutic development.
Conclusion: Empowering Future Discoveries
The launch of the Seahorse XF Flex Analyzer marks a significant step forward in metabolic analysis, empowering researchers to explore new dimensions in biomedical and therapeutic research. With its enhanced sensitivity, real-time measurements, and optimized 3D tissue workflow, this tool is poised to accelerate breakthroughs in the understanding of diseases and the development of new treatments.
Learn more at Agilent Technologies.