Andreas Riklin
Securecell and Beckman Coulter Life Sciences are collaborating on the integration of the Vi-CELL BLU Cell Viability Analyzer with Securecell's Numera® 3 automated sampling platform, creating a more automated workflow for cell culture monitoring.
The new integration will combine automated liquid sample transfer with digital connectivity to enable a more seamless workflow from bioreactor sampling to cell analysis and process data.
As part of the collaboration, Securecell will develop a hardware interface to automate liquid sample transfer from Numera® to the Vi-CELL BLU analyzer, along with a software integration involving Lucullus®. The goal is to connect automated bioprocess sampling, cell analysis, and process data within one coordinated workflow.
Connecting Sampling, Analysis, and Process Data
Cell concentration and viability are essential measurements throughout cell culture process development. However, obtaining these measurements frequently requires operators to manually collect samples, perform manual sample processing steps, transport them to an analyzer, initiate measurements, and subsequently transfer or consolidate the resulting data.
The planned Numera®–Vi-CELL BLU integration is designed to reduce these manual steps.
Within the envisioned workflow, Numera® automatically collects a defined sample from the bioprocess and transfers it through a dedicated hardware interface to the Vi-CELL BLU analyzer for analysis. The software integration with Lucullus®, Securecell's bioprocess information management and process control platform, will include initiating time- or event-based measurements, transmitting sample IDs, retrieving results, and monitoring analyzer status.
This will create a connected workflow:
BIOPROCESS → NUMERA® AUTOMATED SAMPLING → VI-CELL BLU ANALYSIS → LUCULLUS® PROCESS DATA
By connecting analytical results directly with the corresponding process information, scientists can evaluate cell growth and viability alongside other critical bioprocess parameters without relying on disconnected manual workflows.
Advancing Automated Bioprocess Analytics
The collaboration reflects a shared objective to simplify the integration of automated analytical technologies into modern bioprocess environments.
For users of Numera®, the integration will further expand the range of analytical technologies that can be incorporated into automated sampling workflows. Connecting the Vi-CELL BLU analyzer will enable cell count and viability measurements to become part of a broader automated analytical strategy alongside other on-line and at-line analytical technologies.
The benefits of the integrated workflow include:
- Reduced manual sample handling between the bioreactor and the analyzer
- Automated and standardized sampling workflows
- More frequent access to cell concentration and viability data
- Improved association between analytical results and process data
- Reduced dependence on manual data transfer
- Greater potential for unattended and extended-duration bioprocess monitoring
- A more complete data foundation for process development and optimization
The integration also supports Securecell's broader strategy of creating an open analytical ecosystem around Numera®, allowing bioprocess scientists to connect different analytical technologies to meet their process requirements.
From Automated Sampling to Connected Process Knowledge
“Automating sample collection is only part of the challenge. The real value emerges when sampling, analytical instruments, and process information can operate as one connected workflow,” said Boris Hamouda, Head Numera Operations, Securecell. “By combining Numera® with the Vi-CELL BLU analyzer and integrating the workflow with Lucullus®, we aim to make important cell culture information available with significantly less manual intervention.”
“We are committed to helping biopharmaceutical companies make faster, more confident decisions throughout process development and manufacturing. Our collaboration with Securecell brings together advanced bioprocess monitoring and trusted cell viability analytics, enabling customers to gain deeper insights into cell culture performance while streamlining their workflows. By combining Securecell's expertise in bioprocess data with the proven capabilities of Vi-CELL BLU, we are helping customers improve process understanding, increase efficiency, and accelerate innovation.”
Daniel Koeffers, Senior Manager Cell Culture Products, Beckman Coulter Life Sciences
Development Underway
Development of the software and hardware interfaces is currently underway and expected to be released within about 9 months. Securecell and Beckman Coulter will work together on the technical integration and evaluation of the workflow.
Further information regarding system compatibility, technical specifications, and commercial availability will be communicated as the development progresses.
About Securecell
Securecell is a Swiss technology company specializing in advanced bioprocess automation, process control, automated sampling, and digitalization. Its technology portfolio includes Lucullus®, a bioprocess information management and process control platform, and Numera®, a platform for automated bioprocess sampling and integration with analytical instruments.
For more information, visit our website at securecell.ch and follow us on LinkedIn.
About Beckman Coulter Life Sciences
Time is the most critical facet in the laboratory today: time to get life-saving therapies to patients faster; reclaiming time by automating tedious manual workflows; and saving time otherwise spent addressing erroneous or complex results.
At Beckman Coulter Life Sciences, we are partners in time. We accelerate 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.
We develop innovations for scientists by scientists, with many of our 3,300+ global colleagues coming from the laboratory with a deep understanding of today’s challenges and complexities. We’re passionate about translating science in partnership with our customers, and our customizable, accessible, and sustainable solutions empower them with intuitive workflow efficiencies.
Time and again customers put their trust in us, with 400,000+ of our built-to-last products currently delivering results in labs worldwide – all backed by our dependable service and application experts offering educational insights and tailored support.
It’s all part of our time-tested approach since 1935 to bring meaningful innovations at the speed of life—and we’re just beginning. Working together, let’s advance human health for a better tomorrow!
Get to know us by clicking here and by following us on LinkedIn.
Andreas Riklin
