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§ Private Profile · Charleston, SC, USA
Cell imaging multimode reader system for life science and drug discovery research, focused on advanced cell-based models.
Key people at Cytation.
Cytation is a line of cell imaging multimode reader systems based in the United States and developed by Agilent for advanced cell-based models used in disease and drug discovery research. The technology operates as a specialized product division within Agilent, a publicly traded scientific instrument and laboratory equipment manufacturer supplying the life science sector. Supported by its parent organization, the division benefits from Agilent's massive global scale, which includes approximately 18,000 employees worldwide and a market capitalization of $32.2 billion. The broader corporation generated $6.95 billion in total revenue during fiscal year 2025 by providing these essential analytical instruments to drug discovery and disease research laboratories worldwide. The product portfolio recently expanded in 2025 with the official launch of the Cytation 9 cell imaging multimode reader system, which was engineered specifically to address direct feedback from existing laboratory users.
Cytation is a product line developed by BioTek Instruments, now part of Agilent Technologies, specializing in advanced cell imaging and multi-mode microplate reading systems. These instruments combine automated digital microscopy with conventional microplate detection, enabling researchers to capture rich phenotypic cellular information alongside quantitative data in a single experiment. Cytation systems serve life science researchers, pharmaceutical developers, and academic labs focused on cell biology, drug discovery, and toxicology, addressing the need for integrated, high-throughput cellular analysis with flexibility and precision. The product line has shown strong adoption due to its versatility, combining fluorescence, brightfield, phase contrast imaging, and multi-mode detection in one platform, supporting a wide range of applications and accelerating research workflows[5][6][8][9].
BioTek Instruments, founded in the 1990s, developed the Cytation series as part of its mission to provide innovative, user-friendly imaging and detection solutions for life science research. The idea emerged from the need to integrate microscopy and plate reading into a single instrument to streamline workflows and improve data quality. Over time, the Cytation product line evolved through multiple models (Cytation 1, 5, 7, and 10), each adding enhanced imaging capabilities such as confocal fluorescence and higher magnification options. The acquisition by Agilent Technologies further expanded the reach and development of Cytation instruments, embedding them into a broader portfolio of scientific tools[6][8][9].
Cytation rides the trend of integrating multi-modal data acquisition in life sciences, addressing the growing demand for high-content screening and phenotypic analysis in drug discovery and biomedical research. The timing is critical as pharmaceutical and biotech companies increasingly rely on complex cellular models and require robust, automated platforms to generate reproducible, high-quality data efficiently. Market forces such as the rise of personalized medicine, advanced cell models (e.g., organoids), and the need for scalable, automated lab instrumentation favor Cytation’s integrated approach. By enabling researchers to combine imaging and quantitative assays in one system, Cytation influences the broader ecosystem by accelerating discovery cycles and improving data richness and reliability[5][6][8][9].
Looking ahead, Cytation is poised to expand its capabilities with enhanced imaging modalities, AI-driven image analysis, and deeper integration with laboratory automation systems. Trends such as AI in microscopy, single-cell analysis, and multi-omics integration will shape its evolution. As life sciences research demands more complex and high-throughput cellular analysis, Cytation’s role as a versatile, integrated platform will likely grow, strengthening its influence in drug discovery and biomedical research. Continued innovation and expansion under Agilent’s umbrella will help Cytation maintain leadership in the cell imaging and multi-mode reader market, supporting researchers in generating actionable biological insights more efficiently[6][8][9].
Key people at Cytation.
